With the 2019 NFL Draft is coming soon, the 2019 Scouting Combine has just wrapped up. Here are my 10 winners from the 2019 Combine.
1) D.K Metcalf (Ole MIss WR): Metcalf showed up big time at the combine, and made himself a lock as a first round draft pick. Metcalf ran a 4.33 40 yard dash, bench pressed 225 pounds 27 times, and had a 40.5” vertical. Many were concerned about Metcalf’s size going into the combine, but he performed at a high enough level to silence his critics and prove that he is worthy of a top draft pick.
2) Dwayne Haskins (Ohio State QB): Haskins ran an unimpressive 5.04 40 yard dash, but since he will not be a rushing quarterback, this shouldn’t impact his draft stock (unless you’re talking to Stephen A. Smith). Haskins showed zip and accuracy during QB drills while also gaining attention from Jaguars’ cornerback Jalen Ramsey after his 55 yard bomb. Haskins performed well enough in the combine to secure his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.
3) Greedy Williams (LSU CB): Williams wasn’t the fastest defensive back this year, but he put together a solid combine, securing his place as the top cornerback to be selected in this year’s draft. The 6’2 185 lbs corner ran a 4.37 40. Williams has the height and speed to lock down receivers like Julio Jones, A.J Green and Davante Adams, and I believe his performance at the combine improved his draft stock.
4) Noah Fant (Iowa TE): Fant had one of the most impressive 40 yard dash times during the combine, running a 4.5. Additionally, he did 20 reps on the bench and led all tight ends with a 39.5” vertical. Although he dropped some passes during drills, I believe he’ll be the first tight end off the board during the 2019 Draft.
5) Justice Hill (Oklahoma St. RB): Justice Hill made his draft stock go way up, having the fastest 40 yard dash amongst running backs, at a 4.40. Hill also managed to put up 20 reps on the bench. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hill as one of the first running backs off the board.
6) Devin White (LSU LB): White is most likely going to be the 1st linebacker off the board. The 6’0 237 pound linebacker ran a 4.42 40 yard dash and put up 22 reps on the bench press during the combine. White is very comparable to Bears 1st round rookie Roquan Smith and Falcons linebacker Deion Jones, and his performance at the combine likely impressed many NFL teams.
7) Montez Sweat (Mississippi St. DL): Montez Sweat measured in at 6’6 and 260 lbs and surprised many with his
8) Zedrick Woods (Mississippi S): Running a fast 40 yard dash has gotten many players drafted early in past years. That’s exactly what Woods did, running the fastest timed 40 in this year’s NFL combine at 4.29 seconds. Woods may not be the best safety in this year’s draft class, but his combine should move him up many teams’ ranks, making him a 2019 combine winner.
9) Nick Bosa (Ohio State DE): Brother of Chargers Joey Bosa, Nick sold himself as a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft during this year’s combine. Nick benched 29 reps and an a 4.79 40, which leads me to expect him to be drafted in the top 5 like his older brother Joey. The NFL should look out for the Bosa brothers in 2019.
10) Kyler Murray (Oklahoma QB): How can Murray be a combine winner if he didn’t even participate in drills? It was his weigh in, which put him at 5-10 and 207 lbs along with his interviews where he expressed his desire and love for football. Murray should be the #1 overall pick after he fully committed to football.
Although some of these players may not pan out for the teams that elect to draft them, these are the players that I believe won the 2019 Combine and helped to raise their draft stock.
Thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter @LonskiWilliam
