You show up at the NFL Combine and you hope for the best. It doesn’t work out for everyone. Here’s a look at 11 players who did damage to their hopes of being selected at the NFL Draft.
11. Elijah Holyfield, RB, Georgia
Struggled. Ran a 4.78 40, which was next-to-last among the running backs. Sadly, the only one who was slower was a Wisconsin fullback, Alec Ingold. Holyfield isn’t a fullback, he needs to hit holes swift and strong, the way his heavyweight champion dad hit opponents.
10. CeCe Jefferson, DL, Florida
CeCe Jefferson was slow in the 40 (5.02) and didn’t impress as a leaper with a 30.5-inch vertical and 9-0 broadcat jump. Needed a big combine, especially since he is coming off a season that saw him suspended at one point.
9. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Yes, D.K, Metcalf is on the stock up and stock down lists. While he wowed with his speed at his size, he wasn’t as impressive running and jumping. The positive outweighed the negative but there were some points for concern.
8. KeeSean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
Won’t be confused with his namesake, who was a No, 1 overall pick out of USC years ago. The Fresno State wide receiver didn’t show much leaping ability at 30 inches and a 9-9 broad jump. Coming in around 4.6 in the 40 isn’t going to boost his stock, either.
7. Isaiah Buggs, DL, Alabama
Been a rough 2019 for Isaiah Buggs. First, his Crimson Tide was clocked by Clemson in the championship. He then came the Indy ans was unimpressive, to say the least. A 5.15 40 isn’t gonna wow any of the talent scouts as was the rest of measures.
6. Kendall Sheffield, DB, Ohio State
A partial tear of his pec ruined the Combine for this Buckeye. His teammate Billy Price suffered a similar injury a year ago at the Combine.
5. Nick Brossette, RB, LSU
Nick Brossette came in a fit 209 pounds. That would give rise to the hope he would show a great burst. Didn’t happen as his 40 times floated around 4.7. Ugh.
4. D’Cota Dixon, DB, Wisconsin
D’Cota Dixon was beyond sluggish in his first 40, clocking 4.81. He lowered it in his second try. However, he didn’t grade out the way some of the top DBs did.
3. Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Rough going for the Dawgs in Indy. Tight end Isaac Nauta joined Georgia teammate Elijah Holyfield in failing to impress, especially in the 40. Nauta ran a 4.91, which isn’t gonna get it done.
2. Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, WR, Texas
One of — if not the — best names in Indianapolis, L’il Jordan Humphrey was sluggish in the 40, clocking 4.75. Reports indicated he looked sluggish throughout and missed a chance to wow the people in attendance.
1. Jachia Polite, DL, Florida
Someone had to come away with the worst results and that appears to be Jachia Polite from Florida. He didn’t impress in the 40 at 4.84 and there were more than questions about his interviews with teams.
