The interior defensive line has been listed as one of the deepest in this year’s draft. For some players, athletic testing was going to be what would justify their status on NFL team’s boards.
Here are the winners and losers from the first group of prospects on Sunday.
WINNERS
Quinnen Williams | Alabama
Williams wowed NFL decision makers with a 4.87 unofficial 40-yard dash. His second attempt was much better, though with a scorching 4.84 seconds. The NFL later listed him, officially, at a 4.83 40-yard dash. On top of that, the 1.67 10-yard split also gave teams at the top of the first round get a better feel for the former Alabama star.
Williams slipped a few times during some of the on-field drills, but he showed great technique throughout at all. I wouldn’t expect Williams to get past the first three selections, as the tape shows a player with a rare skillset that has All-Pro potential.
Jerry Tillery | Notre Dame
Tillery posted a 4.93 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical jump, 115-inch broad jump, 7.45 three-cone drill and 4.33 20-yard shuttle, which all ranked among the top-10 at his position.
The former Notre Dame product was fluid and smooth in the on-field drills, which replicates what was displayed on his film, as he moves well for a player of his size (6-foot-6 and 295 pounds) with lateral quickness, hip snap and flexibility.
Khalen Saunders | Western Illinois
Working his way up in a deep interior defensive line class, Saunders continues to quietly stamp himself into the second-third round conversation with a 5.01 40-yard dash and 1.73 ten-yard split at 320 pounds.
Saunders seemed to looked exceptional all day in on-field drills too, carrying his weight well with exceptional balance and fluidity, almost moving like a wide receiver.
Trysten Hill | UCF
A relative unknown, Hill entered the combine trying to prove his worth after starting just one game for UCF in 2018. He did not disappoint.
After putting up a 5.04 on the 40-yard dash at 308 pounds, he gave max effort on every drill while displaying twitchiness, burst and flexible hips, which shows you his athleticism. He then followed that up with a 35-inch vertical and 115-inch broad jump.
Hill is someone who made a great impression with his work today, and garnered the attention of a great selection on Day 3.
LOSERS
Dre’Mont Jones | Ohio State
Jones is already lacking in size at 281 pounds, and it didn’t help by posting below average numbers for someone that’s going to win with quickness. His 5.13 40-yard dash and 7.71 three-cone drill were not ideal for the former Ohio State product.
He did show to do well in the on-field drills, but the numbers may effect his draft stock come April.
