The NFL Combine has come and gone, and today, it’s time to look back to see which players shined in Indianapolis. Here are four players who dominated the scouting combine and could be potential targets for the Raiders in the first round.
WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State
The wide receivers as a whole, impressed during the NFL Combine. The group ran much faster than anyone could have expected. One of those receivers that surprised was Arizona State’s, N’Keal Harry.
At 6’2, 228 pounds, Harry ran a 4.53 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches. For a player of his size, those numbers are fantastic. Take a look at his athletic web via Mockdraftable:
According to 3sigmaathlete.com, Harry tested in the 88th percentile for all receivers since 2014. Considering his college production and his age, that number is fantastic. With his solid week in Indianapolis, he has solidified himself as a first-round pick and a potential target for the Raiders at pick No.24.
DE Brian Burns, Florida State
One of the most underrated performances at the NFL Combine came from defensive end, Brian Burns. While Montez Sweat stole the show with his blazing 40-yard dash time, it was Burns who was the most impressive to me.
At nearly 6’5, 250 pounds, Burns ran a 4.53 40-yard dash with a 129-inch broad jump. That 4.53 40-yard dash would have been one of the fastest times at the running back position at the NFL Combine. Take a look at his numbers and web via mockdraftable:
Considering his speed, explosiveness, and flexibility, Burns should be now considered a lock to be a top-25 pick. Don’t’ be surprised if he becomes a common name inside the top-10 of mock drafts over the next eight weeks.
LB Devin Bush, Michigan
There are two elite linebacker prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft; LSU’s Devin White and Michigan’s Devin Bush. Both tested as elite athletes, running in the 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. But it was Bush who impressed me the most during this weekend.
Bush weighed in at the NFL Combine at 234 pounds, a solid number for a player of his height. More importantly, he tested as the best athlete from the linebacker position, coming in at the 97th percentile, according to 3sigmaathete.com. Outside of his height and weight, he doesn’t have many athletic flaws in his game.
Bush remains a target for the Raiders in the first round, but the team may need to trade up to acquire him. Look for Bush to be selected between picks 15-25.
DB Juan Thornhill, Virginia
One position the Raiders need to continue to add talent to is the defensive back position. Outside of Gareon Conley and Karl Joseph, there isn’t another clear-cut starter on the roster heading into the 2019 offseason.
However, one player that could come in and start right away for the team is defensive back Juan Thornhill from Virginia. Thornhill is a player who hasn’t received a ton of national attention, but now has placed himself squarely on the first-round radar for teams.
At 6’0, 205 pounds, Thornhill had an incredible 44 inch vertical and a 141-inch broad jump, both of which were in the 99th percentile for the drill. To complete his stellar workout, he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash before leaving the combine with a minor injury.
According to 3sigmaathlete.com, Thornhill tested in the 97th percentile for all safeties sine 2014. He is truly one of the best athletes in the class and would be an excellent fit next to Joseph in the secondary. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders select him with their 24th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
