The NFL Scouting Combine is officially underway at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and we’ve already got some Day 1 leaders among the offensive linemen and running backs.
Over 300 prospects from the 2019 NFL Draft class are there to show off their mental and physical prowess. With Thursday’s action consisting of measurements, press conferences and throwing up some weights, they were able to take it onto the field to showcase their athletic ability in various tests and drills.
Here are a handful of prospects who helped or hindered their draft stock during Friday’s activities.
WINNERS
Andre Dillard | OT | Washington State
Not only did he check in with good measurements, standing at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, but he showed off his athletic prowess with the best short shuttle time (4.40), broad jump (9’10”), the second-fastest 3-cone drill (7.44) and the fourth fastest 40-yard dash time (4.96).
In the position drills, Dillard had balletic footwork and good balance, reflecting what was displayed on tape as the nation’s most prolific pass protectors. There’s no denying that he will have to get more physical in the run game at the next level, but the arrow is pointing up for the former Cougar.
Garrett Bradbury | OL | North Carolina State
While Bradbury didn’t blow it out of the water with his measurements, he did when it came to the testing and on-field drills. The former North Carolina State product finished No. 1 overall among all offensive linemen in the 3-cone drill (7.41), second in the bench press (34 reps) and third in the 40-yard dash (4.92). Bradbury was picture perfect in the mirror drill, showcasing beautiful relocating and lateral movement skills.
NFL teams that are in need of a center and run a zone blocking scheme will have to strongly consider him in the first-round because after his outing today, it’s unlikely that he will be on the board for long.
Chris Lindstrom | OL | Boston College
Checking in at 6-foot-3 and 308 pounds, Lindstrom clocked a 1.70 10-yard, which was followed with a 4.92 40-yard time right after. He followed his fine performance in athletic testing with a flawless positional workout that showcased his quick feet and body control.
Considering his stellar game tape and solid performance in Mobile, Lindstrom has cemented his place as one of the first offensive guards selected in April with an A+ workout at the combine.
Miles Sanders | RB | Penn State
But Sanders impressed even beyond the measurables. His burst and cuts were clean during on-field drills, barely decelerating, and definitely catching the attention of NFL decision makers.
Seen as mid-round selection, Sanders’ performance on Friday as well as his game tape may have solidified himself as a top-5 running back in this year’s draft class.
Losers
Elijah Holyfield | RB | Georgia
Holyfield ran the second-slowest 40-yard dash (4.76). The reasoning for the questionable time is head-scratching for NFL teams because although he isn’t the fastest runner on tape, Holyfield certainly isn’t a bruiser, either.
Holyfield’s on-field drills weren’t typical of what he displayed on the field at Georgia. His form looked stiff, he dropped a ball during the pass-catching drills and it’s possible the pressure of the atmosphere played an impact on his performance.
Either way, it did not help his draft stock.
Nick Brossette | RB | LSU
The former LSU product cut down to 209 pounds prior to the combine in an effort to show NFL teams he’s not just a power running back.
But instead of helping his case by coming in lighter, it only raised questions about whether he’ll be able to break away from front seven players that run a time similar to his.
