From its 1982-inception, when it was known simply as the National Invitational Camp, the NFL Combine’s popularity could never have been foreseen. A large number of fans look forward to catching an intimate glimpse at the next wave of NFL talent. Twitter is overrun with videos of 40-yard dash times, verticals, bench press reps, and broad jumps. The exterior shots of Lucas Oil Stadium are now the perfect filler once the hype of the Super Bowl begins to wane.
The first group of on-field workouts commenced with quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers taking center stage. With probable first overall player Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa not partaking in drills, did any other QBs take the opportunity to propel himself into the first overall conversation? Which tight ends could be the next Travis Kelce? Did any receivers break social media with a blazing 40 time? Let’s take a look at who stood out among the best of the best on the first day of drills in Indianapolis.
Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet
It has become a pretty big trend that a Notre Dame tight end will be drafted. Five tight ends who were former Golden Domers have been selected since 2013. From 2006 to 2014 the Irish had five tight ends taken in round one or two. Cole Kmet might be the best one we have seen yet. While he did not blow anyone away in any single drill, he did put together a nice day altogether. He did not partake in the bench press due to still nursing a shoulder injury, but he ran a 4.70 forty, had a 37.0 vertical jump, and a broad jump of 123 inches. Those numbers were among the best out of his position group and then he built upon those with a nice on-field day. Kmet made a case to be the first tight end taken come draft day.
UCLA TE Devin Asiasi
An underrated tight end prospect who played the last two seasons for UCLA after transferring out of Michigan can easily sneak up draft boards. He didn’t put up eye-popping numbers on the field for either program but he is an impressive player. He is 6-3 and nearly 260 pounds with the ability to find open space and make nice plays with the ball in his hands. His combine performance will not be talked about a lot since he didn’t make a big splash anywhere but he is a good football player who is fluid in his movements. He should make an impact down the road.
Oregon QB Justin Herbert
Herbert has been an interesting guy throughout the draft process so far. He led his Oregon Ducks team to a Rose Bowl victory but has been overshadowed by Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. Herbert is a bigger kid at 6-6 and 236 pounds which certain front offices shy away from. His on-field performance was steady and he consistently showed good ball placement. He most likely won’t be the first quarterback taken but there is quite a bit to like about this kid.
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III
Ruggs started getting compared to the Chiefs star receiver Tyreek Hill and after his 4.27 forty yard dash it seemed to be justified. Ruggs probably won’t even be the first Crimson Tide wideout taken on Draft night, let alone the first receiver overall but someone is going to get a heck of a weapon in the meat of the first round. The Broncos and Eagles have been popular landing spots for the Bama speedster. He has his detractors who say he is not a true number one receiver and is best suited to play second fiddle to a primary target. But come on, it’s 2020 and speed is the name of the game. John Ross’ 4.22 made him a top-10 pick in 2017. Ruggs has a much better all-around game than Ross so you never know what could happen.
Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool has been discussed as being transitioned to a tight end at the NFL level but after his day in Indy, those discussions should change or stop altogether. He is 6-4 and weighs 238 pounds but he ran a 4.42 forty yard dash and jumped 40.5 inches in the vertical. Those are impressive numbers for any sized receiver but his measurements make it a bit more attractive. His tape has some concerns but his production speaks for itself. He had his best year by far in 2019 after having a 1,000-yard season in South Bend and he hauled in 13 receiving touchdowns to go along with those yards. In a deep receiver class, Claypool will probably drop more than he should but could be a steal for one lucky NFL squad.
Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden
I had to put AGG on the list because I think this kid is going to make a genius out of the GM who takes him in the third round. In a football world being overrun with speed, Gandy-Golden is one of those prototypical possession guys. He is 6-4, 223 pounds and has tremendous ball skills. His numbers were steady for his size but he did put up 22 reps on the bench press. He is a big strong kid who has kept improving. I am not one who tends to compare players, but someone I see in his tape is Courtland Sutton who had a breakout year for Denver. While Gandy-Golden’s adaptation to the league may not be immediate, he will be a star.
