2024 NFL Combines This Week
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I figured I'd dedicate a thread about the position groups for you all to add your stuff. This way we can separate this stuff from some of the early Mock Drafts. I'll start this off with a look at Interior Defensive Linemen someone wrote up for the Detroit Lions but pertinent to anyone in need. Here's the link and a cut and past of the content.
2024 NFL Combine preview: 5 interior defensive linemen the Detroit Lions should watch
Identifying which interior defensive linemen the Detroit Lions should be keeping an eye on during the 2024 NFL Combine.
By Erik Schlitt@erikschlitt Feb 24, 2024, 9:00am EST/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73161427/1779979966.0.jpg)
Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Coverage of the 2024 NFL Combine is less than a week away (it’ll be televised on NFL Network on Thursday, February 29) and our preview series has reached the defensive side of the ball.
So far in this series, we have taken a look at the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, and interior offensive linemen that the Detroit Lions should have eyes on, and in this article, we identify some of the best fits along the interior defensive line.
What skills to watch for during on-field drills
The Lions have altered their defensive line approach several times over the past few seasons, fluctuating between 1- and 2-gapping styles of play, but their primary approach is to find players who can disrupt and stop the run.
When watching the interior defensive line players run through drills, the top things to watch for are balance through the hips, hand placement (especially evident with bag work), and if they play with their head up. Additionally, keep an eye on players’ feet. Do they keep their weight over them? Are they quick? How is their lateral movement?
Team need
The Lions have a stud in Alim McNeill, who has alternated between the nose tackle and 3-technique roles. The starting spot next to him has been a revolving door of different players, and none of the last three starters—Tyson Alualu, Benito Jones, and Isaiah Buggs—are currently under contract. Levi Onwuzurike continues to recover from a back injury, Brodric Martin is still in the developmental stages of his career, and Chris Smith is a practice squad-level player at this time.
This leaves the Lions in need of a starter, and potentially a depth player, as they enter the offseason. McNeill’s positional flexibility affords the Lions the opportunity to take the best defensive tackle available, instead of limiting themselves to only targeting a specific role player, and as a result, this watchlist contains players at different interior spots.
Of note
Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois) is one of the top interior defensive line prospects in this class and was in my initial group of five to watch. But on Thursday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reported that “Newton underwent surgery in January to repair a partial Jones fracture in his foot”, and would not be participating in fieldwork at the Combine. Therefore, he was removed and another prospect was added. Keep an eye out for a workout from Newton in April, when he is expected to hold a pro day for scouts.
Now on to the rest of the prospects.
Byron Murphy, 3T, Texas (6-foot-1, 310 pounds)
The Lions finished the season with McNeill at the nose tackle position and if they’re comfortable keeping him there, adding a 3-technique with terrific disruption skills would be a huge advantage. According to PFF, Murphy earned a 91.5 pass rush grade (the best amongst all interior defensive linemen) while registering 45 pressures and a pass rush win percentage of 19.6%, also the best in this class. His frame is compact, but he is explosive and strong, which makes for a lethal combination.
T’Vondre Sweat, NT, Texas (6-foot-4 1⁄4, 362 pounds)
Murphy’s running mate at Texas, Sweat is a mountain of a man that is nearly impossible to move. His 91.7 defensive grade, 92.0 run defense grade, and 12.8% run stop percentage from PFF were tops amongst players invited to the Combine, while his 24 run “stops” (tackles that constitute a “failure” for the offense) were only second to Newton’s 25. But Sweat is not a run stuffer only, as he also registered 31 pass rush pressures, which checked in as the fourth most among the interior defensive linemen at this year's Combine.
Additionally, he also lined up at fullback twice and a tight end three times in goal-line situations this season and caught a touchdown pass in the Big 12 Championship game.
Kris Jenkins, 3T, Michigan (6-foot-2 1⁄2, 293 pounds)
Jenkins is the son of Kris Jenkins Sr. (a ten-year veteran and three-time All-Pro) and he arrived in Ann Arbor as a defensive end, but it wasn’t long before he followed Dad’s footsteps and kicked inside to tackle. While Sweat is arguably the best run-stuffing interior defensive lineman in this class, Jenkins is a close second. In 2023, Jenkins registered 23 “stops” with a run stop percentage of 12.6%, both just slightly under Sweat’s marks. If the Lions want to use more two-gapping looks, Jenkins will likely be near the top of their list, as that’s mainly what he did at Michigan, but he could also appeal to an attacking scheme, due to his athleticism—he just wasn’t able to showcase it too often in Jim Harbaugh’s scheme.
Braden Fiske, 3T, Florida State (6-foot-3 1⁄2, 295 pounds)
A Western Michigan transfer, Fiske will be one of the better-testing athletes in this position group. He has a quick burst off the line of scrimmage, which pairs well with his power to create disruption in the backfield. His 28 pressures in 2023 rank seventh amongst interior players invited to the Combine, but it’s worth noting that he had 48 and 33 pressures the previous two seasons while at Western. He’s not the biggest defensive tackle in this class, but he has an impressive motor that will appeal to the Lions.
Fabien Lovett, NT, Florida State (6-foot-3 1⁄2, 307 pounds)
Lovett is more of a run plugger than a pass rusher, but he has a nice blend of body type (specifically 34 1⁄2-inch arm length), grit/toughness, scheme versatility (can 1- and 2-gap), and power that will make him very appealing to the Lions. He doesn’t have eye-popping production on the stat sheet, but his dirty work shows up against the run, registering 17 “stops” and a 10.4% run stop percentage—amongst the best of those invited to this year’s Combine.
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https://www.nfl.com/news/full-list-of-prospects-invited-to-2024-nfl-scouting-combine
Full list of prospects invited to 2024 NFL Scouting Combine
Published: Feb 13, 2024 at 11:00 AMThe NFL released the list of players invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. A total of 321 prospects have been invited to attend this year's event, which will take place in Indianapolis from February 26 through March 4. Here are the invitees, sorted by position.
Tune in for live coverage of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 29 on NFL Network and NFL+.
QUARTERBACKS
- Jayden Daniels, LSU
- Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
- Devin Leary, Kentucky
- Drake Maye, North Carolina
- J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
- Joe Milton III, Tennessee
- Bo Nix, Oregon
- Michael Penix Jr., Washington
- Michael Pratt, Tulane
- Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
- Austin Reed, Western Kentucky
- Kedon Slovis, BYU
- Jordan Travis, Florida State
- Caleb Williams, USC
RUNNING BACKS
- Rasheen Ali, Marshall
- Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
- Emani Bailey, TCU
- Trey Benson, Florida State
- Jonathon Brooks, Texas
- Blake Corum, Michigan
- Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
- Ray Davis, Kentucky
- Daijun Edwards, Georgia
- Audric Estimé, Notre Dame
- Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi
- Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
- George Holani, Boise State
- Bucky Irving, Oregon
- Dillon Johnson, Washington
- Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
- Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
- MarShawn Lloyd, USC
- Jase McClellan, Alabama
- Kendall Milton, Georgia
- Keilan Robinson, Texas
- Cody Schrader, Missouri
- Will Shipley, Clemson
- Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
- Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
- Kimani Vidal, Troy
- Michael Wiley, Arizona
- Miyan Williams, Ohio State
- Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
WIDE RECEIVERS
- Javon Baker, UCF
- Jermaine Burton, Alabama
- Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
- Keon Coleman, Florida State
- Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
- Jacob Cowing, Arizona
- Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State
- Troy Franklin, Oregon
- Anthony Gould, Oregon State
- Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State
- Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
- Jha'Quan Jackson, Tulane
- Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
- Xavier Legette, South Carolina
- Luke McCaffrey, Rice
- Ladd McConkey, Georgia
- Jalen McMillan, Washington
- Bub Means, Pittsburgh
- Adonai Mitchell, Texas
- Malik Nabers, LSU
- Rome Odunze, Washington
- Ricky Pearsall, Florida
- Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
- Brenden Rice, USC
- Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky
- Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia
- Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
- Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
- Jamari Thrash, Louisville
- Devaughn Vele, Utah
- Devontez Walker, North Carolina
- Malik Washington, Virginia
- Tahj Washington, USC
- Xavier Weaver, Colorado
- Jordan Whittington, Texas
- Isaiah Williams, Illinois
- Johnny Wilson, Florida State
- Roman Wilson, Michigan
- Xavier Worthy, Texas
TIGHT ENDS
- Erick All, Iowa
- AJ Barner, Michigan
- Jaheim Bell, Florida State
- Brock Bowers, Georgia
- Devin Culp, Washington
- Dallin Holker, Colorado State
- Theo Johnson, Penn State
- Trey Knox, South Carolina
- Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
- Tip Reiman, Illinois
- Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
- Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
- Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
- Cade Stover, Ohio State
- Jack Westover, Washington
- Jared Wiley, TCU
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
- Isaiah Adams, Illinois
- Joe Alt, Notre Dame
- Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
- Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland
- Karsen Barnhart, Michigan
- Graham Barton, Duke
- Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
- Keaton Bills, Utah
- Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
- Javion Cohen, Miami
- Andrew Coker, TCU
- Brandon Coleman, TCU
- Frank Crum, Wyoming
- Anim Dankwah, Howard
- Ethan Driskell, Marshall
- Kingsley Eguakun, Florida
- Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky
- Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
- Troy Fautanu, Washington
- Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
- Jeremy Flax, Kentucky
- Javon Foster, Missouri
- Zach Frazier, West Virginia
- Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
- X'Zauvea Gadlin, Liberty
- Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina
- Delmar Glaze, Maryland
- Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh
- Tylan Grable, UCF
- Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State
- Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
- C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross
- Christian Haynes, Connecticut
- LaDarius Henderson, Michigan
- Christian Jones, Texas
- Matthew Jones, Ohio State
- Trente Jones, Michigan
- Trevor Keegan, Michigan
- Jarrett Kingston, USC
- Brady Latham, Arkansas
- JC Latham, Alabama
- Sataoa Laumea, Utah
- Matt Lee, Miami
- KT Leveston Jr., Kansas State
- Beaux Limmer, Arkansas
- Christian Mahogany, Boston College
- Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
- Dylan McMahon, N.C. State
- Amarius Mims, Georgia
- Jacob Monk, Duke
- Jordan Morgan, Arizona
- Hunter Nourzad, Penn State
- Drake Nugent, Michigan
- Patrick Paul, Houston
- Julian Pearl, Illinois
- Prince Pines, Tulane
- Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
- Dominick Puni, Kansas
- Andrew Raym, Oklahoma
- Layden Robinson, Texas A&M
- Roger Rosengarten, Washington
- Walter Rouse, Oklahoma
- Nick Samac, Michigan State
- Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
- Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State
- Nathan Thomas, Louisiana
- Charles Turner III, LSU
- Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia
- Caedan Wallace, Penn State
- Zak Zinter, Michigan
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
- Austin Booker, Kansas
- Solomon Byrd, USC
- DeWayne Carter, Duke
- Nelson Ceaser, Houston
- Myles Cole, Texas Tech
- Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State
- Tyler Davis, Clemson
- Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
- Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
- Jonah Elliss, Utah
- Braden Fiske, Florida State
- Gabe Hall, Baylor
- Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
- Jaylen Harrell, Michigan
- Marcus Harris, Auburn
- Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
- Adisa Isaac, Penn State
- Brennan Jackson, Washington State
- McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
- Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame
- Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas
- Jordan Jefferson, LSU
- Kris Jenkins, Michigan
- Cedric Johnson, Mississippi
- Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
- Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
- Laiatu Latu, UCLA
- Logan Lee, Iowa
- Zion Logue, Georgia
- Fabien Lovett Sr., Florida State
- Braiden McGregor, Michigan
- Byron Murphy II, Texas
- Myles Murphy, North Carolina
- Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
- Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Charlotte
- Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
- Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois
- Chop Robinson, Penn State
- Darius Robinson, Missouri
- Justin Rogers, Auburn
- Maason Smith, LSU
- Javon Solomon, Troy
- T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
- Leonard Taylor III, Miami
- Xavier Thomas, Clemson
- Bralen Trice, Washington
- David Ugwoegbu, Houston
- Jared Verse, Florida State
- Eric Watts, Connecticut
- Mekhi Wingo, LSU
LINEBACKERS
- Michael Barrett, Michigan
- JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
- Tatum Bethune, Florida State
- Chris Braswell, Alabama
- Aaron Casey, Indiana
- Steele Chambers, Ohio State
- Junior Colson, Michigan
- Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
- Kalen DeLoach, Florida State
- Khalid Duke, Kansas State
- Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
- Jaylan Ford, Texas
- Easton Gibbs, Wyoming
- Cedric Gray, North Carolina
- Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri
- Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State
- Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
- Tyrice Knight, UTEP
- Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
- Jordan Magee, Temple
- Darius Muasau, UCLA
- Gabriel Murphy, UCLA
- Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
- Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington
- Dallas Turner, Alabama
- Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
- Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
- Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
- Payton Wilson, N.C. State
DEFENSIVE BACKS
- Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
- Daijahn Anthony, Mississippi
- Terrion Arnold, Alabama
- Cole Bishop, Utah
- Beau Brade, Maryland
- Millard Bradford, TCU
- Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville
- Javon Bullard, Georgia
- Calen Bullock, USC
- Jaylon Carlies, Missouri
- Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
- Ryan Cooper Jr., Oregon State
- Cooper DeJean, Iowa
- M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh
- Marcellas Dial, South Carolina
- Johnny Dixon, Penn State
- Willie Drew, Virginia State
- Renardo Green, Florida State
- Kamal Hadden, Tennessee
- Dominique Hampton, Washington
- Myles Harden, South Dakota
- Daequan Hardy, Penn State
- Cam Hart, Notre Dame
- Jaden Hicks, Washington State
- Khyree Jackson, Oregon
- DJ James, Auburn
- Carlton Johnson, Fresno State
- Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse
- Elijah Jones, Boston College
- Jarrian Jones, Florida State
- Jaylen Key, Alabama
- Kamren Kinchens, Miami
- Kalen King, Penn State
- Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
- Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas
- Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
- Patrick McMorris, Cal
- Max Melton, Rutgers
- Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
- Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
- Josh Newton, TCU
- Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
- Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
- Tyler Owens, Texas Tech
- Andru Phillips, Kentucky
- Deantre Prince, Mississippi
- Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn
- Josh Proctor, Ohio State
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
- Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State
- Demani Richardson, Texas A&M
- Christian Roland-Wallace, USC
- Mike Sainristil, Michigan
- Andre' Sam, LSU
- Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
- Tykee Smith, Georgia
- Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
- Tarheeb Still, Maryland
- T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech
- Ro Torrence, Arizona State
- Sione Vaki, Utah
- Josh Wallace, Michigan
- Ryan Watts, Texas
- Nate Wiggins, Clemson
- Evan Williams, Oregon
- James Williams, Miami
SPECIALISTS
- Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
- Cam Little, K, Arkansas
- Harrison Mevis, K, Missouri
- Ryan Rehkow, P, BYU
- Will Reichard, K, Alabama
- Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
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Thought this might interest some of you after they get them out of fanny floss at the height and weight poke and prod stuff. I got the heebeegeebees just typing that. Someone may have already posted this elsewhere; and if so - my apology for the redundancy.
https://www.the33rdteam.com/2024-nfl-combine-predicting-this-years-best-performances/
NFL ANALYSIS
2/22/24
8 min read
2024 NFL Combine: Predicting This Year's Best Performances
Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) runs for 50 yards against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)
The NFL Combine takes place next week, and all the best athletes will be on the field competing. While many like to downplay the importance of the combine, the truth is: It means more than ever. Athleticism matters in athletics, and with more front offices becoming in tune with analytics, these prospects must post great numbers.
But which players will stand out the most in Indianapolis? Here are six players who should have elite performances on the field next week.
>> READ MORE: Latest 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
6 POTENTIAL ELITE COMBINE PERFORMANCES
BRAELON ALLEN, RB, WISCONSIN
There are only three running backs since 1999 to run a sub-4.60-second 40-yard dash at 240 or more pounds: Derrick Henry, Leonard Fournette and AJ Dillon. Of those three running backs, the fastest was Fournette at 4.51 seconds.
Braelon Allen makes this list because he can do something we haven't seen done in over 20 years: run a sub-4.50-second 40-yard dash at 240-plus pounds at the running back position.
Allen is reportedly up to 245 pounds but is still expected to run in the 4.45-4.48-second range. If that happens, it would be one of the most spectacular combine performances by a running back.
There are some reports he could post a 1.49-second 10-yard split, which round rank in the 95th percentile among all running backs since 1999. The last running back over 230 pounds to run a post a sub-1.50-second 10-yard split was Jonathan Stewart (1.46) ahead of the 2008 NFL Draft. Only eight running backs since 1999 have posted a sub-1.50-second 10-yard split.
Allen should also post elite jump scores and arguably the best bench numbers among the running backs. If he can perform as well as expected, Allen could be among the biggest risers at his position this offseason.
There just aren’t a lot of players like him right now in the NFL.
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Kale Smith (10) and Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
XAVIER WORTHY, WR, TEXAS
This year's wide receiver class is loaded, and it's filled with a bunch of high-end athletes. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers should both post insane workout numbers if they participate in the combine.
But which wide receiver will run the fastest in Indianapolis?
One of the favorites is Xavier Worthy from Texas, who is widely expected to run in the low 4.3 seconds. The only question is if he can reach somewhere in the 4.2-second range. There have only been 11 receivers to run a sub-4.30-second 40-yard dash at the combine since 1999. Worthy has an excellent chance of joining that exclusive club.
He's expected to weigh around 175 pounds, which is certainly on the lighter side for a wide receiver. But his elite speed and quickness should be on full display.
>> READ MORE: See Where Worthy Lands in Latest Mock Draft
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) passes the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Neyland Stadium. (Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports)
JOE MILTON II, QB, TENNESSEE
We'll never see anyone replicate the numbers Anthony Richardson posted last year. He's the most athletic quarterback we've seen enter the NFL, running a verified 4.43-second 40-yard time at 244 pounds. But there are a few quarterbacks in this class who could post silly combine numbers and raise their stocks.
The one to watch here is Joe Milton, who measured in at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds at the Senior Bowl. He's widely expected to run a sub-4.60-second 40-yard dash, which would be incredible for someone his size. He should also perform well in the jumps and could reach 37 inches in the vertical (94th percentile).
As a quarterback, Milton is a Day 3 lottery pick. He deserves the opportunity to try to be a backup quarterback at the next level. But if that doesn’t work out, he could be the next player to attempt the transition to tight end from quarterback.
We've seen athletic marvels like Logan Thomas and Tyree Jackson make that move in recent seasons, and it could be possible for Milton, too, should he post big numbers in Indianapolis.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Chris Braswell (41) reacts in the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
CHRIS BRASWELL, EDGE, ALABAMA
Over the last few years, we've become accustomed to seeing pass rushers post ridiculous combine performances. Travon Walker in 2022 might be the best example, running a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at 272 pounds. His performance in Indianapolis is a big reason he went No. 1, despite modest college production.
While Chris Braswell won't be selected anywhere near as high as Walker, Braswell can raise his draft stock with a strong performance. And that shouldn't be an issue for him. Braswell had a breakout season in 2023, recording 10.5 tackles for a loss along with eight sacks. He became a full-time player in Nick Saban’s defense, but he’s only starting to scratch the surface of his potential.
Braswell put on a significant amount of weight during his final season at Alabama and is expected to weigh around 260 pounds. But that shouldn’t affect his speed, as scouts around the league are looking for him to run in the low 4.5 seconds.
He isn’t just straight-line fast. According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Braswell posted a vertical jump of 38.5 inches last season, putting him in the 96th percentile among all defensive linemen since 1999.
If Braswell can post a sub-4.55-second 40-yard dash along with elite jump scores, he could hear his name called at the end of Round 1. There aren't many players with his size and athleticism who can rush the passer as well as he does.
Sep 30, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) celebrates an interception during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
TREVIN WALLACE, LB, KENTUCKY
We've seen linebacker prospects put on incredible shows during the combine in recent years. Ahead of the 2019 draft, we saw Devin White and Devin Bush run in the low 4.4s, one after another. While we might not see that type of speed at the combine this year, one linebacker bears watching.
Trevon Wallace could be one of the biggest surprises at the combine — particularly during the jumps. Wallace was a high school track star, jumping 23 feet, 4.25 inches in the long jump. According to Feldman, that broke a school record that stood for over 40 years. But Wallace isn't just a long jumper; he ran a 22.34-second time in a 200-meter race at a home meet. That's flying for a man of his size.
Despite weighing more than 240 pounds, Wallace is widely expected to run a time in the 4.5 seconds, and there's a slight chance he could even hit the 4.4s. He should finish first among linebackers in the vertical and broad jumps, which indicate explosiveness.
Wallace is considered a fringe top-100 player but could see his stock rise dramatically with a huge performance next weekend.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Cam Hart (5) breaks up a pass intended for Navy Midshipmen wide receiver Mark Walker (80) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
CAM HART, CB, NOTRE DAME
Gone are the days of the "big" cornerbacks in the NFL.
During the peak Seattle Seahawks era (2012-16), NFL teams searched for long, athletic cornerbacks. The league has reverted to finding smaller cornerbacks who can mirror receivers and play in space. In 2023, the average weight of all the cornerbacks participating in the combine was 192 pounds. There were only eight cornerbacks who weighed more than 200 pounds, and none of them were selected during the first two nights of the draft.
Cam Hart makes this list partly because he is a true outlier compared with where the league is headed. Hart measured in at the Senior Bowl at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds with 32 5/8-inch arms.
He's a long cornerback with the size and physicality to bully receivers. But the main reason he makes this list is because he will shock the world when it comes to his testing numbers at his size.
Hart should crush the jumps, as he posted a confirmed 11-foot-2-inch broad jump last offseason. If he were to match that number at the combine, it would rank in the 97th percentile among all defensive backs since 1999. He's also recorded a 38-inch vertical, which would put him 77th among all defensive backs during that same period.
Hart is also expected to run a time in the low 4.4s, which would be well above average for his size — 4.50 seconds was the average time of the eight cornerbacks who weighed more than 200 pounds at the 2023 combine.
With Hart's combination of size, length and explosiveness, he'll be one of the week's biggest winners.
Marcus Mosher is an NFL writer and analyst with a decade of experience in podcasting and writing for various NFL websites, including Bleacher Report,...
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While many fans are desperate for that stud WR, I'd love to see an upgrade at LB.
Also, don't ignore the O line
Karlis Missed -
From Tankathon. We have picks 54 & 85. (Legette...or perhaps Jermain Burton) ??
Why not? Those look like very good ideas at a position we need help at. Chubb's injury will restrict his workload; so I wouldn't be surprised if they snagged RB Braelon Allen if he fell to us. Doesn't mean it will happen though. 2 guys that will be taking huge pay-cuts that jump off the page are WR Roman Wilson and LB Junior Colson; but I think both guys will go sooner than the projections above. Interestingly enough, Braelon Allen and Roman Wilson both scored 12 TDs in Midwest weather.
Even aside from those we mentioned, I see some quality help above at WR, LB, OT, DT, Edge Rush and Safety (all needs). How many years did we gag on Ed Reed and Pollyneeds-a-Haircut in our division? Now we're seeing what Hamilton can do. Anyone remember Eric Turner's impact and what he did to NE TE Ben Coates in the playoffs? He eliminated their biggest prong of attack and completely shut him out. Looks like there's some very good Safeties above.
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While many fans are desperate for that stud WR, I'd love to see an upgrade at LB.
Also, don't ignore the O line
While many fans are desperate for that stud WR, I'd love to see an upgrade at LB.
Also, don't ignore the O line
Right now, I have the insatiable appetite of an empty stomach heading to an all you can eat buffet. Unfortunately, that's being teased with the reality most/half our picks are in rounds 5 and 7 (where instant/immediate help isn't often found). One nice thing, the Browns got a talented Tackle like Dawand Jones as late as round 4 last year.
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While many fans are desperate for that stud WR, I'd love to see an upgrade at LB.
Also, don't ignore the O line
Right now, I have the insatiable appetite of an empty stomach heading to an all you can eat buffet. Unfortunately, that's being teased with the reality most/half our picks are in rounds 5 and 7 (where instant/immediate help isn't often found). One nice thing, the Browns got a talented Tackle like Dawand Jones as late as round 4 last year.
Right now, I have the insatiable appetite of an empty stomach heading to an all you can eat buffet. Unfortunately, that's being teased with the reality most/half our picks are in rounds 5 and 7 (where instant/immediate help isn't often found). One nice thing, the Browns got a talented Tackle like Dawand Jones as late as round 4 last year.
Yep. It sure seems like Berry's best work (and the scouts) has been in the later stages of the draft. Let's hope it continues.
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While many fans are desperate for that stud WR, I'd love to see an upgrade at LB.
Also, don't ignore the O line
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Here's some Pre-Combine Top 5 rankings for each position group that a feller named Josh Edwards put together for NFL Draft enthusiasts.
2024 NFL Combine: Ranking the top five draft prospects at every defensive position
A look at the top defensive prospects entering the weeklong draft event
Getty Images
The top of the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to be offensive-centric with multiple quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive tackles coming off the board. If the first defensive player is taken No. 9 overall or later, then it will be the latest such occurrence in over two decades.
Despite the lack of defensive talent at the top, there are still several quality talents expected to litter the first round of April's draft. Here are the top 5 prospects at each defensive position right now, in my opinion:
Defensive line
- Byron Murphy II, Texas
- Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
- Kris Jenkins, Michigan
- Maason Smith, LSU
- Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
The interior defensive line has a solid group, but they lack a Quinnen Williams-type. Murphy has upside as a pass rusher and is not a liability in run defense. Newton is a high-motor talent who uses his quickness to get on the hips of blockers. Jenkins is the son of a former NFL standout. He is a rising prospect.
Smith will be polarizing because he was highly regarded by the consensus coming into the season but he has not fully regained form after suffering a torn ACL early in the 2022 season. Most players do not return to peak performance until their second full season post-torn ACL, so one team could get a steal in the LSU Tigers. Hall rounds out the top five.
Nose tackle types T'Vondre Sweat (Texas) and McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M) would be in that next tier. Clemson had a few talented interior defenders, such as Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro.
For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on "With the First Pick" -- our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find "With the First Pick" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below!
Edge rusher
- Dallas Turner, Alabama
- Darius Robinson, Missouri
- Laiatu Latu, UCLA
- Jared Verse, Florida State
- Bralen Trice, Washington
Turner has the most upside and he should test very well at the NFL Combine. He is a relatively young prospect so it is likely that his best football lies ahead. Robinson is a unique talent because he has the flexibility to play on the edge or slide inside in pass-rushing situations. Latu has a lot of pass-rush moves in his bag and, at this point, there is no reason to believe he will not pass a medical check despite his past.
Verse is a powerful rusher who started to show his ability to take over games late in the season. Trice may not have the highest ceiling of this group, but his floor is high because of his consistency and how he prepares. Penn State's Chop Robinson is often in this conversation as well. He is a bit more raw, but someone who should test well in Indianapolis. One sleeper to watch is Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland.
Linebacker
- Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
- Junior Colson, Michigan
- Payton Wilson, NC State
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
- Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
Cooper is the top linebacker because he can play in the box or make plays in coverage. His Herculean grip strength in the open field allows him to track and finish plays. Colson is an athletic linebacker for a team and coach that requires its players to play tough, hard-nosed football. Wilson has more traditional size. He is among the most productive players in the country, but has suffered two ACL tears in his career. The Wolfpack linebacker finally rounded back into form this season.
Trotter is the son of the former NFL linebacker. He is a more stout player who can play in the box. Wallace is a prospect who I am betting will rise. He entered the draft early as a junior. After excelling in the Senior Bowl game, the Georgia native should test well at the combine.
Cooper is the most well-rounded linebacker prospect, and then maybe Wilson, when healthy. The rest are still developing in one aspect or another. It is not a star-studded group, but there is functional depth into Day 3. North Carolina's Cedric Gray, UTEP's Tyrice Knight, Missouri's Ty'Ron Hopper, Ohio State's Tommy Eichenberg and Texas' Jaylan Ford are some others who can be contributors for a team.
Cornerback
- Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
- Terrion Arnold, Alabama
- Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
- Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
- Nate Wiggins, Clemson
There is not a Patrick Surtain II in this draft class, in my opinion. Each prospect has his flaw. Mitchell inspires the most confidence because of his experience and the way he plays the game. He is a fiery competitor who checks the height, weight and speed boxes. Arnold is just 20 years old and has been trained by Nick Saban. His best football is still ahead of him.
McKinstry is probably going to test better than media expects, which could lead to a surge back up the board for the pre-season No. 1 cornerback. Wiggins is the youngest of this group. He is an unfinished product, but should also test well in Indianapolis. Abrams-Draine is one who I am personally higher on than most. He is buttery smooth in his transitions and is not afraid to be physical.
A few others in the mix include Iowa's Cooper DeJean, TCU's Josh Newton and Georgia's Kamari Lassiter.
Safety
- Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
- Javon Bullard, Georgia
- Calen Bullock, USC
- Kamren Kinchens, Miami (Fla.)
- Cole Bishop, Utah
Nubin is a hyper-aware safety with elite ball production (12 interceptions) over the past three seasons. He has great range and is the best example of a traditional safety in this draft class. Beyond Nubin, the safety class is a lot about team needs and the type of safety missing from a team's secondary.
Bullard is a smaller safety with great ball production on a championship-caliber defense. Bullock had nine interceptions over the past three seasons and missed just four tackles in 2022, according to TruMedia. Kinchens has 11 interceptions over the past two seasons. He has disciplined eyes in coverage, but was responsible for a 13.3% missed tackle rate in 2023, according to TruMedia. Bishop is an active prospect with good awareness, but top-end speed and acceleration are not going to set the pace.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order, mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.
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Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
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Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
"I know that song!" - Jeff Spicoli The first sentence of the song below says it all Aggies...
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Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
"I know that song!" - Jeff Spicoli The first sentence of the song below says it all Aggies...
"I know that song!" - Jeff Spicoli
Except maybe the person responsible for trading away our 2024 1st rounder. LOL!?
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Except maybe the person responsible for trading away our 2024 1st rounder. LOL!?
I had to edit the message I wanted you to hear while you were replying. Hit play and listen to the first sentence of the song. It'll make more sense than the name of the song.
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Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63
Browns & Buffett: Got to go fishin, Down to rock bottom again, with just a few Friends Team Brotherhood-"It's not about You,Me or I. It's about building We"..Hue Jackson -
Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63
top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63
And Kevin was up there in the stands paying close attention to the group of LBs. Good sign. I think he was reading the menu Tom. Strong group of LBs and one of them is bound to be there when we get our first pick. Just not Cooper.
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Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63
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Wilson, Payton N.C. State LB30 LB 6037 233 30 1/2 9 75 3/4 4.44 4.49 4.43 1.55 1.54 34.5 9'11" 
Kentucky Wild-Cat LB Trevin Wallace ? Kid had a night & looks of a ILB
PLAYER COLLEGE COMB# UC ASG POS HGT WGT ARM HAND WING 40 (1) 40 (2) 40 (O) 10 (1) 10 (2) 10 (O) 225 VJ BJ 20S 3C Barrett, Michael Michigan LB01 LB 5113 233 32 1/8 8 1/2 78 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Bertrand, JD Notre Dame LB02 LB 6007 235 30 5/8 9 3/4 74 7/8 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Bethune, Tatum Florida State LB03 LB 5114 229 32 3/8 10 78 1/4 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Braswell, Chris Alabama LB04 LB 6033 251 33 1/4 9 3/8 81 3/8 4.60 4.63 4.60 1.59 33.5 9'7" Casey, Aaron Indiana LB05 LB 6007 231 32 3/4 9 3/8 77 7/8 4.80 4.75 4.75 1.59 30.0 9'9" Chambers, Steele Ohio State LB06 LB 6006 226 30 1/2 9 1/4 73 5/8 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP 33.5 9'4" Colson, Junior Michigan LB07 LB 6022 238 32 1/2 9 3/8 77 1/2 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Cooper, Edgerrin Texas A&M LB08 Y LB 6021 230 34 9 3/4 80 1/4 4.52 4.55 4.51 1.54 34.5 9'10" DeLoach, Kalen Florida State LB09 LB 5114 210 31 1/2 8 5/8 74 7/8 4.55 4.47 4.47 1.59 30.5 9'11" Duke, Khalid Kansas State LB10 LB 6032 246 32 5/8 9 1/4 74 3/8 4.80 4.81 4.79 1.62 34.0 9'9" Ohio State LB11 LB 6020 233 31 5/8 9 1/4 77 1/8 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP 32.5 9'8" Ford, Jaylan Texas LB12 LB 6020 240 31 3/4 9 1/2 74 3/8 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP 33.5 10'1" Gibbs, Easton Wyoming LB13 LB 6003 232 30 3/8 9 1/4 72 1/2 4.74 4.74 4.73 1.59 31.5 9'1" Gray, Cedric North Carolina LB14 LB 6014 234 32 1/2 9 78 3/8 4.66 4.64 4.64 1.59 35.5 10'0" Hopper, Ty’Ron Missouri LB15 LB 6016 231 31 3/8 8 7/8 77 3/4 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Hunter, Jontrey Georgia State LB16 LB 6017 236 31 3/4 9 76 7/8 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP 32.0 9'3" Jacobs, Curtis Penn State LB17 LB 6013 241 31 1/2 10 1/4 77 3/4 4.58 4.59 4.58 1.59 35.0 10'4" Knight, Tyrice UTEP LB18 LB 6004 233 32 1/2 9 1/4 80 3/8 4.66 4.63 4.63 1.54 34.5 9'11" Liufau, Marist Notre Dame LB19 LB 6021 234 34 1/4 9 7/8 79 3/8 4.66 4.64 4.64 1.59 DNP DNP DNP DNP Magee, Jordan Temple LB20 LB 6013 228 32 8 3/4 76 4.55 4.62 4.55 1.54 35.5 10'4" Muasau, Darius UCLA LB21 LB 5117 225 31 1/2 9 1/2 74 3/4 4.72 4.70 4.70 1.59 36.5 9'9" Murphy, Gabriel UCLA LB22 LB 6023 247 30 1/2 9 1/4 75 4.69 4.68 4.68 1.59 39.5 10'3" Wisconsin LB23 LB 6000 229 32 1/8 9 3/8 78 1/4 4.94 4.92 4.91 1.63 DNP DNP DNP DNP Clemson LB24 Y LB 6000 228 31 1/2 9 1/4 74 3/4 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Washington LB25 LB 6030 244 33 3/8 10 5/8 N/A DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Turner, Dallas Alabama LB26 LB 6026 247 34 3/8 9 7/8 83 4.47 DNP 4.46 DNP 1.54 40.5 10'7" Washington LB27 LB 6004 236 32 7/8 9 1/4 79 5/8 4.56 4.59 4.56 1.59 39.5 10'8" Wallace, Trevin Kentucky LB28 Y LB 6011 237 32 5/8 9 1/8 79 1/9 4.52 4.55 4.51 1.62 37.5 10'7" LB29 LB 6022 233 32 7/8 9 7/8 81 4.64 4.66 4.63 1.63 31.0 9'3" Wilson, Payton N.C. State LB30 LB 6037 233 30 1/2 9 75 3/4 4.44 4.49 4.43 1.55 1.54 34.5 9'11" -
Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.
Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47
Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52
NCSt's Wilson 4.44
This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.
top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63
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