With the NFL Combine over, it’s time to assess the winners and losers from the four-day event. Many of the biggest names coming into April’s NFL Draft chose not to participate in workouts.
Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow elected not to throw, but that was expected. It shouldn’t hurt the chance he is picked No. 1 by the Cincinnati Bengals. Oddsmakers have the Ohio native as the -225 pick he will be selected first in the NFL Draft.
There were definitely some surprises from Indianapolis, however. Former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young, who is the second pick to be drafted No. 1 at +175, did not participate in combine workouts. That might have hurt his odds to upset Burrow for the top pick.
There were definitely other winners/losers at the NFL Combine. We take a look at some of those who saw their stock rise, and others that may have hurt their careers.
NFL Combine Winners
Michael Turk
Punters don’t usually turn heads at the NFL Combine, but former Arizona State’s Turk certainly did. The nephew of former NFL punter Matt Turk pumped out a record 25 reps of 225 pounds in bench-press testing, best for his position all time.
His performance also was better than some NFL stars including Jadeveon Clowney, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Michael Bennett.
Justin Herbert
The former Oregon quarterback was projected to be a first-round pick, but there were some that thought he might fall into the second round. That seems unlikely after his NFL Combine.
Herbert impressed scouts with his passing and overall athleticism, but it was his demeanor that was evident. He showed that he is mature enough to lead an NFL offense, and improved his draft stock.
Isaiah Simmons
While all the talk about the top defensive player was on former Ohio State’s Young, Simmons instantly vaulted himself into the conversation with his workouts. The former Clemson linebacker ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He also measured a 39-inch vertical. Even though he didn’t participate in other drills, he still wowed scouts who are now putting him as a possible top-5 pick in the NFL Draft.
Combine Losers
Jake Fromm
Of the top quarterbacks, Fromm had the most to gain from the NFL Combine. There were criticisms of his play at Georgia, and unfortunately his workouts did nothing to quiet them down.
It all began with his hand size being the smallest of the top-ranked signal callers at 8.875 inches. Then he looked shaky in passing drills, which didn’t help his stock. If there is an over/under line for quarterbacks taken in the first round, definitely expect Fromm to go after that.
Zack Moss
The former Utah running back had durability concerns from scouts coming into the NFL Combine, and he gave them more reason for concern. Moss injured his hamstring, and tried to gut through it, but his numbers were lower because of the injury.
Moss will have a pro day in three weeks to heal up and show teams interested in him that he can be an every down back. The position is crowded this draft, and he might have dropped down the board.
Michael Divinity
The LSU linebacker, who missed a good chunk of the season with personal problems didn’t do himself any favors at the NFL Combine. Divinity ran a lackluster 4.85 in the 40-yard dash.
He still has a pro day to redeem himself, but with all the questions surrounding him, it might not be enough.
