After a week of hoopla and doubt as to whether or not the players would actually work out at the 2022 NFL Combine, the running backs and offensive linemen will be featured today. Here’s a brief preview of how NFL Draft prospects could do during the NFL Combine workouts and who could be the surprise of the day.
2022 NFL Combine Preview: Running Backs
Which running backs will be featured today at the 2022 NFL Combine?
Keaontay Ingram, USC
Keaontay Ingram has had a bit of a renaissance recently. After a sensational freshman season at Texas, Ingram fell into the doghouse in Austin, subsequently transferring to USC. He turned in a solid campaign in 2021 and went on and performed well during three days of practice at the Shrine Bowl.
I’m told he’ll run in the low 4.5-second area, if not under that barrier, then post a vertical near 38 inches and a broad jump around 10’5″. All of those marks are significantly better than scouts are expecting.
Trestan Ebner, Baylor
Trestan Ebner is another who performed well during Shrine Bowl practice. He won’t blaze in the 40, but he’ll put his exceptional quickness on display in the shuttles and three-cone drill. Look for times in the 3.9s during the former and under seven seconds in the latter.
In addition, watch Ebner catch the ball during position drills. Ebner was a fantastic high school receiver and parlayed that talent at Baylor. He’s being labeled as a Tony Pollard/Deebo Samuel-type of skill player, one that can be moved around the field and productively handle the ball in a variety of roles.
Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
In my opinion, Jerome Ford is one of the better backs in this year’s draft and woefully underrated. I expect him to run in the 4.4s with great top-end speed. Let’s see what his MPH reads at the finish line of the 40. Ford’s vertical jump will be 35 inches or better and look for a broad jump of more than 10 feet.
Hassan Haskins, Michigan
Hassan Haskins suffered a high ankle sprain and foot sprain during Michigan’s semifinal playoff contest against Georgia. And while he’s recovered, Haskins will understandably hold off on Combine workouts.
Max Borghi, Washington State
Max Borghi had been turning in great results during Combine training, including 40 times in the high 4.3s and a vertical jump of 38 inches. Unfortunately, he suffered a high ankle sprain during the NFLPA Bowl and will test during the Washington State Pro Day on March 28.
2022 NFL Combine: Offensive Linemen
Which offensive linemen will we see today at the 2022 NFL Combine, and who should we have our eyes on?
Dare Rosenthal, Kentucky
Dare Rosenthal, the junior from Kentucky who began his college career at LSU, could be the buzz of the offensive line group when all is said and done. I’m told all of his testing marks will be standout, and his 40 time is expected to be in the 4.85-second range, possibly lower.
I presently grade Rosenthal as a fringe third-round prospect. He could go later, but as his Combine will prove, he has tremendous upside potential.
Tyler Smith, Tulsa
Tyler Smith is another blocker people will be buzzing about after the Combine. He could get under five seconds in the 40 and look for good marks in the other events. Smith will probably hold off from benching at the Combine and complete it during Tulsa’s Pro Day, which is in a week.
Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
After a terrific week during Senior Bowl practice, what can we expect from Trevor Penning? I’m told DE-type numbers in testing. He’ll be under 5.1 in the 40, which will be an astounding time for a 330-pound offensive lineman. I’m told the shuttle and three-cone times will also be swift.
Cameron Jurgens, Nebraska
In my scouting report on Cameron Jurgens, I mentioned the Nebraska center as the top zone-blocking prospect in this year’s draft, so athleticism won’t be an issue. Hence, once he breaks five seconds in the 40, it won’t be a surprise.
But there are a few things to keep an eye out for. I’m told Jurgens will tip the scales around 300 pounds — 10-15 pounds heavier than his playing weight. If that happens, keep an eye on his 10-split, shuttle, and three-cone times, all of which I hear will be very good. I’m also told Jurgens will be over 25 reps on the bench, which is another good number for him.
Matt Waletzko, North Dakota
Expect a lot of good numbers from Matt Waletzko. He could run a sub-five-second 40, and he’s expected to bench 225 pounds more than 30 times — impressive for an offensive tackle with 36-inch arms.
Kellen Diesch, Arizona State
Kellen Diesch is another tall, long-armed offensive tackle who impressed everyone with his athleticism during Shrine Bowl practice. He’s expected to time under five seconds in the 40. Diesch is a lineman who will be selected much earlier than people presently predict based on his athleticism and upside.
Rasheed Walker, Penn State
If you’ve read my reports on Rasheed Walker over the past three seasons, including my scouting report for this year’s draft, you’ll know how much I like him. I will again go on record and say Walker is one of the best pure left tackle prospects in this year’s draft.
Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for PSU Pro Day to watch him work out. Walker struggled late last season with a meniscus injury, which he played through, then had it repaired.