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    Finding Fits For NFL Scouting Combine Standouts
    Feb 28, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor (RB27) participates in a workout drill during the 2020 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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    Finding Fits For NFL Scouting Combine Standouts

    After we saw a number of players impress in the NFL Scouting Combine, Cole Thompson identifies some potential NFL homes for the top standouts

    By Cole Thompson

    Last week we identified the starts of the NFL Scouting Combine, now let’s find them a home for the 2020 season. 

    The NFL combine is much like a cherry on top of what could be considered a sundae of the draft world. While team Pro Day’s will be the sprinkles, it’s the week in Indianapolis that will give teams a better idea of the biggest names for April’s night. 

    It is also perhaps the only time fans and those who don’t work in the industry will see what goes into the process of drafting a player. Sometimes a great run will put those fringe first-rounders into the top of conversation at their positions. Other times, it means a player is deemed undraftable by some. 

    There are usually about 10-12 prospects who shine at the combine. Much like a good puppy, they deserve a home at the next level. The question is, where? Here are our picks for combine stars and where they could head. 

    QB Jalen Hurts 

    Everyone knows that Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert are locked for the first round. Jordan Love likely is a mid-first round selection, while Jacob Eason is somewhat in the mix at the same range. But man, Jalen Hurt continues to be the guy under scrutiny and still makes the doubters silent. 

    Although one of the more talked about players in the game, Hurts answered the critic’s questions on if he would transition to the NFL under center. He blew scouts away with his 4.59 40, the fastest of all quarterbacks, while also showing the mechanics that teams love in mobile passers. 

    There’s still questions that need to be answered for Hurts, but he has all the intangibles to be a quality quarterback in the right system. The New Orleans Saints were the talk of the NFC South, partly due to Taysom Hill’s ability to make plays with his legs and come in for trick plays. 

    With a quarterback question up in the air, Bruce Arians might be smart to bring in Hurts, who can learn under Jameis Winston and have his own Hill ready should the former Heisman winner struggle. 

    Perfect Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

    RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin 

    Some people weren’t high on Taylor coming into the draft process. Sucks for them and great for me, as he was my RB1 at the start of the season and still is now. Once again, Wisconsin can produce running backs and Taylor should be the next sound back in the league from Madison. 

    Although the 5-foot-10 measurement will make teams wary of his workload, his numbers stood out. A 4.39 40, plus his footwork skills and excelling in pass-catching drills paints a complete picture. Taylor is now in the same category as Saquon Barkley as the fastest player to run the 40 while weighing over 225 pounds at the position. 

    Yep, an RB1 indeed. 

    The question is the value of the running back in today’s NFL. While everyone will think their opinion is correct (because you all do), the reality is the position is still valuable to any offense with a young or aging quarterback to help carry the workload. Taylor is tough, smart, well-rounded and has the production of 6,000 yards to prove his worth.

    Miami is going to have a young future quarterback and an aging one in Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2020. This pick writes itself as a Brian Flores guy and would be the only runner worth taking Thursday night. Book it or I’ll quit this career.

    Perfect Fit: Miami Dolphins

     

    WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame 

    Some players shine on the field and others shine on tape. And then there’s Chase Claypool, an enigma who is either going to be severely overdrafted or a steal somewhere down the line. 

    Claypool’s tape was iffy in his final season at South Bend despite 13 touchdowns. His Senior Bowl performance certainly did nothing to help his stock. Then his combine performance turned his 15 seconds of fame into a potential top 50 selection. With his 4.42 40, plus ranking in the top five of the bench press (19) and vertical jump (40.5″), the 6-foot-4 receiver left Indianapolis as a must-see player. 

    Teams will have trouble finding a place for him in their offense. Although he could play on the outside as a split end, teams could want him in the slot as a flex, similar to how the New York Giants use Evan Engram. Either way, teams will find a way to get him open with his frame and attack downfield against defenders. 

    Lamar Jackson has everything but a big receiver, and I say receiver because Mark Andrews is a tight end. Might as well give him Claypool to allow Marquise Brown and the other two to shine for the reigning MVP’s passing attack. 

    Perfect Fit: Baltimore Ravens 

    OT Tristian Wirfs, Iowa 

    I hate scouting offensive lineman, but I love it when I’m right. After hearing that Wirfs was an all-star wrestler in college, he became OT1 for me. 

    Let’s check his combine stats? Yep, still OT1. 

    Wirfs exploded at the combine with stupid numbers on the field, including the fastest 40 (4.85) and vertical jump (36.5). To put that into perceptive, Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins jumped a 36 inch back in 2013. Throw that in with his tape and you have yourself a bonafide stud tackle.

    Wirfs will have heavy suitors for him early, as five of the top 12 teams drafting need offensive tackle help. With Nate Solder still on his four-year contract, Wirfs could begin his career at right tackle before switching over to the blindside in 2021. He has experience on both sides of the line under Kirk Ferentz while starting as a freshman — a feat that never happens. If Dave Gettleman wants to keep with the “character build” of players, Wirfs is the pick. 

    Perfect Fit: New York Giants 

    OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State 

    Let’s talk about this guy, shall we? 

    Cleveland might have been a lesser name tackle, but he’s going to make an NFL roster happy in 2020. The 6-foot-6, 311-pounder ran a 4.93 40 after racking up 30 reps on the bench press. Athletically built like a freak, Cleveland is one of those players that scouts will go back to turn on the film and ask why he’s not considered a top prospect.

    An injury sidelined Cleveland for most of the 2019 season, but what tape there is unique. He’s still unproven and will need time to adjust to NFL speed. Working with an offensive line coach could help Cleveland respond. 

    There are two teams here because you know where I’m going with this. If the Titans can sign everyone in free agency, the No.29 pick could make sense if the former Bronco is on the board. The Browns need help at both tackle spots and should use their early picks to address the ends. 

    Plus, his name is Cleveland. Do you know how many big guys would rock that jersey even if he were to be terrible? 

    Perfect Fit: Cleveland Browns (or Tennessee) 

    WR Denzel Mims, Baylor 

    Here’s the thing; fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, well you probably are a receiver from Baylor. For that reason alone, Mims will never be in the first round conversation. That said, still a great combine for the former Bear. 

    Mims posted a 4.38 40 while also hitting 38.5 on the vertical jump. After one of the best outings in Mobile, the 1,000-yard target has the speed to win a deep threat, but smart hands that allow him to succeed in coverage. His 6-foot-3 frame will let him fight off against aggressive cornerbacks while his route running is polished.

    I don’t trust drafting Baylor receivers on the first day anymore after Corey Coleman burned me, but Mims is a more polished prospect. Ultimately though, I think a team could trade back into the first round to snag him late with someone like Seattle.

    The Jets need a player with Mims skill set. If they don’t trade up Thursday night, they will early Friday if he’s there.

    Perfect Fit: New York Jets

    CB CJ Henderson, Florida 

    The cornerback class has talent, but they’re all under Jeffery Okudah. If there’s one cornerback who could at least give the Ohio State product a run for being just as talented at the next level, it would be Henderson. 

    The tape this season wasn’t the best for the Florida cornerback, but his combine numbers will keep him the conversation for an early selection. Henderson ran a 4.39 40 while putting 20 reps up on the bench and posting a 37.5 vertical. The tape of him that excels is his physical style in coverage while playing man. 

    This team has two chances to draft him and they better not screw this up. Jacksonville traded away both All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye for a first and fourth-round pick. They’ll be selecting at No.9 and No.20. If they have to trade up, so be it — this is the best place for him. Dave Caldwell has drafted well on defense and also in the first round. 

    Please don’t make me regret saying this, Caldwell. 

    Perfect Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

     

    Ok, rapid-fire time. Here are the other studs of the combine where I think they’ll shine: 

    WR Justin Jefferson, LSU: A 4.43 40 and a 37.5 inch vertical make him a first-round prospect. His backyard team needs a speed option to pair with Michael Thomas and a hopeful rebound Tre’Quan Smith: New Orleans Saints 

    OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville: The 364-pound offensive tackle ran a 5.1 40 and stands at 6-foot-7. Nick Chubb would love to run behind that while Baker Mayfield would like to throw the ball in the pocket: Cleveland Browns

    RB Cam Akers, Florida State: It’s incredible how little respect Akers is getting in this class. The former Seminole posted a 4.47 40 and shined out the backfield as a pass-catcher. The Chargers will likely lose Melvin Gordon and need a secondary runner to pair with the new extended Austin Ekeler. This would make sense in the last second or early third round: Los Angeles Chargers

    DB Kyle Duggar, Lenoir-Rhyne: Although a small school product, Duggar can do it all. His 42-inch vertical, 11-2 broad jump and 4.49-second 40 make him a viable prospect. For some reason, he just screams a Don Martindale type player: Baltimore Ravens

    RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia: Swift posted a 4.48 40 time and had a 10-foot broad jump. Atlanta needs another running back as Devonta Freeman isn’t getting the job done. You’re welcome Falcons fans: Atlanta Falcons 

    LB Willie Gay, Mississippi State: You might not know the name, but Gay was the biggest riser on my big board from Indy. Posting a 4.46 in the 40 while jumping 39 1.2 inches, he’ll likely be a mid-round selection. If they lose Cory Littleton, the Rams could be getting something special in their defense for the future: Los Angeles Rams

    DL Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M: Few 300-pound players run in the 4.8 range. Although not that size yet, Madubuike is a more prominent player who also put up 31 reps on the bench. A Dallas native, this is too easy to pass up: Dallas Cowboys

    TE Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri: There’s not a stellar can’t-miss tight end this year, but Okwuegbunam might be the closest. The former Tiger ran an impressive 4.49 40 time and showed promise with his hands. If he falls to the third round, Carolina should be all over this as Greg Olsen’s potential replacement: Carolina Panthers 

    LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson: Yes. That’s it, that’s the answer. Everyone could use a defender who ran a 4.39, posted a 39 inch vertical and exploded in drills in coverage and pure speed. Call me Oprah with defense because I’m screaming, ‘you need a Simmons, you need a Simmons, EVERYBODY NEEDS A SIMMONS!’: Insert your team here

    Cole Thompson is the Lead NFL writer for Pro Football Network. Follow him on Twitter at @MrColeThompson.

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