Winners and Losers from Day 5 of the combine

Written by Christian Lysek

Myles Garrett

The linebackers and defensive line took the field yesterday, and it was quite a show. This years strong edge rushing class impressed, while the weak defensive tackle class did not. Here were the winners and losers from yesterdays action.

Winners:

Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M: He locked up the number one pick with a 41'' vert, a 4.64 40, 33 bench press reps, and 128'' broad jump. If the Browns don't take Garrett, God doesn't want them to win.
Solomon Thomas, EDGE, Stanford: He ran a 4.70 in the 40 yard dash, the same time as Tim Williams, who weighs 245. Thomas weighs 270. He is explosive and a top ten lock.
Carl Lawson, EDGE, Auburn: I knew Lawson would would be strong (35 bench press reps), but I didn't know he would run 4.67 and dominate the cone and lower body drills. He had a great combine and might be a top 25 pick.
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, FAU: He has been my sleeper EDGE rusher all year long, and he crushed the combine. He ran a blazing 4.64 at 266 lbs and had top marks in the cone and lower body drills. He could be a top 100 pick.
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple: Haason Reddick ran a 4.52 40, had 24 bench press reps, a 36.5 inch vert, 133 inch brad jump, a 7.01 3-cone, and a 4.37 short shuttle. I don't care if he is a "tweener," he is a freak athlete who I will let my defensive coordinator get creative with using.
Jordan Willis, EDGE, Kansas St: Willis ran just slower than Reddick with a 4.53. He also had a 39'' vert, 125 inch broad jump, 6.85 3-cone, 4.28 short shuttle. Those are explosive numbers that are important because he didn't look explosive at all sometimes in college. Teams are going to have to investigate more to find out what kind of player they are getting, but in this instance, that isn't a bad thing.
T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin: The younger brother of J.J. had a dominant day. He ran a 4.7 40 yard dash at 252 lbs, placed 1st in the cone drills and broad jump and second in the vertical jump. He has the upside teams look for in a 3-4 EDGE rusher.
Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State: McMillan had a good combine, and what made it so good was that he answered his questions about his speed. For a linebacker his size, a 4.61 is a damn good time.
Tarell Basham, EDGE, Ohio: At almost 269 lbs, he ran a 4.7 40 yard and posted explosive measurables in every other event. He is now in the top 100 pick discussion.

Losers:

Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama: Allen didn't have a bad day (5.0 40, 29'' vert, 108'' broad, 7.49 3-cone, 4.89, short shuttle), but he failed to stand out. In a class packed with winners like those listed above, his performance combined with his shoulder injury could drop him down boards.
Davon Godchaux, DL, LSU: Davon Godchaux had a bad day. He ran a 5.27 40 and pulled a hamstring, neither of which helped his stock.
Jarron Jones, DL, Notre Dame: Jones is a monstorous man, but he performed bad at the combine. He ran a 5.33 40 and only jumped 20.5'' inches in the air. On top of that, he looked slow in positional drills.
Tim Williams, LB, Alabama: Not only did he admit to failing multiple drug tests at Alabama. He was merely mediocre during drills. He was not explosive or fast for only being 245 lbs.
Ben Boulware and every linebacker like him: They did other drills but answered zero questions on whether they are fast enough to play on Sundays. They lost even more ground in the draft process.

All statistics taken from FanRag combine tracker.

Winners and Losers from Day 4 of the combine

Written by Christian Lysek

John Ross

Did you miss all of the action on day 4 of the combine? See who won and lost the day below.

Winners:

John Ross, WR, Washington: He broke the 40-yard dash record with a 4.22. Need I say more?
Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss: He ran a 4.42 40 yard dash at 6'3'' and 233 lbs. Plus he had a 36'' vert, 125-inch broad jump, and he placed 2nd and 3rd in the 3 cone drill and short shuttle, respectively. That is wide receiver athleticism in a tight end body.
George Kittle, TE, Iowa: I'm not sure anyone expected Kittle to be this athletic. At almost 6'4 and 247 lbs, Kittle ran 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, had a 35-inch vert, and 132-inch broad jump  
Speedy Noil, WR, Texas A&M: He didn't run the 40, but he jumped a 43.5 inch vertical. If anything, he pretty much ensured himself he will get drafted.
Trevor Knight, QB, Texas A&M: Knight had a good chance of not being drafted before his combine workout, where he ran a 4.54 in the 40 and looked good in the field drills.
Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State: I knew Godwin would jump well, but I had no idea he was fast enough to run a 4.43 in the 40.
Robert Davis, WR, Georgia St: Robert Davis went from a nobody to a sleeper pick in one day. He is 6'2.5'', weighs, 219 lbs, and had the following performances: 4.44 40, 41-inch vert, 136-inch broad jump, 6.82 3-cone, 4.28 short shuttle. Domination has been personified.

Losers:

Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: He showed off the tools while throwing, but he also showed why he completed under 60% of his passes at Notre Dame. Inaccuracy in his Achilles heel.
Travis Rudolph, WR, Florida State: I've always thought Rudolph was overrated, but his combine performance has me asking what does he even do that is good? He ran a 4.65, jumped 31 inches in the vert, and broad jumped 114 inches. Those numbers would have been bad for this year's tight end group much less for a 5'11'', 189-pound receiver.
Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech: He dropped several passes on his gauntlet run. That will have scouts digging in to how good his hands actually are.
David Njoku, TE, Miami: I knew he would jump well, but I thought he would run a faster 40 time (4.64). He probably let Evan Engram pass him on some draft boards.
Drew Morgan, WR, Arkansas: He ran a 4.74 40 yard dash at 5'11'' and 190 lbs. That's not good.

Winners and Losers from Day 3 of the combine

Written by Christian Lysek

Forrest Lamp

The first on the field drills were yesterday, and they definitely were interesting. Let's see who won and lost yesterday:

Winners:

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: Quite the bounce back, eh? After disappointing during the bench press, McCaffrey runs a 4.48 40, jumps 37.5 inches in the air, 121 inches in the broad jump, and runs the second best 3-cone drill mark in the last 15 years according to NFL research. Oh, and he crushed the field drills.
Forrest Lamp, OG, WKU: Lamp has been on a mission to destroy every event at the combine. he ran a 5.0 40 yard dash, has a 111-inch broad jump, a 27.5-inch vertical jump, a 7.55 3-cone, and a 4.62 short shuttle. That's called crushing it, folks.
Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah: Bolles showed off his athleticism yesterday, and the highlights were a 4.95 second 40 time and a 115-inch broad jump. That shows some great lower body explosion and athleticism.
Pharoh Brown, TE, Oregon: Pharoh Brown continues to stand out among the tight ends, as he came in first on the bench press with 24 reps.
Chris Carson, RB, Oklahoma St: Chris Carson is putting together a performance that will make me go scour for more tape. At 6' and 218 lbs, Carson ran a 4.58 40 yard dash, had a 37 inch vertical, and had a 130-inch broad jump. Those are some explosive numbers that are bound to turn heads.
TJ Logan, RB, North Carolina: TJ Logan seemed to be one of the rising prospects heading into the combine because he stood out on tape while scouts watched Mitch Trubisky. Now he is running a 4.37 40 with 121 in the broad jump and 33.5-inch vertical jump at 196 pounds. Can you say sleeper pick?

Losers:

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: I know he ran a great 40, but cmon, a 28.5 inch vertical? You can bet teams are going to hunt down exactly why he did so poorly.
Rushel Shell, RB, West Virginia: I know he is a "big back" at 231 lbs, but a 4.74 40 is straight up bad How are you supposed to pull away from anyone when almost every defender on the field runs a faster sprint than you?
Devine Redding, RB, Indiana: At least Shell has weight as an excuse. Redding ran a 4.76 40 yard dash at 208 lbs. That is the type of stuff that keeps you from being drafted, especially in a great running back class.
Damien Mama, OG, USC: Damien Mama can be called be a road grater or whatever, but it doesn't change that he lacks any athleticism. He placed last in the 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, and short shuttle, and it wasn't close either.
Chad Wheeler, OT, USC: Chad Wheeler did terrible in the timed drills, which everyone saw coming, but he was especially bad on the field. My grandpa was less stiff and was quicker at 80 than Wheeler is now.
Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama: He was sent home for playing the "do you know who I am card" with a hospital worker and engaging in a heated argument. Not the smartest thing to do at a place where the slightest red flag is treated like a radioactive bomb.

All data comes from Fanrag sports unless it is marked otherwise

Winners and Losers from Day 2 at the combine

Written by Christian Lysek

Yesterday's combine action included people watching lineman and running backs bench press and watching quarterbacks and pass catchers get measured. Was it exciting? Not especially. Was it important? Absolutely. Let's see who won the day and who lost it.

Winners:

Forest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky:

Forest Lamp is the top guard prospect in this years draft, and he showed why with an impressive bench press showing. 34 reps was tied for 2nd for all offensive lineman and beat out Dan Feeney (2nd best guard) by 9 reps.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State:

Dalvin Cook answered questions about his strength yesterday. 22 bench press reps was much more than I expected and was 4th for running backs.

Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma:

Not only did he beat every running back in the bench with 30 reps, he beat all but 4 offensive linemen. That speaks for itself.

Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina:  

Trubisky didn't make money, but he didn't lose any either. He passed the QB measurement threshold with a 6'2'' height and 9.5-inch hands.

Jalen Robinette, WR, Air Force: 

As if being 6'3'' and 220 lbs isn't impressive enough, Robinette measured having 10 7/8 inch hands. Those are some big mitts.

Bug Howard, WR, North Carolina:

Bug Howard is a giant dude and he jumped off of the page looking at the measurements. Having a 6'4'' height, 221-pound weight, 33 1/8 inch arms, and 10 3/8 inch hands is a great way to boost your stock.

Pharoh Brown, TE, Oregon:

Pharoh Brown posted one of the best tight end measurement lines with a 6'5.5'' height, 255-pound weight, 35 5/8 inch arms, and 10 3/8 inch hands, That is a well-rounded measurement line that stands out. 

Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo:

Robert is 6'4'' and 270, but all I care about are his 11.5 inch hands. Thats bigger than a sheet of notebook paper.

Losers: 

Chad Wheeler, OL, USC: I know he is 6'7'', but he is also 306 lbs, dude needs to put up more than 15 reps.

Sam Tevi, OL, Utah: Sam Tevi also benched 15 reps, but he is 2 inches shorter than Wheeler. He had a poor showing.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: I know bench pressing means next to nothing for a running back, but only putting up 10 reps makes me very concerned about McCaffrey's ability to block.

DeDe Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma: Everyone knows DeDe is fast, but everyone also knows he is thin as a rail. He didn't help himself by being the lightest wide receiver at the combine at 178 lbs.

Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU: Dupre's one strength throughout the draft process had been his 6'4'' listed size. Now he doesn't even have that advantage because it turns out he is only 6'2''.

Carl Lawson Scouting Report:

Written by Christian Lysek

I have said it before and I will say it again: this years EDGE class is stacked.  Take Carl Lawson as proof. To me, he is definitely a first round talent, but the other EDGE talent may push him into the second round. Here's why he earned a first round grade:

Measurables: 
Height- 6'2''
Weight- 253 lbs
Year:
Junior (22)
2016 stat line:
30 tackles (16 solo), 14 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF

Pros: Carl Lawson has good size for a 3-4 outside linebacker. He doesn't have and elite first step, but it is quick. Against the run, Lawson does a good job of not being pushed off of the line of scrimmage and redirects the route of the runner to areas full of his defensive teammates. Lawson thrives as a pass rusher. He has enough speed to bend the EDGE and he has great strength in his bull rush. Lawson uses his hands and arms to great effectiveness. He swats away the arms of the tackle and is strong enough to grab the tackle and rip them out of the way. He is able to do this not only because he is strong, but also because he understands balance and leverage. If the tackle is off balance even slightly, Lawson will attack and get by to the quarterback.

Cons: Lawson has serious injury questions. Last year was his first full season, and he has torn an ACL and needed hip surgery. Lawson also really need to improve against the run. He struggles to tackle runners because of a lack of instincts and acceleration. He isn't going to catch anybody from behind either. Lawson also needs to learn how to cover if he goes into a 3-4 system like I think he will.

Pro Comparison: Ryan Kerrigan, EDGE, Washington Redskins
Ryan Kerrigan is the best EDGE rusher in the Redskins 3-4 defense. He is very strong and quick with violent hands that understand leverage. Kerrigan is better against the run than Lawson, but if Lawson improves in that aspect, he can be just as good as Kerrigan.

3 teams that could use him: The Steelers are in need of an Edge rushed yet again, and Lawson has the potential to finally fill the gap that has plagued them. Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long are both free agents for the Patriots, and Lawson would be a nice replacement on the defensive line. Rob Marinelli has been making diamonds from turds in Dallas, and it is time for Jerry Jones to give him a real prospect with a clean record. Carl Lawson would be a nice fit for the Cowboys.

Conclusion: Carl Lawson struggles against the run and has an injury history, but he is a great pass rusher and has the tools to be a star in this league. He is a top-40 pick.

All stats from www.sports-reference.com

Winners and Losers from OL and RB Measurements

Written by Christian Lysek

Julie'n Davenport

It has officially begun. While yesterday wasn't the most exciting portion of the combine, it was very important to scouts. They have finally found out the true, unexaggerated measurements of the top prospects. Let's see who won and lost measurement day for the running backs and offensive lineman:

Winners: 

Julie'n Davenport, OT, Bucknell: 

Julie'n Davenport had a near perfect measurement day. 6'7'' is a great height, 318 lbs is a good weight, he has massive arms at 36.5 inches, and has large 10.5 inch hands.

Nico Siragusa, OG, San Diego St:

Siragusa had questions about his weight entering the week because he was listed around 340 pounds. He weighed in at 319 pounds, and much more healthy and athletic weight.

Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin:

People were beginning to question whether Ramczyk had long enough arms to play tackle. With 33.75 inch arms, he silenced those questions.

Javarius Leamon, OT, South Carolina St:

Javarius Leamon is 6'7'', 332 lbs, and 35.875 inch arms. Those are the type of measurements that will make scouts grab as much tape as they can on Leamon.

Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee:

I had questions about whether or not Kamara weighed enough to be a three-down back, but at 215 lbs, he answered my question.

D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas:

Foreman also had questions about his weight, but scouts were worried he was too heavy. He measured in at 233 lbs, which definitely helped him.

Donnell Pumphrey, RB, San Diego St:

This technically isn't a true win since Pumphrey weighs less than some high school cross country runners, but at least he is showing he can gain weight at 176 lbs, which is seven up from the Senior Bowl.

Losers:

Zach Banner, OL, USC:

Zach Banner has good measurables with a 6'8'' height, 34.875 inch arms, and 10.75 inch hands. The problem is he is 353 pounds, which is way too much. He is too heavy to play tackle and too tall to play guard. 

Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah: 

Bolles had a good measurement day overall, but his hands measured in small at 9.375 inches. This wouldn't be a problem if he had strong hands on tape, but he doesn't.

Dan Skipper, OT, Arkansas:

Dan Skipper is 6'11'', which makes him intriguing, but he measured in thin for his height at 308 lbs and has short 33.375 inch arms. Those arms are a problem because he is so tall that he will have to lean over too much to get his hands on rushers.

Daniel Brunskill, OT, San Diego St: 

Brunskill has good tackle measurements, but he weight is way too light at 273 pounds. That weight might even get him moved to the defensive line.

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU:

If Fournette runs a great 40 time, then this won't be a problem, but for now, 240 lbs is too heavy.

Stanley Williams, RB, Kentucky:

Williams is a small back at 5'7'' and 190 lbs, but it is the 8.625 inch hands that concern me. That screams fumble issues, especially, when you are that light.

Tarik Cohen, RB, North Carolina A&T:

Stanley Williams might be small, but even he dwarfs Tarik Cohen. His measurables (5'6'' height, 179 lbs, 29.75 inch arms) are way too small. The only exception are his weirdly big 10.175 inch hands.

All Data comes from Fanrag combine tracker.

Who will replace Adrian Peterson and Darrelle Revis?

Written by Christian Lysek

It isn't often two future Hall of Famers are released in the same day, but that is what happened yesterday. Adrian Peterson is the best running back of the 21st century, but at 32 years old and coming off a knee injury, there was more risk bringing him back than reward. Darrelle Revis' play inexplicably fell off of a cliff last season, and Revis Island became Revis Resort for wide receivers. Thankfully for the Jets and Vikings, this year's draft and free agency is loaded with running backs and corners. Let's look at some of the options both teams have:

Vikings Options in free agency:

Adrian Peterson

1. Eddie Lacy: The 26 year old back is a free agent this year, and injuries and weight concerns may drive his price down far enough for the Vikings to pick him up. If he can return to his 2014 form, Eddie Lacy is a Pro Bowl running back.
2. Latavius Murray: Latavius Murray has been the workhorse back for the Oakland Raiders for the past few seasons, and while he has not been elite, he has been very good. He is a power runner with speed and has a similar style to AP, making him a nice fit in Minnesota. 
3. Isaiah Crowell: Isaiah Crowell has been splitting carries with Duke Jonson for the Browns past few seasons, but honestly, Crowell deserves a feature role. He is a bigger back, but he has a knack for making huge runs and is deceptively speedy. 
4. Doug Martin: While Doug Martin is not a free agent, there is a good chance he may become one. Tampa Bay seems to be getting tired of his inconsistencies, and his last suspension did not help. Martin is still extremely talented, so getting him on the cheap would a great move by the Vikings.
5. Mike Gillislee: Mike Gillislee took over as the Bills feature back when LeSean McCoy went down with injury midway through the season and ran for 5.7 YPC. Gillisee is a young back at 26 years old and has the size at 5'11'' and 219 pounds to be the Vikings feature back.

Vikings Options in the draft: 

1. D'Onta Foreman: D'Onta Foreman but the Texas offense on his back last season. The big back is over 240 lbs, but has quick feet and good breakaway speed. He is the closest prospect to Marshawn Lynch we have seen in awhile. 
2. Jamaal Williams: Jamaal Williams is a violent workhorse from BYU. He has some off the field questions to answer, but Williams runs with good speed, power, and vision.
3. Wayne Gallman: Wayne Gallman didn't get as much credit as he deserved when he was a Clemson Tiger. Gallman runs with great vision and balance, and he seems to think that if he goes down the world will end. Gallman has another level of determination and competitiveness other backs don't have.
4. Kareem Hunt: Kareem Hunt left college as Toledo's all-time leading rusher, and he is an excellent all-around back. He can lower his shoulder in the power game, can juke out defenders in a phone booth, and receive the ball. On top of that, Hunt's legs are built like tree trunks and people seem to bounce off him like tennis balls.
5. Elijah Hood: While Elijah Hood had a disappointing 2016 season, his 2015 season was special. The bruiser ran for over 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is built like a bull and runs like one too.

Darrelle Revis

Jets Options in Free Agency:

1. A.J. Bouye: A.J. Bouye was the breakout player nobody predicted. He went from backup corner to top ten corner in a span of weeks. He has the ball skills and youth to be a building block in the Jets defense.
2. Stephon Gillmore: Getting Stephon Gillmore is knocking out two birds with one stone. The Jets get an emerging corner while weakening a division rival in the Bills.
3. Trumain Johnson: Trumain Johnson was one of the few bright spots for the Rams last year. The young corner is coming off of a franchise tag and looking for a long-term deal, and the Jets would be more than happy to upgrade their secondary with him.
4. Dre' Kirkpatrick: Dre'Kirkpatrick was once thought to be a bust because of his sparse playing time and inconsistency, but he showed why he was a first-round pick last season. His inconsistent first few years will drive his price down, so look for the Jets to take a swing at him.
5. Logan Ryan: Just like Stephon Gillmore, nabbing Logan is taking out two birds with one stone. it weakens the Patriots while giving the Jets one of the league's most underrated corners.

Jets Options in the Draft:

1. Marshon Lattimore: My first ranked corner in this draft class should be available for the jets to take with the sixth pick. He has size, ball skills, and incredible speed. He looks like a lockdown corner in the making.
2. Quincy Wilson: While he is my second ranked corner, the gap between him and Lattimore is slimmer than Randy Savage's favorite snack. Wilson has great ball skills and instincts and would be an immediate starter in the Jets secondary.
3. Fabian Moreau: Fabian Moreau is one of the lesser known corners in the draft, but NFL execs certainly know of his talent. He has great size at 6' and 190 lbs and reportedly runs a sub 4.4 40 yard dash. Moreau has all of the tools to be a great player for the Jets.
4. Desmond King: Desmond King has been knocked for his lack of speed and some are suggesting that he will move to safety, but I don't believe that for a second. Desmond King had 14 picks over three years at Iowa and has lockdown B1G receivers every year he has played.King has the skills, people are just overthinking it.
5. Cordrea Tankersley: Cordrea Tankersley played across from Mackensie Alexander in 2015, and he is a better prospect than Alexander was. That is high praise, since Alexander was a second round pick who easily could have gone in the first. Tankersley has better ball skills than his old teammate and is just as much of an athlete.

All stats obtained from ESPN stats and info