The deck has been reshuffled somewhat as most of the 2016 class of NFL hopefuls showed their abilities at the 2016 NFL Combine. Based on the tape I’ve watched, he has the skill set of a right tackle.
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“He may not wow you with numbers, I don’t think he’s going to be a guy that’s all of a sudden going to be a double-digit sack guy in the NFL”, NFL Network analyst Charles Davis said. All 333 in Indianapolis this past week are vying to be one of the 253 players drafted April 28-30, along with countless others not invited to the combine.
He also mentioned Ohio State safety Vonn Bell as a possibility for the Steelers at No. 25.
Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard didn’t win the weigh-ins Thursday, measuring only 5-foot-10, but he was a top performer at the receiver position with 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and a 41-inch vertical jump. Every team could use quality corners. “You can just see he’s got something to him in terms of the leadership and the character”. Nkemdiche was behind the eight ball already heading into the weekend after falling from a fourth-story window while intoxicated, and reports suggested he didn’t do very well explaining the incident, or other concerns National Football League teams had with him. The cornerbacks put on a good show during the testing portion but Russell was not able to compete as he recovers from his season-ending leg injury.
One thing is for sure, Bell doesn’t lack confidence as this was is answer when asked if he’s the top safety in this year’s draft class. The linebacker coaches won’t want to lose a guy that ran 4.47, jumped 35.5 inches in the vertical jump and registered 11-2 in the broad jump, though.
Vernon Adams transferred from Division I-AA Eastern Washington to OR to play his senior season and McShay called him his most intriguing quarterback prospect. Rankins is viewed as one of the top pass rushers in the draft and is versatile enough to play in either a 2-gap or 1-gap scheme.
“I am struggling with him”, McShay said. He might have a great offseason and shock Bears’ Nation, but I’ll need to see it to believe it.
Adams starred in the East-West Shrine Game last month when he completed 6 of 9 passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns before being taken out late in the second quarter. “He’s a better between-the-tackles runner than he gets credit for at his size-5’10”, 192 pounds-and should be a valuable change-of-pace back and returns specialist at the next level. Kelly loves athletic players under center and Goff has decent mobility and a terrific arm, making the best fit of the young quarterbacks in this years class of players.
However, all pale in comparison to the player I expected to dominate the combine – Florida State safety/cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
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Russell will participate in the on-field events at the Notre Dame Pro Day on March 31, and much of his stock will depend on that performance.
