Yesterday, aside from the pre-announced injury absentees (eg Abdul Carter), 42 players opted to not run a forty yard dash. Several of these players also didn’t do drills. There’s little reason why we won’t see the same today. We already know Travis Hunter and Will Johnson won’t do anything. At tight end, Colston Loveland and Elijah Arroyo are both injured.
There’s been talk of the combine becoming too antiquated. Teams use Zebra Technology to track the speed players are running at in full pads in college football. They don’t really need a forty time anymore.
There are still tests, such as the short shuttle, three-cone and explosive jumps, that are useful for specific positions. However, the whole event has a bit of a ho-hum feel to it these days. It’s as if everyone has taken their eye off the ball. The combine hasn’t been modernised, it hasn’t adapted. It’s still doing old-fashioned tests like the bench press. It might have a Prime Time slot filled with six hours of two broadcasters trying to make tiresome pop-culture references but the combine’s usefulness has diminished.
I remember when I started writing this blog in 2008 and being absorbed by all of the players testing at the combine. Only the injured tended to not do anything. Now, there seems to be as many players not testing as there are competing.
The medicals, interviews and ability to get everyone together in one city is obviously crucial. The actual workouts, though, seem peripheral. It’s a shame but it’s entirely the NFL’s fault. The whole thing needs modernising.
In terms of who is performing today, I think we’re looking at three positions that could be targeted in the draft by Seattle. They were very prepared to draft a cornerback in round one a year ago and I doubt anything has changed in the subsequent 12 months. This is a need area. Safety is also a need, with Rayshawn Jenkins set for the exit sooner rather than later. At tight end, Noah Fant isn’t likely to be cut but they might try to replace Pharaoh Brown.
The tight ends I’m most interested in today are Oronde Gadsden, Mitchell Evans, Luke Lachey and Jackson Hawes. I hope they all do the agility tests and run a forty for the 10-yard split.
Jahdae Barron is a potential option for the Seahawks at #18 but if he tests well, he’ll likely go in the top-13. Will Johnson not testing could push him towards the Seahawks. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Nick Emmanwori is expected to put on a show and it’ll be interesting to see how Malaki Starks gets on. I’m intrigued by Darien Porter.
If you missed my day one review, read it here. I also discussed the Geno Smith contract situation with the Seahawks and Smith’s representatives set to meet at some point today.
For a list of combine measurements, click here.
Don’t forget to use this as an open thread as the combine is ongoing today. I will be posting regularly in the comments. Plus at the conclusion of day two I’ll be jumping on a live stream and then producing a full written report.
