The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has come to a close, leaving football fans and analysts buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming draft. As always, the combine provided a platform for prospects to showcase their skills and make a lasting impression on league personnel. This year’s event was no exception, as we witnessed both standout performances and disappointing displays. Let’s take a closer look at the winners and losers of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Winners:
1. Fiske: One of the standout performers of the combine was Fiske, a former star from Western Michigan. Despite not being highly touted prior to the event, Fiske turned heads with his impressive athletic testing. He recorded a blazing fast 40-yard dash time of 4.78 seconds and achieved a remarkable 9-feet, 9-inch broad jump. These stellar results are expected to significantly boost his draft stock.
2. Alt and Mims: Offensive linemen Alt and Mims proved that they are not only exceptional athletes but also dominant forces on the field. While it may not come as a surprise to those familiar with their abilities, their performances at the combine were nothing short of remarkable. Both players clocked in around the 5-second mark in the 40-yard dash, but it was Mims who truly stood out with an impressive short shuttle time of 4.33 seconds. Despite concerns about his durability following a hamstring tweak, Mims has the potential to be one of the best tackles in football, making him a top-10 draft prospect.
3. Wide Receivers: This year’s draft class is brimming with talented wide receivers ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. While Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers didn’t participate in the combine, several other wideouts shone brightly. Washington’s Rome Odunze solidified his position as a top-10 selection, while Georgia’s Ladd McConkey impressed with a 4.39 40-yard dash time. LSU’s Brian Thomas and South Carolina’s Xavier Legette showcased that big receivers can possess blazing speed. With a wide receiver to suit every team’s needs, expect these prospects to be snatched up early in the draft.
4. Mitchell: Cornerback Mitchell made a strong case to be the first cornerback drafted with his exceptional workout at the combine. He blazed through the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.33 seconds and recorded a vertical jump of 38 inches. These standout athletic performances solidified his stock as a top prospect in the draft.
Losers:
1. The Combine as a Concept: The NFL combine is undergoing changes, and this year’s event highlighted some of its flaws. Top prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jayden Daniels, and Malik Nabers chose not to participate, realizing that it could potentially harm their draft stock. Additionally, many prospects opted out of certain athletic tests, diminishing the importance of the on-field portion of the event. It remains to be seen if the NFL will address this issue and find ways to ensure the full participation of top prospects in the future.
2. Kinchens: Safety Kinchens had an opportunity to make a name for himself in a weak safety class but failed to capitalize on it during the athletic testing. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.65 seconds and a broad jump of 9-2, Kinchens fell short compared to other prospects, including offensive linemen who outperformed him. These lackluster results may negatively impact his draft stock.
3. Spencer Rattler: South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler disappointed talent evaluators with his performance at the scouting combine. While his playstyle doesn’t heavily rely on his athleticism, finishing last in every testing drill among quarterbacks is undoubtedly disheartening. However, Rattler’s draft stock will ultimately be determined by teams’ comfort level with his inconsistent college production rather than his combine results.
As the dust settles on the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, teams and fans alike are left with a clearer picture of the prospects’ abilities and potential. While some individuals solidified their positions as top draft picks, others faltered under the pressure. The combine serves as a crucial stepping stone in the journey to the NFL, but it is important to remember that it is just one piece of the puzzle. The true test lies ahead as teams evaluate these prospects’ skills, character, and fit within their organizations.