The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has come to a close, leaving football fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming draft. Held in Indianapolis, the combine provided prospects with the ultimate stage to showcase their abilities and make a lasting impression on NFL teams. While the combine is just one part of the evaluation process, it often serves as a crucial factor in determining a player’s draft stock. Let’s take a closer look at the top winners and losers from this year’s scouting combine.
Top Winners:
1. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas: Worthy stole the show by breaking the combine record for the 40-yard dash with a blazing time of 4.21 seconds. His rare speed and big-play ability make him an enticing prospect for teams in need of explosive playmakers.
2. Troy Fautanu, G/T, Washington: Fautanu impressed scouts with his agility and physical tools during his on-field workout. Despite being projected as a potential guard, he showcased the skills to remain at his natural position of left tackle and is a strong candidate for a mid-first round selection.
3. Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State: Despite modest production in college, Robinson turned heads with his rare explosiveness. His 40-yard dash time of 4.48 seconds was one of the best among pass rushers weighing over 250 pounds since 2003, making him a serious threat on the edge.
4. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State: Fiske made a statement with his impressive testing numbers, including a 4.78-second 40-yard dash and a 33 ½-inch vertical leap. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield will make him a coveted prospect for teams looking to bolster their interior defense.
5. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: Mitchell put to rest any doubts about his ability to compete against faster and stronger receivers with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, the second-best among cornerbacks. His smooth performance during drills solidified his status as a potential first-round pick.
Other notable winners include Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville, Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State, Max Melton, CB, Rutgers, Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State, and Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee. These prospects showcased their exceptional athleticism and potential to make an impact at the next level.
Top Losers:
1. Kalen King, CB, Penn State: King’s underwhelming performance at the combine raised concerns about his ability to keep up with receivers downfield. His 4.61-second 40-yard dash will likely hurt his draft stock, making it difficult for him to land on Day 2.
2. Bralen Trice, DE, Washington: Trice’s role in the NFL became unclear after he showed up at the combine weighing 245 pounds, down nearly 30 from his listed weight in college. His pedestrian 40-yard dash time of 4.72 seconds might not be enough to impress teams looking for more dynamic edge rushers.
3. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (Fla.): Despite his impressive coverage skills and ball-hawking ability, Kinchens’ lackluster performance at the combine, including a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, might limit his potential to fit into certain defensive schemes.
4. Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (Fla.): Taylor failed to make a significant impact during testing and drills, raising questions about his potential at the next level. His disappointing three-cone drill time of 7.81 seconds further dampened his draft stock.
5. Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon: Irving’s overall subpar testing results, including a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, might hinder his chances of being selected early in the draft. He will likely need to find a team that can utilize his elusiveness and football IQ effectively.
6. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon: Franklin’s inconsistent performance during drills and lack of refinement compared to his competition could impact his draft position in a deep class of wide receivers.
While the combine is just one piece of the puzzle, it provides valuable insights into a player’s athleticism and potential. As the draft approaches, teams will carefully consider the performances from the scouting combine along with other factors to make their selections. The winners and losers from this year’s combine have certainly made their mark, and it will be exciting to see how their journeys unfold in the NFL.
