Which Combine Drill is Most Important For Texas Draft Hopefuls?

1 hour ago, CJ Vogel said:

The on-field tests at the 2024 NFL Combine begin on Thursday, meaning it is time to make some money for the Texas draft hopefuls in attendance.

As we know, there will be 11 Longhorns in Indianapolis this weekend to perform in front of NFL Scouts and Executives. With less than two months from the NFL Draft, the Combine poses as one last master interview opportunity before Pro Days. More specifically, which one drill means the most for each of the Texas combine attendees?

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RB Jonathon Brooks – Interviews

Brooks is still recovering from his ACL injury and won't be participating in on-field drills unfortunately.

RB Keilan Robinson – 40-yard Dash

The Combine is a great chance for Robinson to put some big testing numbers on paper here. While I find it a bit of a climb to get into the Draft, Robinson has plenty of tape here to suggest he can make a roster from a special teams perspective.

WR Adonai Mitchell – 40-yard Dash

If AD Mitchell can put a low 4.5 of 4.4 time together at the combine, he will be a first round pick. He has the hands and the tape to put his name in the mix already, an elite 40 will put him over the top and into the first round.

WR Xavier Worthy – WR Gauntlet

We know Worthy is going to test well in the 40 and there will be good enough times in the agility stations. It is time for Worthy to silence doubters about his hands and put on a show in the gauntlet.

WR Jordan Whittington – 20-Yard Shuttle

Not performing at the Senior Bowl means this week gets even more important for J-Whitt. I have no doubt Whittington will perform well in the wide receiver drills with the quarterbacks, but I do wonder how his numbers will stack up testing wise, more so in the short distance and quick agility testing.

TE Ja'Tavion Sanders – Bench Press

Listen, I don't think Sanders has questions surrounding how strong he is, more so with his level of physicality. At the pro level, there must be a balance of production in the run and pass games at the tight end spot and Sanders putting up a big number on the bench can help alleviate those concerns about his willingness as a blocker.

OL Christian Jones – Bench Press

Starting 48 career games at the collegiate level has been huge for Jones' development. With the soccer background, I expect the testing times to be good enough. Question then turns to strength and the bench press can help his case.

DL T'Vondre Sweat – Weigh-in

It feels simple, but Sweat raised some question marks at the senior bowl weekend when he opted against the weigh-in. We know the tape will back up anything else that might be questioned on the field, but right now it is all about getting to a playing weight that NFL scouts feel appropriate.

DL Byron Murphy – 3-Cone Drill

There won't be many question marks with Murphy at the combine. He will put up big numbers on bench and I expect he surprises people in the broad jump. Murphy can really make some money and cement himself in the 1st round with a stellar three-cone drill.

LB Jaylan Ford – 60-yard Shuttle

I had this conversation over the weekend about the comparison of Jaylan Ford to Demarvion Overshown. While Overshown was the more athletic prospect, Ford had a deeper bag of statistics and on-field accomplishments. If Ford can put together any sliver of testing times that mirror that of Overshown, he will be a 3rd-4th round pick to me. Starts with the sideline to sideline speed. 

DB Ryan Watts – 10-Yard split in the 40

I wanted to get a bit more specific for Watts rather than saying just the 40. Of course we know how important showing off the top-end speed will be for Watts at the Combine. He has the analytical numbers that help his case for long distance speed, but the NFL needs quick burst more than anything – especially at DB. 

 

 

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Murphy and Sweat will come down to measurements. Small things like wingspan for Murphy. Weight and interviews for Sweat. I think there is a little bit of "does he love football" that is hurting Sweat.