NFL Combine Day 1 Review
With the NFL Combine Day 1 done, it is safe to say that there is a lot of good talent in the 2022 NFL Draft Class. Although we have several days left, I am going to talk about the players that stood out to me. As you probably know today featured the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Players like Trey McBride and Chris Olave did not make the list due to already having a high draft stock going into this. Now, let’s get right into what you came here for!
Winners
Greg Dulcich
UCLA Tight End Greg Dulcich
Greg Dulcich made a name for himself at the combine today. Dulcich showed that he is a rare blend of speed, and physicality. When running the 40-yard dash, Dulcich was initially clocked at around 4.62s and was then changed to 4.70s. Although his time was significantly slowed down, it is still very impressive. His off-field drills were very impressive, but the on-field drills is what made him standout. I was very impressed by his ability to move the sled with little to no effort. He’s not only an impressive blocker, he also is a very good route runner and can track deep balls easily.
Calvin Austin III
Calvin Austin III was arguably one of the most impressive wide receivers at the combine so far this weekend. Austin was able to separate himself from the rest of the pack by displaying his elite athleticism. To start out the day, his vertical jump was measured at 39.00” and his broad jump was 11’3”. It does not stop there, he also ran a 4.32 40-yard dash. This was the fifth fastest 40-yard dash time for the day. This would be a great result for any receiver, but I should mention that he is 5’8” and 170 lbs.
Now he also did a very good job running routes during the on-field drills. Austin only stands at 5’8”, yet definitely held his own on being able to track deep balls. I should also note that he did a fantastic job of putting his route running and quick feet on display. I mentioned in my article on Austin III that he is very good at keeping the play alive. After seeing Austin III’s performance at the combine, I would take him in the late 2nd to early 3rd. one could say he “Earned a Bag,” today.
Desmond Ridder
Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder runs the 40.
Coming into the NFL Combine I knew that Ridder was a very athletic player. But, I had no idea he would lead the pack in all of the off-field drills. First, I am going to talk about his 40-yard dash time. In both attempts, Ridder ran a 4.5 and then a 4.49 which to put that in perspective is .31 seconds quicker than Patrick Mahomes. We have seen how good Mahomes is at escaping the pocket, imagine how good Ridder could be.
Now I am going to talk about his vertical and broad jump. Ridder’s vertical jump was maxed out at 36.00”, I’ll let that sink in, a 6’4” quarterback can jump 3 feet. Not only is that impressive, Ridder’s broad jump was measured at 10’7”. Although in my report on Ridder I discussed how Ridder is a late 1st round pick. Since then he has fallen towards the mid-2nd round. But, with his performance today, I would strongly consider taking him in the first round. Watch his combine testing here.
Losers
Kaleb Eleby
From when I first watched Eleby’s film, I was never pleased with his athleticism. After watching his performance at the combine, some of my concerns came true. Out of the 8 quarterbacks who participated in the vertical jump, Eleby was the worst by a marginal amount. Eleby’s vertical was maxed out at 25.50” which was 10.50” less than Desmond Ridder. Not only was his vertical very underwhelming, his broad jump also was. Eleby’s broad jump was measured at 9’3” which was the second lowest on the day out of all positions.
Jake Ferguson
Of all of the tight ends who tested at the combine, I did not think I would have put Ferguson here. Coming into the combine, I thought that he would run around a 4.70 40-yard dash time. It is safe to say that I was disappointed when his fastest time was 4.81. Although Ferguson is primarily a receiving tight end, he often lines up on the offensive line. Again, I was very surprised to see that he only completed 15 reps for the bench press. Now when watching the on-field drills, I thought that he redeemed himself slightly. In the end, I still think that some tight ends could jump him due to his lack of athleticism. Ferguson will be a late draft pick for sure after Thursdays performance.
NFL Combine Day 1 Review Analyst-Matthew Lewis.
