The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine Official Preview

The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine is almost here! NFL Draft season is one of my favorite things that this earth provides. Before the combine begins, I think it’s always good to set expectations. What do I expect player C to run, perform, move, weight, etc. Some players, I really have no idea what to expect which creates the perfect questions. What are the biggest questions heading into the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine?

What Quarterback will emerge?

There’s three quarterbacks in my mind that stand above the rest. Drew Lock, Kyler Murray, and Dwayne Haskins (In no specific order). I like all of them but I don’t love any of them either. It’s why I was so critical of the Giants for taking Saquon Barkley a year ago. What are the Giants going to pass on a quarterback again?

Drew Lock looked good at the Senior Bowl. He’s an interesting arm talent that I’m way higher on then everyone else. Dwayne Haskins had games where he blew me away and games where he looked lost like at Penn State. Kyler Murray’s performance against Alabama was concerning. I love the traits but the height is a concern. Especially when he can just go to baseball in 3 years or so if he really wanted to. This is the toughest quarterback class to evaluate in my life.

I want one of those three guys to steal the show. I want to see them all throw and I want to see darts. That’s all I’m asking for. Good footwork and accuracy. Which one can stand above the rest. At this moment, I’m not sure how you take any of them with 100 percent confidence. That’s what this process is all about.

Why do I not LOVE ANY Running backs?

It’s a weak tailback class. It just is. I’ve seen mocks out there where Josh Jacobs is a top 5 pick. In what world is that mildly accurate? What has Jacobs done to even warrant a first round pick? There were times I wasn’t sure whether he was Alabama’s best or worst running back. That just goes to show the crazy town nature of this year’s running back class.

Here are some questions I could conjure up. How fast in Benny Snell? I think he might be a 4.6 or even 4.7 guy. That will hurt his stock. Is Devin Singletary a short running back or a small running back? There’s a big difference and if it’s the latter, you can just cross him off the board. How quick is Elijah Holyfield? I’m expecting him to be powerful but how quick is he in and out of breaks? I hope he’s not just another Semaje Perine and shows much more.

What’s the deal with A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf

Is A.J. Brown closer to Alshon Jeffery or Laquon Treadwell? The reality is that you’re probably getting one of those versions with Brown and his 40 time may end up telling the story. I’m not expecting a great time. D.K. Metcalf has zero on field production but looks like Hercules. What’s the deal? Is he just a workout warrior and a bad football player or is this just a sign of future success? I’m expecting eye popping numbers from a 6-foot-4 wideout.

Keep an eye of the speed of J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. He’s a jump ball receiver. He better to be able to run a little because that trash isn’t getting him too far in the NFL.

I want to put money on Deebo Samuel rocking the gauntlet drill. I’m so excited to see that.

Who the hell is T.J. Hockenson?

I have to be honest. I had no idea who T.J. Hockenson was until I kept seeing his name in first round mocks. Where did this dude come from? I always had the impression that Noah Fant was the Iowa tight end to watch but apparently that isn’t the case. I’m serious. No idea who the guy is. I saw maybe 10 minutes of Iowa all year and Fant was the guy who made the plays. I’m not doubting Hockenson either because George Kittle f*cks. He’s just going to have to blow my pants off to put him ahead of Irv Smith. The Alabama product is the best draftable tight end prospect I’ve seen ever.

It’s a Tackle class worth monitoring

There are actually some left tackles I like this year. That’s been a rarity. Jonah Williams from Alabama is just so good. He’s just one of those left tackles that should start every Sunday. I want to know how long he is. I think the thing that maybe separates him from becoming elite is his length. I didn’t see freakish length when I saw him but I could be wrong.

Is Greg Little tough? He’s not Laremy Tunsil. That’s obvious, but Little has talent. The tools are all there. I just saw a guy who needs to get nastier. I want to see him get rough in the drills.

Can Dalton Risner bench 225 for 10 reps? I’m not sure that he can after what I saw at the Senior Bowl.

The Defensive Line is the heart of this draft

I could go on for days here. You’re going to find starters in round 4. That’s how many pass rushers and defensive lineman deserve high praise. Keep an eye on Jachai Polite’s 10 yard split time. I don’t think I saw a faster first step than Polite last year. Pass rushing moves for days and he jumps off the ball. Even if he doesn’t run a super fast time, I think Polite’s first step will catch some attention.

Where is the hype for Ed Oliver? If he doesn’t play at Houston, we’re all over Oliver. He’s a great prospect that’s getting no love. Doubled on every snap and just made plays. Total freak show. I’m expecting greatness.

Who’s going to stand out at the bench? What about the vert and broad jumps? It’s all about explosion. Christian Wilkins is a guy I want to see.

Check the Boxes for Devin White

Every year I keep a list of 3-10 guys in every draft that I need to have. I’m not leaving the draft room without Devin White on my team. The combine is all about checking boxes. Fast? Check. Coverage skills? Check. Ask any question you want. Devin White can do everything and everything at an elite level. I love Roquan Smith last year and I think Devin White is even better than him.

2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practices: Day 3 South Team Notes

Defensive Back Questions

How fast is Deandre Baker? I hope he runs 4.5. I see a much better football player than a pure athlete and that’s more than okay. What’s the deal with Greedy Williams? Is he really that good? Truly don’t know if he’s better than Kristian Fulton. Which safety is going to show that he can move in the slot?