The first day of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine witnessed a flurry of activities, particularly highlighting the defensive linemen and linebackers. Here’s a breakdown of players who either surged or stumbled in the eyes of scouts:
Stock up:
- Braden Fiske (Florida State, DT): Impressed with a 4.78-second 40-yard dash and remarkable agility, although slight concerns lingered about his weight and arm length.
- Jalyx Hunt (Houston Christian University, Edge): Positioned himself as a potential Day 2 selection with solid physical attributes and smooth movements during drills.
- Byron Murphy II (Texas, DT): His impressive 40-yard dash at 297 pounds and agility in drills could push him into consideration for early draft selections.
- Chop Robinson (Penn State, Edge): Displayed athleticism with a noteworthy 4.48-second 40-yard dash, signaling versatility as an edge rusher.
- T’Vondre Sweat (Texas, DT): Despite his hefty frame, impressed with a 5.27-second 40-yard dash and showcased flexibility during drills.
- Dallas Turner (Alabama, Edge): Stood out with an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash and exceptional vertical jump, cementing his status as a top prospect.
Stock down:
- Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State, LB): Opted out of the 40-yard dash and failed to dispel concerns about his athleticism during drills, potentially affecting his draft stock.
- Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois, DT): Unable to participate due to injury recovery, placing significant pressure on his pro day performance to validate his first-round potential.
- Darius Robinson (Missouri, Edge): Despite flashes of explosiveness, underwhelmed with a slower 40-yard dash time and average performance in agility drills.
- Bralen Trice (Washington, Edge): Discrepancies in weight and underwhelming performance in drills, compounded by a quad injury, may have diminished his draft prospects.
As the combine progresses, these assessments will likely play a pivotal role in shaping teams’ draft strategies and player evaluations.
