Hello all,
Today at the NFL Combine, the defensive linemen and the linebackers participated in the combine’s workouts and drills. For the past few days, we at The Baltimore Feather have been reviewing the top performers of the day, and outlining the impact that each player’s performance will have on them as a prospect and their draft stock. Today and tomorrow we will continue this pattern, as tomorrow is the last day of the NFL combine.
Myles Garrett – DE – Texas A&M – Top Performer
Myles Garret is considered by many as the top prospect in this year’s draft, and there is a lot of talk of him going as the first prospect off the board. Garrett needed to have a decent day to just solidify his spot in the draft, and he did more than that. Garrett ran an outstanding 4.64 second 40 yard dash, which is very impressive for a 6’4″ 274 pound defensive end. He also did 33 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press, tied for second best among defensive linemen. Garrett had the best vertical jump of all defensive linemen at an astonishing 41 inches, and was tied for the second best broad jump of all defensive linemen at 128 inches. Garrett today showed why he is considered the best prospect, and will likely go as the first overall selection.
Haason Reddick – DE – Temple – Top Performer
There just seems to be something about these Temple defenders. Last year the Ravens drafted Temple CB Tavon Young in the fourth round. This year, Haason Reddick, the 6’1″ 237 pound defensive end, has a chance to make it to Baltimore. Unfortunatly, Reddick is overshadowed by some of the more flashy ends like Myles Garrett and Jonathan Allen. Reddick had an outstanding combine performance today, impressing many scouts. He ran the fastest 40 yard dash out of all defensive linemen at 4.52 seconds, tied for the third best vertical jump at 36.5 inches, and the best broad jump of all defensive linemen at 133 inches. He also followed up these top performances with some other solid performances. He did 24 reps of the 225 pound bench press, a 7.01 second 3 cone drill, and a 4.37 second 20 yard shuttle. His top notch showing today will increase his draft stock, and it will be interesting to see if he joins his fellow Temple Owl Tavon Young in Baltimore.
Jabrill Peppers – LB – Michigan – Top Performer
Peppers is one of the most intriguing players in the draft, as he is extremely versatile. We did a prospect review on Peppers, which you can find here if you want to learn more about him. Peppers is typically a safety, but played linebacker to help his team, Michigan, last season. Peppers also got time at running back and kick returner. For Peppers, his main goal of the combine is to show scouts and coaches that he can play anywhere they want to put him. He sure helped his case today. Peppers ran a 4.46 second 40 yard dash, which is the best of all the linebackers. Peppers also posted a fourth best vertical jump at 35.5 inches, and a tied for first best broad jump at 128 inches. Peppers also did 19 reps of the 225 pound bench press. Peppers showed everyone that he has the potential to become a top defender in the league. He will also work out with the defensive backs tomorrow as a safety.
T.J. Watt – LB – Wisconsin – Top Performer
T.J. Watt, if you cannot tell by the last name, is the younger brother of the NFL superstar pass rusher J.J. Watt. Like his brother, T.J. Watt walked on as a tight end to the University of Wisconsin, and transformed into a premier defensive player. Watt is 6’4″, 252 pounds, and was a top performer today at the combine. Watt ran for an impressive 4.69 second 40 yard dash, and did 21 reps at the 225 pound bench press. Most impressively, however, were his vertical and broad jumps. He totaled a tied for second best vertical jump at 37 inches, and a tied for first best with the aforementioned Jabrill Peppers for best broad jump at 128 inches. Watt is looking to follow in the footsteps of his brother, and his performance today increased his draft stock.
