Hello all,
Today was the last day of the NFL Combine, as the defensive backs participated in the combine’s workouts and drills. For our final Daily Combine Review, we will examine the performances of the best defensive backs, and outline the impact of their performances on their draft stock.
Obi Melifonwu – S – Connecticut – Top Performer
With probably the best performance today at the combine, Obi Melifonwu improved his draft stock drastically. The Connecticut product has been overshadowed by many of the more flashy safeties like Jabrill Peppers of Michigan and Malik Hooker of Ohio State. Melifonwu’s flashy day started with his 4.40 second 40 yard dash, better than Pepper’s 4.46 second 40 yard dash. Melifonwu also had an outstanding 44.0 inch vertical jump and a 141.0 inch broad jump, the best for all defensive backs and safeties today. He also did 17 reps on the 225 pound bench press. Melinfonwu also impressed during the numerous defensive back drills on the field, and drew praise from many.
Jalen Myrick – CB – Minnesota – Top Performer
For the most part, Myrick had a decent day at the NFL Combine. He jumped vertically for 37.5 inches, had 124.0 inches on his broad jump, and did 13 reps of 225 pounds at the bench press drill. He also posted a 7.06 second 3 cone drill, and a 4.22 20 yard shuttle. His most impressive feat of the day, however, was his booming fast 40 yard dash, which he clocked in at 4.28 seconds. One of the most important things for a cornerback in the NFL, and for most other positions, is speed, and Myrick showed that his speed is blazing fast. This defiantly will increase his draft stock to many teams.
Marcus Williams – S – Utah – Top Performer
Marcus Williams, the 6’1″ 202 pound safety from Utah, is another player who has been overlooked in the draft discussion so far. His impressive day at the combine, however, may change that. His most impressive feats of the day were his second best 43.5 inch vertical jump, and his 129.0 inch broad jump. Basically, this man can jump, which would help him at interceptions and pass deflections. He also posted a solid 4.56 second 40 yard dash, a 6.85 second 3 cone drill, a 4.20 second 20 yard shuttle, and an 11.26 second 60 yard shuttle, coupled with 14 reps of the 225 pound bench press.
Marshon Lattimore – CB – Ohio State – Top Performer
Marshon Lattimore is one of the better cornerbacks coming out in this year’s draft. The only thing he needed to do was have a decent day to keep the scouts and coaches impressed. Despite his modest needs, he went above and beyond, being a top performer in all of the drills he participated in. His 4.36 second 40 yard dash was the third best time among a fast defensive back class. He also posted a 38.5 inch vertical jump and a 132.0 inch broad jump. Lattimore can play, and he showed off his measurable skills today at the combine. This should raise his draft stock, although it was already high to begin with it.
Rich Eisen – NFL Commentator and Host – Michigan – Top Performer
Rich Eisen is not a draft prospect, but he deserves a Top Performer spot for his 6.02 second 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine today. If you don’t know, Rich Eisen is an NFL commentator and show host, and runs the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine to benefit Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He collects sponsors who donate money to St. Jude, and the NFL is also donating $1 up to $25,000 for every tweet with the hashtags #RunRichRun and #StJude. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is free for all of the families of the children, so no family has to pay for their child’s treatment. The Hospital focuses on children with diseases, especially cancer. We at The Baltimore Feather encourage all of our readers to participate in the campaign, and raise money for a noble cause.
