This week, 324 draft prospects will descend on Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. They will spend the next few days undergoing medical evaluations, attending interviews, and performing on-field drills.
Every year there are a number of players who see their draft stock skyrocket off the back of their performance at the Combine. Here are 10 players with the most to gain this year.
Leo Chenal – LB, Wisconsin
Chenal currently sets at No. 89 on the Consensus Big Board, but could go far higher than that if he tests as expected. His reported numbers are excellent across the board. Chenal can bench press 420 lbs and power cleans 385 lbs and has a legitimate chance to break the linebacker bench press record of 41 reps. His 4.00 short shuttle time would also put him in the 97th percentile at the position, despite weighing 255 lbs.
Tariq Woolen – CB, UTSA
Teams love speed and Woolen has plenty of it. A former wide receiver, he converted to cornerback at UTSA. He offers great size at 6’3″ and 205 lbs with 33.5″ arms. He also reportedly runs a sub 4.3 40-yard dash and is targeting over 11ft in the broad jump. Woolen was the fastest player recorded in Senior Bowl history, and if he can come close to hitting a 4.2 40-yard dash he will make waves.
Travon Walker – EDGE, Georgia
Walker has been getting more hype as the draft process has progressed and for good reason. He has earned comparisons to Rashan Gary for his versatility and combination of size and athleticism. Walker is able to win from anywhere on the defensive line and has even showed he can drop back into coverage. If he tests anything like Gary – who ran a 4.58 40 at 277 lbs, then he could end up as a top ten pick.
Troy Andersen – LB, Montana State
Andersen was one of the standout performers at the Senior Bowl and could continue his ascent up draft boards with a strong Combine. A former quarterback and running back, Andersen’s sideline-to-sideline quickness shows up on tape. There are obvious concerns about the level of competition he faced at Montana State, but if he can test as some expect – a 4.56 40 at 242 lbs – he may go as high as the top 50.
Devonte Wyatt – IDL, Georgia
Travon Walker isn’t the only Georgia defensive lineman to watch at the Combine. Wyatt has been rising up draft boards ever since his strong showing at the Senior Bowl and could jump even further with a good Combine. Wyatt has rare movement skills for a defensive tackle and should translate well to the NFL. If he can translate his on-field speed to the Combine drills, he could easily be the first defensive tackle off the board.
Daniel Faalele – OT, Minnesota
At 6’8″ and 387 lbs, Faalele will be the heaviest offensive tackle to appear at the Combine in over two decades. Everybody already knows about his imposing size and power profile, but the big question is going to be how he tests. At his size, Faalele is never going to break any records, but if he can put up solid athletic numbers his combination of traits could see him in the first round mix.
Dameon Pierce – RB, Florida
Pierce is currently ranked 95th on the Consensus Big Board, but he could be a big riser from the Combine. A Feldman’s Freaks List member, Pierce already has an NFL running back build at 5’9″ and 220 lbs. He also reportedly has just 6% body fat, which is less than players like Aaron Donald. He’s well known for his production in the weight room, but the 40-yard dash will be the one to watch. Pierce has reportedly clocked a 4.50, which would be a rare feat for a player his size.
Christian Watson – WR, North Dakota State
Watson made a name for himself as an elite deep threat at the FCS level during his time at NDSU. He was then one of the biggest winners at the Senior Bowl, showing he could cut it with higher level competition in the one-on-ones. The only question left to answer is just how well he can test. Watson can reportedly run a 4.4 40-yard dash at 6’3″ and 211 lbs. If he can back that up this week, he might even find himself in the first round conversation.
Kingsley Enagbare – EDGE, South Carolina
Enagbare enters the draft with an impressive record of production in college football. He possesses outstanding length and has a versatile set of pass rushing moves. The big question is over his athleticism. He doesn’t look to have much in the way of burst, and isn’t overly bendy. The Combine is a chance to answer those questions. A good performance in the agility drills will go a long way to improving his stock.
Boye Mafe – EDGE, Minnesota
Another edge rusher with plenty to gain this week is Mafe. He flashed his potential during his time at Minnesota, but the real appeal will be his collection of traits. Mafe stands at 6’3″ and 255 lbs and can reportedly power clean 400 lbs. He is incredibly explosive too and could legitimately post a 40+ inch vertical and a sub 4.6 40-yard dash. If he gets anywhere close to hitting those numbers you can expect his stock to skyrocket.
