While most concentrate on forty times and bench press results at the combine its the medicals and interviews which are that two most important categories this week. Medicals can break a prospect while the interview process is critical. Several well named prospects are about to find that out.
While I gushed over the performance of
Carl Davis during the Senior Bowl, and justifiably so, sources tell me the defensive lineman will be asked hard questions at the combine surrounding his pedestrian production and the belief he occasionally took plays off. This should come as no surprise as I listed Davis as a
Week Four Slider because of poor production. The answers scouts receive could determine whether or not Davis lands in the first round. Does a team overlook poor production in favor of dominant skills and potential? Or does inconsistent play raise red flags?
Talking about medicals, I’m told team doctors at the combine will closely inspect
Bryce Petty’s back as there has been some concern surrounding previous issues.
Right now I’m told there’s a wide opinion on where
Jay Ajayi ranks amongst ball carriers. Some teams grade the Boise State junior as the second or third rated running back on their board while others have him listed as low as the eight or ninth back. For the record Ajayi is our third rated
running back.
Trae Waynes looks like a physical beast on the field and he’ll have a chance to prove as much come Sunday. I’m told Waynes has been running in the 4.3’s during training and could complete more than 20 reps on the bench press. The only cornerbacks to complete more than 20 reps last year included Jaylen Watkins (22) and Keith Reaser (22).
On paper this looks to be one of the best running back draft’s in a long time but will the ball carriers slip through the cracks come late April? A number of people tell me the rich crop of veteran backs available in free agency next month, many who won’t command high salaries, could result in a few of the 2nd/3rd/4th round backs sliding deeper into the draft than many suspect.
