There was some frustration with the new combined NFL screening schedule in Indianapolis this week. This has permanently removed some of the key networking hours during the week. However, there was still information to glean. Here are some of the more interesting thoughts that NFL staff have shared.
McKinney at the top of security compared to Delpit
Xavier McKinney of Alabama has established himself as the best safety prospect available in the NFL 2020 draft. His versatility and confidence made the teams in Indianapolis thrill. I believe McKinney has the ability to play the corner corner of the border, but is likely to be deployed in a Minkah Fitzpatrick-esque capacity. McKinney acknowledged that Fitzpatrick is a close friend of his, but has repeatedly said that he models his game on any player.
Opinions vary on the safety of the LSU Grant Delpit. Some are more willing to forgive his tackling problems as he played with a high ankle sprain in 2019. However, one team has suggested that they may have a fourth round score on him. His 2018 tape was significantly better than his last season, which he acknowledged at his press conference earlier this week.
The NFL combination is over, so who were the biggest winners and losers? Ryan Wilson joins Will Brinson to decompose everything, assess the first post-combined mock draft and more. Listen below and be sure to subscribe to the daily goodness of the NFL.
Hunt an offensive sleeper online
Robert Hunt of Louisiana was asleep as a prospect. He could withstand an attacking tackle in the NFL. However – and one team agreed with this assessment – he could be a truly special guard with his body and movement skills. An NFL team was able to watch him participate in the second round, but no later than the third.
Cal’s Davis could participate in the second round
California safety Ashtyn Davis was considered the second best safety due to his high IQ and track history. He needs to improve his tackle, but there is a legitimate conversation for him in the second round. Antoine Winfield of Minnesota made a strong impression this weekend when he had the opportunity to take the field.
Could Dugger and Chinn switch to LB?
-Kenyle Dugger from Lenoir-Rhyne looked more like a linebacker than security for me. One team admitted that they didn’t like it for safety, but its size and weight can be problematic for a linebacker move. Jeremy Chinn of southern Illinois was also mentioned as a candidate for linebacker. He was 6 feet 3 inches 221 pounds, which was the second largest after Tanner Muse of Clemson only. Muse has spent some time as a linebacker in college and will likely be asked to do the same in the NFL. (Note: These conversations took place before the three took place and went well on Sunday. The negative outlook since then may have abated.)
More notes from the combine:
- Listeners to the Pick Six Podcast – CBS Sports’ daily podcast in the NFL, be sure to subscribe – may remember that I said that Justin Jefferson of LSU was moving to the front of the second group of receivers large – behind CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma and Jerry Jeudy of Alabama and Henry Ruggs III. Jefferson cemented himself in this discussion with a solid combination performance. He will overtake Clemson’s Tees Higgins slightly in my next ranking update.
- The consensus was that Tristan Wirfs of Iowa and Mekhi Becton of Louisville would host a show for spectators this week. Both did. Wirfs’ 4.85 in the 40-meter dash defies physics. The most assisted linesman is Ezra Cleveland of Boise State. He performed well in each exercise. Cleveland was a soft-spoken podium player, but his fieldwork spoke for itself. His film from the past two seasons will not disappoint you.
- Earlier this week, I distinguished Cam Akers and Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones as a couple of skillful players who could impress and elevate themselves. Akers has certainly improved its stock. He joined the upper tier of running backs which should be won on day 2. Peoples-Jones was also very impressive. He almost jumped out of the building after running a 4.48-for-40-yard dash.