The second day of the NFL Scouting Combine was a spectacle, especially for Cowboys fans who had their sights set on the defensive backs. With tight ends and defensive backs showcasing their skills, let's dive into who stood out and who struggled.
Risers:
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Everette put on a clinic as an outside corner, clocking a swift 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and leaping 37½ inches in the vertical. His 9.92 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) reflects his prowess.
On the field, Everette was smooth, agile, and showed impressive catch extension during drills. His athleticism wasn't just for show; he looked ready to handle NFL-level coverage with ease.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Johnson's performance was the talk of the day, especially coming from a smaller program. With a 4.40 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, he was the cleanest mover in drills.
His backpedal and transitions were sharp, showcasing the skills of a reliable every-down corner. Despite a few double-catches, his control and movement were standout.
Toriano Pride Jr., CB, Missouri
Pride Jr. turned heads with a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash, a 37½-inch vertical, and a 10’8” broad jump. His competitiveness shone through, especially after overcoming early hiccups to finish strong. Teams value players who can adapt quickly, and Pride Jr. showed he's capable of just that.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Sadiq's measurements silenced any critics, and his explosive testing numbers were off the charts. With a 4.39 40-yard dash, a 43½-inch vertical, and an 11’1” broad jump, he demonstrated his athleticism. Though he skipped catching drills due to past drops, his pro day will be crucial to showcase his hands and solidify his draft stock.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Cowboys fans should keep an eye on Thieneman, who delivered a stellar safety workout. His 9.67 RAS was bolstered by a 41-inch vertical, a 10’5” broad jump, and a 4.35 40-yard dash. On the field, his change-of-direction skills and clean hands were evident, making him a formidable prospect.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Ponds' combine performance explained his impressive tape. Despite being undersized at just under 5’9” and 182 pounds, his 43½-inch vertical led all corners. His explosiveness and movement make him a valuable role player, beyond just a college success story.
Fallers:
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
While Igbinosun's measurements were promising, his workout didn't match up. With a 34-inch vertical and a 10-inch broad jump, he struggled in drills, showing stiff hips and difficulty adjusting to the ball. These are critical issues that could be problematic at the NFL level.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
McNeil-Warren's day was solid but unspectacular. His 4.52 40-yard dash, 35½-inch vertical, and 10’2” broad jump were decent but failed to stand out. In drills, he was fine but didn't separate himself, with a few unfinished plays that could hurt his ranking among scouts.
Kitselman, TE
Kitselman had a tough day, with a low 5.83 RAS. His 4.90 40-yard dash and subpar jumps didn't help his case. In drills, he appeared labored and struggled with clean catches, which might shift him from a potential draft pick to a camp hopeful.
As the Combine continues, these performances will weigh heavily on draft considerations, with some players solidifying their status while others face an uphill battle.