Combine Day 2: Cornerbacks, Safeties, and Tight Ends
The NFL Combine is where dreams take shape, and Day 2 certainly delivered some intriguing narratives, especially for those with an eye on the Patriots' future. Let's dive into the performances that caught our attention.
Cornerbacks:
It was a day of mixed emotions for cornerback hopefuls. Surprisingly, none managed to break the 7.00 mark in the 3-cone drill, a key measure of agility and change of direction. Only five players participated, leaving scouts wanting more.
- Daylen Everette (Georgia): Clocking in a blazing 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, Everette's athleticism is undeniable. Standing at 6'1" and 196 lbs, his physical attributes might compensate for what's been described as mediocre tape.
- Chandler Rivers (Duke): With a 4.4 40-yard dash, Rivers shows promise as a solid defensive back. However, at 5'9 1/2", his height might keep him in the Day 2 draft conversation.
- Chris Johnson (San Diego State): Matching Rivers with a 4.4, Johnson proved he has the speed to compete at 6'0" and 193 lbs.
- Charles Demmings (Stephen F. Austin): Demmings turned heads with a 4.41 40-yard dash and a 42" vertical. His Relative Athletic Score of 9.97 out of 10 is a testament to his potential, ranking him among the top since 1987.
- Deangelo Ponds (Indiana): Known as a slot corner, Ponds impressed with a 43.5" vertical, though he didn't run the 40.
- Tacario Davis (Washington): At 6'4", Davis is a big cornerback who tested well with a 4.41 40-yard dash and a 37" vertical.
Safeties:
This year's safety class is one for the books, and with the Patriots potentially in the market, the depth here could be pivotal.
- Dillon Thieneman (Oregon): A true ballhawk, Thieneman posted a 4.35 40 and a 41" vertical. His college career included 10 interceptions, showcasing his knack for playmaking.
- Lorenzo Styles (Ohio State): Clocking a blistering 4.27 40-yard dash, Styles is a converted wide receiver still finding his footing as a safety.
- Robert Spears-Johnson (Oklahoma): With a 4.32 40 and excellent size at 6'2", Spears-Johnson is a player the Patriots might want to keep an eye on.
- Bud Clark (TCU): Known for his makeup speed, Clark ran a 4.41 40 and showed impressive athleticism with a 38" vertical.
- Genesis Smith (Arizona): Though he didn't run, Smith's 42.5" vertical and 10'8" broad jump highlight his explosive potential.
- VJ Payne (Kansas State): A relative unknown, Payne's 4.4 40 and long arms are sure to have scouts revisiting his game tape.
Tight Ends:
Speed was the name of the game for tight ends, and this group did not disappoint, especially for a team like the Patriots, who might be looking to bolster this position.
- Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon): Sadiq shattered records with a 4.39 40, making him a likely first-round pick. His athleticism is unmatched in Combine history for a tight end.
- Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt): The former QB turned tight end ran a 4.5 40 and showed off a 45.5" vertical. His ability to gain yards after the catch makes him a tantalizing red zone threat.
- RJ Maryland (SMU): With a 4.51 40, Maryland, the son of former No. 1 overall pick Russell Maryland, is an intriguing prospect.
- Dallen Bentley (Utah): Known for his reliability, Bentley's 4.62 40 and blocking skills could make him a valuable Day 3 pick.
- Sam Roush (Stanford): Roush, who ran a 4.7 40, is the draft's best in-line blocker but needs to address issues with drops.
- Marlin Klein (Michigan): Klein looked smooth in drills and offers solid blocking at 6'6".
- Tanner Koziol (Houston): At 6'6.5", Koziol's size and route-running ability make him an appealing red zone target.
The Combine continues to offer insights into the next generation of NFL talent, and with the Patriots potentially looking to fill key positions, these performances could shape their draft strategy.