NFL Combine: Day Six, Tuesday, February 27th

Tuesday signaled the final day of on-the-field work at the NFL Combine. The defensive back invitees took the field to workout and try to impress scouts and coaches. The final day of drills was not without it’s share of news.

Tuesday’s Standouts:

Arkansas’ Chris Houston received much recognition at the college level because he was able to shutdown some of the best receivers. His numbers as a package were very strong, including a group best 4.32 40-yard dash, a 4.12 20-yard shuttle, and a 10’2” broad jump. Add in his 27 reps at 225 on Monday, and Houston may have secured a spot as the top player at his position. There are one or two others that will be considered for the top corner spot in the draft, but Houston will be right in the mix.

LSU safety Laron Landry didn’t have much room to improve his stock as it was, but on Tuesday he did everything he could to move up. He had a decent 37.5” vertical jump and a 10’3” broad jump, but he made sure that he would hold his position as the top safety on many boards by clocking a 4.35 40-yard time. Landry could be taken in the top ten.

Eric Wright, the former USC player who transferred to UNLV, had a Tuesday that has teams taking notice. His 4.36 time in the 40-yard dash was impressive, and while his size and explosive ability may not be ideal, his agility shined on the field. He looked smooth during all drills, and was one of the most consistent performers on the day. Wright may have bumped his position considerably.

There were plenty of other successes—and non-successes—on the day.

Cornerback Notes:

Leon Hall, a Michigan star, posted a nice 4.39 time for his 40. Hall had a strong showing and is certainly in the group of top five players at his position. His physical build combined with his agility and quickness will make him a first round selection, and he could be the third or fourth best corner on several boards, and higher on many others.

Clemson’s C.J. Gaddis had a good Tuesday, and his 40 time of 4.45 was decent enough to keep him among the better players at his position in the draft. The cornerback spot is deep, and Gaddis’ stock is difficult to gauge, but he benefited from the Combine more than suffered from it.

Jonathan Wade’s stock could be on the rise. The Tennessee Volunteer ran a 4.38 in the 40 and followed it up with a 40.5” vertical jump. His athleticism might make him an appealing option.

South Carolina’s Fred Bennett had an impressive day. He ran a solid 40 at 4.46, had a nice vertical jump of 38.5”, and had one of the best broad jumps with a 10’5” leap. Bennett’s showing will improve his draft position.

Daymeion Hughes will drop on some boards after his stay at the Combine. The California kid benched just 16 reps at 225 on Monday, and then followed it up with a slow time of 4.68 for his 40. He’ll still likely be a day one pick, but he may slide down.

While Fresno State’s Marcus McCauley may have had a disappointing finish to his college career, teams may figure that there is still a lot of talent to be had in him. His 4.39 time in the 40 was a significant victory for his draft stock. He further displayed his quickness—and agility—with a 4.17 20-yard shuttle and a 6.61 time in the 3-cone drill. McCauley is going to move up some boards.

Aaron Ross of Texas ran a 4.47 time in the 40, and had a solid day overall. Ross didn’t hurt or help his stock much, and he is one of the better cornerbacks available.

Kenny Scott, a Georgia Tech product, ran a fast 4.39 40 and posted a 40” vertical jump. His rep total of 10 was low, and he may not be among the top players at his position, but his athleticism will get him drafted.

Josh Wilson of Maryland ran a strong 4.35 40-yard dash and also looked good during drills. He helped his case on many boards.

Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh’s highly regarded cornerback, opted out of workouts, and will strut his stuff during his private pro-day.

Safety Notes:

Sabby Piscitelli, an Oregon State talent, had one of the better days among safeties. His 3.9 20-yard shuttle time was the best on the day and he was the only player in his group to clock in under four seconds. He looked above average during drills and likely helped his cause. He may easily be a first-day talent.

Michael Griffin (Texas) won’t jump much on boards, but his 4.45 time in the 40 and his quick 4.1 20-yard shuttle means that he will be one of the top players taken at his position.

Florida’s Reggie Nelson ran a 4.53 and a 4.48 for his 40-yard dash, and although he didn’t display elite speed, he probably won’t be hurt because of his college production.

Brandon Meriweather of Miami ran a 4.47, a respectable time, and he had an okay day. He didn’t standout during the day, but won’t hurt his stock much, if at all.

Daren Stone of Maine receives mention for his Combine high broad jump of 11’0”.

40-yard dash - Defensive Backs