Tag: 2022 NFL Combine

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to skip NFL combine appearance due to ‘medical issue’

The 79-year-old “is going to be fine,” but won’t appear in Indianapolis during a week when the team is surrounded by questions. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Jerry Jones’s lengthy sit-down with select Dallas media members on the Cowboys’ massive team-branded tour bus, parked streetside in Indianapolis, has become one of the mainstays of the NFL scouting combine. Never one to shy away from a hot mic, the billionaire owner typically opens up the floor and covers a wide range of topics with his quirky wit, making his combine presser a headline event, even with a who’s who of the entire league milling around the Circle City.

But not this year, for reasons that are, oddly enough for the Cowboys, vague and unspecified.

Jones, 79, will not be speaking with reporters at this year’s combine due to a “medical issue,” according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.

Jerry’s son Stephen is the team’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. He handled the task of speaking with the media on Monday as team personnel and over 300 college prospects were just descending on the Indiana capital for the combine.

Jerry last made news on February 25, when he made his first on-the-record comments regarding the Rich Dalrymple voyeurism scandal that surfaced last month. Speaking one-on-one with a Dallas NBC reporter, Jones maintained that it was “in the best interest of the organization” to come to a confidential $2.4 million settlement with four cheerleaders after the ex-PR man was accused of spying on them in a changing room.

Prior to that, Jones made an unscheduled call-in to a Dallas radio station on January 28 in an attempt to clear the air about his team’s coaching staff. He gave a rather convoluted explanation of the silence that was then surrounding head coach Mike McCarthy’s future, saying it was all part of a master plan to keep defensive coordinator Dan Quinn on the payroll.

That Jones took heat for his tone in both interviews certainly comes to mind upon the revelation that he will now opt out of speaking to a room full of journalists this week in Indianapolis. Both aforementioned topics have already come up for other Cowboys representatives in recent days.

On Monday, Stephen Jones was asked about ESPN’s report on the cheerleader settlement; he responded by saying, “I think Jerry has addressed it, and I really don’t have anything to add.”

And during a Tuesday press conference, McCarthy was asked about the rumors of Sean Payton waiting in the wings to be the next Cowboys coach. McCarthy told media members, “It’s a narrative I don’t want to be a part of.”

Jones himself apparently won’t be facing direct questions about either of those items- or any other Cowboys topics, for that matter- this week at the combine.

While it’s not known what the medical issue is that’s preventing Jerry Jones from addressing reporters in Indianapolis, ESPN notes that he was present at a Wednesday news conference promoting an upcoming boxing event at AT&T Stadium.

Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News and Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram both report that Jones is also working on some unknown project with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that is keeping him from making his usual combine appearance.

Stephen Jones tells Hill that his father “is going to be fine.”

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The wide receivers who ran slow at the NFL Combine (and still had pretty good careers)

Who ran slow at the Combine and turned into a great NFL receiver regardless?

Speed plays an outsized role in assessing an NFL prospect. This is especially true when it comes to wide receivers.

Several pass-catchers have seen their fortunes rise and fall thanks to their 40-yard dash times. For some, a stunning number can set unfair expectations. For others, a slower-than-expected 40 can cost them millions of dollars when their draft stock slides accordingly.

John Ross, for example, was never able to live up to the top-10 draft pick status the Cincinnati Bengals bestowed upon him after setting the NFL Combine record by blazing a 4.22s 40-yard dash. Cooper Kupp, however, didn’t test well enough to shake his “big fish, small pond” vibes after eviscerating the competition at Eastern Washington and slid to the third round of the 2017 Draft.

On Thursday, the 2022 class of wideouts left its mark as the fastest of all time after eight different receivers ran 40 times under the 4.4s barrier. There were a couple notable names who slid down that list of this year’s fastest WRs, however. Arkansas Treylon Burks and Purdue’s David Bell each ran 4.55s or worse to finish in the bottom third of their class in the workout.

That’s not ideal, but it’s not a harbinger of things to come. Since 2010, more than 20 receivers have gone from running 4.5s+ in Indianapolis to starting roles and seasons with at least 800 receiving yards.

Let’s take the top 15 most impactful wideouts who ran (relatively slow) at the Combine. What trends do we find in this list? Well, it turns out straight-line speed isn’t a dealbreaker if you’re big, play primarily in the slot or are Kupp/DeAndre Hopkins. Let’s take a look at the most notable names.

2021 NFL Draft: OT Ikem Ekwonu says he wouldn’t be shocked if he was selected with No. 1 pick

Ikem Ekwonu, who has met with the Jags, was a dominant offensive lineman for the Wolfpack and believes his body of work could make him the No. 1 overall pick.

Friday will mark an important day for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine process as the offensive linemen and running backs will take the field for workouts. The former unit is one that most would say is the top need for the team, which needs to upgrade the protection for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

As a result of their issues in the trenches, many draft analysts have the Jags going with an offensive tackle. Alabama’s Evan Neal, in particular, is the most popular pick, but another tackle candidate that is gaining steam to potentially go first overall is N.C. State’s Ikem Ekwonu.

When popping in the tape, there is a lot to be impressed with when observing Ekwonu’s power and tenacious mentality. He’s had little trouble moving defenders off the ball with the Wolfpack, and as a result, he gained a reputation as “the most feared lineman” in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the eyes of The Athletic.

The Jags could use such a prospect (just as they could with Neal) as new coach Doug Pederson will look to turn things around. That’s a key reason why they have wasted little time at the combine to get to know Ekwonu, as the team has met with them in the early stages of the event.

According to John Reid of The Florida Times-Union, Ekwonu said the meeting “definitely went well” Thursday at his media availability session. The team also met with Neal, who also felt his interview went “great,” too.

Ekwonu also was asked about his confidence level of being the first overall pick, and unsurprisingly, he believes his abilities could make it come to fruition.

“I think I would be the third player in [NC] State history to go No. 1 overall,” Ekwonu said. “… I wouldn’t be shocked if I went No. 1 overall. I feel like that’s something I’ve put the work in for it. I feel like when that time comes, I wouldn’t be shocked by it.”

Ekwonu, who earned First-Team All Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2021, has every right to believe he belongs in the conversation to be selected first overall. In 36 games played, he’s been able to garner grades of 80.5, 80.6, and 91.6, respectively, through Pro Football Focus in his three seasons with the Wolfpack. He’s also shown some versatility (like Neal) along the way and has taken 239 snaps at guard in addition to playing tackle.

The Jags and fans of the team will get to see what Ekwonu has to offer Friday as he will work out, but will avoid the bench press. If he can prove that his athleticism is at a similar level as Neal’s, it could make the conversation about the No. 1 overall pick even more interesting.

In this week’s episode of “Touchdown Jaguars!” we looked at the top needs for the Jags heading into the NFL Combine. Progressing forward, we will continue to put out weekly episodes, giving Jags Wire readers a new go-to podcast, which will discuss the latest in news, rumors, and more. To stay up to date, subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and also feel free to rate and comment.

How to watch the NFL Combine, live stream, TV channel, Running Backs, Offensive Linemen & Special Teams

The 2022 NFL Combine will continue on Friday afternoon starting with the Running Backs, Offensive Linemen, and Special Teams.

The 2022 NFL Combine will continue on Friday afternoon with the Running Backs, Offensive Linemen, and Special Teams from Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Combine will run from Thursday-Sunday and will feature NFL prospects that will be gearing up for the NFL draft in April. All 32 teams will be represented with NFL coaches, scouts, and team personnel.

This is a great way to gear up before the NFL Draft next month, here is everything you need to know to watch and stream the action.

2022 NFL Combine

Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

  • When: Friday, March 4
  • Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: NFL Network
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

 NFL Combine Events

  • 40-yard dash
  • Bench press
  • Vertical jump
  • Broad jump
  • Three-cone drill
  • 20-yard shuttle
  • 60-yard shuttle

How to watch the NFL in 2022

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2022 NFL Scouting Combine: Neal says meeting with Jags went great, likes their staff

Evan Neal fits what Doug Pederson likes in the trenches, which makes his chances to be the No. 1 overall pick higher than several others.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to improve their offensive line this offseason and they have plenty of options to do so. With almost $55 million set to be available in cap space, they could do that in free agency in under two weeks, through the NFL Draft (where they lead the draft order), or through a mixture of both.

Many draft experts seem to believe they will add help by selecting Evan Neal first overall, who is a popular name at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine after he came to the event with an impressive physique and is now down to 336 pounds. And while he won’t participate in workouts while in Indianapolis, he will be interviewing with teams to help them get a feel for him in person.

When speaking with the media Thursday, he revealed that the Jags were one of the teams he spoke with so far and said the meeting went great. He added that he thought the team’s staff was also great as Doug Pederson is now running the show after being hired in early February.

After participating in 40 collegiate games, Neal’s body of work with the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks for itself as he was a Consensus All-American and earned First-Team All-Southeastern Conference honors last season. He also was a key part of the Tide’s 2020 national championship team and was their starting right tackle at that moment.

When looking at how Pederson likes to build in the trenches with big athletic players, Neal makes a lot of sense for the Jags. Then from Neal’s perspective, joining the Jags not only gives you a chance to be selected first overall, but it gives him the chance to work with a brilliant offensive mind who has won a Super Bowl.

Pederson’s track record with offensive lineman is pretty notable, too, as he’s coached Pro Bowlers at each position within the unit. That includes offensive tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson, center Jason Kelce, and guard Brandon Brooks. Many are also high on the Jags’ new offensive line coach, Phil Rauscher, who learned from a well-respected coach in Bill Callahan while in Washington.

If Neal was drafted by the Jags, it appears he’d be in good hands. Unfortunately, they won’t get to see him workout until his Pro Day, though, but fans can bet the Jags will jump on that opportunity and a personal workout soon.

Why wide receivers at the NFL Combine could be skipping the 3 cone drill en masse

Where are all the wide receivers?

The three cone drill was probably never all that popular with spectators to begin with, but as it turns out, it’s losing popularity with one particular position group too.

For the third straight year of the NFL Scouting Combine, the number of wide receivers who participated in the drill saw a decline, according to Sharp Football Analysis’ Rich Hribar. As a result, the number of wide receivers with a sub-7.00 second run dropped for a fifth straight year.

For context, the record for fasted 3 cone at the combine is 6.42 seconds by wide receiver Jeff Maehl. However, as explained here, the 3 cone is thought to be particularly helpful in evaluating pass rushers.

Apparently wide receivers got the memo.

Just 13 of 40 wideouts participated in the 3 cone on Thursday. And only Notre Dame’s Kevin Austin Jr. and Rutgers’ Bo Melton did it under 7.00 seconds. That comes as a whole group of receivers ran blazing 40-yard dash times — could that mean they’re concentrating more on speed?

If the trend continues, there won’t be any receivers doing the 3 cone in the near future.

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Breakdown of possible Titans draft target, TE Trey McBride

Trey McBride should be on the Titans’ radar in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Tennessee Titans will undoubtedly be in the tight end market this offseason. Their top three from last season are set to become free agents, and the team could use an upgrade at the position.

The Titans will probably address the position in some capacity via free agency, but there are also some intriguing options that they could consider selecting within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL draft.

One of those prospects that stands out the most among the group is Colorado State tight end, Trey McBride, someone the Titans have met with down at the 2022 NFL Combine. The young tight end put on a show at the event, where his workout matched what you often see on film.

Let’s dive into what makes the Colorado State product such an intriguing prospect for the Titans.

Name: Trey McBride

Position: Tight End

College: Colorado State

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 246 pounds

NFL draft analyst likes Malik Willis’ fit with Commanders

And he believes Willis could play soon for the Commanders.

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The 2022 NFL combine is here, and it’s no surprise that Liberty quarterback Malik Willis is winning over NFL teams. The dual-threat passer with a big-time arm will go in the first round of April’s 2022 NFL draft, but the question is, how high?

The Washington Commanders desperately need a quarterback, and it doesn’t like they’ll land a superstar via trade. That leaves free agency and the draft. And we all know franchise quarterbacks don’t hit free agency, so you look for the passer who has the highest ceiling. As for the draft, it is the best option to find a franchise quarterback.

Don’t let what some are saying about the 2022 class of quarterbacks fool you. Sure, there may not be a consensus No. 1 overall QB in the class, but there is potential in several of these passers, especially Willis.

General manager Martin Mayhew was present at one of Willis’ college games. Mayhew got a close look at Willis and likes what he sees from all indications. Then, there is head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera has praised Willis, the player, and the person.

Could Washington select Willis at No. 11 or even move up in the draft to ensure it lands the talented passer?

Lance Zierlein is a draft analyst for NFL. com and does an excellent job of evaluating draft prospects every year — specifically quarterbacks. Zierlein recently named seven teams who could draft Willis in the first round, even offering odds on that team selecting Willis.

Zierlein ranked Pittsburgh and Washington as the top contenders to select Willis at 20% each. Here’s what he said about Willis to Washington:

This one really makes a lot of sense. Cam Newton was the dual-threat quarterback who helped current Washington head coach Ron Rivera get to a Super Bowl with a 15-1 record in Carolina in 2015. Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner was with Newton and the Panthers as a quality control assistant in 2011-12 and as a quarterbacks coach in 2018-19. Both Rivera and Turner will understand how a dual-threat quarterback can win games in a variety of ways on any given Sunday. Washington runs a decent dose of RPOs and play-action out of three-wideout sets, and both numbers could take a jump with Willis at the helm. Of all the teams on this list, Washington might be the one uniquely positioned to hand over the keys to the offense earlier than expected.

We are a long way from the draft. Free-agency hasn’t even started, which means a significant trade or free-agent signing could change Washington’s perspective in the draft. However, the smoke of Willis and Washington seems too strong to ignore.

Remember, if the Commanders sign a quarterback in free agency, it means nothing in terms of the draft. Washington will take a quarterback somewhere in the draft, regardless of which veteran the team acquires.

The eight biggest winners from Night 1 of the 2022 NFL Combine drills

Who improved their draft stock the most among QBs, WRs, and TEs Thursday?

The workout portion of the 2022 NFL Combine got underway Thursday night. It was, in a word, fast.

Speed was the subject at hand at an event defined by 40-yard dash times. This year’s opening night was the backdrop for the fastest class of wide receivers in league history. It also saw Desmond Ridder tie a quarterback prospect record by matching Marcus Mariota with a 4.52-second 40 in Indianapolis.

Those runs gave way to the passing game, where a cache of QBs with something to prove threw fades, slants, and sideline routes to streaking wideouts and tight ends as legions of scouts took note of their footwork, hip turns, and reaction time.

The end result was a handful of numbers on a spreadsheet that will allow us to overreact for the following eight weeks until the 2022 NFL Draft is finally upon us. So who made the biggest splash on a night defined by blazing speed?