Tag: 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

12 prospects who should dominate the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

These talented prospects should put their athleticism on full display in this year’s NFL Scouting Combine

As the 2022 NFL draft draws closer, the rookie evaluation process is in full swing.

Prospects are going to do anything they can to impress NFL decision-makers, and this year’s Scouting Combine will be one of the biggest opportunities for them to do so.

In prior years, we’ve had prospects make names for themselves at the event, showing off impressive athleticism. So who will be the ones to make that happen this year?

Here are 12 players who could enhance their draft stock with big performances in Indianapolis this week:

Top five NFL Combine bench press performances by Ohio State players

Top five NFL Combine bench press performances by Ohio State players #GoBucks

The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine starts this week in Indianapolis, Indiana, and it always provides a unique and stress-inducing showcase for future NFL players. The combine is typically the most important part of the pre-draft process for many NFL prospects and serves as the most important job interview these young men may have in their lives.

Any seasoned NFL scout will tell you that the combine is not the end all be all and is just a part of the process, but fans love the idea of the underwear Olympics, and seeing some of these freak athletes accomplish insane feats in the bench press, shuttle run, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump. The following are the top five bench press performances by former Ohio State football players. We are only tracking numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine and not from pro days and only numbers since the NFL Scouting Combing moved to Indianapolis in 1987.

11 potential Chargers targets who should turn heads at 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

Here is a look at a few players likely on the Chargers’ radar who should blow up the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is set to begin.

This event is a useful tool for player evaluation, and some teams put more stock in it than others.

It is a big opportunity for prospects to showcase their athleticism and skill set through a series of tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and on-field drills.

With that, I have compiled a list of 11 prospects Chargers fans must watch for in Indianapolis over the course of the next few days.

Below are the players to keep an eye on:

WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas

At Tom Telesco’s presser, he mentioned that one of the goals this offseason is to find more weapons for Justin Herbert. Should the Chargers look to check that off the checklist on Day 1, Burks is a polarizing option. Burks, the 6-foot-3 and 225 pounder proved to be a deadly weapon for the Hogs. He is a threat with the ball in his hands no matter the alignment and is set to show off his sheer combination of size, strength, and speed. Not only will he raise eyebrows in the positional drills, showing off his hands that require 4XL gloves, but look for him to run in the 4.4s and post a big number of reps on the bench press, having done 380 pounds, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.

WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

If the Chargers want a receiver in the first round with a little bit different flavor than Burks, Olave could be that guy. Arguably one of the top route runners in this year’s class, Olave also has the top-end speed to win vertically. A track star at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, CA, Olave reportedly hit 10.8 seconds in the 100-meter dash and it would not be surprising if he runs in the 4.3s in the 40-yard dash.

WR Calvin Austin, Memphis

Unlike Burks, Austin is an example of why size does not always matter. With a frame at just 5-foot-7 and 173 pounds, Austin is capable of having defensive backs compromise with quickness and savvy with his releases and top-end speed to generate large gaps of separation vertically. When the ball is in his hands, Austin is nearly always going to create positive plays. Austin won nine state titles on the track in high school and ran track in college for the Tigers. Look for that speed to stand out.

OT Max Mitchell, Louisiana

With Bryan Bulaga’s future with the Chargers up in the air, they could be looking for his replacement, or at least someone to compete for the starting job from Day 1. Mitchell led all FBS tackles with a 94.8 PFF grade, as he allowed only 13 pressures and three sacks this season while racking up the third-most big-time run blocks. With very good athletic ability and foot quickness to get to his spot to protect the edge and range when blocking at the second level, it should be replicative when Mitchell performs the positional drills.

DT Jordan Davis, Georgia

Now until the draft, Davis and the Chargers will be a popular pairing. While I’m a believer that they should wait until Day 2 to draft a nose tackle, the coaching staff may see the impact against the run that Davis could make right away, and the testing might be the ultimate selling point. His rare movement skills are evident on tape, and even at 350 pounds, there is a strong chance Davis could run under a five-second 40-yard dash.

DT Travis Jones, UConn

If the Chargers choose to pass up on Davis in Round 1, Jones brings just as much, if not, more value in Round 2. Jones’ power and heavy hand should not only show up when hitting the bags, but his testing should reflect it, as he benches 455 and has done 32 reps at 225 pounds. Further, Jones also has a shuttle time of 4.57. For reference, former Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown, a top-10 overall pick who was almost the exact same weight, ran it in 4.79 at the 2020 combine, per Feldman.

EGDE David Ojabo, Michigan

Should the Chargers add another pass rusher into the mix on Day 1, Ojabo is just the type of player Brandon Staley covets. Wreaking havoc opposite top-3 selection Aidan Hutchinson, Ojabo is long and flexible with explosiveness, lateral agility, and closing burst. Per Feldman, he is expected to run the 40 in the low 4.5s and vertical jump in the high 30s.

EDGE Dominique Robinson, Miami (Ohio)

Robinson was a high school quarterback and converted to wide receiver in college. He moved to pass rusher in 2020, finishing his collegiate career with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Robinson is an explosive, edge rusher with the bend, burst, and change of direction to be a disruptive force in opposing backfields. At Miami, he ran a 4.31 agility time and also has vertical jumped 34 inches, per Feldman. Look for him to run in the mid-4.6s.

CB Trent McDuffie & Kyler Gordon, Washington

McDuffie and Gordon are set to join a long list of NFL defensive backs that the Huskies have produced, and the Chargers should be watching closely, having a glaring need at the position. McDuffie’s body control and sweet feet will show up in the positional drills, while his explosive burst will translate to when he jumps. McDuffie has posted a 41.5-inch vertical and a 10-9.5 broad jump. Meanwhile, Gordon also has elite athletic traits and change of direction on the field, which should show up in testing, as he has vertical jumped 42.5 and clocked a pro agility time of 3.87 seconds.

S Nick Cross, Maryland

The Chargers will also be searching for players to fill out the safety group. The do-it-all ability of Cross, who finished with three interceptions, 66 tackles and three sacks, should garner their interest. But it’s the athletic traits that may be the ultimate selling point. A track star in high school and college, Cross posted times of 6.93 in the 60 meters and 22.27 in the 200 meters.

Mike McDaniel had a purely nonsensical answer at his combine presser, and it was hilarious

He destroyed Rich Eisen’s challenge.

It’s tough to be strictly business all of the time when you’re in the NFL, and it’s even tougher when you’re a new head coach with a strong personality and a love for comedy.

New Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has continued to show that in the first month that he’s been in his role.

Earlier in the week, McDaniel was challenged by NFL Network’s Rich Eisen to use three of Eisen’s favorite coaching cliches when McDaniel took the podium at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. And, as we all expected, he beat the challenge with an answer that made no sense but hit all of Eisen’s requirements.

Thankfully, Eisen came in with that high five at the end or there would have been some “Billy Madison” comparisons made for this one.

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NFL combine: Top 10 marks of all time in every drill

Who are the NFL’s ultimate workout warriors? Touchdown Wire compiles the best performances in NFL scouting combine history.

The NFL Scouting Combine has developed into the ultimate pro football talent showcase over the past several decades.

Prospects travel to Indianapolis looking to boost their stock for the NFL draft by performing in seven events: 40-yard dash, bench press (225-pound repetitions), vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle run and 60-yard shuttle run.

This year, 324 draft-eligible participants and top prospects are slated to participate in the combine as they hope to catch the eyes of talent evaluators from around the league. John Ross, Brandin Cooks and Byron Jones are just a few of the athletes who have dazzled scouts and raised their profiles at the combine in recent years.

With all that in mind, Touchdown Wire compiles the top 10 marks in each event in the history of the NFL combine below:

David Bell would welcome opportunity to play with Bears’ Justin Fields

David Bell is an intriguing wide receiver to watch for the Bears in the NFL draft. And Bell already loves what he’s seen from Justin Fields.

The Chicago Bears are looking to maximize second-year quarterback Justin Fields, which means they need to surround him with plenty of talent up front and in the passing game.

Wide receiver is a huge need for the Bears this offseason, as Darnell Mooney is the only starting wideout currently under contract. Which could mean Chicago is going to target receiver in free agency and the NFL draft.

One name that’s been linked to the Bears is Purdue wideout David Bell, who could still be on the board when Pick 39 rolls around next month.

Bell met with the media Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he said that he hasn’t met with the Bears yet. But that doesn’t mean a meeting isn’t in the cards.

Bell said it would be intriguing to play with a young quarterback like Fields, who he watched a lot during his time at Ohio State.

“Love the way he throws the ball and his pocket presence,” Bell said of Fields.

Bell has been a name linked to the Bears in numerous mock drafts, and for good reason. He projects as a second-round prospect, and he would be a great get for general manager Ryan Poles with Pick 39. While Bell doesn’t possess elite speed, he is a great route runner, has the ability to make defenders miss and has been consistent throughout his career.

Chicago has just five draft selections this year, which means Poles has his work cut out for him. That puts a greater emphasis on free agency in addressing roster holes, both starting and depth roles.

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12 prospects on defense the Bills should watch at the 2022 NFL combine

12 prospects on defense the #Bills should watch at the 2022 NFL combine:

The Buffalo Bills had the NFL’s top defense in terms of yards and points allowed in 2021.

But you don’t just expect the Bills to just sit on their hands, do you?

This upcoming week the 2022 NFL scouting combine will return after taking a break due to COVID-19 last year. While there, Buffalo’s front office will get looks at some of the top 2022 draft talent.

With that, here are 12 prospects on defense that the Bills should watch for during the combine:

Commanders coach Ron Rivera talks quarterbacks

Ron Rivera had a lot to say about the quarterback position Tuesday.

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When Washington coach Ron Rivera took to the podium Tuesday at the NFL combine, the quarterback position was sure to be a hot topic. Surprisingly, the quarterback questions didn’t come up until later in Rivera’s interview.

First, Rivera was asked about the 2022 NFL draft, specifically the quarterback class.

We’ve spent a lot of time already on the quarterback class. There’s several quality guys. Several standouts, guys we are going to spend even more time. Yesterday was our first opportunity to interview a number of them. We’ll continue the interview process. We’ll start looking to figure out which guys we are going to do privates (workouts) with, which ones we’re going to bring in (for a visit to team headquarters) and which ones we’re gonna attend (pro day). It is a different type of group because you’ve got everything from pure passers to guys that have pure athleticism. And, so, you’ve gotta really look at how it’s gonna fit the type of players you have. Ideally, you can find a guy can do both and you’re very fortunate. But again, we are picking at No. 11, and I promise you these are all things we are looking at.

Rivera is working so hard to acquire a veteran quarterback because of the lack of a clear-cut top quarterback prospect in this draft. Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Malik Willis, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder and Carson Strong are players who scouts have different opinions on. Some like Pickett, others love Willis’ upside. Some prefer Howell.

It’s not the best year to need a quarterback.

Rivera acknowledged his luck in Carolina, drafting Cam Newton No. 1 overall in his first season as head coach.

“I was very fortunate in Carolina, we found our franchise quarterback (Cam Newton) right away,” Rivera said. “We drafted him, he was a big part of what we did, got us to the Super Bowl, had a terrific career and unfortunately got a little derailed with injuries his last two years with us. When you get that guy, it makes things a lot easier. Not having that guy, really put the onus on last year, some things happened, we were trying to get into that and we lost out to the Rams (Washington’s attempt to trade for Matthew Stafford). Now, this year, we are being very proactive, looking, searching, doing things we are to cover every base.”

How much is too much to give up for a proven franchise passer?

Well, there’s an old saying, ‘what are you willing to pay for that major league baseball card?’ Whatever you pay, that’s what you think the value is. When you get into these negotiations with another team, it’s whatever they’re asking for is what you’re willing to pay, that’s what it is.

“Does anybody really care what was traded for Matthew Stafford last year,” Rivera asked.

Rivera is right. If you find that guy, no price is too much to bring him to your team. However, you better be right. Rivera is entering his third season in Washington in 2022 and he understands the importance of finding the right quarterback this offseason.

 

Takeaways from Chargers GM Tom Telesco’s press conference at NFL Scouting Combine

Here’s what Chargers GM Tom Telesco said at his media availability at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco held a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he discussed the roster’s state as it stands and several items about their upcoming offseason.

Here are some of the top takeaways from the session with reporters:

Tight-lipped Tom

Telesco is notorious for not giving out too much information regarding future plans, and it was no different this time around. Specifically, when asked about whether or not the Chargers would pick up Jerry Tillery’s fifth-year option this offseason, Telesco made it clear that all the contract plans will be talked about down the road, adding the team is just focused on the Combine.

Mike Williams

Williams is the Chargers’ hottest commodity, as it remains to be seen if he will be franchise tagged, re-signed to a long-term extension, or let go of. By no surprise, Telesco did not offer much information. “No updates right now. I talked about after the season what an impact he makes on our football team.” However, when asked if he’d prefer to extend Williams, he said, “Sure, the preference would be that.”

Continuing to build around Justin Herbert

Herbert has proven that he is the real deal, and now the team must do whatever it takes to get the most optimal supporting cast to make a run. Telesco concurs. “I want to make sure on offense we don’t take a step back,” adding the goal is to protect Herbert and find him more weapons.  Whether or not Williams is back, the Chargers need to add a speed/yards-after-catch receiver and a starting right tackle.

Has the resources

The Chargers are set to enter this offseason with $56.3 million in salary-cap space, the third-most in the NFL. While retaining their own takes priority, Telesco feels like they can make some splash signings in free agency. “We can be aggressive in free agency because we have the cap space and a quarterback on a rookie deal”

Bryan Bulaga

Telesco said that Bryan Bulaga’s future with the Chargers is “undetermined right now.” After signing to a three-year deal, Bulaga played just 20.7% of the possible offensive snaps because of injuries in his first two seasons with the team. If released, they would create $10.8 million in cap space.

The tight end position

Telesco addressed the state of the tight end position, highlighting that he liked what the young players, Donald Parham, Stephen Anderson and Tre’ McKitty, were able to do. However, he added “that room may not be complete right now,” suggesting the team may look to free agency or the draft to add another player. Further, it is unclear if Jared Cook, a pending free agent, will be re-signed or not.

Backup to Austin Ekeler is a priority

The Chargers were able to get a lot out of Ekeler, who totaled 20 touchdowns. But the production out of the guys behind him was underwhelming. Justin Jackson flashed when he was on the field, but injuries derailed him. Now a pending free agent, the chances of him being back are slim. On the other hand, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree did not do much when they were called upon. “We need more from that spot for our offense to continue to evolve,” Telesco said. As opposed to relying on the draft, adding someone with a proven resume via free agency may be the best bet.

Solidifying special teams

While the majority of the attention is on what the Chargers will do to address the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, shoring up the special teams units is just vital, as kicker Dustin Hopkins, returner Andre Roberts and gunner Ryan Smith are all pending free agents. Telesco emphasized that new special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken will be heavily involved in the process to improve that unit. Ficken recently served as the Vikings ST coordinator and worked with notable guys like Cordarrelle Patterson in the past.