Tag: 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

The Real Forno Show: Combine standouts from the offensive line

On the final day of NFL Scouting Combine testing, the offensive linemen put on a show, including Georgia’s Amarius Mims.

The NFL Scouting Combine is wrapping up with one final day of workouts. After doing interviews with the media and their medical exams in prior days, the fourth group ended up getting onto the field for their workouts.

The fourth and final group was the offensive line and specialists. This offensive line group, especially the tackles, looks to be incredible on many levels and they showed out.

  • What do we make of Georgia right tackle Amarius Mims as a massive human being?
  • The guard or tackle discussion is more complicated with Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu.
  • A record three-cone was set by Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini. Why does that matter?
  • Should offensive linemen run the 40-yard dash after multiple injuries in the event?

We are here to break it all down and more on the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, airing Monday and Wednesday nights at 6 pm central on the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel.

Here are Texas A&M OL Layden Robinson’s 2024 NFL Combine measurements/results

Here are former Texas A&M offensive lineman Layden Robinson’s 2024 NFL Scouting Combine results

The third day of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine focused on the offensive line, filled with first-round draft talent at both guard and tackle, headlined by former Georgia OT Amarius Mims.

For Texas A&M, veteran right guard Layden Robinson opted to forgo his final year of eligibility to pursue his NFL dream, which started at the combine on Sunday afternoon. Forgoing the 40-yard dash and the 10-yard split, Robinson participated in various O-line drills for scouts in attendance throughout the afternoon.

Possessing the size, strength, and athleticism to thrive as a run blocker, Robinson’s pass-blocking issues could hinder his starting future, meaning landing with an organization that is willing to put the time into developing his pass-protection skill set will likely reap the benefits. Here’s what an anonymous NFL Scouting Director had to say about Robinson’s potential:

“I know he plays tall but look at how often he gets people pushed out of the hole as a run blocker. Results matter for me.”

Joining linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, wide receiver Ainias Smith, and safety Demani Richardson, here are Layden Robinson’s 2024 NFL Scouting measurements/results.

Steelers could trade WR Diontae Johnson if the price is right

There is a report that the Steelers are willing to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

According to NFL reporter Tony Pauline, the Steelers would be willing to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson if the price is right. What is the right price? That is all up for speculation at this point, but the fact this report is even going around should come as no surprise.

Here’s what Pauline had to say about the idea of Johnson being traded:

While it’s not fair to say Johnson is on the trading block, several people tell me the Steelers are open to moving the receiver if they receive fair compensation.

Two points here. First, what is a fair trade? I’d say a mid-third-round pick would get the deal done. Johnson is a great player, but his contract makes any trade challenging. Two factors hurt the Steelers’ leverage: He has a $16 million cap hit in 2024, and the acquiring team would have to re-sign him.

The second point is, that all you had to do was look at all the top receivers the Steelers met with at the NFL Scouting Combine and you could tell Pittsburgh is doing the prep work for replacing Johnson. The Steelers met with multiple receivers projected to go in the first two rounds. Will a trade happen? At this point, I’d say the odds are better than 50-50.

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Two OL suffer injuries while running the 40-yard dash at the combine

The injuries in a drill that is largely meaningless for the position should lead to a greater debate about having the linemen run just 10 yards

The final day of the NFL Scouting Combine belongs to the offensive linemen. Unfortunately, the combine workouts ended prematurely for a couple of O-line prospects.

Two linemen suffered injuries while running the 40-yard dash.

Amarius Mims from Georgia suffered a right hamstring injury at the end of his 40-yard dash. He was able to hobble off on his own and got some treatment in the form of an ice wrap. Mims told Stacey Dales of the NFL Network that he was hoping to keep participating in the rest of the drills.

Shortly thereafter, Tulane’s Prince Pines fell to the Lucas Oil Field turf about 30 yards into his first 40-yard dash attempt. He was clutching at his hamstring and needed medical assistance to be cleared from the field.

Oklahoma center Andrew Raym also pulled up at the end of his run, but he appeared to be okay. Penn State OT Olu Fashanu, a likely first-round pick, also pulled out of further testing after tweaking a thigh, according to the NFL Network.

The injuries in a drill that is largely meaningless for the position should lead to a greater debate about having the linemen run just 10 yards.

Brian Thomas Jr. posts best Relative Athletic Score in LSU history at NFL combine

Receiver Brian Thomas Jr. posted the best RAS score in LSU history on Saturday.

Brian Thomas Jr.’s draft stock is once again on the rise after putting on a show at the NFL combine over the weekend.

Throughout 2023, Thomas put his rare blend of size and speed on film. That athleticism was evident at the combine, with Thomas posting an official time of 4.33 in the 40-yard dash.

That’s elite speed for anyone. But for a 6-foot-3 and 209-pound receiver, it really stands out.

With his vertical and broad jump numbers marked as “great,” Thomas was able to post the best Relative Athletic Score in LSU history.

Thomas’ score of 9.97 wasn’t just LSU’s best, but it was one of the best in combine history. Only nine receivers had posted a better score in the event’s history.

Thomas’ ability was on display in the drills too, topping out at 22.91 mph on a go-route — the best mark at the combine.

LSU’s previous top RAS was D.J. Chark’s score of 9.94 in 2018. Thomas and Chark, along with [autotag]Patrick Peterson[/autotag], are the only three players in LSU history to surpass a 9.90 RAS.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

WATCH: Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith shows off his strength at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Former Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith is one strong dude

For one of the best athletes to come through College Station, Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith was set to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2, but received discouraging news during his medical evaluation, which discovered a stress fracture in his left shin, preventing him from participating in the wide receiver on-field drills.

While the news was borderline devastating for a player who needed the combine to show the scouts in attendance that he’s much more than a slot receiver, he is the most versatile and experienced offensive prospect the draft offers.

However, Smith was able to participate in the bench press portion of the weekend, and if anyone doubted this young man’s strength, let those initial doubts die on the vine. On Sunday morning, weighing in at 190 pounds, Smith repped out 225 pounds 21 times, which is the most by any wide receiver at the combine, and is tied with 10 other players who are all on defense.

Ainias Smith finished his illustrious Texas A&M playing career with 2,812 yards and 23 touchdowns from scrimmage and currently ranks seventh in Texas A&M history in receiving yards with 2,407. Smith will thankfully have another shot to run through drills during the Aggies’ upcoming Pro Day.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson linked back to the Eagles in free agency

Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson linked back to the Eagles in free agency from the NFL Scouting Combine

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is one of several free agents from the Detroit Lions about to hit the open market. At least one source doesn’t believe “Ceedy Duce” is returning to Detroit and went on the record from the NFL Scouting Combine to link the versatile defensive back to another team.

From Tony Pauline at Sportskeeda,

The Philadelphia Eagles will look to bring in a safety in the offseason, via free agency or the draft. People at the combine get the sense that there’s a real chance the Eagles bring back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is scheduled to hit the free-agent market. Gardner-Johnson played for the Eagles in 2022 before signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last year.

From the Lions side of the equation, there’s reason to increasingly believe he won’t be back in Detroit after one season. Gardner-Johnson missed 14 games with a pectoral tear, the third season in a row — all on different teams — where he missed at least five games with separate injuries. The Lions are set at the position where “CJGJ” is at his best, slot defender, with dynamic 2023 second-rounder Brian Branch.

JC Latham says it would be a ‘dream’ to block for Aaron Rodgers

JC Latham says it would be a ‘dream’ to block for Aaron Rodgers

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham will be in play to be the Jets’ selection at No. 10. If he is, a dream wild come true for the former Crimson Tide player: blocking for one Aaron Rodgers.

Latham lived in Wisconsin at one point in his life when he was younger and said he grew up watching Rodgers during that time while Rodgers was with the Green Bay Packers.

Various big boards have Latham among the top 25 and even the top 15 overall in this upcoming class. Latham is among a slew of tackles that would be of interest to the Jets, who Latham said he had a good meeting with in Indianapolis.

Latham, listed 6-6 and 360 pounds, started 25 games at right tackle for the Tide. He could be a plug-and-play option for the Jets there but Latham also wants to show teams he can play left tackle as well. The Jets need to replace both tackle positions this offseason as well as the left guard position.

Todd Downing attends, coaches drills during Saturday’s Combine session

Todd Downing attends, coaches drills during Saturday’s Combine session

Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing was in attendance and did a little coaching during Saturday’s on-field drills for quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers at the Scouting Combine.

Downing served as the “main voice” in the quarterback room last season and will continue to have a hand in the position now that Rob Calabrese has joined the Los Angeles Rams.

Wide receiver is a big need for the Jets but there’s also a chance they draft a quarterback late. For now, the only quarterback under contract for the 2025 season is Aaron Rodgers. Zach Wilson is expected to be traded this offseason.

Saturday’s action was highlighted by the quarterbacks throwing, including Michael Penix of Washington, Bo Nix of Oregon and J.J. McCarthy of national champion Michigan.

The biggest highlight came from Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy as he broke the record for the fastest recorded 40-yard dash at the Combine at 4.21 seconds. The previous record was 4.22 by wide receiver John Ross.

The Real Forno Show: Combine standouts from QBs, RBs and WRs

Texas WR Xavier Worthy setting the 40-yard dash record highlighted the third day of NFL Scouting Combine workouts.

The NFL Scouting Combine is officially underway! After doing interviews with the media and their medical exams in prior days, the second group ended up getting onto the field for their workouts.

The third group was quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, which was the main event given the excitement and talent at both wide receiver and quarterback.

  • Xavier Worthy broke the record for the 40-yard dash! What does it mean for his stock?
  • Adonai Mitchell ran a 4.34 40-yard dash as a prototypical X-receiver and Ladd McConkey ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. What do we take from that?
  • Keon Coleman ran slow in the 40-yard dash, but tested explosively. What matters more?
  • The quarterbacks thrived in this environment. What can we take from it?
  • How good or bad is this running back class?

We are here to break it all down and more on the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, airing Monday and Wednesday nights at 6 pm central on the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel.

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