The 2020 NFL Combine continued their on-field drills on Saturday night, this time featuring interior defensive lineman, EDGE rushers, and linebackers. As always, the workouts begin with the 40-yard-dash, and when they shifted into position drills, we got to see a handful of new drills.
The Lions could use help on the edge in a variety of ways and that means they’ll be paying attention to all the players in this group so they can keep their options open. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.
Alton Robinson, Syracuse
6-3, 264, 10 y/s: 1.65, 3-cone: 7.32, short shuttle: 4.32
You want a sleeper EDGE rusher that the Lions could consider on Day 2, let me introduce you to Alton Robinson. Athletically, he clears all five of the Lions’ benchmarks for EDGE rushers and backed it up in on-field drills. Additionally, not only does he come from the same Alma Mater as coach Matt Patricia, but the two spent the Senior Bowl week together on the North squad. He is flying under the radar after a down senior year but his junior year tape showed loads of potential.
Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
6-3, 248, 10 y/s: 1.68, 3-cone: 7.32, short shuttle: 4.31
Highsmith played everywhere from a 4i-technique to a standing rush edge at Charlotte but looks best suited for a JACK role in the NFL. He had a strong workout on Saturday night, looking fluid in his backpedal and lateral movement, played under control, and showed the ability to throttle speeds as needed. Athletically, he checked every box the Lions are looking for.
D.J. Wommum, South Carolina
6-4.5, 258, 10 y/s: 1.7, 3-cone: 7.25, short shuttle: 4.44
Wommum had a terrific cumulative day showing better athleticism than anticipated. Currently, he looks like a Day 3 pass rusher only, but he has the athleticism, length (34 1/8″ arms) and character (three-time captain) that the Lions look for.
Notes:
- Several of the top EDGE rushers elected not to compete or were injured preventing them from competing, including Chase Young (OSU), K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU), Josh Uche (Michigan), Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), Terrell Lewis (Alabama), Curtis Weaver (Boise State), Julain Okwara (Notre Dame), Darnell Taylor (Tennessee), Khalid Kareem (Notre Dame), and Anfernee Jennings (Alabama).