Tag: On-Field

2020 NFL Combine winners: Safeties

Examining and identifying the top on-field safeties performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine concluded their on-field drills on Sunday with the safeties wrapping up the event.

With the Lions investing a third-round pick at the safety position in each of the last two drafts, it may appear they are not in the market for another, but that’s not necessarily the case. In the Lions base 3-3-5 scheme, they deploy three safety sets roughly 50-percent of defensive snaps, and with Tavon Wilson a potential free agent, adding another safety could end up being a sneaky important need.

Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

5-9, 203, 40 y/d: 4.45, vertical: 36″, broad: 10’4″

The Lions need playmakers who can create turnovers in their secondary and Winfield is a ballhawk who would fit in perfectly at the Lions single-high safety position. In on-field drills, he showed off his traits with speed, quickness, burst to point of attack, high-pointed the ball, and sure hands to wrap up the catch.

Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyme

6-1, 217, 40 y/d: 4.49, vertical: 42″, broad: 11’2″

If the Lions think they can handle the single-high position between Tracy Walker and Will Harris, Dugger is a legitimate candidate for the Wilson role as a box safety who can cover the slot and intermediate/middle of the field. Like Winfield, he has great speed, is explosive when tracking the ball or offensive player, and can create turnovers. If you are an Isaiah Simmons or Miles Killebrew fan, Dugger is right up your alley.

Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

6-3, 221, 40 y/d: 4.45, vertical: 41″, broad: 11’6″

Not only did Chinn check the boxes in timed/measured drills, but he was one of the more impressive players in the final group. He was incredibly smooth in his backpedal, located and tracked the ball with ease, and consistently high-pointed and secured the catch — Chinn made it all looked very easy.

Like with Dugger and Simmons, Chinn is a box safety with coverage skills and is comfortable in the slot. If the Lions are in the market for a Wilson replacement, his name has to be in the mix.

Tanner Muse, Clemson

6-2, 227, 40 y/d: 4.41, vertical: 34.5″, broad: 10’4″

Despite coming out of Clemson, expectations were low that Muse would have a solid Combine — and then he blew those expectations out of the water.

Muse’s game film indicated he wasn’t the most fleet of foot, but his 4.41 40-yard-dash time indicated the potential is there. He looked sharp in on-field drills but did have some wasted movement in transitions, which match his film in coverage. Because his coverage skills still need work, he projects more of a Killebrew-like replacement — a box safety/WILL linebacker who can be a four-phase special teamer — rather a Wilson level replacement.

Notes:

  • Xavier McKinney (6-0.5, 203, Alabama) injured his hamstring during his first 40-yard dash, so take his 4.63 second time with a grain of salt — he plays faster.

2020 NFL Combine winners: Cornerbacks

Examining and identifying the top on-field cornerbacks performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine concluded their on-field drills on Sunday, this time featuring cornerbacks and safeties. The cornerbacks were first up and didn’t disappoint.

The Lions have a need at corner immediately and potentially long-term depending on what their plans are for Darius Slay, so they were surely looking at this group with high hopes. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks.

Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

6-1, 205, 40 y/d: 4.48, vertical: 41″, broad: 11’3″

In a recent article, I broke down how Okudah’s performance in every Combine drill added to his already sterling resume that he built over his senior season. In a nutshell, my conclusion was that he is firmly in the mix for the Lions and would be worth the No. 3 overall pick.

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C.J. Henderson, Florida

6-0.5, 204, 40 y/d: 4.39, vertical 37.5, broad: 10’7″

Like Okudah, the Lions reportedly had a meeting with Henderson at the Combine, showing they are doing their homework on the draft’s top cornerbacks. When Henderson took the field in Indianapolis, he put his best foot forward and had a terrific day in timed drills, measurables, and in on-field drills.

On the NFL Network broadcast, Daniels Jeremiah mentioned that he believes Henderson could be “the second corner drafted” indicating that “he’s gonna end up going in the top 15.” If that is his true draft slot, he would be selected almost directly in between the Lions’ first and second-round picks, making the odds of landing him unlikely.

A.J. Terrell, Clemson

6-1, 195, 40y/d: 4.42, vertical: 34.5, broad: 10’9″

The last time most analysts and fans saw Terrell, he was on the wrong end of the National Championship game in what was a difficult night overall for the Tigers. If there were concerns about his performance that night, he helped right the ship at the Combine. Terrell looked smooth in his backpedal, showed off his body control and reliable hands in drills His combination of body type, comfort in press coverage, and athletic ability fits a lot of what the Lions look for in an outside corner.

Michael Ojemudia, Iowa

6-0.5, 200, 40y/d: 4.45, vertical: 36″, broad: 10’2″, 3-cone: 6.87

I don’t want to call Ojemudia a sleeper, as he has been someone the Lions have shown interest in previously, but if the Lions are more interested in a developmental Day 3 corner rather than one at the top of the draft, he’s the guy.

At the Combine, Ojemudia checked every measurable box the Lions look for, height, weight, speed, explosion, and of course the all-important 3-cone time. Add in his Iowa background and there’s a lot to like from the Lions perspective.

2020 NFL Combine winners: Linebackers

Examining and identifying the top on-field linebackers performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

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 seem pretty content with their off-the-ball linebackers, but they’re always looking for upgrades and players that can contribute on special teams — which this group is full of. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

6-3.5, 238, 40 y/d: 4.39, Vertical: 39″, Broad: 11′

It doesn’t matter if you like him as a linebacker or a safety, Simmons is a playmaker who ran one 4.39 second 40-yards dash and then did a Deion Sanders-like walk off — and most could care less he didn’t do any on-field drills.

With the way the Lions deploy their linebackers, I still believe Simmons is best suited as a hang defender role — similar to Tavon Wilson’s role, taking snaps in the box, over the slot, at MIKE, and single-high safety — in the Lions scheme because it would allow him to operate with more freedom, at all levels of the defense and expand the secondary’s coverage exponentially.

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The biggest obstacle I see with the Lions and Simmons potential marriage is that it goes against tradition for NFL teams to draft off-the-ball players early because of the value they get out of that position. Recently there has been a trend that has seen more off-the-ball prospects selected in the top-10, and Simmons is a special enough talent to keep the trend going, but I’m not sure the Lions are a team that would target him early.

Malik Harrison, Ohio State

6-2.5, 247, short shuttle: 4.32

Harrison, a more traditional style of linebacker for the Lions scheme, took advantage of a couple of key injuries to linebackers rated ahead of him and stole the show. Clearing the Lions’ benchmarks in both jumps and the short shuttle, Harrison is a perfect fit in the Lions scheme if they are looking for an upgrade on Day 2. With the Lions, Harrison would fit in as a WILL with potential to switch with the MIKE on any given play, and would be a nice complement to Jahlani Tavai as a potential starting pair down the road.

Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State

6-1, 243, 40 y/d: 4.46, short shuttle: 4.3

Gay’s size, speed, and quickness were all on display at the Combine and if he had a clean off-the-field background — he was suspended for eight games last season — he would probably be much higher on the Lions draft board.

Notes:

  • Kenneth Murray (6-2.5, 241, Oklahoma) ran a 4.52 40-yard dash on his first attempt but was injured in his second and unable to finish the day. The testing he was able to complete was all terrific.
  • Casey Toohill (6-4.5, 250, Stanford) hit all the Lions athletic benchmarks, which could get him an undrafted free agent offer from Detroit.

2020 NFL Combine winners: EDGE rushers

Examining and identifying the top on-field EDGE rushers performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

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).

2020 NFL Combine winners: Interior defensive lineman

Examining and identifying the top on-field interior defensive linemen performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

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 appear to be overhauling their interior defensive line and that typically means investing in a high draft pick. If they double-dip at a position in the draft, it’ll be here. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Derrick Brown, Auburn

6-5, 326, 10 y/s: 1.73

In on-field drills, Brown looked sharp in his steps, smooth through his hips, bend around the edge, the ability to work in small places, showed power in hands, and the ability to learn quickly when introduced to new drills — something some of the other prospects struggled with.

It’s clear there were some issues with some of his agility times, but as far as the measurables the Lions will be interested in, he hit most of the marks.

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Jordan Elliot, Missouri

6-4, 302, 10 y/s: 1.71, Short shuttle: 4.73

If the Lions add a run-stuffing nose tackle in free agency, and pass on Brown in the first, Elliot would be a nice consolation prize in round two if he lasts that long. His arms (32 5/8″) are under the preferred 34″ mark, but he hits the Lions preferred thresholds in the 10-y/s and short shuttle.

Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina

6-4, 275, 10 y/s: 1.72, Short shuttle: 4.37

Maybe I am cheating a bit here including Strowbridge with the interior defensive line after he worked out with the EDGE rushers at the Combine, but the fact of the matter is, he played on the interior for the Tar Heels, my NFL comparison for him is Kevin Strong, and I’m not sure he has the 3-cone to live on the edge on a regular basis. What he does have is the ability to contribute in a variety of ways similar to Strong (and Da’Shawn Hand), and his short shuttle is a great indicator of how he would add speed to the defensive line.

Davon Hamilton, Ohio State

6-3.5, 320, 10 y/s: 1.8, bench: 33 reps

Hamilton’s game is power based and his position group leading 33 reps on the bench press backed that up. His 1.8 second 10-yard-split and on-field performance in drills, helped his cause for showing he’s more than just a run-stuffing interior plugger. Both he and Strowbridge were on the Lions coached North roster at the Senior Bowl, which could go a long way towards the Lions feeling comfortable with either of them.

Notes:

  • Khalil Davis (6-1, 308, Nebraska) had the fastest 10 y/s of the interior defensive linemen with an impressive 1.66 seconds. His twin brother Carlos (6-2, 313, Nebraska) had the second-fastest 10 y/s at 1.67 seconds.
  • Malcolm Roach (6-2, 297, Texas) looked nice in last nights combine drills and would be nice depth at the Lions Big DE position (Da’Shawn Hand’s role) but he has gone on record saying he didn’t like Texas’ 3-3-5 scheme last season which may take him off the Lions board.

2020 NFL Combine winners: Running backs

Examining and identifying the top on-field running back performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine continued their on-field drills on Friday night, this time featuring offensive linemen and running backs. 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’ interest in adding a running back could vary depending on their confidence in the health of Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough. Don’t be surprised if the Lions patiently wait for value and would be willing to add a ball carrier on Day 2 or 3. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

5-10, 226, 40 y/d: 4.39, Vertical: 36″, Broad: 10-3

After back-to-back 2,000+ yard rushing seasons, Taylor had entered the 2020 NFL Combine with an impressive resume. Friday night added fuel to the fire after he ran a position group leading 4.39 40-yard-dash (at 226 pounds) and looked stellar in on-field drills. Longterm, teams will be concerned about the wear and tear his college career had on his body, and he may not fill some teams desire to acquire a more agile back, but his combination of vision, quick feet, power, and long speed will have him in the conversation to be the first running back selected.

Cam Akers, Florida State

5-10.5, 217, 40 y/d: 4.47, Vertical: 35.5″, Broad 10-2

Akers was dynamic in the on-field drills, reminding people that he has the skill set to hear his name early on Day 2 of the draft. Jump cuts, speed cuts, quick feet, Akers handled them all with precision. He also put his natural hands on display, routinely making catches, including a sweet one-hander in the flat.

A.J. Dillon, Boston College

6-0.5, 247, 40 y/d: 4.52, Vertical 41″, Broad: 10-11

The Lions value running backs with explosive traits. Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough both had vertical jumps of 40″ and broad jumps of at least 10-5, and the only running back in this class to match those high marks was Dillion. Add in his size, 247-pounds, power running style, and aggressive downhill mentality and it’s easy to project Dillion in the Lions offensive scheme. There is some concern surrounding his heavy usage at Boston College, and his pass protection skills need some attention, but he showed in on-field drills at the Combine that he has a bright NFL future.

Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

5-10, 203, 40 y/d: 4.41, Vertical: 37″, Broad: 10-5

If the Lions are looking for a more balanced runner, who can carve out a role as a third-down back — he’s a terrific pass blocker — and special teams player, yet still have the upside to develop into an every-down player, then Evans should be on their radar. He showed quick feet, long speed, balance, and reliable hands during the on-field drills.

Notes:

  • On the broadcast, Daniel Jeremiah called DeeJay Dallas (5-10, 217, Miami) “The best pass protecting back in the draft class in my opinion”.
  • Don’t worry too much about the 4.6 40-yard-dash by Clyde Edwards-Helaire (5-7, 207, LSU) he showed great explosion and quickness and is still one of the top backs in this class.

2020 NFL Combine winners: Offensive linemen

Examining and identifying the top on-field offensive linemen performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine continued their on-field drills on Friday night, this time featuring offensive linemen and running backs. 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 Detroit Lions were surely keeping a close eye on the offensive linemen tonight as they could be in the market for a starter at guard, as well as a future starter at offensive tackle. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Tristan Wirfs, LT/RT, Iowa

6-5, 320, 10-y/s: 1.69, 40-y/d: 4.85, Vertical 36.5″, Broad 10-1

There is plenty of debate over who the top offensive lineman in this class is, but it wouldn’t be at all surprising if Wirfs was on top of the Lions board at the position.

Wirfs’ elite athleticism was on full display tonight, where he looked silky smooth in on-field drills, and set records in the measurable tasks. His 4.85 40-yard dash was the fastest among all offensive linemen this year and sixth fastest since 2003. His 36.5″ vertical jump was the highest at the position since 2003 and his 10-1 broad jump was tied for the furthest by an offensive lineman since 2003.

He dominated.

Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

6-3, 307, 10-y/s: 1.77

Ruiz and LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry are in a fierce battle for the top spot among the interior offensive linemen, and while both showed out tonight, I gave the edge to Ruiz based on his fluidity and movement skills. Ruiz was under control in every single drill and he executed each with precision and power. His ability to play center and guard could put him in play for the Lions at pick No. 35 at the top of the second round.

Austin Jackson, LT, USC

6-5, 322, 10-y/s: 1.73

Jackson is a young (only 20-years-old) and developing prospect, and while he likely won’t be grouped in the same tier as the top four offensive tackles in this class, his upside is obvious and was highlighted at tonight’s Combine. A high-character pure left tackle, Jackson’s ability to take over a starting role a year from now will be very appealing to a team like the Lions.

Ezra Cleveland, LT, Boise State

6-6, 311, 10-y/s: 1.73, Bench 30 reps

Cleveland is a developmental offensive tackle who is probably a year away from earning a starting role in the NFL, making him a player who will draw interest from the Lions. At the Combine, Cleveland showed off his balance, ability to play with his head up, and moved laterally with ease.

Nick Harris, IOL, Washington

6-1, 302, 10-y/s: 1.76

Harris’ athleticism stands out when you watch him play and the Combine was no different. He was smooth, balanced, kept his center of gravity low, and moved laterally with ease. Harris will check a lot of boxes for the Lions — he spent a week with them at the senior bowl and will hit their athletic requirements — but he is likely headed for a Joe Dahl-like role, where it will take him time before he is ready to compete for a starting job.

Notes:

  • Mekhi Becton (6-7.5, 364, Louisville) started the show off with a bang, gliding to a 1.77 10-yard-split, but he pulled up after the first on-field drill or he would’ve been higher up this list
  • Jedrick Willis (6-4, 312, Alabama) put his power on full display in a kick-slide right tackle drill, where Willis punched through the bag, knocking the coaches head violently back

2020 NFL Combine winners: Wide receivers

Examining the top on-field wide receiver performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine opened their on-field drills with the tight ends group, followed by the quarterbacks and wide receivers for a combined workout. As always, the workouts begin with the 40-yard-dash, and when they shifted into position drills, we got to see a few new drills.

Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State, 5-11.5, 205

A longtime favorite of Lions Wire, Aiyuk showed off his athleticism with a solid 4.5 40-yard-dash time and above-average explosion scores with a 40″ vertical jump and a 10-7 broad jump. On the field, he was one of the biggest winners in the gauntlet drill, illustrating his focus, balance, and reliable hands.

Denzel Mims, Baylor, 6-3, 207

The Lions value a wide receiver’s 3-cone time (measuring quickness/speed when altering direction) above any other measurement, with seven of their nine rostered receivers having run a time below 6.9-seconds.

Most of the top wide receivers skipped the agility drills at this year’s Combine, but among the 22 who ran the 3-cone, only Mims broke the 6.9-second mark, running a very impressive 6.66 seconds.

Add in Mims’ on-field performance and other Combine measurements, 4.38 second 40-yard-dash, 38.5″ vertical jump, and 10-11 broad jump, and it’s easy to see why he could end up being among the top wide receivers selected on Day 2.

Chase Claypool, Notre Dame, 6-4, 238

Rich Eisen made note of this fun fact on the NFL Network broadcast: Only two NFL Combine wide receivers (since 2003) have measured at least 6-4, 235 pounds, and run faster than a 4.45 in the 40-yard-dash — Claypool and Calvin Johnson.

Claypool officially checked in with a 4.42 40-yard-dash, but his other measurements were equally impressive, earning an elite score of 70 on the explosion scale (bench press + vertical jump + broad jump) — third-best among those who tested.

Expected to have already solidified himself as a Day 2 pick heading into the Combine, it’s fair to wonder how high his stock will rise.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan, 6-1.5, 212

Peoples-Jones measured out as the top wide receiver at both jumping drills. His 11-7 broad jump was incredibly impressive, but Peoples-Jones’ 44.5″ vertical jump was the second-best since 2006, third-best in NFL Combine history among the wide receivers group, and tied for seventh-best in NFL Combine history regardless of position.

John Hightower, Boise State, 6-1.5, 189

In such a deep class, Hightower is a name that has been overlooked for most of the draft process, but for the Lions, he could fill a potential longterm need. Hightower is a vertical playmaker with 4.46 40-yard-dash speed, solid jump scores (38.5″ vertical, 10-2 broad) who can also be an option in the return game. Last night, he displayed solid hands and body control, as well as positioning to snag catches despite their location.

Notes:

  • Henry Ruggs III (5-11, 188, Alabama) takes home the fastest wide receiver award after a blazing 4.27 40-yard-dash time, confirming what most already knew.
  • Jerry Jeudy (6-1, 193, Alabama) and CeeDee Lamb (6-1.5, 198, Oklahoma) should be the first two wide receivers off the board after making difficult plays look easy all night.

  • Devin Duvernay (5-10.5, 210, Texas) checked off the speed (4.39) and explosion boxes (35.5″ vertical jump, 10-3 broad jump) but his 3-cone time of 7.13 was lower than expected.
  • In addition to Ruggs, Mims, and Duvernay, three other receivers ran sub-4.4 40-yard-dashes: Antonio Gibson (6-0, 228, RB/WR, Memphis), Quez Watkins (6-0, 185, Southern Miss), and Darnell Mooney (5-10, 176, Tulane).

2020 NFL Combine winners: Quarterbacks

Examining the top on-field quarterback performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine opened their on-field drills with the tight ends group, followed by the quarterbacks and wide receivers for a combined workout. As always, the workouts begin with the 40-yard-dash, and when they shifted into position drills, we got to see a few new drills.

With Joe Burrow (LSU) opting to sit out after a long season and Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) still recovering from hip surgery, the next level of quarterbacks had a chance to solidify their spots and they did just that.

Jordan Love, Utah State, 6-4, 224

Personally, I have listed Love as QB3 on my Lions based draft board — behind Burrow and Tagovailoa — for most of the season, but Herbert’s performance at the Senior Bowl made me wonder if that was the correct call. After Love’s Combine performance, he once again illustrated his longterm upside and why the Lions will likely have him rated higher than Herbert, who may have a higher floor.

Justin Herbert, Oregon, 6-6, 236

Herbert demonstrated confidence, a perfect spiral, adjusted well to being under center, and while may have missed the first throw or two at the beginning of a drill, but once he found his groove, he repeated the good throw over and over. Herbert’s overall consistency throughout the drills helped his cause to be selected in Round 1.

Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma, 6-1, 222

Hurts was expected to test as the most athletic quarterback at the Combine and he didn’t disappoint. He ran a 4.59 40-yard-dash while landing 3rd in the vertical jump (his 35″ was a half-inch off the lead) and tied for the top spot in the broad jump (10-5).

He showed good footwork in on-field drills, threw a very pretty ball with speed and quickness, but these drills didn’t highlight/expose his biggest flaw which is mental processing during the play. Overall, it was an above-average day for Hurts, who likely solidified a Day 2 selection.

Notes:

  • Anthony Gordan (Washington State) continues to flash upside and with him rostered with the Lions at the Senior Bowl, continues to be a player Lions fans need to keep tabs on.
  • Nate Stanley (Iowa) showed a ton of pop in his throws, and coming from a program the Lions trust, he could also be on the Lions radar late on Day 3.

NFL Scouting Combine to feature 16 new drills in 2020

They’ve also eliminated some older and outdated drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL announced last Friday that they’ll add 16 new position-specific on-field drills and eliminate some outdated drills from the NFL Scouting Combine. The idea behind this is to put players in more situations they’d find themselves in during NFL games. This gives general managers and scouts more evaluation tools to help influence their decision on draft day.

Players won’t begin their on-field testing until Thursday, February 27 when the QB, WR and TE groups get on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here’s a look at the new drills coming to the combine and their corresponding position:

  1. QB: Timed smoke/now route drill
  2. QB: End zone fade routes
  3. RB: Duce Staley drill
  4. RB: Angle routes with c.o.d.
  5. WR: End zone fade route
  6. TE: End zone fade route
  7. OL: New mirror drill
  8. OL: New screen drill
  9. DL: Run and club drill
  10. DL: Run the hoop drill
  11. LB: Shuffle, sprint, change of direction drill
  12. LB: Short zone breaks drill
  13. DB: Line drill
  14. DB: Teryl Austin drill
  15. DB: Box drill
  16. DB: Gauntlet drill

You can find complete descriptions of each drill here. The drills named after coaches sound like they’ll be pretty interesting. You can bet that Andy Reid will be paying close attention to the new screen drill. Fade routes being added to the route tree in on-field testing was long overdue. The same goes for the gauntlet drill for defensive backs. Which of the new drills are you most excited to see in action? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.