The 2020 NFL scouting combine is now in the books. Over the course of the past week, more than 300 prospective NFL players were put through the paces during the world’s strangest job interview. After all, that is what the combine truly is: A job interview. Some will get jobs, others will not.
With the combine behind us, who improved their chances, and which prospects still have work to do?
Winner: Jalen Hurts
The Oklahoma product came into Indianapolis known for his athleticism, and he did not disappoint in that regard. Hurts posted a 4.59 40-yard dash, one of the best numbers turned in by the quarterbacks and a number that backs up Hurts’ athleticism on film. (Only Cole McDonald ran faster, besting Hurts by 0.01 seconds).
But scouts and evaluators knew that the Oklahoma signal-caller was athletic. What they wanted to see was more evidence that he can develop into an NFL passer. That is where his throwing session comes into play. He impressed during his throwing session, displaying tighter and crisper mechanics. In addition, the ball popped out of his hand very well. For example, he delivered on a well-placed out route to Isaiah Hodges along the left sideline, as well and a great dig route to Antonio Gandy-Golden off of a deep drop into the pocket. Those throws highlighted some improved footwork from the quarterback. Hurts helped himself this week, especially when you consider how well he likely performed in his interviews with teams.
While Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa seem solidified in the top tier of quarterbacks, there is a lot of wrangling behind them for a spot in that second tier. With his performance in Indianapolis, Hurts might have moved into that group.
Loser: Jake Fromm
To be fair to Fromm, the parts of the Combine that were visible to the public are probably not the areas where he is going to excel. The Georgia passer is not known for having a powerful arm, nor is he known for upper-tier athleticism. During the testing and the workout at Lucas Oil Stadium, those parts of his game were on display. Fromm managed just a 5.01 40-yard dash, the slowest time of any quarterback who chose to run. During his throwing session, Fromm’s passes lacked velocity and tended to dip as they approached their target.
However, the parts that we could not see, specifically the team interviews and the whiteboard sessions, are probably where Fromm shines. He is a very smart and experienced passer who was given a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and early in his career. From the neck up Fromm is one of the better quarterbacks in this class, and during those meetings he likely impressed coaches and general managers with his knowledge of the game and offensive/defensive schemes.
There is likely to be an NFL team – or more – that falls for Fromm during this process. Based on his film, it will likely be due more to what he does during the meetings than anything he displayed Thursday night on the Lucas Oil Turf.
