The first day of workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine provided scouts with an opportunity to see several of the top prospects display their immense talent and potential. Here are a few of the notable standouts in my mind:
(Click on prospect's name to view the full profile.)
Green has certainly created a buzz in scouting circles with his impressive display of speed and quickness. He recorded a 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash and had an explosive burst finishing the run. In moving on to the position drills, Green stood out as one of the more polished route runners. His combination of balance and body control is exceptional, and he possesses the physical tools to emerge as a match-up problem when aligned out wide. While his frame is not conducive to play as a conventional tight end, his combination of skills make him an intriguing prospect.
Egnew desperately needed a strong showing to make amends for a disappointing performance at the Senior Bowl. He certainly delivered on all accounts with his impressive display of speed, athleticism and skill. He finished as the group leader in the vertical and broad jumps, and posted a 4.62 time in the 40-yard dash. Egnew displayed good hands and ball skills in the positional workout, and looks like a keeper as a potential No. 2 tight end.
Kalil has cemented his status as the top offensive tackle in the draft with his exceptional workout. He measured in with prototypical dimensions (6-foot-6 3/4, 306 pounds with 34 1/2-inch arms and 10 3/8-inch hand) and displayed remarkable athleticism executing drills. His 4.99 40-time ranked near the top of the charts, but scouts are more impressed with his 1.70 10-yard split. Those numbers, coupled with the brilliant display of balance, body control and strength showcased during his positional workout, have erased any doubts from scouts concerning his exceptional pro potential.
Glenn earned rave reviews for his impressive performance in front of scouts. He posted impressive times in the 40-yard dash (5.15) and ranked near the top of the charts with a 1.76 ten-10-yard split. More importantly, Glenn displayed smooth and fluid movement skills throughout the position drills. He effortlessly executed the kick and slide drill, and his surprising lateral quickness increases his chances of coming off the board as a potential offensive tackle.
Wyche: Kalil cements status
After an impressive performance at the combine, Matt Kalil has left no doubt where he will be drafted, Steve Wyche writes. **More ...**
DeCastro ended any speculation about the top offensive guard prospect with his solid showing at the workout. He certainly passes the eyeball test after measuring in at 6-4 7/8, 316 pounds with 34-inch arms and a 10-inch hand. His imposing frame complements a solid set of skills that were showcased in his positional workout. DeCastro displayed body control, strength and power when working against partners in various tandem drills, but also showed sneaky athleticism and quickness when working on the move. As a sound technician with better than advertised athleticism, DeCastro has cemented his standing as a top-15 pick.
Gettis entered the combine regarded as a late-round prospect, but he might be in line to move up the board with his strong performance. He posted impressive numbers in the 40-yard dash (5.00), broad jump (9-4) and vertical jump (31 1/2). He also displayed intriguing athleticism and movement skills during the positional portion of the workout. While he is certainly raw and unpolished from a technical standpoint, his natural movement skills and strength could make him an enticing developmental prospect in the draft.
Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks
