NFL Combine 2018: Comparing prospects with the best of all time
The 2018 NFL Combine testing will begin shortly. Which players will make the most noise and improve their draft stock?
The NFL Combine is a great way for top prospects to showcase their athleticism and football skills in front of scouts, general managers and coaches. While some players might benefit from the week at Lucas Oil Stadium, others may falter.
Of course, there’s always the looming prospect of one of these NFL hopefuls breaking an NFL Combine record. We saw it just last year with John Ross in the 40-yard dash.
Here, we take a look at the best combine performances of all time. We also evaluate which of this year’s players’ has a chance to match them.
40-Yard Dash
Best all time: 4.22 seconds – John Ross, WR – Selected No. 9 overall by Cincinnati Bangels in 2017.
It’s unlikely anybody will touch last year’s 40-yard dash record set by former track star and Washington Husky, John Ross. However, there are a few likely candidates who may come close.
Isaiah Oliver is one of the most athletic players in the draft. The Colorado cornerback is sure to light up many events throughout the week, but he should shine in the 40-yard dash. Donte Jackson, another cornerback, also has a legitimate chance of matching Ross. The LSU product is blazing fast and was said to clock in at 4.24 seconds in the past.
Bench Press
Best all time: 49 reps – Stephen Paea, DT – Selected No. 53 overall by Chicago Bears in 2011.
Stephen Paea has bounced around the league since getting drafted by the Bears. While he isn’t the most accomplished player in the league, his Combine performance helped the New Zealand-native climb the draft board in 2011.
The bench press isn’t much of an indicator of a players football prowess, but it is fun to watch some of the draft’s strongest competitors get after it. Kentavius Street, a defensive tackle from NC State should put on a show during the bench press competition. Bradley Chubb gets most of the attention from NC State, but Street may be an even more gifted athlete.
Vertical Jump
Best all time: 45 inches – Chris Conley, WR – Selected No. 76 overall by Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.
Anything above 40 inches in the vertical jump is exceptional. Conley’s 45-inch vertical is another tough record to break, but there are enough players in this draft who can at least make it close.
Derwin James, the uber-talented safety from Florida State, can become one of the defining players at this year’s Combine. James’ incredible athleticism and leadership already has him as a projected first-round selection. However, with an excellent week at the Combine, he could jump to a top-10 player.
20-Yard Shuttle
Best all time: 3.81 seconds – Jason Allen, CB – Selected No. 16 overall by Miami Dolphins in 2006.
The 20-yard shuttle is a chance for prospects to show off their lateral quickness and explosiveness. Any time under four seconds is extremely impressive, so to beat Allen’s time players need quick feet and acceleration.
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Rashaad Penny may be just the man to set the tone for this event. The San Diego State product and all-time leading rusher in NCAA history has the explosiveness and short, quick strides to excel in the 20-yard shuttle. With deep running back talent in this year’s draft class, Penny is going to need a very good combine to climb the boards.