NFL Draft 2018: Winners from the NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Combine is in the books, which means it’s time for teams to evaluate the performance of each player before April’s 2018 NFL Draft.

The 2018 NFL Combine featured plenty of great storylines and outstanding performances that coaches, fans, and players will not soon forget. Some NFL Draft prospects are one step closer to hearing their name called in Dallas after this weekend’s performance.

As is always the case in Indianapolis, however, there are some players that benefitted more than others. These are the players that boosted their stock, either with the workouts or in the interview process — though we are more privy to the information to judge players based on the former.

Here, we take a look at the players that were most impressive at this year’s combine.

Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF

Griffin was more than a great storyline during this weekend’s combine. He had one of the most impressive workouts for a linebacker in recent memory. The 6-1, 227-pound prospect put up 20 bench presses and ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash.

Did I mention he did all this with only one hand? Griffin lost his left hand due to a rare prenatal condition at an early age. Now, with his Combine performance behind him, Griffin proved he can play with just about anybody. Considered a fifth or sixth round selection before the Combine, Griffin may have jumped to a mid-fourth round pick.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State 

Somehow, Saquon Barkley further proved that he is the best player in this year’s draft — as if everybody didn’t already know. The Combine numbers speak for themselves. The Penn State product ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, put up 29 bench press reps and posted a 41-inch vertical jump.

The Cleveland Browns have a lot to consider with their No. 1 pick, but it seems their decision got much easier after this weekend. How mind-blowing was Barkley’s Combine? Consider this fact.

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Josh Allen was the top performer among all quarterbacks in the Combine. He not only showed exceptional range as a deep-ball thrower, but he was on point with his short and intermediate throws as well. So after his drills, Allen was able to dispel some concerns about his accuracy issues.

With the absence of one quarterback separating themselves from the pack, Allen may be the best option in his class. Since arm strength is clearly a non-issue, NFL teams will have to take a deep look at other parts of his game.

Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

Considered one of the best offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, Nelson further proved his worth at the combine. At 6-5, 325 pounds, the guard put up an impressive 35 reps at the bench press, which was good for second in his position group.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine 3-Round projection

With immense talent at the defensive tackle position across the league, teams need to find strong, athletic players to fill those holes. Since Nelson fits that role, he may be selected earlier than expected in this year’s draft. Luckily, confidence won’t be a problem with the Notre Dame product.

With answers like that, Nelson surely turned more heads in his direction as a leader on the interior of the offensive line.