2019 NFL Draft: Names to keep an eye on at NFL Combine

Quarterbacks

In a weak quarterback class, only three signal callers rise to the top. While it is possible that teams could get desperate and reach for a quarterback, only three are most prevalently talked about in the first round. Based on their pre-draft processes, where they are selected will be sorted out.

Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

With Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert deciding to stay in school, Dwayne Haskins becomes the No. 1 quarterback prospect entering this year’s draft on most big boards. Breaking Ohio State and Big Ten passing records in his one season starting for the Buckeyes, the 6-3, 220-pound gunslinger threw for over 4,800 yards and 50 touchdowns while completing 70 percent of his passes.

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While it is known to pretty much everyone besides Stephen A. Smith that Haskins has a rocket attached to his shoulder, teams will be watching closely to see if he can show touch on his throws outside the numbers and down the field on his deep ball during throwing exercises. NFL Draft scout Matt Miller of Bleacher Report reported this week that there are at least two teams in the top 10 of the draft that are in love with Haskins. If he performs well in Indianapolis, he could all but secure his spot as QB1 in this year’s draft.

Drew Lock, Missouri

After throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 44 touchdowns during his junior campaign, expectations were high for Drew Lock. Although he did not quite live up to those expectations during his senior season at Missouri, throwing for just about 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns, he displayed flashes that made many see why he is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in this year’s weak draft class.

It has been reported that, picking 10th overall, John Elway and the Denver Broncos have an affinity for Lock and it would not be a surprise in the slightest if he rounds out the top 10 and winds up in Mile High. Expected to test more athletically gifted than Haskins, it will be interesting to see how Lock performs in the throwing drills.

Kyler Murray, Oklahoma

The ultimate draft wild card and the man who is expected to generate the most buzz at the Combine, the Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. Throwing for over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns, adding another 1,000 yards and 12 scores on the ground, Murray’s athleticism has never been in question.

In addition to throwing drills, the most interesting storyline and closely watched aspect of Murray’s week will be the official measurements and his interview process. Listed at 5-10 and 195 pounds, Murray is expected to measure in even smaller than that, a red flag for many teams.

However, a bigger red flag could be the lengthy decision-making process regarding his choice between the NFL and MLB. This will be examined under a microscope in Indianapolis.