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

Wide Receivers

There are a plethora of receivers in this draft class based off of what your team needs and desires; no shortage of big-bodies or smaller, quick twitch playmakers. With the receiver class being overloaded with names, many could separate themselves with solid numbers at the Combine. Here are three that have already drawn intrigue.

Hakeem Butler, Iowa State

No one receiver could improve his draft stock more this weekend than Hakeem Butler. The redshirt junior wideout from Iowa State will have just about every scout and general manager locked in on him in Indianapolis as he stands at a massive 6-6 and weighs in at 225 pounds.

There is no question that Butler has big play ability as his tape shows a number of eye-popping catches down the field and put up over 1,300 yards and nine scores for the Cyclones in 2018. The question will be: does he have the speed and agility to separate from defenders at the next level?

If Butler can get his 40 time even into the 4.5-second range and can put on even an average showing in the 3-cone drill, he will have teams drooling over him and could see his name called in the first round. He remains the most intriguing prospect.

D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss

A physical specimen, DK Metcalf is listed at 6-4 and 225 pounds; the young man absolutely passes the eye test. However, coming off of a neck injury that sidelined him for a large chunk of his redshirt sophomore season, his physical and interview will tell NFL scouts a great deal on Metcalf.

However, in only seven games in 2018, Metcalf was able to post an impressive 569 yards and five scores receiving. Another big-bodied receiver, Metcalf could be the first receiver off of the board if he shows even an ounce of quick twitch. He is considered a freak athlete, so expect him to wow a number of teams if he is 100 percent healthy.

Terry McLaurin, Ohio State

This next prospect to keep an eye on is a day-three sleeper who could come into any team and contribute right away… on special teams. The senior captain from Ohio State not only was one of Dwayne Haskins’ most reliable target, but was also the gunner on the punt team who always seemed to be around the ball on special teams.

Based off of his play in 2018, where he posted 701 yards and 11 touchdowns, McLaurin vaulted himself into the Senior Bowl in Mobile. There were few seniors talked about more than him as he registered the fastest route ran of anyone in Alabama that week, and frequently burned corners deep in one-on-one drills.

McLaurin will remain a hot name come early day three, as he is a player that could project to hang around the league for 10-plus years in the league due to his worth on more than one side of the ball. Keep an eye on the speedster from Ohio State in Indianapolis later this month.