2022 NFL Scouting Combine: 3 Biggest winners and losers from Day 1

Who were the three biggest winners and who suffered the most harm on the first day of the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis?

Every year, the NFL Draft becomes a bigger event. Believe it or not, there was a time when the players participating worked out without droves of cameras following them but as we have seen during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, it’s become a prime time event where every move made by each prospect is dissected.

Even with years of film to choose from, these measurements and drills can be vital for the players as they look to solidify their spot in their respective draft classes. Some end up doing a great job while others, unfortunately, fall short.

Here we look at this with the three biggest winners and three biggest losers from the first day of the combine.

2022 NFL Scouting Combine Biggest Winner No. 3: Chig Okonkwo, TE, Maryland

After a good showing in the East-West Shrine Bowl, Maryland tight end Chig Okonkwo continued his climb as he put on a show. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound tight end ran an impressive 4.52 in the 40-yard dash.

He then looked smooth in each drill he competed in — although it would have been nice to see him haul in a couple more passes. Still, he showed an ability to make plays and had some solid catches down the field where he had to track the ball. In a class that’s not elite at tight end, he might have made a leap this offseason.

2022 NFL Scouting Combine Biggest Loser No. 3: Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin

While Chig Okonkwo stood out as a tight end, Jake Ferguson did not. The Wisconsin product had 15 reps in the bench press and put up a 4.81 in the 40-yard dash. He might have cemented himself as a day three pick, which is discouraging since he was in the mix to be a third-round pick.