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.
2022 NFL Scouting Combine Biggest Winner No. 2: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
We all knew Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave were going to impress on Thursday but another player made sure everyone knew his name by the time the wide receivers were done showing off their skills. Skyy Moore of Western Michigan put together an all-around great performance where he went for 125-inches on the broad jump and ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash.
However, it was his route-running that really stood out. Moore proved to be one of the smoothest runners on the field Thursday and his 10 and 1/4-inch hands were able to haul in everything.
He might not be one of the big stars right now but this kid has a bright future and Thursday felt like just the beginning.
2022 NFL Scouting Combine Biggest Loser No. 2: David Bell, WR, Purdue
The 40-yard dash was obliterated all day by wide receivers including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Christian Watson, and Tyquan Thornton. They all ripped off insane times that reminded us all how elite this class could be at the position.
However, not every one of them stood out. David Bell, for example, ran just a 4.65 in the sprint. If that wasn’t enough, he went for fewer than 10 feet on the broad jump and only 33-inches on the vertical. He did a good job in the pass-catching drills but in a class this deep, his athleticism seems to be behind some of the other stars.
2022 NFL Scouting Combine Biggest Winner No. 1: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis didn’t even have to step on the field to start turning heads. Willis was seen helping out someone “on hard times” by a fan who was eating lunch and the video went viral ‚— it was even discussed on NFL Network during the broadcast.
Then he started working out and really impressed. While he didn’t run the 40-yard dash, he did throw in every drill and he threw it well. Not every pass was on target but his deep ball was very impressive.
There will be those who continue to doubt him and call him a project, but some team is going to land a real leader who ends up being an excellent pro.
2022 NFL Scouting Combine Biggest Loser No. 1: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
It was a hot topic before the Scouting Combine and then it was brought up once again on Thursday. Kenny Pickett, who was great in 2021 for the Pittsburgh Panthers, had to answer the question about whether or not his hands were too small.
He ended up measuring 8.5 inches, which would tie him with the smallest hand for any quarterback in the NFL. And while some will say it doesn’t matter because he had no issues in college, the NFL ball is slightly more than one inch larger in circumference.
Pickett did still throw the ball well and could even remain quarterback No. 1, but there are some doubts now after this measurement.