NFL Combine Review: Day Three

Day Three of the Combine was dominated by the Georgia Bulldogs. The defensive linemen started the day divided by defensive tackle and edge. Prospects from throughout Georgia’s front seven improved their draft stock today, including Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Channing Tindall, etc. However, the most important observation I had from the entire day was the overall athleticism of these prospects. Five defensive tackles ran a sub-five second 40-yard dash, eight defensive ends ran a sub 4.6 second 40, and eleven linebackers managed to run a sub 4.6 40 as well. These prospects showed great athleticism and versatility today, and their value may skyrocket come draft day. Below are just a few players who showcased their talents from Day Three.

Devonte Wyatt & Jordan Davis (DT Georgia):

These guys showcased unreal athleticism for a player weighing in at over 300 pounds (Wyatt at 304, Davis at 341). Both of these players showed explosiveness from the point of attack in drills, along with the elite change of direction and dominant speed. Wyatt was particularly impressed during the drills, dipping his shoulders well to carry his momentum into spin moves, versatility to win multiple ways from the line, and had great bend/flexibility doing the figure eight drill. Davis also performed well during the field drills, demonstrating strong hands during bag drills while still having decisive footwork. There are quite a few teams who need to upgrade the interior of their defensive line, and both of these players performed well enough at the Combine to likely impact how teams approach free agency. I would expect both of these players to potentially get selected in the top twenty with how many teams will be looking to upgrade the defensive line.

Travon Walker (DE Georgia):

Walker provides a rare blend of size, strength, and speed that will make him a highly coveted prospect. He has an elite change of direction, fast, choppy footwork to avoid pressure, and powerful technique working around the outside. He excelled in nearly every drill in every way, along with posting a 4.51 40 yard dash, 35.5” vertical jump, and 10’3” broad jump—his athletic profile projects exceptionally well as a versatile weapon on the defensive line at the pro level. Walker’s strong Combine performance could undoubtedly elevate his draft stock to as high as a top-five pick, but I don’t expect him to fall out of the top ten.

Troy Andersen (LB Montana State):

Andersen is an intriguing linebacker prospect who hasn’t been paying the position for long. The three-year captain started at linebacker and running back his freshman season, quarterback his sophomore year, and linebacker his junior and senior seasons. He has an excellent change of direction, fast, agile footwork, and looked comfortable doing coverage drills. Although Andersen is relatively new to the linebacker position, he possesses many physical traits that teams will covet. After his Combine performance, teams who want to secure Andersen’s services will have to select him on Day Two of the draft.

Honorable Mentions at DL who also performed well Day Three:

Travis Jones (DL UConn), Logan Hall (DL Houston), Matthew Butler (DL Tennessee)

Honorable Mentions at EDGE who also performed well Day Three:

Tyreke Smith (EDGE Ohio St), Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE Penn St), Jeffery Gunter (EDGE Coastal Carolina), George Karlaftis (EDGE Purdue)

Honorable Mentions at LB who also performed well Day Three:

Chad Muma (LB Wyoming), Quay Walker (LB Georgia), Channing Tindall (LB Georgia), Boye Mafe (LB Minnesota) Jermaine Johnson (LB Florida St)