NFL Combine Review: Day Two

Day Two of the Combine featured the offensive line and running backs, and they certainly put on a show. First, the offensive linemen, my favorite position to scout, took the field for measurements and drills, followed by the running backs. It’s exciting to watch a 300+lbs athlete turn into a missile and start flying in the 40. In addition, one of my favorite position coaches, Jeff Stoutland (OL Coach/ Run Game Coordinator for Philadelphia), was leading a few blocking drills. Overall, most of the running backs and offensive linemen met their expectations for the Combine, but a handful of prospects excelled beyond. Below are just a few players who showcased their talents from Day Two.

Zion Johnson (OL Boston College):

After his Combine performance yesterday, Johnson has solidified himself in the first round. Johnson did just about everything right in the offensive line drills in the first group of linemen. He makes quick deceiving cuts with his feet, positions his feet well to get square with his next target downfield in run blocking concepts, and accelerates into the second level. Johnson also performed well in pulling guard drills, keeping his feet tight to the cone with smooth footwork and upfield acceleration. Johnson’s draft stock has essentially skyrocketed since the senior bowl, and he continued to prove why with his elite change of direction and physical traits. He performed so well, and with a mediocre performance from Kenyon Green, Johnson could find himself as high as the second interior offensive linemen off the board come draft day.

Bernhard Raimann (OT Central Michigan):

Raimann originally came to Central Michigan as a two-star tight-end recruit. In his first two seasons, he caught 20 passes and started in 11 games before transitioning to tackle. After he transitioned to his new position, Raimann excelled. Over the next two years, he would start 18 games at left tackle, didn’t allow a pressure final six career games, and finished his last three games with PFF grades over 90. Raimann was explosive, moving across the line. He used his experience playing tight end to help position himself upfield and engage the second tier of blockers. He accelerated well after making decisions. Although Raimann is a bit of a raw prospect and hasn’t played tackle as long as some of the other draft prospects, he has the tools to become a good starter.

Tyler Allgeier (RB BYU):

At the beginning of the day, I wasn’t particularly familiar with Allgeier as a prospect. However, throughout the day, I thought he impressed me in almost every drill. He had excellent technique with short chop steps before making quick jump cuts and accelerating. Allgeier kept his feet tight inside his frame when making moves on the second level to avoid pressure and get upfield quickly, and he showed the second gear of speed when getting into the open field. However, I was most impressed with Allgeier’s Combine performance was his versatility. He did an excellent job of leaking out of the backfield for check-downs, exploded to the sideline before changing direction well upfield, and he was comfortable across the middle of angle routes. Allgeier can be a dual-threat weapon for a team on offense if he ends up in a good situation.

Honorable Mentions at OL who also performed well Day Two:

Abraham Lucas (OT Washington State), Ickey Ekwonu (OT NC State), Charles Cross (OT Mississippi St), Cole Strange (OG Tennessee-Chattanooga), Dylan Parham (OG Memphis), Tyler Smith (OT Tulsa), Spencer Burford (OG UTSA)

Honorable Mentions at RB who also performed well Day Two:

Kenneth Walker III (RB Michigan St), Ty Chandler (RB North Carolina), James Cook (RB Georgia), Isiah Pacheco (RB Rutgers), Pierre Strong (RB SDSU)