Like every year, the NFL combine was a highlight of the pre-draft process. If the workshops make it possible to evaluate the physical capacities of the players, the interviews allow the teams to judge the level of maturity of the candidates.
Who earned points? Who lost? We sum it all up for the defense.
(PS: a podcast will soon be available to talk about other profiles, don’t hesitate to subscribe on our different platforms)
Interior defensive line
The winner: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
A favorite of some well-known analysts, Kancey did not attend all of the workshops. However, his only 40 yards in 4.67 seconds was enough to compare the young defensive tackle to a legend from the University of Pittsburgh: Aaron Donald. “Too small”, like the future Hall of Famer of the Rams, Calijah Kancey has an explosiveness that will appeal to many franchises, always looking for versatile players.
The loser: Byron Young, Alabama
Already down in an intriguing class at the position, Byron Young lost points during the combine. Slow and unable to show explosiveness, he seemed unable to keep up. No doubt his only hope is the third day of the draft.
EDGE
Winner: Nolan Smith, Georgia
Not necessarily having the athletic dimensions required in the NFL, Nolan Smith dazzled observers with 40 yards in 4.39 seconds. As explosive as it is fast, he seems to be able to benefit from an NFL that is more open to this kind of profile after the explosion of a Haason Reddick for example. His place in the first round is more than ever possible.
The loser: Andre Carter, Army
Being a military college player and possible first-round pick heading into the season, Carter enjoyed significant popularity. Yet his disappointing season was not overtaken by the scheme. Whether on explosiveness or pure power, its performance
Linebacker
The winner: Jack Campbell, Iowa
If he is not the fastest player on the board, Jack Campbell remains an incredible athlete. Author of a high-level performance, and endowed with a very high football IQ, Campbell is one of the most coveted players in the second round, despite a position that has a low value.
Loser: Henry To’o To’o, Alabama
Henry To’o To’o is the prototype of the player “too small”, but whose talent on the field makes him a player of the second day of the draft. Unfortunately for him, he was disappointing in the workshops evaluating explosiveness and agility, which was not expected. What to bring him down? Possible.
Safety
Winner: Sydney Brown, Illinois
Like her brother Chase, Sydney Brown pulled off the trick. While there are reservations about certain aspects of his game, his athletic ability is undeniably his strong point. He has no weaknesses and has achieved outstanding performances. Enough to fuel fantasies about its potential.
The loser: Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
Disappointing since his stratospheric 2020 season, Brandon Joseph has been an eternal disappointment. Slow and without envy, he achieved catastrophic performances in vertical jumping and jumping. What is its value today? A 6th round at most probably.
Cornerback
The winner: Deonte Banks, Maryland
If the value of Banks has been improving for several months, there remained questions about the speed of the player, and his ability to perform in man to man. With 4.35 seconds at 40 yards, Banks has become a complete player, and the doors of the first round are open to him.
Loser: Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
It may be a little violent to put Porter on the losing end, but the fact is that he was expected to be THE best athlete of the vintage, and he finally failed in his distance duel with Christian Gonzalez. He didn’t lose his spot in the first round, but he may have lost the No. 1 cornerback spot for good.
