Every year, we try to take a quick break from the NFL, and yet they pull as back in with the allure that anything is possible with the talents assembled at the Combine. So as it must, our attention turns to watch the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump, and the rest of the trials and tribulations at the NFL Scouting Combine.
This year’s spectacle lived up to the hype, delivering standout performances, captivating stories, and a few surprises from those who didn’t quite hit the mark.
Though the combine isn’t the be-all and end-all for these athletes’ careers, it plays a pivotal role in shaping their destiny come draft day.
Join us as we zoom in on the heroes who left Indianapolis with their reputation soaring, and the underperformers who might find themselves sliding down the draft pecking order.
NFL Scouting Combine Winners
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Can’t have a Winners of the Combine list without Worthy, who blazed an official 4.21 40-yard dash. That’s the fastest 40 time ever recorded at the Combine, eclipsing John Ross’ 4.22 from 2017.
The speedy Texas wideout, who measured at an impressive 9.37 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), has undoubtedly improved his draft stock during testing. Worthy might sneak into the back end of the NFL Draft‘s first round, where WR-needy teams like the Bills and Chiefs will be looking at him.
Teams Seeking A Round 1 Offensive Tackle
At least six offensive tackles might hear their name called on Night 1, if combine testing gives any indication. Joe Alt (Notre Dame), Olu Fashanu (Penn State), Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State), and Amarius Mims (Georgia) all put up high RAS scores.
The class as a whole looked loaded. I can easily see us getting multiple Pro Bowl careers out of this group.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Maybe he didn’t throw or run, but Caleb Williams remains the clear frontrunner to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s practically a sure thing at this point.
Let’s hope Williams enjoys The Windy City.
NFL Scouting Combine Losers
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Many evaluators hoped the formerly heralded prospect would come to Indianapolis and prove that, despite his inconsistent college career, he still holds potential as an NFL starter.
Leaving the Combine, people remain unsure. Rattler finished last in nearly every QB testing drill.
Unfortunately for him, this will not help ease the nervousness that teams will feel when evaluating whether he’ll become a franchise signal-caller.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Sanders came into the Combine as arguably the second-best prospect among tight ends. Worthy’s college teammate didn’t enjoy Combine success, though, failing to test as well as other tight ends in attendance.
Sanders ran a 4.69 in the 40, which is not too terrible. However, when you take into account his height and weight are on the lower end of the spectrum at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, you would have hoped he would have a little more straight-line speed.
TEs like Ben Sinnott and Theo Johnson outperformed him, and he may have fallen behind them.
