Offensive linemen and running backs shined on the first day of workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. Here are some players Buffalo Bills fans should know about.
The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine is underway and Buffalo Bills fans should be excited.
Before the prospects take the field, they undergo physical and mental tests. Staying a total of four days, each prospect is subject to medical exams, psychological tests, team interviews, strength/agility tests and on-field positional drills.
Day 1 of on-field drills has come and gone with the offensive lineman and running backs on full display. Both positional groups are considered to have great depth so there were many promising prospects.
With interior linemen and running back being team needs for the Bills organization, there should have been many Bills fans watching.
For those of you that couldn’t watch the coverage…I have you covered. The NFL Scouting Combine has become my Super Bowl. I will provide analysis on the prospects for each of the four televised on-field segments throughout the combine.
In my analysis I will list the players that improved their draft stock and those who hampered it. I will also give you a player or two at each position that Bills fans should keep an eye on.
Coverage continues today…
» Saturday, Mar 3: QB, WR, TE
» Sunday, Mar 4: DL, LB
» Monday, Mar 5: DB
*All combine testing results can be found on NFL.com*
Draft Risers- Linemen
James Daniels (C) Iowa
(6-foot-3, 295 pounds) 3-Cone Drill- 7.29 secs (2nd)
Iowa rarely produces a prospect that busts in the NFL. They are a great program that always graduates intelligent football players.
On tape, you can see that Daniels understands the blocking schemes and how to protect. During the drills he demonstrated he has the physical tools needed to protect as well. The 7.29 3-cone drill time showed that he has the hips and mobility needed to reach block and pull on run plays.
He showed that the physical tools match up with the mental tools. He is a prospect that has a great work ethic and has a slim chance of being a bust. His performance will get him drafted within the first 50 picks.
Will Hernandez (OG) UTEP
(6-foot-2, 348 pounds) Bench Press- 37 Reps (1st)
Hernandez was a four-year starter at guard throughout his collegiate career. His tape is impressive despite the level of competition. During the Senior Bowl he made himself more of a star by handling each opponent he faced during the entire week.
During the drills, he showed mobility and limited wasted motions. You can tell he has the confidence and swagger needed to be a star offensive lineman. He displayed some nastiness every chance he had to hit a bag.
The video of him bench pressing stood out because he looked bored with the weight. He lives in the weight room and showed the determination to play at the next level. Once thought as a second-round talent, I don’t believe he makes it out of the first 25 picks.
Draft Risers- Running Back
Nick Chubb, Georgia
(5-foot-11, 228 pounds) 40-Yard Dash- 4.52 (6th) Bench Press-29 Reps (1st)
As a freshman, Nick Chubb was touted to be the next great Georgia running back. That notion came crashing down after he suffered a devastating knee injury during his sophomore year as a Bulldog.
Once he returned from injury, it was clear that he did not have the same juice that he did before. Upon his return, Georgia went to a two-back system between him and Sony Michel (potential 2018 first-round pick).
During the testing and on-field workouts, Chubb showed some burst running a 4.52 40 and ridiculous strength to throw off defenders. He also showed he had the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something he rarely showed at Georgia.
Once considered a 3rd-4th round option, his performance showed that he should be considered a second-round talent.
Rashaad Penny, San Diego St.
(5-foot-11, 220 pounds) 40-Yard Dash- 4.46 (3rd)
Penny was the definition of a stat-sheet stuffer. With over 2,200 rushing yards last year alone, many evaluators see him as a back with a lot of wear and tear on him. I personally believe he has the size and speed to handle all those carries, and it should not frighten teams away.
I did not expect him to run the third fastest time. He beat “speed” guys like Sony Michel (4.54) and Akrum Wadley (4.54). This will only enhance his draft stock and he should be off the board by the end of Day 2.
Draft Fallers
Linemen
Orlando Brown (Tackle), Oklahoma– Once arguably the best tackle in the draft. After the historically bad combine showing (Bench Press- 14 Reps and 40-Yard Dash- 5.85) his draft stock may be in a free fall.
Billy Price (Center), Ohio State– Considered the best center in the draft, Price suffered an injury during the bench press portion of testing. According to Albert Breer, it could lead to an extended recovery.
Ohio State C Billy Price is believed to have a torn pec, per sources, and is waiting on an MRI to confirm. It happened on his third rep during the bench press at combine today.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 2, 2018
Tough blow for a great player. Depending on the severity of the injury, he could fall to Day 2.
Running Back
Ronald Jones, USC– The combine injuries continued. Jones, considered a 1st-2nd round prospect, ran a 4.65 40 time. During the dash, you can see him pull up with an injury half way through. The injury is not serious but he did have to sit out the rest of the drills.
He could have solidified himself as a first-round guy, but the injury did not allow it. He won’t fall in the draft unless the injury continues to linger.
Bo Scarborough, Alabama– The big bruising back will be compared to Derrick Henry based on size and the fact that they attended the same school, but that should be it. Henry was a smoother runner and showed the ability to run low.
Scarborough demonstrated an inability to get low. Throughout the drills he repeatedly ran high which gives defenders a bunch of area to hit. Only getting 14 reps in the bench will also hurt the big back. Both negatives secured his spot as a Day 3 pick.
If a team takes him, his primary use will be short yardage until he develops down the line.
Bills prospects to keep an eye on
Linemen
Billy Price– The injury may allow the bills to take him in second. Getting the best center prospect in the draft at this pick would be a steal.
Mason Cole– He had an under-the-radar good combine. He showed the athleticism needed to be a starting guard in the league. He’ll be available Day 3 if the Bills decide to wait.
Running Back
Royce Freeman– While at Oregon, he was considered the man. As the lead back, he demonstrated the ability to read blocks and hit the hole. He wasn’t afraid of contact and could be a great compliment to LeSean McCoy.
The Bills could look to free agency to find a big back to replace Mike Tolbert or they can grab this young stud in the third round.
Bo Scarborough– His presence on the Bills roster would give the team a dynamic duo in the backfield. With McCoy hitting 30 years old, it would be smart for the Bills to find a big back to complement him. This would wear defenses out while preserving McCoy for a potential playoff run.
Getting him in the 5th-6th round would be a great coup for Beane.
Next: QB Class of 2018 (pre-combine breakdown)
Was there anyone else who stood out to you? Day 2 is the day of QBs and skill guys. It should be a fun showcase of talent.