In recent years, there has been widespread debate over to what extent the NFL Combine can predict the future success of the draft prospects being evaluated. Fans and analysts alike praise and scrutinize everything about this annual spectacle, including the 40 yard dash, bench press, vertical leap, broad jump, 3 cone drill, and shuttle drill.

Whatever the case, the Combine undoubtedly has a significant impact on the NFL Draft, both in terms of when each player is drafted and in terms of which teams make the call to those players on draft day.

With this being said, it’s worth taking a look at this year’s NFL Combine to determine which prospects upped their draft stock and which prospects failed to meet expectations.

Riser #1: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Malik Willis flashed his potential on Thursday night by showing off his arm strength, which I believe is the best among this year’s QB class. This throw in particular had perfect weight and arc, and if he can put all of his dual-threat ability together, he could become a special signal- caller in the NFL someday.

Faller #1: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt

While this year’s QB class is relatively weak, there is a prevailing sentiment that Kenny Pickett will be the first one taken come April. However, NFL teams evaluating whether Pickett could become their franchise QB of the future will have to come to terms with the fact that he has very small hands for the position. Measuring in at 8.5 inches, Pickett’s hands would be the smallest of any starting QB in the NFL today by far. Further, since hand size became an official measurement for prospects in 1999, there has never been a successful NFL QB with hands under 9 inches. Only time will tell whether teams see this as a significant red flag, but for now, his draft stock is up in the air.

Riser #2: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

In a stacked WR class, it’s easy for guys to get lost in the shuffle. Chris Olave’s performance at the Combine will help him escape that effect at the NFL Draft. All of Olave’s results at the Combine were pretty great (particularly his 4.39 40 yard dash), showcasing both his incredible natural talent as well as his positional versatility at the next level.

Faller #2: David Bell, WR, Purdue

David Bell ran a 4.65 40 yard dash, which is not very impressive for a wideout. Further, being 6’1″, he doesn’t have the elite length or catch radius to make up for his lack of speed. While his remarkable balance and strong hands will ensure that plenty of teams will be eager for his services, he could slide on draft day due to his disappointing measurables at the Combine.

Riser #3: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Jordan Davis is a freak of nature at the two-tech nose tackle position, and he put this on full display on Saturday. His 4.78 40 yard dash, 32″ vertical jump, and his performances in the other drills at the Combine were simply absurd. I would link the YouTube video to show you all, but of course the No Fun League restricted it, but I heavily implore you to check it out on your own time.

One final thing about Jordan Davis I’d like to share is this: According to Pro Football Network’s Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb on Twitter), out of the 17,565 NFL Draft prospects that his RAS database has assigned a raw grade, Jordan Davis is 2nd overall, just behind Calvin Johnson. Johnson was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame this past August, and he may have gone down as the greatest receiver of all time if not for his early retirement and for the fact that he played on the Detroit Lions (sorry, Lions fans).

Faller #3: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

Kenyon Green’s ability to play pretty much everywhere along the line in college is a key reason as to why he’s regarded as an elite talent in this draft class. His strength and power in the trenches has been apparent for years. However, his speed, agility, and lateral movement at the Combine left a lot to be desired. As a result, Green best projects as a guard in the pros, which may hurt his draft stock a bit since offensive tackles are typically taken higher than interior lineman on draft day.

Who is your favorite prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!

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Author: Ben Pawlak

Published: 3/7/22 at 6pm EST

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Sources/Works Cited:

Google Images, Google, https://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en.

“Malik Willis Throws 60-Yard DIME at the Combine 🔥.” YouTube, Pretty Pretty Pretty Good Sports, 3 Mar. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNVWtpwSASw. Accessed 7 Mar. 2022.

“Official Site of the National Football League.” NFL.com, https://www.nfl.com/combine/.