The NFL Combine saw a change to the programming schedule this year, as the running backs worked out on the same day as the quarterbacks. A year after two running backs were taken in the top 12 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft, the conversation this year is centered more around whether or not a running back will break the top 50 overall.
The running backs were the first to take the field, and a few helped or hurt their stocks. Here are some of the winners and losers among running backs from Saturday’s on-field drills in Indianapolis, starting with a look at the top prospects:
Jonathon Brooks (Texas)
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Trey Benson (Florida State)
4.39 seconds
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33.5 inches
10-feet-2
1.52
Braelon Allen (Wisconsin)
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32
9-feet-9
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Bucky Irving (Oregon)
4.55
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29.5
9-feet-7
1.54
Blake Corum (Michigan)
4.53
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35.5
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1.58
Grading the top RB prospects
Jonathon Brooks, Texas: N/A
Brooks had good size at 6-foot, 3/8 inches, but that was evident on tape. Brooks did not participate in any on-field drills as he recovers from the ACL injury he suffered in November. Unfortunately, there is not a clear RB1 in this draft class, and Brooks missed out on an opportunity to set himself apart from the pack.
Trey Benson, Florida State: B+
Benson was among the fastest participants, while his vertical and broad jumps allowed him to be one of the most well-rounded athletes at the position. Benson was thought to be a good athlete coming into the week, so it was important for him to test well; and he did.
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin: B
Allen did not do all of the athletic testing, but his vertical and broad jumps checked the boxes. He made some nice catches out of the backfield during drills, but overall did not do much to help or hurt his stock.
Bucky Irving, Oregon: B
Irving’s 4.55-second 40-yard dash was fine, but he posted the lowest vertical jump (29.5 inches) in attendance. Irving is widely regarded as one of those running back…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-combine-takeaways-grades-for-top-rb-prospects-plus-winners-and-losers-from-on-field-workouts/
Author : Josh Edwards
Publish date : 2024-03-02 20:48:02
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