2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Who Will Blow Up The Combine
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (4) scores untouched against the Florida Gators during the first half of the game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
It may not hold the same water as the Senior Bowl, but the combine will prove so important to many prospects vying for 2015 NFL draft consideration. Here are five names who could really give their stocks a boost if their athleticism shows like it should.
Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami Fl.)
Nothing helps the stock of a wide receiver in any draft more than a demonstration of speed. Players have often gone from small school prospects and mid round options to legitimate Day 1 and 2 picks because they showed how dangerous they can be once the ball is in their hands. Phillip Dorsett is that kind of guy. Though only 5’10”, he has that rare extra gear of speed defenses fear so much.
Jake Fisher (OT, Oregon)
In an era of the quarterback, passing attacks and no-huddle offenses, a premium has been placed more than ever on having tackles who display serious athleticism. For that reason, it won’t take long for Oregon standout Jake Fisher to build some momentum. He’s a former tight end, which means he has versatility and displays the kind of quickness, footwork and smoothness teams prefer in left tackles.
Danielle Hunter (DE, LSU)
Not all pass rushers find their way in the college. Some can take longer to develop and show that sort of promise in the eye-popping physical talent they display. Danielle Hunter is one such type. His sack numbers don’t say much, but when looking him one would say there is no way a guy that big and tall should be able to move like that. The Combine is made for somebody like Hunter.
Alvin Dupree (OLB, Kentucky)
Believe it or not, Alvin Dupree may even have more to gain at the Combine than Hunter. Dupree is already considered a 1st round prospect, but a great showing there could set him up for a significant rise up the board, and with it a major pay day. The Kentucky product is a rare breed in that he’s built like a 4-3 defensive end but can move like a 3-4 linebacker. On top of that, he has production to back up what he’s showing. All good things once the 2015 NFL draft gets going.
Jalen Collins (CB, LSU)
Size. Length. Speed. Those are three buzz words when it comes to cornerbacks in every college draft class. If a player can check all of those boxes at the combine, then his stock will not only rise but skyrocket because defenses more than ever prefer bigger corners who can run. Jalen Collins was that kind of guy at LSU, but thus far he’s been overlooked at times. His technique isn’t perfect yet, but that won’t matter once he does the drills.