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NFL Scouting Combine Day 2: Risers and Fallers

By Erik Lambert

Aug 30, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (1) breaks the tackle of Boston College Eagles defensive back Sean Sylvia (19) and runs for a touchdown during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (1) breaks the tackle of Boston College Eagles defensive back Sean Sylvia (19) and runs for a touchdown during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The second and perhaps most-anticipated day of the 2016 NFL scouting combine concluded, and as with any of them say its fair share of surprising studs and duds among the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends.  Who did themselves a huge favor and who probably should’ve stayed home?

Riser:  Tajae Sharpe, WR, Massachusetts

The workout in total was a major success for Tajae Sharpe.  Already his stock was receiving a steady boost thanks to his production at Massachusetts.  He then turned in a solid 4.55 in the 40-yard dash and a clean series of pass catching drills that rarely, if ever saw him drop a football.  He boasts an inviting 6’2″ frame, natural hands and runs routes like a veteran would.  Some team will take him on Day 2.

Faller:  Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

There was never any doubt that quarterback Christian Hackenberg was a good physical specimen.  He proved that with a solid 4.78 in the 40 to go along with his big 6’4″ frame and strong arm.  What scouts and teams wanted to know what whether he could improve his accuracy, which had been a problem throughout college.  Unfortunately the drills revealed more of the same.  A lot of balls were misplaced or sailed on him.  Despite the talent, it’s becoming too difficult to justify taking him before the 3rd round, if that.

Riser:  Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

On the flip side, Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch may have steadied his own position in the draft.  For a time it felt like he might be slipping down boards due to concerns about his rawness and injury concerns.  He alleviated some of those fears with an impressive combine display.

He ran a 4.86 in the 40 (remember he’s 6’7″), posted a 36-inch vertical jump and showcased some better-than-expected accuracy, especially on throws down the field.  This should keep him in the 1st round, and perhaps even the top 10.

Faller:  Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

One of many standout athletes from Ohio State, wide receiver Michael Thomas had hoped to vault himself into the top 32 conversation thanks to his 6’3″ size and good athleticism.  While he showed strength with 18 reps on the bench press, his 4.57 time in the 40 was average, as was his 35-inch vertical.  Worse, he was inconsistent in drills, dropping a number of balls and showing a lack of balance and fluidity when running.  Combined with his lack of production on the field, it’s not a good omen.

Riser:  Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina

The tight end class as a whole is considered weak this year, so any player that did well in workouts had a legitimate chance to give his stock a huge boost.  South Carolina product Jerell Adams jumped at the opportunity.  At 6’5″, 247 lbs he ran the fastest 40 of the day at 4.64 seconds.  He also had a solid 60-yard shuttle and showed well in pass catching drills.  Teams looking for that en vogue “move” tight end for their offense will have to take a look at him moving forward.

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