NFL Scouting Combine: How Top 2016 Testers Faired As Rookies

How accurate is the NFL scouting combine about locating instant contributors of a rookie class. Do top drill performers end up taking their success to the field?

Everybody likes to watch this event for the big moments. The fast runs, the freaky high jumps and the impressive downfield throws and catches during drills. Does it really matter though? A good way to determine whether players gaining top times or measurements at the combine is by putting up the leaders of every drill from the 2016 version and see how their rookie year went. Be prepared for a bit of a shock.

40-Yard Dash: 4.31 seconds (Keith Marshall)

Marshall came from an established program at Georgia. He was their complimentary back who offered a speed option to go with the stable of power runners the Bulldogs liked to employ. Marshall wasn’t overly productive in college but took advantage at the combine with the fastest time in the 40. Even so he just barely got drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 7th round. Not long after that he was put on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season.

Bench Press: 34 reps at 225 lbs (Christian Westerman)

It looked like the college career would be a quiet one for Westerman after two years at Auburn. So he chose to transfer somewhere he could get a chance to play. Arizona State took him in and he became a key cog in their offensive line, showcasing his toughness and athleticism. Many were surprised after his solid combine that he fell to the 5th round where the Cincinnati Bengals scooped him up. He didn’t see any action as a rookie though. That will likely change now that guard Kevin Zeitler is expected to depart.

Vertical Jump: 41.5 inches (Jalen Ramsey and Daniel Lasco)

Jalen Ramsey was a top prospect even before he set foot on the field in Indianapolis. Scouts were in love with his rare elite traits of athleticism, size, speed and ball skills Most viewed the combine as a mere formality. They were right. Ramsey checked every box including the best vertical jump, showcasing his explosion. The Jacksonville Jaguars gleefully scooped him up in the 1st round and he became an instant starter for them, notching two interceptions and a defensive touchdown.

Broad Jump: 135 inches (Jalen Ramsey and Daniel Lasco)

Daniel Lasco was a running who caught a lot of people by surprise at the combine. They’d heard word that he was pretty athletic at Cal but his production was somewhat average. Then he went toe-to-toe with Ramsey, the best in the draft class, in both the vertical and broad jumps. It was enough to get himself drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 7th round. Unfortunately a stacked depth chart on offense caused him to touch the ball just 13 times in seven appearances.

Shuttle drill: 3.85 seconds (Justin Simmons)

The young safety from Boston College did himself a lot of favors at the combine with solid scores like this. Backed up by strong tape he became a 3rd round pick of the Denver Broncos in the draft. For most of the season he was a rotational backup got some opportunities to start in three of his 13 appearances. By and large he showed plenty of promise with 30 tackles, a sack and two interceptions. Odds are he’ll work his way into becoming a permanent starter real soon.

3-Cone drill: 6.49 seconds (Devon Cajuste)

The big wide receiver from Stanford was viewed by most as a quality project who might make a successful switch to tight end. Then he deliver times like this, showcasing his surprise athleticism for somebody 6’4″, 235 lbs. It was a mild surprise that he wasn’t drafted. Instead he signed on to the Green Bay Packers practices squad right before the season. Indeed they chose to switch him to tight end but he never made it onto the active roster due the Packers’ depth on offense.

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