2020 NFL Draft: Top performers at NFL Scouting Combine

Willie Gay Jr. – Linebacker – Mississippi State

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 243 Pounds / 40 yd Dash: 4.46 / 3 Cone Drill: 7.08 / 20 yd shuttle: 4.3

During Saturday’s linebacker workouts, the scouting got a very nice surprise by way of Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay Jr. Testing out of the building in the vertical and broad jump, Gay Jr. followed that up by running a blazing 40 yd dash. During his positional drills, he looked fluid and comfortable in his technique, displaying the short-area quickness that was present in his film.

Although these numbers are very good and are backed up by solid tape, don’t expect Gay Jr’s stock to rise too high. While he could slip into the latter half of Day Two, his suspension in 2019 could stifle his rising flare. Despite this, Gay Jr may have done enough for a team to bet on his traits in April.

Alex Highsmith – Edge – UNC-Charlotte

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 248 Pounds / 40 yd Dash: 4.70 / 3 Cone Drill: 7.32 / 20 yd Shuttle: 4.31

Pass rusher Alex Highsmith has quietly had one of the better offseasons so far. Highsmith had a good week at the East/West Bowl and has now followed that up with an impressive week in Indianapolis. Starting off his Saturday by posting a 4.7 flat in the 40 yd dash, Highsmith then showed off his fluidity, explosion, and bend in his positional drills.

While he’s still a bit of scheme-specific type of prospect, which limits his stock, Highsmith proved further proved why he’s worth a team taking a chance on him. After a great week in Indianapolis, Highsmith may now find himself selected early on Day Three or late on Day Two of the 2020 NFL Draft.