Biggest Winners from the Combine; NFL Draft 2024

By: Hayden Shapiro

The NFL combine pretty much marks the start of the home stretch to the draft. It is a place where prospects can show off what they have to offer, and for some, it is the perfect stage to back up what they’ve done all season long. We’ve seen guys shoot up boards after a great 40-yard dash as well as players solidifying themselves as the best at their given position. The combine is an event that I love so very much and if you are a fan of the draft, it’s something that can really help identify some late round gems and even cement your opinions on some of the top end talent.

In this piece, I highlight the biggest winners from the 2024 NFL Draft Combine. Guys who boosted their draft stock, as well as some players who solidified themselves as top picks. We go position by position, talking about how they performed, what I liked, and why they turned heads in Indy. With that being said, if you like what you read, hit that follow button. It’s officially draft season and a lot of content is going to be published here on my medium page, including player analysis and numerous mock drafts. Grab some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy reading about some prospects who put on a show at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine. Much love, stay cool, and let’s get this thing kicked off, starting with some edge rushers!

EDGE

Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn St

Well, what I thought would be true ended up happening. Chop Robinson absolutely dominated the combine. Posting an unreal 4.48 40-yard dash on top of his 1.54 10 second split is something that an NFL team can’t bat an eye on. The dude was just on another level. To go along with his ridiculous speed, he also had the longest broad jump at 10’8’’. His athleticism is unmatched and if scouts were worried about how injuries may affect his performance, I think it’s safe to say that they’re not anymore. For an edge rusher, you want a sub-1.69 10-split, he ran it at 1.54. Ideally a star edge runs a 4.6–4.7 40, he ran it at 4.48, plus he’s an absolute freak of nature with an unbelievably high motor. He’s involved on every play, and I think the doubt of his game transitioning to the next level was halted on Thursday.

Mohamed Kamara, EDGE Colorado St

Kamara came in at 6’1’’, a height many scouts would turn heads on. With that being said, his first 40 run definitely gained attention. He ran it at 4.57 along with a great 1.58 10-split. Kamara was top five in the nation in pressures last season at Colorado State, as well as being a vocal leader for the Rams. He plays like he’s a power forward, bull in a China shop style. Just so physical and toolsy. I really like his game and he showed some sneaky athleticism on Thursday. As I mentioned previously, only at six feet one inch, he uses his leverage really well. Getting underneath defenders with duck moves and he plays with extremely heavy hands. I have no idea why more people aren’t talking about him because if I’m sitting in the middle of the second round, I’d love to get a guy like him on my roster.

Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama

Just an athletic freak. Turner lived up to his hype to say the least. 4.46 forty (WHAT!?) and a 1.54 10-split, two things I really didn’t expect to happen. We all knew he was toolsy with a deep bag of pass-rush moves, but this insane athleticism may have cemented him as EDGE1. His arms are so long, 83-inch wingspan to be exact. Guys in the NBA don’t even have arms as long as that, it’s just another freakish thing to add to Turner’s resume. He really looked phenomenal, and I can’t seem to find words to describe how fluid he tested out. Everything he did just looked easy to him, making it apparent that he’s ready for the next level. Another thing I need to add is that his vertical leap may or may not have made me gasp in my environmental science class, with the result being a whopping 40.50’’. Are you kidding me? He just has star written all over him and my EDGE rankings automatically changed after his day was done. The dude is nuts, which is why he’s on this list of biggest winners from the NFL Draft Combine of 2024.

Jalyx Hunt, EDGE Houston Christian University

I watch a lot of tape. Like an unhealthy amount. That being said, I had not watched a single video on Jalyx Hunt, but boy I wish I did. He needs some sanding around the edges, but the way this guy ran and jumped at the combine was remarkable. He is so lanky, but it doesn’t take away from his size. His 40 was at 4.64 and his 10-split sat at 1.60, but the way he turned up where other guys didn’t is what stood out to me. He was tied for the longest broad jump at 10’8’’ and he leaped out of the gym on his vertical test, reaching up for 37.50’’. He’s got an interesting frame. Skinnier above the waist, but his legs are huge. He’s got the burst to get into the backfield and his first step is really impressive. Hunt could very well end up being a late day two pick after his performance at the combine.

DL

Braden Fiske, DT Florida St

The title of this article could just be “Braden Fiske: The Winner of the Combine” and I’d be okay with it. I literally have a smile on my face as I write this section because he was remarkable Thursday. He logged the best DL 40-time at 4.78, along with an “Oh Yea!” at the end of his rep. He looks bigger than he did this season at Florida State, something he clearly put time into doing over the ever-so-short “offseason” these prospects have. The thing that really made my jaw drop was his rep during the “Ring Drill”. The objective of the drill is to measure change of direction and balance. Fiske made it look effortless. The ex-Seminole dominated the day, and in my opinion, put his name into late first-round consideration. He wasn’t on my latest big board, and I want to just slot him in right now. His body control is elite, and his explosiveness was evident Thursday. For lack of better word, he just has the “pop” that teams need from their interior D-Lineman. Fiske made a name for himself and certainly had scouts jotting down his name in their books on Thursday.

Byron Murphy II, DT Texas

Byron Murphy II has probably been the highest riser on draft boards over the last month and yesterday he showed us why. At his size, the fidelity in which he moves is uncanny. He has that “edge” to him, just an intimidation factor of someone nobody likes to play against. He ran a very solid 4.87 40 yard dash along with a very impressive 1.69 10-split. He gets off the line so fast and his hands are so strong, the dude is going to be a force in the league. Something that stood out to me was how hard he was hitting the mock-blockers in some of the drills. The strength and physicality he plays with seems effortless. He also had a 33.00’’ vertical. For someone his size, this is plain ridiculous. He backed up the hype and has solidified himself, at least in my book, as a sure fire first round pick in this year’s draft.

Mekhi Wingo, DT LSU

The knock on Wingo is his weight, but that’s his game. He beats his blockers with speed and agility, something more and more teams are looking for from interior lineman. He logged the second fastest DT 40 at 4.85 along with an absurd 1.64 10-split. His athleticism is there, and I think he has the tools to succeed despite his 285-pound frame. I really liked his body control as well, just things you can’t teach he does very well. For someone I hadn’t heard a lot about, he really had a great day and certainly put himself out there as a pass-rush package player/3–4 end.

Ruke Orhorhoro, DT Clemson

Listening to Cam Jordan try to pronounce Ruke’s last name was pure comedy, but don’t let that distract you from how good of a day the ex-Tiger had. Ruke was a top five finisher in every single drill he participated in. He rushes the passer with speed and shiftiness, much like Wingo but heavier and more polished. He really excels when accelerating and moving, something everyone wants from a DT. His 1.67 10-split was really surprising, in a good way. I like this guy a lot and think front offices will too.

CB

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Small school, blah, blah, blah. He has the tape and backed up skills at the combine. Mitchell was the best defensive player in his conference, at the senior bowl, and now had the best corner performance on the biggest stage yet, the combine. He ran an incredible 4.33 dash and put up the position best 20 reps on the bench press, proving he can knock wideouts off their route and be physical in coverage. He checks every single box, and I don’t say that quietly. There’s just simply nothing bad I can say about Mitchell. The Toledo product is so sticky in man, he takes very smart risks, and has the speed to get back if it goes south. Mitchell is now my CB1, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s taken in the top 10/15. He just does everything so well and has the ability to start from day one. There are literally no weaknesses in his game. He is going to be a pro-bowl corner, and that’s not an overreaction, I can just see it now. If you have the time, watch some of his tape from the senior bowl. He wasn’t only clamping down WR’s but doing so to some of the best in this class, (Coleman, FSU) + (Thomas Jr, LSU). Mitchell is a game changer and could very well end up being my number 1 player on the defensive side of the ball in the entire draft class.

Max Melton, Rutgers

Melton put on a show on Friday. His 4.39 40 time is something that really impressed me, as his play style is more physical and press-heavy, so the ability to run like this is really going to help him in the league. The Rutgers product had the best broad jump at 11’4’’, just another depiction of his insane athleticism. Melton was a day 2 pick coming in, maybe even day 3, but his performance at the Combine may have earned him some early second round talk and consideration. He is so physical at the LOS. This ability to knock wideouts off of their route combined with the speed at which he put on display is uber-impressive. He is a dynamic playmaker and the fact that he’s testing out like this at his size is crazy. He weighed in at 187, but it’s pure muscle. I really liked what I saw from him on Friday and I’m sure some NFL teams did as well.

Daequon Hardy, Penn St

Hardy is a textbook slot corner. He is very technically sound with no glaring weaknesses. The ex-Nittany Lion is a willing tackler and has the lateral quickness to follow slot WR’s all over the middle of the field. He has emerged as a top inside corner, a position so valuable in today’s game. Teams send out nickel backs more than ever and Hardy has every tool to succeed in that role. He is going to be a sought-after player on day 2.

LB

Payton Wilson, NC State

This guy just took an entire stadium by storm. He ran an absurd 4.43 40 at 6’4’’, something that I am still smiling about as I write this. His instincts are incredible, and his football IQ combined with his freakish athleticism simply isn’t normal. Wilson looked so confident out there as well, he was all business. The injury concern is there, but boy did he make you want to forget about that Thursday. He was the best linebacker on the field, and in my opinion, throughout the CFB season as well. Wilson may have just cemented himself as LB1 after his performance.

Kalen DeLoach, Florida St

Playing at only 210 pounds as a linebacker is quite unique, but it also allows him to line up all over the field. DeLoach looked great running Thursday and his balance really stood out amongst others. If he can bulk up just a tad without taking away from his speed, he could be a starter in the league.

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

It’s not like Cooper had the flashiest day, but he was very consistent in his reps. He was at the top of the board in pretty much every category. His free-for-all style of play is going to serve him well in the league and he is already a polished pass rusher as an inside backer. He has the versatility to line up all over the box and he showed why Thursday.

WR

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Well, we knew he could fly, but a record breaking 4.21 40-yard dash was not something I was expecting. When he was running his 40, it just looked so fluid and effortless. This time is not something to take lightly, as it proves he can get away from defenders with ease and stretch the defense. His ability to make plays after the catch is uncanny and his intangibles, like speed and agility, are off the charts. Worthy is a pure playmaker and he proved that yesterday, he also has a fun and giddy attitude, something that will really benefit him during team interviews. His performance at the combine may have earned him some extra cash and a first-round selection. It was really an unbelievable showing for the ex-Longhorn.

Brian Thomas Jr, LSU

Thomas Jr is a lethal red zone threat who can really go up and get it. He excels at contested catches and plays very physically with his defender. With that being said, the fact that he ran a 4.33 40 with his skillset and body control is plain ridiculous. I don’t think anyone really knew his speed because he wasn’t in the position to show it off as often as other dudes in college. His best trait though is something that I did see in his tape. His release off of the line of scrimmage is jaw-dropping. He starts so fast, it’s quite remarkable. He backed this up with a 1.50 10-split, yes, 1.50. This number is the main thing that stood out to me. He is going to have no problem breaking press coverage in the league due to his fast start and quick first step. Thomas Jr shot up boards yesterday and for good reason.

Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Pearsall has a really unique skill set. He’s got phenomenal hands, but he really shocked me with his 40 time. He ran a 4.41 which is really impressive given his unreal route running and versatility. He can play all three wide receiver positions, the perimeter, boundary, and the slot. This 40 time is really impressive, and I really believe he is going to be an impact player from the jump. Another thing I want to mention is that he had the best 3-cone time by 0.6 of a second, he was simply miles ahead of everyone else in this drill. His lateral quickness is amazing, and I can see him being a starting slot WR in the league for a long time. He had a great day, scouts definitely jotted his name down in their books on Saturday.

RB

Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

Boy, am I upset I didn’t watch this guy’s tape earlier. He is an electric back, not the typical north/south runner we so often see nowadays. He weighed in at 221, he’s got a really strong base, and plays with a very high level of knowledge, meaning he knows who to follow and when to make the cut. Guerendo had an awesome day at the combine, posting the best 40 time for a RB, (4.33), as well as the highest vertical jump at his position (41.50’’). The ex-Cardinal undoubtedly turned heads due to his performance Saturday and put his name into the conversation for RB1/RB2.

Audric Estime, Notre Dame

In a somewhat weak RB class, it’s harder to find the guys who’ll make an impact in the league. We so often see guys like Tyjae Spears (TEN) and Kyren Williams (LAR) take over backfields even though they were day three picks. I see a combination of both in Estime. He didn’t have the best times or numbers Saturday, but everything he did looked so comfortable and fluid. He actually ran the slowest 40 for a back, (4.71), but he doesn’t do damage with his speed. Where he excels is in the trenches, a really capable north/south runner who follows his blocks and can really block for his quarterback on pass plays. I wanted to highlight him and his 221-pound frame because many people look away when a RB runs a sub 4.6 forty, not realizing that so many modern-day backs don’t necessarily beat up the defense with speed. He is a thick, big framed back who loves contact, something that can’t really be shown at the combine. He is also a very capable pass catcher. Could he have had a better day? Yes. But I truly believe in not judging anyone on their 40 time, especially running backs, and the Notre Dame product is a perfect example of my point.

QB

Joe Milton III, Tennessee

I couldn’t make this list without him on it. Milton III might have the strongest arm I’ve ever seen. He didn’t run the 40, but I expect a half-decent number at his pro-day when that rolls around. Back to his arm, which just seems bionic. He effortlessly throws the ball 70 yards down the field; it literally is just with the flick of his wrist. In college, Milton III was plagued by injury and turnovers, but with the right coaching and patience, I think he can be a very solid backup in the league who can start when you need him too. Once again, I don’t think he’s this superstar guy who’ll start his first year, but his arm strength and deep ball accuracy is something that can’t be ignored, as it is one of the most impressive things I saw Thursday through Saturday. As my father would say, he just places the ball right into the breadbasket, making it easy for his WR to keep his stride and ultimately get over the top of the defense.

TE

Ben Sinott, Kansas St

Sinott was at the top of pretty much every category. This is a glaringly weak TE class, besides Brock Bowers, but Sinott’s performance at the combine may have earned him a day 2 selection.

Jaheim Bell, Florida St

Bell looked fluid in his movements and is a very underrated prospect in my opinion. He weighed in at 241, which isn’t ideal size for a TE, but nowadays we see TE’s come into the league around this weight and bulk up fast. Bell has the tools to succeed at the next level and he showed that while he was testing out. I am intrigued to see if he can run a bit better at his pro day, but he caught my attention with his quick feet and ability to make plays after the catch. Bell also has great footwork.

OL

Amarius Mims, OT

Mims is just a flat-out monster. He is a polished run blocker, but during the combine we saw some sneaky athleticism. I really liked his day as he looked fluid in his movement and was clearly well prepared. The Georgia product seems to be ready for the league based on his combine performance.

Troy Fautanu, OT/OG

This Husky is so versatile and can play pretty much any position on the line. He looked very mobile and controlled in his movements on day four of the combine. Teams are going to want him as he looks ready to start from day one.