The NFL Combine day 4 was just as impressive as expected. The defensive backs left people with their jaws dropped as they put on a show. Honestly, the DBs were the only group that had so many top performers (20 below) that they could fill up an article by themselves. So, without further ado, let’s get to the highlights and lowlights defensive backs.
Obi Melifonwu of UConn – Melifonwu put on what was, in my mind, the most impressive performance of anyone at the combine this week. At 6’4 224 pounds, Melifonwu had a 40 time of 4.40, a freakish vertical of 44 inches, and the 2nd best broad jump of combine history at 11’9”. He probably jumped Jabrill Peppers and got himself into the 1st round as a top 4 safety.
Adoree Jackson of USC – Probably the 2nd most impressive DB on the day for was Adoree Jackson. He had solid numbers all around, but the thing that got everyone’s eye was how smooth he looked in the drills. He was another one that may have snuck into the backend of the 1st round.
[Inscriber]
Malik Hooker of Ohio State – Hooker is 1 of the top 2 consensus safeties in the draft. He will be in the discussion for a top 6 pick. However, he was not able to compete in the on-field drills on day 4.
Jamal Adams of LSU – The other consensus top 2 safety had a below average 40 time that he was very disappointed in. His numbers across the board were not great, but everyone knows the talent he has.
Budda Baker of Washington – Baker is considered a top 3 or 4 safety that will go in round 1. He had a good 40 time and put up solid, but not spectacular numbers. He was part of a Washington secondary that was arguably the best secondary in the nation.
Chidobe Awuzie of Colorado – Even though Awuzie did well in the timed drills, what made him stand out was his smoothness on the field. He was probably the best performer of the 1st DB group on day 4.
Teez Tabor of Florida – With seemingly every DB doing a sub 4.45, Tabor, who was expected to be in that range, settled for a 4.62. It made him look like he wasn’t ready for the combine.
Quincy Wilson of Florida – Wilson wasn’t as bad as Tabor because he’s a much bigger guy. However, he also failed to stand out or meet his expectations. He and Tabor are probably taken in round 2 now.
Gareon Conley of Ohio State – The other guy that stood out in the 1st DB group was Conley. He had a 40 time of 4.44 to go with a 10’9” broad jump and a 37 inch vertical. He’s now a possibility for round 1.
Kevin King of Washington – King was uber-impressive to be able to be to run a 4.43 at 6’3” 200 pounds. I originally had him as a 3rd round guy, but he probably got himself into round 2. Perfect tall, fast, CB.
Sidney Jones of Washington – Jones might be the best CB I this year’s draft. He’s smooth, fast, and has good ball skills. The biggest question was his size and weighing in at 186 pounds will go a long way towards debunking that. He’ll likely go in the 1st 15 picks.
Marcus Lattimore – The only other person I can see getting taken before Sidney Jones is Lattimore. Unfortunately, after putting up a 40 of 4.36, Lattimore pulled up lame. He’s saying it’s a hip injury, some are saying it’s a hamstring. His change of direction is the best of anyone in this draft.
Fabian Moreau of UCLA – Moreau made himself some money. After putting up a good performance at the East-West Shrine game, Moreau came to the combine and ripped it up. He ended up with a 40 time of 4.35, an 11’4” broad jump, and a 38 inch vertical, all at 206 pounds. That’s extremely impressive.
Marcus Williams of Utah – I’m a big fan of Williams. He has good ball skills and just enough speed to cover the middle of the field. He’s not a blazer, but he has good range.
Marlon Humphrey of Alabama – Humphrey had an okay combine. He ran a fast 40 and was solid in the rest of drills. His biggest question will be if his play came from him or the Alabama system.
Desmond King of Iowa – King lost points in my book by not running the 40. It almost validated the people who look at him more as a safety, even though his college position was CB. His pro day will be very important.
[Sean2]
Codrea Tankersley of Clemson – If you want a long rangy CB, this is your guy. He’s not the greatest athlete, but he’s very good at what he does. He could go anywhere from round 1 to round 3.
Jourdan Lewis of Michigan – Lewis is already a shorter guy at 5’10”, so most expect him to be a slot CB. However, his 40 time of 4.54 didn’t help. He has a good change of direction, so he has that going for him.
Tre’Davious White of LSU – White is another CB that could go anywhere from round 1 to round 3. He was solid in all the drills. In a normal year, he’d be competing for top CB, but not this year.
Josh Jones of NC State – Last, but definitely not least, was Jones. Just like Melifonwu earlier, Jones blazed a 40 of 4.41 at 220 pounds. Jones also had an 11’ broad jump and a 37.5 inch vertical. He probably came into the combine as a day 3 pick. Josh Jones may have pushed his name way up draft boards with his day 4 performance.
This year’s day 4 was a top notch of all top-notch years for DBs. Every DB listed above could be selected in the 1st 2 rounds. The combine was great as usual and we now move on to free agency, which starts on Thursday. Then we get to everyone’s favorite time of the year, the NFL Draft. What a time to be a fan of the NFL.