Standout performances during the 2022 NFL Combine allowed top prospects to improve both their potential Madden ratings and draft stock.
NFL Combine
Allowing college prospects to showcase their talent on the national stage, a dominant performance during the NFL Combine can cause a prospect to shoot up draft boards. Notable past performers include:
- Chris Johnson (ECU/Tennessee Titans): went from a projected 2nd/3rd round draft grade to 1st round draft pick after running a record setting 4.24 40 yard dash
- Dontari Poe (Memphis/Kansas City Chiefs): benched pressed 225 pounds 44 times and was selected at the end of the first round despite his small-school status
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State University/Arizona Cardinals): recorded a vertical of 38.5 inches and was drafted in the middle of the first round (16th overall) despite his small school status
After legendary NFL Combine performances, each player saw their Madden ratings in key categories (speed, strength, jumping) reflect their performances. A look at the top performers in each category this year provides a prediction for upcoming Madden ratings.
*All projected ratings based off of previous ratings of past standout combine performances and resulting Madden ratings.
40 Yard Dash (Top Performer)
Known as the most notable event of the NFL 2022 Combine, Kalon Barnes (CB, Baylor University) blew scouts away; clocking in at 4.23 seconds. Barnes had a quiet season for the Baylor Bears recording 21 tackles, 1 interception, and 5 passes defended; with his draft stock projected as an undrafted free agent at the end of the season. After running the second-fastest 40-yard dash in combine history Barnes has caught the radar of NFL scouts and is sure to see both his Madden rating (speed)/draft stock rise as a result. Anthony Schwartz (Cleveland Browns), in comparison, was rewarded with a 97 speed rating after running a 4.27 40 yard dash.
Projected Madden Speed Rating: 97
Projected Draft Range (Updated): Middle Rounds (3rd-4th round)
Bench Press (Top Performer)
Another key NFL Combine test, the bench press measures the number of times 225 pounds can be repped (strength). Zion Johnson (G, Boston College) put up the most reps this year with 32 total. Expected to fall within the first/second round range (see his entire draft profile here), a top performance in the bench press should solidify his selection within the latter portion of the first round. To compare, DaVon Hamilton (Ohio State, Jacksonville Jaguars) repped 225 33 times and has a 91 strength rating.
Projected Strength Rating: 90 overall
Projected Draft Range (Updated): Bottom of the 1st Round
Vertical Jump (Top Performer)
Although Tariq Wooden (CB, Texas-San Antonio) and Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia) tied for the highest vertical jump at 42 inches, linebacker Tindall gets the spotlight. Tindall recorded a solid season for the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, recording 35 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. To compare, Donovan Peoples-Jones (Cleveland Browns) landed a 94 jumping rating after recording a 44.50 inch jump during the 2020 combine, so expect Tindall to fall just under that mark. Tindall’s combine performance, and play during the season, has pushed him past his top 100 pre-season draft projection.
Projected Jumping Rating: 89 overall
Projected Draft Range (Updated): 2nd Round
With College Pro-Days beginning soon, more college prospects are sure to deliver performances improving their potential Madden ratings/NFL Draft stock.
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Featured image courtesy of NFL