The 2020 NFL Combine is here and prospects are getting a chance to show their talents. NFL teams are watching for which players will stick out. Here are the 2020 NFL Combine Winners.
Note: This will be updated after every day of on-field testing.
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
With Joe Burrow electing not to do on-field workouts and Tua Tagovailoa still recovering from his hip injury, Justin Herbert took advantage of his opportunity to shine. He made several good throws that showed off both his arm strength and accuracy. Herbert was also able to run a 4.68 40-yard dash, which is impressive for a player that stands 6-foot-6.
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Earlier in the week, there was talk of Chase Claypool moving to tight end because he had a bigger body. The 6-foot-4 and 238-pound wide receiver showed he could be the best of both worlds. His 40-yard dash was 4.42 seconds, showing he has some speed. While combine speed and play speed are different, Claypool showing off wheels in any capacity raises his stock.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Mims is another big-bodied wide receiver who showed some athleticism during the athletic testing portion of the weekend. He is 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, but was still able to run a 4.38 40-yard dash. His 38.5-inch vertical leap helped demonstrate his body control. In a crowded wide receiver draft class, the 2020 NFL Combine could be the thing that moves the needle to get Mims selected earlier.
Donovan Peoples-Jones (Photo by saturdaytradition.com)
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Because of his athletic ability, Peoples-Jones was regarded as one of the best recruits in the country coming out of high school. Things didn’t pan out quite the way he wanted at Michigan, but he showed in his testing this weekend that his athleticism is still there. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and posted a very impressive 44.5-inch vertical jump. It is still unclear in what round Peoples-Jones might be selected because of his relative lack of production, but his stock is up.
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
There was a lot of buzz surrounding Ruggs’ ability to break the all-time 40-yard dash record. While that didn’t happen, Ruggs was still close with a 4.27 40-yard dash time. He felt that he could’ve broken it on one of the attempts that he got stopped on for an irregular start. That time is still good enough to display how fast he plays. Ruggs also impressed with his 42-inch vertical jump.
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
One of the biggest knocks on Jefferson was that he may not have the best speed. His play speed may be slower than expected, but his 40-yard dash time was great. He ran a 4.43, which along with his abilities shown in drills, should help his stock.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
This tight end class has been criticized for not having any stars. That means the players will be fighting harder than ever for draft position. Okwuegbunam was originally thought to be the top tight end in the class, but his stock fell after a down season. He showed he has the size, at 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, and speed with a 4.49 40-yard dash this weekend. Some of his draft value should be returning.
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Becton has already risen up draft boards since the end of the college football season. His stock is up after weighing in at 364 pounds and running a 5.1 40-yard dash. He’ll need some technique work at the next level, but when someone 6-foot-7 runs that fast, NFL teams are going to want to work with him.
Tristan Wirfs (Photo by 247sports.com)
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Iowa offensive tackle was the star of the second day of the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.86 40-yard dash, had a 36.5-inch vertical jump and impressed with his agility in on-field drills. In a crowded offensive line draft class, Wirfs’ performance could mean a lot come April.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Anyone who has followed college football has probably heard that Taylor is a strong, but also a fast running back. He used to run track and that showed at the combine. The 226-pound running back ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and looked good in some of the drills. With no clear-cut top running back in this draft, Taylor could have separated himself this weekend.
Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
The 6-foot-2, 304-pound defensive tackle wasn’t expected to have a good 40-yard dash time. Then he posted a 4.79 time that showed his athletic ability. He also bench pressed 23 times. Gallimore raised his stock with his athletic testing.
Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Madubuike had a very impressive day with a 4.83 40-yard dash and 31 bench press reps. He showed that he has the athleticism and strength that is wanted in a defensive tackle. Gallimore and Madubuike will be fighting for draft position.
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The world already knew that Simmons was an athletic anomaly. He just confirmed it with a great NFL Combine. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and posted a 39-inch vertical leap.With other top linebackers getting injured, Simmons was able to stand out even more.
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
For some of the smaller school prospects, they need to use the combine to show that they can athletically match with players who played at some of the biggest programs. Dugger blew some players out of the water. The 6-foot-1, 217-pound safety ran a 4.49 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 42 inches. He was already a favorite sleeper for many people, but now he may not even fit that category.
Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Chinn is another big safety that ran a good time. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 221 pounds. His 4.45 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical leap and 138-inch broad jump shows he has the size and athleticism in the NFL. Chinn’s stock is up after the NFL Combine.
For 2020 NFL Draft Losers: Click Here
Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
