2015 NFL Combine: Day 6 News and Notes

By Scott Anderson 

Today marked the final day of the 2015 NFL combine from Indianapolis, and it was the defensive backs turn to impress scouts and coaches. This years class may not feature the next Darrelle Revis or Richard Sherman, but solid starters could be had through the first 4 rounds. Here are some news and notes from today:

• Connecticut’s Byron Jones was a big winner today despite not running the 40. Jones’s vertical leap was an absurd 44.5 inches and his broad jump was a combine record 12 feet and 3 inches. In fact he may have set a world record in the broad jump. Jones has a history of shoulder injuries but that type of athleticism may be difficult to pass up in the middle rounds.

• Jalen Collins of LSU posted an official 4.48 40. After measuring in at 6’1 and 203 pounds, Collins may have jumped into the top half of the first round.

• Alabama’s Landon Collins answered questions about his athleticism with a 4.53 40 and 10 yard splits of 1.58 and 1.68. Collins features as an in box safety but can also cover tight ends and running backs, a must for todays NFL safety.
• Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson solidified his upper 2nd round status with a 4.52 40, and a vertical leap of 41.5 inches. Johnson is a name to watch in the last 5 picks of the first round he’s the real deal.
• Washington’s Marcus Peters tested out at what was expected with a 4.53 40 and a vertical leap of 37.5 inches. His press coverage abilites may be the best in the class, and he’ll make a defensive coordinator very happy.
• Utah’s Eric Rowe measured in at 6’0 3/4 inches and 205 pounds, and recorded a 4.45 40. One of the taller corners in this class, Rowe will be picked higher than anticpated due to his size/speed combination that can’t be taught However, he spent most of his college time at safety so it will take him a year or two before coming into his own.

• Miami (OH)’s Quinten Rollins disappointed some with his 4.67 40, but his film shows a player who plays faster. His inexperience won’t hurt him because of what he can become.

• Michigan State’s Trae Waynes may be the big winner on the day recording a 4.31 40 that may have vaulted him over Peters to be the #1 cornerback in the class. Waynes’ lower body leaves a lot to be desired but his speed makes up for any mistakes.
• P.J. Williams from Florida State only ran a 4.57 40, which is fine but compared to the other top corners it was below average. Williams’ motor ran hot and cold in college but his size and physicality will get his name called on Day 2.
• His teammate Ronald Darby blazed through the 40 at 4.38 seconds and showcased his elite athleticism today with a 41.5 inch vertical. Like Williams, Darby runs hot and cold but his recovery ability may the best in the class.
• Samford’s strong safety Jaquiski Tartt answered questions about his speed with a 4.53 40. Although not on Landon Collins’ level, Tartt is one of the better safety options this season.

• Southern California’s Josh Shaw had a lot of making up to do, with his suspension from USC for lying about his cousin and how he injured his foot. Shaw’s time of 4.44 in the 40 may have brought him back into the 3rd round discussions.

• Oregon State’s Steven Nelson is one of the more underrated players in the entire draft, but after having a great week at the Senior Bowl he started to move onto peoples radars. Nelson followed up his circuit with a 4.49 40. Like Shaw, he’s starting to creep towards that third round range.

• Louisville safety Gerod Holliman experienced cramps in his hamstrings this morning and chose not to run. His pro day will feature his 40 and on the field workouts.

• His teammate James Sample has started to creep ahead of Holliman on some boards and his 40 time of 4.56 may have moved his up some more. Sample’s size at 6’2 and 209 pounds is excellent and he is a very physical safety.

Today marked the final day of the combine but it’s not the end of the road for these prospects. Pro days have shown to be a big impact in a players draft stock, just ask Teddy Bridgewater who fell from top 5 to end the first round due to an “average” performance. The real fun has just begun.