The combine is here and hundreds of NFL hopefuls are in Indianapolis to show their physical and athletic abilities. Here’s some analysis of current results for those players often linked to the Jets as possible picks.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina) was rumored to be overweight and out of shape causing his draft stock to drop. Standing at, six feet three inches, weighing 216 pounds, with a (10 ¼”) hand size, Jeffery’s measurements seem to rebuke this previous assessment. A good performance with workouts, especially 40 yard dash time, will solidify him in the first round.
Another receiver worth noting is Juron Criner (Arizona) whose draft status had risen after his Senior Bowl performance. Measuring at, six feet three inches, 224 pounds, with (10 ½”) hand size, his status may rise even more. Like Jeffery, Criner has the physical tools, but can really ‘wow’ the scouts with the agility portion of the workout, including a good 40 yard dash time.
Two tight ends, Michael Egnew (Missouri) and James Hanna (Oklahoma) have put up solid results throughout the combine. Egnew, six feet five inches, 252 pounds was able to run a respectable 4.62 forty yard dash and was among the leaders in most other categories. Hanna, six feet four inches, 252 pounds ran a fast 4.49 forty yard dash and posted impressive numbers all around as well. These two players may still be later round picks but are diffidently on the rise.
Another tight end Cory Harkey (UCLA) put up very disappointing numbers. At, six feet four inches, 260 pounds he was only able to do 13 repetitions on the bench press, Egnew did 21 and Hanna 24 in comparison. Harkey also posted a slow 5.11 forty yard dash time and is falling fast.
Running back Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati) won the Senior Bowl MVP and impressed many scouts during the week of practice. He was hoping to carryover this momentum to the combine but his measurements are cause for concern. A bit on the light side, five feet ten inches, 197 pounds, teams might wonder about his durability and small hands (8 5/8”) makes fumbling more prominent as well as affecting receiving skills.
Offensive tackle Mike Adams (Ohio State), widely regarded as a first round pick, currently not distinguishing himself. Adams has great measurements, six feet seven inches, 323 pounds, with (34”) arms but only did 19 repetitions on the bench press, a very poor result. To back up the perceived lack of strength he ran an average, for his position, 5.4 forty yard dash time. There will be some questions about his athletic ability and work ethic at the next level.
Guard/Tackle Cordy Glenn (Georgia), six feet five inches, 345 pounds, with arms measuring (35 ¾”) put up an impressive 31 repetitions on the bench press. He is big, strong and ran a quick 5.15 forty yard dash showing incredible athletic ability for his size.
Defensive end/Outside linebacker Vinny Curry (Marshall), six feet three inches, 266 pounds certainly has plenty of size but the question is could he play in space? The agility portion of the combine will help in determining if Curry is a good fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Melvin Ingram (South Carolina), another outside linebacker prospect, has trimmed up since his impressive Senior Bowl appearance. The weight loss maybe designed to attract teams looking to use him as a 3-4 linebacker; he has dropped twelve pounds and now weighs in at 264 pounds. Ingram, not tall, stands at six feet one inch and has short arms (31 ½”), this will call into question if he has the physical ability to affectively shed blockers as well as stop the run. He will have to show the same speed and athletic ability in drills that scout have seen in order to be selected in the top half of the first round.
Outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw (Alabama) measured in at, six feet two inches, 272 pounds. He played a 3-4 scheme at Alabama and is considered the most experienced linebacker for that particular defense. He certainly is big enough to set the edge and take on blocks to stop the run. Already a first round pick, Upshaw could easily get into the top ten with some great results at the combine.