News

NFL Combine Kicks Off: Who Will Come Out On Top?

The NFL combine kicks off on March 1. While the 2019 NFL draft isn’t stacked with tailback prospects that shouldn’t be a problem. More often than not, teams have become reliant on late round draft picks and unsigned rookie free agents to move the chains when the passing game has sputtered out. Stanford‘s Bryce Love will have something to prove. After a regression to start off his senior year and then a torn ACL late in the season, his draft stock weighs heavily on the combine. He’s nowhere near as hyped up as fellow Stanford product Christian McCaffrey was but he could still be a decent contributor.

Teams in need of a ground and pound back could find on in Kansas State‘s Alex Barnes. He broke Jerick McKinnon‘s running back bench press record with 34 reps. And he’s not just a combine warrior. Last year, Barnes racked up 1,355 yards for the Wildcats.

For reference, offensive linemen were similar in strength to Barnes. Weber State’s Iosua Opeta topped out at 39 reps as the strongest lineman.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Physical freaks D.K. Metcalf and UMass athlete Andy Isabella are expected to run two of the fastest 40 yard dash times. Both were productive players in college.

The combine will end on March 4. Then, teams will have to make of what they can out of pro day performances and try to wheel and deal to get the players they want. The NFL draft kicks off on April 25. The Arizona Cardinals hold the first selection.

Bill Piersa

Recent Posts

Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado Invokes No-Trade Clause, Isn’t Going To Houston – For Now

St. Louis Cardinals superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado has blocked a trade to the Houston…

19 hours ago

Brian Callahan: ‘Complete And Utter BS’ To Call 3-11 Titans ‘Soft’

The Tennessee Titans haven't had the season they wanted. For one thing, they're 3-11 heading…

1 day ago

49ers’ Isaac Guerendo Likely Out, Team Will Turn To Fourth-String RB Patrick Taylor Jr.

The San Francisco 49ers will reportedly compete without running back Isaac Guerendo in Week 16,…

2 days ago

Benched Kirk Cousins, The ‘Best No. 2 QB In The NFL,’ Cheers On Falcons’ Starter Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. would start the team's…

3 days ago

Patriots’ Drake Maye Stands By Head Coach Jerod Mayo, Denies Job Security Concerns

In the midst of a 3-11 season with a rookie quarterback, first-year Patriots head coach…

3 days ago

Giants To Start Quarterback Drew Lock In Week 16 Against Falcons And Michael Penix Jr.

The New York Giants will start quarterback Drew Lock in Week 16 against the Atlanta…

4 days ago