This new section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2020 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
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2020 NFL Draft Stock Up
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson The star of the linebackers workout and one of the top stars of the combine at any position was Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons after he posted a shocking 40 time of 4.39 seconds. That is a fast time for any position on the football field – even for elite wide receivers or cornerbacks, who are typically the fastest players on the field. So for a linebacker to have a time like that while checking in at 6-foot-4, 238 pounds is phenomenal and truly rare. Simmons also showed his explosiveness in the vertical jump and broad jump. His combine performance improves Simmons’ chances of going as a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa Wirfs was one of the stars of the workouts. As Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said during the NFL Network broadcast, Wirfs posted left tackle numbers even though entering the combine Mayock thought Wirfs was a guard or right tackle. In speaking to some team sources, some felt Wirfs could move to left tackle, which the workout validated. Other team sources said they really liked Wirfs workout, but from his game tape, they still feel he would be better off playing guard or right tackle. Wirfs was known to be a good athlete with speed, so his fantastic combine showing met the expectations that teams had entering the week in Indianapolis, but Wirfs answered the bell in impressive fashion.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin Taylor helped himself at the combine with an electric 40 time. Given his track background, Taylor was expected to run well, but his official 40 time of 4.39 seconds was phenomenal for a running back who weighs 226 pounds. Sources say Taylor’s time will help improve his chances of being a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State Akers was another back who improved his draft standing via the combine. He ran fast in the 40 – 4.47 seconds – and did well in the field drills, displaying receiving ability. Sources say Akers’ workout could help give him a boost.
A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College Dillon really helped himself in Indianapolis, according to team sources. He ran a fast 40 time of 4.53 seconds for a tailback who is 6-foot, 247 pounds. Dillon also showed explosiveness in his jumps, so his combine workout really helped him address concerns about speed and burst. He was singled out by teams as a player who really boosted his draft stock.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri It isn’t surprising that Okwuegbunam was named as a player who impressed teams, as he had an electric 40-yard dash time of 4.49 seconds. Okwuegbunam (6-5, 258) was fast and fluid in the field drills as well, showing that he has mismatch potential as a receiving tight end for the NFL. The field workout was expected to be good for Okwuegbunam, but his interviews were very important, as teams have make-up concerns about him, so he needed to well there to not get dropped from draft boards.
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU Team sources said they were impressed with the workout from Blacklock. They felt Blacklock looked good in the field work, and that came after he had a fast 40-yard dash of 4.90 seconds with an excellent 10-yard split of 1.70 seconds. Some scouts said they feel Blacklock solidified a spot in the first round with his combine performance.
C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida Team evaluators said Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson looked like the best defensive back on the field at the combine. Henderson clocked a 4.39 time in the 40-yard dash, which is an excellent time for a big cornerback like him. The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder has natural cover skills with size and speed, so he could be a riser in the final weeks before the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama Jeudy had a fine workout on the field, showing his speed to challenge NFL defenses downfield, but on top of being impressive in the workout, team sources said Jeudy was one of the stars of the interviews. Sources from a handful of teams have named Jeudy independently for being a great interview. His football I.Q., character, and passion for the game has impressed evaluators. On top of that, his competitiveness and desire to win has also gotten teams excited. At Alabama, Jeudy was part of a talented receiving corps that spread the ball around, so his unselfish nature was known as well. Jeudy is in the running to be the first receiver taken in the 2020 NFL Draft. and his combine interviews will certainly help his cause.
2020 NFL Draft Stock Down
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State The combine was a rough for Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, who took a fall in the drills that ended his day early. Okudah’s head hit the turf hard, leaving him unable to finish the workout. “He looked awful,” said one source before adding in that tightness and stiffness could be seen. Okudah could slide lower in the top 10 if he doesn’t have a bounceback performance at his pro day.
Jaelen Reagor, WR, TCU Reagor had a mildly disappointing combine performance. He was expected to run in the low 4.4s or 4.3s and checked in with a 4.47-second time. That is a fast 40 which illustrates his deep speed, but Reagor looked a bit too heavy at 5-foot-11, 206 pounds. In the field drills, he dropped some passes and seemed to be pressing. Reagor could easily rebound at his pro day with a faster time and better showing in the field drills. Still, in the 2020 NFL Draft’s loaded receiver class, Reagor could end up slipping to the second day.
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