The ramifications of their absence are becoming increasingly evident as new names emerge and existing prospects see their draft stock surge. JJ McCarthy, previously considered a mid-round prospect, is now generating buzz as a potential top-three pick, while Bo Nix’s draft projection has soared to a potential first-round selection. The absence of Williams, Maye, and Daniels has inadvertently opened the door for lesser-known quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. to elevate their draft status, along with sleeper prospects like Joe Milton benefiting from the increased spotlight.

Critics argue that by opting out of the Combine, Williams, Maye, and Daniels may have inadvertently ceded ground to their competitors and allowed other prospects to shine. However, supporters of the trio maintain that their decision reflects a calculated risk aimed at preserving their draft stock and avoiding potential injury in non-football activities.

The absence of these highly touted quarterbacks from the Combine raises questions about their confidence in their abilities and their willingness to embrace the leadership role expected of NFL quarterbacks. While the financial implications of a first-round selection versus a second-round pick are significant, the absence of a fifth-year option for second-round picks underscores the importance of securing a first-round selection for long-term financial stability.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the decision by Williams, Maye, and Daniels to forgo the Combine has ignited discussions about the evolving dynamics of the draft process and the strategic considerations facing top prospects. While their absence may have created opportunities for other quarterbacks to rise in the draft rankings, the true impact of their decision will only become clear when the draft unfolds, and teams make their selections.

The 40-yard dash is a crucial component of the NFL Combine, serving as a benchmark for evaluating a player’s speed and acceleration. Worthy’s remarkable performance instantly catapulted him into the spotlight, drawing comparisons to past record holders like John Ross.

OFFICIAL: 4.21

XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB

— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024

Worthy’s record-breaking run showcased his exceptional speed and agility, highlighting his potential as a game-changing playmaker at the next level. His electrifying speed is a valuable asset that could significantly impact his draft stock and garner attention from NFL scouts and coaches.

By eclipsing the previous record set by Ross, Worthy etched his name into the annals of NFL Combine history, cementing his status as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 draft class. As teams evaluate their options leading up to the draft, Worthy’s record-setting performance is sure to generate considerable buzz and speculation about his potential impact in the NFL.

Ross blazed the combine with a 4.22.

Watch his historic run below:

John Ross breaks the 49 record with a 4.22 pic.twitter.com/MUtYN75Bej

— Football Life (@ltsTheFBLife) March 6, 2017

Random, I wonder what Steve Smith runs these days. You know Smitty thinks he could have outrun Ross in his street clothes.

Let’s start with the quarterbacks.

Teams LOVE Carson Wentz. Wentz is a big country guy who’s very personable. It doesn’t hurt he showed a lot of character at the Senior Bowl and that Connor Cook skipped it. Wentz hasn’t played a ton of football and absolutely zero games against top competition but some teams don’t even care.

They are coming back around on Goff. His combine workout was masterful, and displayed the accuracy you see on the tape. I still like him as a “win now” prospect over Wentz. Could Wentz’ big arm give him the nod in the pros? Yes, but experience and accuracy counts a lot for Goff.

Paxton Lynch did himself no favors. I even think one team leaked that “he didn’t get it” after interviews. That’s Johnny Football talk right there… it still takes one team so someone will take him.

Will Fuller is fast. After posting a 4.33 everyone is going back over his tape to make sure they see what they saw in Indy. He’s flirting with being the first receiver taken (yes, over Treadwell.) I think Treadwell’s catch radius and ability to go up and make the physical catch is just as elite as Fuller’s speed so ultimately he’ll go first. Fuller going late first could happen though.

Hello SPEED!@NDFootball WR Will Fuller runs a 4.33u 40! #NFLCombine https://t.co/a3ZL4Bbu6I

— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2016

Teams are in love with Darron Lee. Lee is a guy who’s gained about 20 lbs. over the course of his collegiate career and maintained his athleticism. Lee will get compared to former Buckeye Ryan Shazier, which is a lazy comparison but they are similar in many ways. I think Shazier is the better athlete. He ran a 4.36 (unofficial) at 10 lbs heavier than Lee who ran a 4.47. I think Shazier is the better “true” linebacker and Lee is more of a nickel/safety hybrid who played a new position called “walk-out” linebacker at OSU. He’s a big gamble and that’s why I cringe at putting him solidly in the first though it only takes one team.

The Falcons need to know if players are gay now… umm, yeah. Moving right along…

Houston’s William Jackson closed the gap between himself, Eli Apple and the rest of the fringe first round DBs. He posted a blazing 4.37 40-time which impressed Primetime Deion Sanders himself.

There are a few other guys we could talk about but these are the guys who helped themselves the most in my opinion. We’ll see how it all shakes out in a few weeks at the 2016 NFL Draft!

Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow, and Michael Sam were among the biggest names available. Also were names you may remember from the past such as Felix Jones and Michael Bush.

The Embarrassing 40 Times

Several of these players proved that they were pretty much done athletically. The average 40 time for the running backs was about a 4.8, which in perspective would be impressive for a 300 lb. offensive lineman.

(Click to enlarge)

No Room for VY

Legendary University of Texas quarterback Vince Young applied for the combine and actually wasn’t invited. I hate to say it but it looks like this is the end of the road for VY.

Let’s look back on happier times of Vince Young’s career:

• Vince Young Back: Wins Packers Backup Job
• Vince Young Graduates From Texas
• #Dreamteam: Vince Young Signs With Buffalo Bills

One Man Got Signed

All in all, one man got signed. That’s right only one. That man was 22 year old receiver Nathan Slaughter out of West Texas A&M who signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

Ex-Jaguars & West Texas A&M WR Nathan Slaughter has agreed to terms with #Cardinals, source said. 1st veteran combine player to get a job.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2015

With that said, we had to expect the unexpected and that’s exactly what we got- the unexpected. Several prospects that looked like average players on film were burners on the turf, and even some players who we thought were small proved to be workhorses on the bench press.

So what exactly went down? Let me help clear some things up:

• Trae Waynes ran a 4.31
• Devin Funchess ran a 4.70 (yikes!)
• Landon Collins ran a 4.53
• Vic Beasley also ran a 4.53 & posted 35 reps on the bench press
• Dante Fowler ran a 4.6
• Bud Dupree posted a 4.56 40 yard dash and a 42 in vertical
• Shaq Thompson had one of the more confusing combines, posting respectable but not outstanding numbers (4.62, 33.5 vert) teams are STILL undecided on what position he will play.
• And then, there was Jameis….

Look at the bubble butt, look at the thighs

This is a statement that I would make if Draya were running the 40 not Andrus Peat. There is a way to compliment a man on his physique and then there is a way not to do it. A draft analyst might say a prospect is stout or is built and that is perfectly fine. When you start saying things like look at that bubble we have to hit you with the pause.

If you care here is the video proof of the incident below:

Tap here if you’re mobile.

GM’S WHO YALL PLAYIN WIT’ DRAFT DAT PROSPECT!

*I’m not inferring anything regarding Mike Mayock’s preferences. I do not know nor care.

Here is the first of such measures (see what I did there) to knock a prospect down. 2013 Heisman winner Johnny Manziel came in at under six foot tall:

Manziel came in a shade under six feet tall when he was measured in Indianapolis on Friday, landing at 5-foot-11 3/4 and 207 pounds in the final reckoning.

Obviously this is not a big deal with Drew Brees and Russell Wilson getting championships recently. If I were a team I’d be much more concerned with the sudden disappearance of the Johnny Football persona and when it may pop back up…

That’s right the NFL is determining whether or not fans would pay $25 to enter the NFL combine. According to Peter King & Pro Football Talk, the league sent out a survey asking fans if they would fork over the dough. You know the NFL is always looking for ways to expand their revenues. Or in other words, stack their paper.

Here is my take on it:

If you want to see guys lift weights and run around in shorts go to your local gym. The combine is not that exciting to watch in my opinion, even on television. There could always be the possibility of the NFL expanding the combine into some kind of big overdone production to generate more money but even then at the end of the day; it’s guys running in shorts.

That is all fine and well until teams cross federal guidelines.

According to Colorado tight end Nick Kasas at least one NFL team asked him if he had a girlfriend or if he even liked women. That is 100% against the law in this country.

With the NFL already in hot water due to the 1403834767 lawsuits against them over concussions this is the last thing they want to have to deal with right now.

“I know that the NFL agrees that these types of questions violate the law, our CBA and player rights,” NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. “I hope that they will seek out information as to what teams have engaged in this type of discrimination and we should then discuss appropriate discipline.”

The league has already started the investigation to determine why these questions were asked and what action should be placed going forward. Hopefully this is the last time we have to address these issues. Who cares if there is a gay player? Can he block? Can he tackle? Can he read the cut back lane? Can he complete the 15 yard out? Those are the only questions teams need to be asking these kids.