The 2017 NFL Combine’s six-day period of player evaluation in Indianapolis has concluded, and NFL teams have had an in-depth look at prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. College standouts were evaluated from quarterback to cornerback, and NFL scouts and executives had a great deal to take in when the event concluded.

John Ross

The biggest story to come out of the combine this year was that running back Chris Johnson’s record 40-yard dash time of 4.24 seconds was topped. University of Washington wide receiver and projected first round pick John Ross put up a mind-boggling time of 4.22 seconds to break the nine-year-old record, and has surely increased his value come draft day. However, he failed to take advantage of one very big offer. Apparel giant Adidas offered a private island to any combine participant who broke Johnson’s record in Adidas cleats. Since Ross laced up a pair of Nike cleats, he missed out on the big prize. Hopefully, a high draft selection will suffice.

Myles Garrett

In other news, consensus No. 1 selection Myles Garrett put on an impressive display in nearly every drill he participated in. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing in at 272 pounds, the defensive end from Texas A&M posted an explosive 41-inch vertical jump that will most likely cement his status as the most talented rookie available. Although Hue Jackson and the Browns have expressed interest in other players, it would take a catastrophic scandal or injury for Garrett to lose his grip on the No. 1 slot.

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks are a hot commodity in today’s NFL, and this year’s NFL Combine gave teams a lot of insight on the new batch of signal-callers. On one hand, Clemson product and 2017 College Football Playoff Offensive MVP Deshaun Watson impressed scouts with a seemingly effortless workout and a 4.66 second 40-yard dash time. Meanwhile, Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer slid down mock draft boards with many missed throws and a sluggish 40-yard dash time of 4.83 seconds. With many other touted quarterbacks in the mix, such as North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, it should be interesting to see which teams gamble on a quarterback early on in the draft.

Leonard Fournette

LSU running back Leonard Fournette dominated college football in his two years in Baton Rouge, but the NFL Combine was a different story. To start, Fournette weighed in at 240 pounds– noticeably heavier than his normal weight. And on the vertical jump, Fournette put up a measly 28.5 inches. However, his 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds should salvage his combine outing. With LSU’s Pro Day coming up in April, Fournette has time to get in shape and raise his draft stock.

Off of the Field

The NFL pre-draft process tests more than just physical talent— it also assesses a player’s character and mindset off of the field. When NFL scouts meet with players, there’s no telling what they’ll do to assess them. This process can get weird– just ask Indiana offensive lineman Dan Feeney, who was forced to memorize playing cards during his interview with the Browns. However, the time spent off the field isn’t always painless. Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster was dismissed early from Indianapolis after having a heated exchange with a hospital worker, and has slid in mock drafts due to the incident.

Fans in Attendance

2017 marked the first year that fans could attend the NFL Combine, and players along with NFL scouts have not appreciated their presence. For example, at the bench press, players were reportedly screamed at about their form by fans watching right up close. Although it was neat to see the NFL give fans more access to the game, the privilege of attending the Combine can’t be abused. On a player’s behalf, having NFL scouts and executives scrutinize every aspect of your body and game film is already enough. Adding fans that jeer at your every move is an unnecessary discomfort.  

 
Overall, the 2017 NFL Combine gave teams multitudes of information and insight that they can use to lay down plans for the upcoming draft. Beyond the on-field drills, NFL teams got an in-depth look at players’ actions off of the field, which can be just as important as physical prowess. Although the Combine is an important event for rookies to show their skills, it isn’t the sole factor to determine NFL success (for example, take five-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who struggled at the 2000 NFL Combine). Although this year’s draft class doesn’t have a standout offensive superstar, such as the 2011 draft class featuring future NFL MVP Cam Newton, prime talents such as Myles Garrett will anchor NFL rosters for years to come.