NFL Combine Winners/Losers: Defensive Backs
Josh Frey
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The NFL combine is officially underway, and the prospects that have put their entire lives into creating an NFL career are now showcasing all of their talents over the course of the weekend. Some will thrive, but others will see their draft stock take a dip when the weekend wraps up. Here are the winners and losers among those at the cornerback position.
Winners
Ahmad Gardner
The star cornerback out of Cincinnati didn’t need to put on a show at the combine in order to solidify his draft stock, but he did so anyway. 4.41 for Ahmad Gardner’s 40 was better than all the other first round talent that participated on Sunday. It wasn’t expected (at least by me) that he’d end up running faster than the likes of Trent McDuffie, but the fact that he did so proves he’s got the speed and explosiveness on top of his incredible coverage instincts.
Tariq Woolen
One of the more exciting sleepers in this draft class comes out of UTSA, but he might not be such a sleeper anymore after a loud combine showing. Tariq Woolen ran a blazing 4.26 and had a vertical of 42 inches. If you haven’t heard of Woolen yet, especially among Vikings fans, take a look at some of his games. He needs some refining, but the skill is absolutely there. Minnesota needs help in the secondary, and this could be an excellent value pick on the third day.
Nick Cross
All the hype at the safety position has been going to Kyle Hamilton, but this yet another position in this class that has some sneaky depth. Nick Cross is just another example of a quality player that could fall into the third round, but he gave his best effort towards making sure that he doesn’t last through the first two. The Maryland prospect put on a show all day throughout the measurements and drills, including a position-leading 4.34 40.
Trent McDuffie
The Washington Husky’s stock just keeps on rising. Trent McDuffie showed his terrific explosiveness on the field Sunday, and if he hasn’t been already, it’s time to put him on the radar. The top choices for the Vikings are obviously still Sauce Gardner or Derek Stingley, but McDuffie can certainly start at the NFL level.
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Losers
Kyle Hamilton
This shouldn’t have a huge effect on his draft stock, but Kyle Hamilton did not have a showcase performance at the combine. He ran wildly out of control during his 40, and the Notre Dame star just seemed tight throughout the entire day. It won’t be enough to massively hurt him, but could it officially eliminate him from the top five?
Roger McCreary
Like Hamilton, the Auburn cornerback had a fine day at the combine. That said, he needed more than “fine” in order to raise his draft stock into the first round. He has seemed like a Day Two prospect through and through, and that hasn’t changed after looking clearly inferior to Sauce Gardner and Trent McDuffie on Sunday.