The path to the 2016 NFL Draft continues this week with the NFL Combine, as the top prospects from across the country get the opportunity to improve their stock. There have been plenty of examples of players shooting up draft boards based on strong combine results and that will likely be the case again this year for several players. Here is a look at the five biggest winners from this year’s NFL Combine to this point.
Jared Goff, California Golden Bears
Quarterback
The 2016 quarterback draft class is a curious one, but Goff has solidified his status as the top passer available with a strong combine. Goff showed off his exceptional footwork and mechanics during his passing drills, but the biggest factor was his ability to consistently hit targets while changing the speed of the football and the trajectory it traveled on. A number of scouts already loved Goff as the top quarterback prospect on the board and his combine performance solidified his position. Some people will prefer Carson Wentz but Goff had the better workout and has the better resume.
Jalen Ramsey, Florida State Seminoles
Defensive Back
The increased focus on elite defensive backs will make Ramsey one of the most coveted players in this year’s NFL Draft and he confirmed his world-class ability in this year’s NFL Combine. The highlight was a 4.41 40-yard dash time, which was extremely impressive for a 6’1’’, 209-pound safety that can also lower the boom with big hits and play in the box against the run. Ramsey’s rare blend of power, speed and quickness was on full display in the drills and his footwork and movement skills really put him over the top. Ramsey is a top-five talent and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is one of the first players off the board in April as arguably the most complete defensive player available.
Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss Rebels
Defensive Tackle
The negative attention surrounding Nkemdiche for off-field incidents over the past few months was pushed to the side following an outstanding performance at this year’s NFL Combine. He proved why he is one of the top defensive players on the board regardless of position. Nkemdiche showed off his explosiveness and speed when he ran a 4.87 40-yard dash along with his incredible strength with 28 bench reps, but it didn’t end there. A 35-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-8 broad jump illustrated his core power and he flashed impressive agility and balance in the other drills. Nkemdiche is an incredible talent with a rare combination of size, speed, power, athleticism and intelligence and he should be a lock as one of the top picks in this year’s NFL Draft even despite the off-field issues.
Will Fuller, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Wide Receiver
There was some concern about Fuller based on his size and frame, but a strong NFL Combine performance has overshadowed those negatives. The biggest positive has been Fuller’s hands and ball skills as he performed better than many anticipated he would in the catching drills. Fuller’s 4.32 40-yard dash time and 33.5-inch vertical are among the best in his class and there is no longer any doubt that the former Fighting Irish star should be a first round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Josh Doctson, TCU Horned Frogs
Wide Receiver
Doctson is another productive college receiver that addressed many concerns about his ability to transition to the next level with a strong performance at this year’s combine. One of the biggest concerns was whether or not he has the speed and explosiveness to be a true No. 1 at the NFL level, but he clocked a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash and his quickness was better than many had anticipated. Doctson’s ability to adjust the football and his sure hands stood out in passing drills as well. He projects as one of those Brandon Marshall-type of wide receivers, who is big and strong, and can win a lot of jump balls. His workout should help put him over the top as one of the top wide receivers in this year’s class.
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