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Day Two of the 2024 NFL Combine has concluded and we are recapping the top performances by position group on the day.
Check back at the end of each day as we continue to recap every position group from the drill work at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Overview of Today's Analysis
Today's drill work involved the defensive backs, including cornerbacks and safeties. Below, we provide a breakdown of the top players ranked within their respective position groups. This analysis is based on the drill work and how it correlates with each prospect's initial scouting report from the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board, available on our website.
Grading If the Film Matches the NFL Combine Data
The aim of today's analysis is to assess each prospect's NFL Combine drill performance. We consider all aspects of the workouts, from the 40-yard dash to the on-field exercises, to determine if a prospect's previous film analysis and scouting report align with their performance during the NFL Combine's on-field drills. Learn more about the player grade scale here.
The Top Cornerback Grades At The 2024 NFL Combine
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson (6' 1'', 173lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.28 seconds (1st among cornerbacks)
10-Yard Split: 1.59 seconds (28th among cornerbacks)
Vertical Jump: 36'' (18th among cornerbacks)
Broad Jump: 10' 7'' (13th among cornerbacks)
Scouting Report Connection: Nate Wiggins exemplifies the ideal physical and athletic profile for a modern cornerback with his exceptional combine performance, particularly his leading 4.28-second 40-yard dash, which showcases his extraordinary speed and recovery ability. His height and length, combined with this elite speed, make him well-suited for various coverage schemes, particularly excelling in Cover 3 where his range is a significant asset. Wiggins' fluidity in movement and ability to mirror opponents highlight his natural coverage skills, while his solid vertical and broad jump results reflect his athleticism and ability to contest catches in the air. Despite needing to improve in run support and physicality, Wiggins' blend of speed, awareness, and playmaking potential positions him as a highly desirable prospect.
Grade Assignment: Given Wiggins's outstanding speed and satisfactory performance in jump metrics, which align with his scouting report's portrayal of a versatile cornerback ideal for modern defenses, his grade is Exceptional (9). His combine showing, especially in speed, supports his potential for excelling in various coverage schemes and solidifies his status as a highly desirable NFL prospect.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (6' 0'', 195lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.33 seconds (2nd among cornerbacks)
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds (11th among cornerbacks)
Vertical Jump: 38'' (13th among cornerbacks)
Broad Jump: 10' 0'' (23rd among cornerbacks)
Scouting Report Connection: Quinyon Mitchell's NFL combine performance aligns well with his varied and rich skill set, showcasing his significant physical attributes and football intelligence. His impressive 40-yard dash time reflects his exceptional speed and ability to close distance quickly, which complements his preferred style of play in off-man or zone coverage. This, combined with his high-level production at Toledo, underscores his readiness to contribute at the professional level. His physicality, tackling ability, and ball skills, akin to those of a safety, make him a versatile option in the defensive backfield.
Grade Assignment: Considering Mitchell's impressive speed and solid performance in other combine metrics, which align with his scouting report's emphasis on physicality, tackling, and ball skills, his grade is Very Good to Outstanding (7-8). His ability to perform well in key areas, combined with his high-level production at Toledo, indicates he has the potential to be a significant contributor in the NFL, especially in schemes that value versatile defensive backs.
Max Melton, CB, Rutgers (5' 11'', 187lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds (6th among cornerbacks)
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds (9th among cornerbacks)
Vertical Jump: 40.5'' (4th among cornerbacks)
Broad Jump: 11' 4'' (1st among cornerbacks)
Scouting Report Connection: Max Melton has shown a clear upward trajectory throughout his tenure at Rutgers, marked by consistent improvement and versatility in playing both inside and outside cornerback positions. His exceptional combine performance, particularly his broad jump and impressive 40-yard dash, underlines his physical attributes and explosive athleticism, essential for the cornerback role. Melton's ability to keep pace with premier receivers in the Big Ten, combined with his adeptness in both press and zone coverage, speaks to his potential as a dynamic defensive back. Melton's overall skill set, highlighted by his physical traits from the combine, suggests he has the foundational attributes to develop into a reliable starter in the NFL. His combination of size, burst, and ball-hawking ability makes him a promising candidate for teams seeking a versatile and impactful cornerback.
Grade Assignment: Given Melton's strong combine performance, which aligns well with his scouting report and reflects significant improvement and versatility, his grade is Very Good to Outstanding (7-8). His demonstrated speed, agility, and jumping ability, combined with his collegiate experience and adaptability in different coverage schemes, indicate he has the potential to be a significant contributor and reliable starter in the NFL.
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan (5' 9'', 182lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds (14th among cornerbacks)
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds (10th among cornerbacks)
Vertical Jump: 40'' (7th among cornerbacks)
Broad Jump: 10' 11'' (5th among cornerbacks)
Scouting Report Connection: Mike Sainristil's transition from receiver to cornerback is reflected in his evolving football IQ and on-field adaptability, highlighted by his combine performance. His respectable 40-yard dash and impressive vertical and broad jump measurements indicate significant athletic ability, especially useful for a player with his nickel corner prospects. Sainristil's potential shines through in his vertical and broad jump—demonstrating his explosive traits and ability to compete at the catch point. His ball skills and proficiency in run support underscore his versatility on the field. While still developing his defensive acumen, Sainristil's physical tools, and emerging skills in zone and man coverage suggest he has the foundational attributes to grow into a reliable starting nickel corner.
Grade Assignment: Considering Sainristil's solid NFL Combine performance, especially in the vertical and broad jump events, showcasing his explosiveness and potential in contesting catches at their highest point, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His transition from receiver to cornerback appears successful, with physical tools and emerging coverage skills that suggest he has the potential to develop into a reliable starting nickel corner in the NFL.
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon (6' 4'', 194lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.50 seconds (21st among cornerbacks)
10-Yard Split: 1.50 seconds (8th among cornerbacks)
Vertical Jump: 36.5'' (17th among cornerbacks)
Broad Jump: 11' 1'' (3rd among cornerbacks)
Scouting Report Connection: Khyree Jackson's imposing stature and athletic capabilities, evidenced by his combine results, highlight his potential. His rare size and strength make him a formidable presence on the field, particularly in press situations. Although his technique may show inconsistency due to limited starting experience in college, his physical attributes, such as his broad jump, indicate exceptional lower-body strength and explosive ability. These traits, paired with his solid run support, suggest Jackson has the raw materials needed for the NFL. While he must refine his anticipation and smoothness in transitions, his contested catch ability and physicality are significant advantages. Jackson's combine performance, notably his broad jump and respectable 40-yard dash for his size, underlines his capability to develop into a valuable defensive asset.
Grade Assignment: Given Jackson's solid combine performance and the physical traits he displayed, particularly his exceptional broad jump, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His performances suggest he possesses the raw physical tools necessary for the NFL. If he can refine his technique and improve his anticipation and smoothness in transitions, he has the potential to become a significant asset in a defensive setup, especially in schemes that value physical, press-man cornerbacks.
The Top Safety Grades At The 2024 NFL Combine
Cole Bishop, SAF, Utah (6' 2'', 206 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds (3rd among safeties)
10-Yard Split: 1.52 seconds (5th among safeties)
Vertical Jump: 39'' (6th among safeties)
Broad Jump: 10' 4'' (8th among safeties)
Scouting Report Connection: Cole Bishop's combine performance aligns well with his scouting report, highlighting his robust physicality and tackling ability, essential traits for a safety. His impressive speed shown in the 40-yard dash and 10-yard split confirms his capability to cover ground quickly and support in run defense effectively. His vertical and broad jump results suggest good lower body strength and the ability to compete in aerial situations, which complements his noted proficiency in man coverage against tight ends and his impactful play from zone. Despite some noted issues with discipline in deep safety roles, his physical attributes and combine performance reinforce his potential in both down safety and split safety roles.
Grade Assignment: Given Bishop's solid combine performance, particularly his top-tier speed and good results in the jumping events, which substantiate his scouting report's notes on physicality and tackling prowess, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His combine outcomes not only confirm his existing strengths but also suggest room for growth and development into a more disciplined and versatile NFL safety.
Jaylin Simpson, SAF, Auburn (6' 0'', 179 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds (5th among safeties)
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds (4th among safeties)
Vertical Jump: 39.5'' (3rd among safeties)
Broad Jump: 11' 1'' (2nd among safeties)
Scouting Report Connection: Jaylin Simpson's scouting report underlines his athleticism and versatility, having started in both cornerback and safety positions. His combine performance, particularly his speed in the 40-yard dash and explosiveness in the vertical and broad jumps, confirms his athletic prowess. However, concerns about his run support and transitional speed as a cornerback suggest that while he has the athletic traits, there may be some technical areas needing refinement. His ability to pedal and match receivers, along with success in contested situations, highlights his potential.
Grade Assignment: Considering Simpson's impressive combine showing, which aligns with the athletic traits outlined in his scouting report, his is Above Average to Good (6-7). His top-tier results in athleticism indicators suggest significant potential, but the concerns regarding his positional fit and run support emphasize areas for development. If he can address these weaknesses and find the right positional fit, he has the foundational skills and attributes to develop into a reliable contributor in the NFL.
Calen Bullock, SAF, USC (6' 2'', 188 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.48 seconds (10th among safeties)
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds (3rd among safeties)
Vertical Jump: Data not provided
Broad Jump: Data not provided
Scouting Report Connection: Calen Bullock's scouting report describes him as a player with significant variances in performance, showing potential excellence in coverage but inconsistency in run defense. His combine metrics, particularly his speed in the 40-yard dash and his quickness in the 10-yard split, underscore his ability to cover ground quickly and support the pass defense effectively. These attributes align with the scouting notes on his range and athleticism. However, his challenges in run defense, including poor recognition and missed angles, are areas needing improvement to fully capitalize on his athletic skills.
Grade Assignment: Given Bullock's solid combine performance, which highlights his speed and agility, juxtaposed with the concerns noted in run defense, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His physical attributes and potential as a playmaker in the secondary are evident, but to elevate his grade and overall impact on the field, he will need to address the deficiencies in run support and processing the game. If he can make these improvements, his athletic base suggests he could develop into a more complete and reliable safety or potentially transition to cornerback, where his skill set might be better utilized.
Javon Bullard, SAF, Georgia (5' 10 1/2'', 198 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds (4th among safeties)
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds (2nd among safeties)
Scouting Report Connection: Javon Bullard is noted for his field awareness and run support, qualities that are essential for his position, though he might not perfectly fit as a traditional safety due to size and lateral movement limitations. Despite these concerns, his impressive combine performance, particularly in speed-related metrics like the 40-yard dash and 10-yard split, underlines his capability for quick response and effective coverage, aligning with the required attributes for his role. His ability to recognize routes and take proper pursuit angles can mitigate some of the limitations noted in his lateral movements.
Grade Assignment: Reflecting on Bullard's combine performance, which showcases his speed and quickness—traits that are vital for a safety—his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His rankings in the speed categories are especially commendable, reinforcing his scouting report strengths. While he needs to work on his lateral movements and adaptability to different defensive roles, his combine results suggest he has a solid foundation to grow from and potentially excel as a safety in the NFL.