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Below, I list Ten prospects who improved their 2024 NFL Draft stock by participating at the NFL Combine.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (5’ 11’’, 165lbs)
Xavier Worthy is characterized by his exceptional speed and explosiveness, standing out as a premier deep threat capable of changing the dynamics of a game with his ability to separate from defenders. Worthy turned everyone's head with his record-breaking 4.21 40-yard dash. His blazing speed and strong production at Texas make him a potential first-round target for teams needing a vertical threat.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (6’ 0’’, 195lbs)
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 (4.33) reflects his exceptional speed and ability to close distance quickly, which complements his preferred style of play in off-man or zone coverage. Mitchell solidified his reputation as a top cornerback prospect.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (6’ 3’’, 209lbs)
While he might get overshadowed by teammates, Thomas Jr. put up a solid 4.33 40-yard dash and has the production to match. Brian Thomas Jr. boasts an impressive physical profile suitable for both inside and outside receiving roles, marked by his size, speed, and agility. Despite occasional lapses in route-running, his physical gifts provide a strong foundation for further development.
Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn State (6’ 3’’, 254lbs)
Initially, Chop Robinson was a top 20 prospect and saw a decline in momentum during the 2023 college football season. He reminded everyone that he has elite potential by showcasing his burst and bend in drills, alongside notable performances in the 40-yard dash (4.49 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.54 seconds).
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (6’ 3’’, 219lbs)
At the NFL Combine, McCarthy demonstrated solid arm strength and accuracy, particularly on throws to his right. However, he showed some inconsistency to his left during the throwing-on-air portion. At the NFL Combine, and on his film, You can see improvements in his footwork and mechanics from 2022 to 2023.
Michael Penix, Jr., QB, Washington (6’ 2’’, 216lbs)
Penix, like McCarthy, probably reinforced his 1st round NFL Draft potential. Penix smashed the throws on air displaying his excellent mechanics and his accuracy. He reportedly presented a clean medical evaluation at the combine as well.
Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State (6’ 4’’, 292lbs)
Braden Fiske's draft stock has seen significant growth due to outstanding performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. As a defensive lineman from Florida State, he topped the defensive tackle category with a 40-yard dash of 4.78 seconds, a vertical jump of 33.5 inches, and a broad jump of 9 feet 9 inches. At the 2024 NFL Combine, Fiske excelled in drill work, demonstrating notable speed and power, setting him apart from his competitors.
Mike Sainristil, DB, Michigan (5’ 9’’, 182lbs)
Mike Sainristil showcased his athleticism at the NFL Combine, ranking fourth in the broad jump (10 feet 11 inches) and seventh in the vertical (40 inches) among cornerbacks, alongside a commendable 4.47-second 40-yard dash. He also posted a sub-seven-second three-cone drill (6.99) and an elite 4.01-second 20-yard shuttle, indicating excellent agility and quickness. At the weigh-in, his nearly 31-inch arms provided him with a reach advantage over many peers, enhancing his potential impact as a slot defender.
Jaylen Wright, RB Tennessee (5’ 11’’, 210lbs)
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright made a significant impression at the NFL Combine, showcasing his athletic prowess with standout performances, including a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, an 11'2" broad jump, and a 38" vertical leap. These results highlight Wright's explosive nature and exceptional breakaway speed. His performance at the combine, coupled with his size and athleticism, is likely to boost his standing on many NFL Draft boards, as teams value the dynamic potential he brings to the running back position.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia (6’ 8’’, 340lbs)
Mims, standing at 6’8” and weighing 340 pounds, and with a wingspan exceeding seven feet, displayed unreal agility for a player his size at the NFL Combine. His NFL Combine performance included a 5.07-second 40-yard dash and a 9’3” broad jump. Although a tweaked hamstring cut his day short, Mims's mere presence and metrics were enough to leave a significant impact. At only 21 years old, his combine performance, coupled with surprising refinement on tape despite limited experience, suggests Mims possesses one of the highest ceilings among tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft, positioning him as a potential top 10 pick.