INDIANAPOLIS – Workouts for the 2019 NFL Combine got underway Friday as the offensive linemen and running backs took to the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. Several blockers were impressive and now grade as first-round selections. Here are the winners from Day 1.
C Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State: Bradbury's draft stock has been on a straight shot north since the start of the 2018 season and he inched even higher today. His testing numbers – which included 4.93 seconds in the 40 (1.74-second 10-yard split), 34 reps on the bench, and a 31-inch vertical jump – were impressive. Bradbury then looked terrific in position drills and was very smooth. Exiting the Senior Bowl scouts said there was a 90 percent chance Bradbury ended up in the first round. That number is moving closer to 100 percent.
T Andre Dillard, Washington State: Dillard, the top left tackle in the draft, is another prospect who has seen his draft stock soar the past eight months. He displayed the athleticism, footwork, and movement skills scouts expected. Dillard looked great in drills, was one of the few offensive tackles who timed under 1.7 seconds on his 10-yard split and touched 29 inches in the vertical jump after tipping the scales at 315 pounds. Dillard also cemented himself as a first-round pick.
OL Cody Ford, Oklahoma: Ford tipped the scales at a stout 329 pounds after measuring just under 6-4. His testing marks, which included a 40 time of 5.25 seconds and only 19 reps on the bench press, were not great, yet Ford looked very athletic in drills. He displayed surprising footwork for a big man and was very smooth moving about the field. Ford was graded as a fringe first-round pick entering the Combine but now leaves Indianapolis with the expectations he will slide into the initial 32 selections.
G Chris Lindstrom, Boston College: Lindstrom was a productive three-year starter for Boston College and scouts have no concern about his playing ability. His athleticism is another question, but Lindstrom quelled those perceived issues today. He turned in some swift 40 times which clocked in the low 4.9's with 10-yard splits timing 1.70 seconds. His vertical jump of 30.5 inches was also impressive.
OL Ryan Bates, Penn State: Some scouts questioned Bates' decision to enter the draft and stamped him as a free agent prospect. That's no longer an issue after his Combine workout as Bates looked much more athletic than expected. He timed 5.02 seconds in the 40, including a 10-yard spilt of 1.70 seconds, then looked very athletic in position drills. The athleticism he showed Friday plus the ability to play guard or tackle will help Bates' draft stock.
C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M: McCoy lived up to expectations testing well and looking good in position drills. His bench press mark of 31 reps was very impressive as McCoy is known more as a finesse blocker. He looked fluid on his feet, timing in the low 4.9s in the 40 and his vertical jump of 31 inches was impressive. McCoy grades as the No. 3 center in the draft and should be drafted on Day 2.
RB Mike Weber, Ohio State: Weber looked fast, clocking under 4.5 seconds at 212 pounds, and really looked good in drills. His footwork through the cones as well as his hands catching the ball look like the stuff of a next-level starter.
Tony Pauline has covered the NFL Draft for over 20 years and is one of the preeminent draft insiders. His work can be found onDraftAnalyst.comand@TonyPaulineon Twitter.
