NFL Combine day one: Stock up, stock down

The 2017 NFL Combine has begun. This event is a make-or-break weekend for many prospects’ stock. Who improved or worsened their draft stock?

Stock up:

T.J. Logan (RB): Logan had an underwhelming career at North Carolina, but he turned some heads this week. Logan ran the fastest 40-yard dash time out of any running back at 4.37, and benched 17 reps of 225 pounds. At 5 foot 9 inches and 196 pounds, he had a 33 ½ inch vertical leap, finishing off his strong performance at the combine. In a class where running backs are abundant, Logan came out as one of the strongest performers at the combine.

Christian McCaffrey (RB): McCaffrey came into the week as the ultimate Swiss Army knife, and further proved that at the combine. The Stanford star posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.48, 37 ½ inch vertical, and 12-foot-1 broad jump – all top tier numbers for running backs. I wrote McCaffrey has a chance to solidify his first-round status going into the combine, and he did not disappoint. It would be shocking to see him fall to the second round, as he’s the definition of an every-down back.

Donnel Pumphrey (RB): The San Diego State running back who set records during his college career, isn’t known for his power (five bench press reps of 225 pounds), but ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and looked smooth and explosive in the running back drills. Pumphrey won’t carry the ball 20+ times a game, but he’s a complementary runner who can provide a homerun threat every time he touches the ball.

Garett Bolles (OT/G): Bolles certainly deserves to be in the discussion for top lineman in the draft. The tackle out of Utah took advantage of a poor tackle class and turned in a great performance at the combine. Bolles ran an impressive 4.97 40-yard dash and showed athletic footwork in the on-field drills. He opted not to lift which was disappointing, but his performance at the combine should cement his first-round stock.

Forrest Lamp (OT/G): Lamp showed his strength with 34 bench reps, and speed with a 5-second 40-yard dash, which is good for a guy his size. In an underwhelming offensive line class, Lamp shined at the combine – especially in the kick-slide drill, displaying athleticism to beat the edge rusher to the point of attack. With guards becoming high in demand and low in supply, Lamp should be considered a lock for the first round.

Stock down:

D’Onta Foreman (RB): Foreman weighed in at nearly 15 pounds lighter than his listed weight of 249 pounds, leaving many scouts intrigued to see the numbers he achieves. With a leaner frame, he was expected to post a great 40-time, but a stress fracture in his foot lead to an early exit from the combine for the Texas running back. He’ll still have his pro day to redeem himself, but he missed a big opportunity to gain traction as a first-round pick.

Leonard Fournette (RB): One of the biggest names in the draft came up short of expectations with his combine performance. Fournette weighed in at 240 pounds, five more than he weighed during his college career. His 4.51 40-time wasn’t bad, but he didn’t reach the elite 4.4-4.45-time range one would’ve hoped for. His vertical jump wasn’t great, and there are questions as to how effective/athletic he will be in the passing game. It will be interesting to see if teams are willing to pass on the LSU running back, wondering if he’ll be as elite as many believe.

Wayne Gallman (RB): The Clemson running back is well-rounded but doesn’t have any attributes that stick out. A 29 ½ inch vertical was less than we expected, and a 4.6-second 40-time will leave teams unimpressed. When a running back draft class is so highly talented, Gallman could ill-afford to turn in unimpressive combine numbers. That’s exactly what he did.

Samaje Perine (RB): Perine played like a star at Oklahoma, and showed great strength on the bench press, posting 30 reps. But his 4.65 40-time was incredibly disappointing, and he looked like he lacked explosiveness in some of the drills too. He has the quickness and power, but his speed and cutbacks did not look as explosive as they did on tape.