The combine is a time for athletes to prove to couch potatoes that, no, you can’t do what an NFL prospect can. It’s also a time for some players to jack their draft stock with outstanding measurements. The following five players have excelled at the combine as of this writing. Expect their draft stocks to creep up a bit among scouts.
Dorin Dickerson | TE | Pittsburgh | 40-Time: 4.40 | Vertical Jump: 42 inches
Dorin Dickerson has cemented his status as one of the most impressive athletes at the NFL Combine. His 40-yard dash is faster than most wide receivers, and because his size — 6′1, 226 — doesn’t scream tight end, it’s wise to consider Dickerson as more of a wide receiver.
Tim Tebow | QB | Florida | Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches
Tebow has great size, and everyone knew he’s a terrific athlete. That said, I would have never suspected he’s capable of a 38.5-inch vertical leap. According to NFL Network’s team of researchers, that’s a tie for the best mark ever achieved at the combine by a quarterback. Unfortunately for Tebow, and as this article implies, the idea of him playing another position may be even more appealing after seeing his physical abilities documented.
Dexter McCluster | RB | Mississippi | Reps: 20
Twenty repetitions is a solid total for a running back, but what separates McCluster from the pack is his size: 5′9, 172 pounds. He’s putting up more than 60 pounds more than his weight, and meeting some offensive linemen (like Iowa’s Dace Richardson, who lifted 19 reps). Among other running backs, stack him up against Mississippi State’s Anthony Dixon. He weighs 61 pounds more than McCluster and only put up 17 reps.
Jacoby Ford | WR | Clemson | 40-Time: 4.28
Ford is one of the most intriguing specialist prospects in the draft, especially after his 40-time came to light. With his tiny frame — he’s a hair under 5′9 and 186 pounds soaking wet — but blazing speed, he seems a great fit as a kick and punt returner. As a wide receiver, probably not so much. His size is similar to Devin Hester, another player arguably too small to be a top receiver in the NFL.
Mitch Petrus | OG | Arkansas | Reps: 45
A player putting up 225 pounds 45 times is absolutely insane, even when that player is a 6′3, 310-pound behemoth. Even on the offensive line, the average among players is somewhere around 30 reps, give or take a few. Most of his peers at the guard position put up 23 and 29. Just to put it in perspective, just go to your local weight room and bench the bar 45 times at a measure of endurance. It’s not easy, so consider that Petrus is putting up five times that weight. Impressive, no?