2014 NFL Combine Recap: QB, WR and RB
Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel runs the shuttle dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The second day of field work is complete and the offensive skill position players did not disappoint. Nearly all the notable players performed as expected or better and there were even a few lesser known surprises. This draft class is really shaping up to be a deep one. I’ll be using official times today since they got them out a little sooner than yesterday and I like to keep you guys on your toes. Let’s get down to the analysis:
Groups 4 & 5: Quarterbacks
Blake Bortles, Central Florida: Bortles had a good day today, showing good zip and accuracy on his passes. He also ran a solid 4.93 in the 40 yard dash. The big QB (6’5″ 232 lbs.) definitely made himself some money today and is a player that the Texans have to consider with the first overall pick in the draft.
Tajh Boyd, Clemson: Ran slower than I expected with a 4.84 40 time and seemed to miss a large number of his throws high. I’ve felt that Boyd was largely overrated for some time now and his performance today did nothing to make me doubt that feeling.
Derek Carr, Fresno State: Carr had one of the better performances of the combine. He showcased his ability to make all the throws and posted one of the fastest 40 times among the quarterbacks at 4.69 seconds.
David Fales, San Jose State: Fales had a solid outing today, but really didn’t distinguish himself either. He ran a decent 4.99 in the 40 and had a good, but not exceptional, day throwing the football.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois: The local prospect really impressed me today. he posted a solid 4.97 in the 40 and threw the ball much better than I expected him to. It wouldn’t surprise me if wound up sneaking into the bottom of the first round once all is said and done.
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M: Johnny Football was surprisingly disappointing today. While his 40 time of 4.68 is a very good number for a quarterback, I expected him to run faster given what I’ve seen from him on the football field the past two years. I don’t expect it to hurt him too badly, though. He threw the ball very well and when you watch the tape, his running talent is undeniable.
Jeff Matthews, Cornell: Matthews is a very intriguing prospect. Level of competition is an obvious concern in the Ivy League, but he’s big (6’4″ 223 lbs.) and threw the ball very well. I think he could make a nice mid to late round steal for someone. I don’t, however, think that the Bears will draft him because, looking at Marc Trestman’s quarterback history, the one trait they all have in common is mobility. With a 40 time of 5.26, I don’t think Matthews fits the bill.
A.J. McCarron, Alabama: McCarron did about as well as I thought he would, solid but unspectacular. His 40 time was a respectable 4.94.
Connor Shaw, South Carolina: Shaw opened a lot of eyes today. He ran a 4.66 in the 40 and threw the ball exceptionally well. There will be many talent evaluators that will be watching a lot more tape on him in the next few days.
Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech: Thomas predictably stood out at the combine. He is an athletic freak who ran a 4.61 40 yard dash (good for the best among the QBs) and threw the ball with an exceptional amount of zip. The problem with Thomas has never been physical, he’s just always had difficulty putting it together on the field.
Note: Teddy Bridgewater did not participate today.
Hit the page break for the wide outs…