Alright ya cheeseheads, Kiper just dropped his list of combine standouts that made some real noise in Indy this year. And I gotta say, these kids got me fired up for the upcoming draft.
First up on offense – Mike Washington Jr., running back outta Arkansas. This kid’s got wheels! 4.42 in the 40-yard dash, folks. Explosive lower body strength with a 39-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump. Kid’s built like a brick shithouse too at 5’11”, 220 pounds of pure muscle. If he keeps this up, could be hearing his name called on day two.
Next, let’s talk about the big uglies in the trenches. Jaelyne Matthews, offensive tackle from Penn State, put on a show. 6’7″, 325 pounds and moves like a gazelle with a 5.08 in the 40 and 28 reps on the bench. Kid’s got tree trunks for arms (34 inches!) and can anchor against bull rushes with that 82-inch wingspan. If he polishes his technique, could be a day-one starter.
On the other side of the line, Jalen Marshall outta Miami sure looks the part at defensive end. 6’5″, 260 pounds dripping with athleticism – 4.58 in the 40 and a 36-inch vertical. Kid’s got some serious bend to corner with that nearly 83-inch wingspan. If he develops some counter moves, could be wreaking havoc off the edge on Sundays.
Shifting over to the secondary, let’s talk about this ballhawk outta Oklahoma State – Jaden Stewart. Ran a sizzling 4.33 in the 40 and jumped outta the gym with a 43-inch vertical. Kid’s got a nose for the football and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in there against the run either at 6’0″, 215 pounds. If he can clean up his transitions, could be locking down receivers on the outside.
Last but not least, let’s talk about this stud linebacker outta Texas A&M – Dorian Moore. Kid looks like a Greek god at 6’3″, 240 pounds and ran a blistering 4.51 in the 40 with elite explosiveness (41-inch vertical, 11-foot broad jump). He’s got that sought-after combination of size, speed and power to be a three-down backer. If he can stay healthy and keep developing his coverage skills, could be a perennial Pro Bowler.
So there ya have it – my take on the combine standouts that caught Kiper’s eye and could hear their names called early come draft night. These kids put in the work and showed out when the lights were brightest. Reminds me of some guys I used to watch back in the day…
Tune in next time for my thoughts on the prospects that improved their stock with their interviews and medicals behind closed doors. Until then, this is your old pal Jimmy, signing off! Go Pack Go!
One-Ry Out. (Go grab a Cow, you earned it.)