ALABAMA at the NFL Combine:

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TUSCALOOSA — Alabama has 14 former players participating in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this weekend, including five projected first-round picks.

The on-the-field work at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine starts on Friday with the offensive linemen, running backs and specialists hitting the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

NFL Network will televise the workouts from the annual event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST Friday.

The players will participate in the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jumps, three-cone drill, shuttle run and position skill drills.

There are 48 offensive linemen, 32 running backs and 12 specialists at the combine this year.

Among the players in the Friday group are guard Braden Smith (Auburn), running backs Kerryon Johnson (Madison Academy, Auburn), Kamryn Pettway (Prattville, Auburn), Bo Scarbrough (Northridge, Alabama) and Roc Thomas (Oxford, Jacksonville State); place-kicker Daniel Carlson (Auburn) and punter JK Scott (Alabama).

Other SEC players at Friday's drills include offensive linemen Frank Ragnow of Arkansas, Isaiah Wynn of Georgia, Will Clapp, K.J. Malone and Toby Weathersby of LSU, Martinas Rankin of Mississippi State and Rod Taylor of Ole Miss; running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel of Georgia, Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams of LSU, Jordan Wilkins of Ole Miss and John Kelly of Tennessee; punters Trevor Daniel of Tennessee, Johnny Townsend of Florida and Shane Tripucka of Texas A&M and place-kicker Eddy Pineiro of Florida.

First-rounders on the field on Friday

Projections vary, of course, but among the players thought to be possible first-round picks when the NFL Draft starts on April 26 in Arlington, Texas, who'll be on the field on Friday include offensive linemen Orlando Brown of Oklahoma, Geron Christian of Louisville, Will Hernandez of UTEP, Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson of Notre Dame, Kolton Miller of UCLA, Billy Price of Ohio State, Connor Williams of Texas and Isaiah Wynn of Georgia and running backs Saquon Barkley of Penn State, Derrius Guice of LSU and Ronald Jones of Southern Cal.

In the books

Friday's players took part in the bench press on Thursday. They tried to see how many times they could bench 225 pounds.

UTEP guard Will Hernandez led the way with 37 repetitions after checking in at 6-foot-2 and 348 pounds. Auburn guard Braden Smith and Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson finished tied for second with 35 reps apiece.

Penn State's Saquon Barkley and Georgia's Nick Chubb led the running backs with 29 reps each in the bench press.

Combine bests

The NFL Scouting Combine is being held in Indianapolis for the 32nd straight year, and the NFL has been holding a league-inclusive combine since 1985. But the records are sketchy for almost half that period. Profootballreference.com has results since 2000, though, and these are the top performances in each of the combine drills:

  • 40-yard dash: 4.22 seconds by Washington wide receiver John Ross in 2017 and Tennessee wide receiver Donte Stallworth in 2002.
  • Vertical jump: 46 inches by North Carolina safety Gerald Sensabaugh in 2005.
  • Bench press: 49 repetitions of 225 pounds by Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea in 2011.
  • Broad jump: 147 inches by Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones in 2015.
  • Three-cone drill: 6.34 seconds by Texas A&M cornerback Sedrick Curry in 2000.
  • Shuttle run: 3.73 seconds by Iowa wide receiver Kevin Kasper in 2001.

The three-cone drill is meant to measure a player's ability to change directions while the shuttle run tests a player's lateral quickness.

Off the field on Friday

Quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends are scheduled to meet with the NFL Players Association, undergo psychological testing, take the bench-press test, hold press conferences and participate in interviews with NFL team representatives.

The defensive linemen and linebackers are scheduled to have physical measurements taken, undergo medical examinations and participate in interviews with NFL teams.

The defensive backs are scheduled to arrive, begin interviews with NFL teams and start their physical exams with X-rays.

Who's next?

The quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends take their turn on the field on Saturday, the defensive linemen and linebackers hit the turf on Sunday and the defensive backs get their chance on Monday.

The Saturday group will include Alabama wide receivers Robert Foster and Calvin Ridley.

The Sunday group will include defensive linemen Josh Frazier (Alabama), Da'Shawn Hand (Alabama), Da'Ron Payne (Shades Valley, Alabama) and Taylor Stallworth (Murphy) and linebackers Rashaan Evans (Auburn High, Alabama), Shaun Dion Hamilton (Carver-Montgomery, Alabama), Jeff Holland (Auburn) and Darius Jackson (McAdory, Jacksonville State).

The Monday group will include defensive backs Anthony Averett (Alabama), Tony Brown (Alabama), Chris Campbell (Central-Phenix City), Carlton Davis (Auburn), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama), Ronnie Harrison (Alabama), Jamarcus King (Blount), Siran Neal (Eufaula, Jacksonville State), Stephen Roberts (Opelika, Auburn) and Levi Wallace (Alabama.)

By Alex Byington Sports Writer
Alabama has 5 projected 1st-round NFL picks at combine
 
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama has 14 former players participating in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this weekend, including five projected first-round picks.

Former Tide defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison, receiver Calvin Ridley, defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne and linebacker Rashaan Evans all are expected to go on Day 1 of the April 26-28 NFL draft.

Beyond those, the Tide will have an array of under-the-radar prospects eager to open some eyes with impressive performances during the four days of workouts running today through Monday.

Among the others: defensive backs Anthony Averett, Tony Brown and Levi Wallace; defensive linemen Joshua Frazier and Da'Shawn Hand; receiver Robert Foster; running back Bo Scarbrough and punter JK Scott. Former Alabama middle linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton also will be in attendance, but isn’t expected to work out while still recovering from late-season kneecap surgery.

On-field workouts begin today with running backs, offensive linemen and specialists going through drills, while quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends hit the field Saturday. Defensive line and linebackers will work out Sunday, with defensive backs rounding out things Monday.

There are five former Tide players who could help their draft stock this weekend:

Tony Brown, CB — A fan favorite for his reckless play on the field, Brown’s athleticism has never been questioned. Brown has the potential to wow in a workout setting. Routinely clocked in the mid-4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash during his time at Alabama, according to numbers obtained by AL.com, he is among a handful of this year’s participants believed to be capable of breaking the Combine-record 4.22-second 40 set by former Washington receiver John Ross last year. If Brown can approach a sub-4.3 time in the 40, he could skyrocket from the late-Day 3 projection he currently holds.

Rashaan Evans, LB — A versatile prospect who is capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker, the athletic Evans is viewed as a mid to late first-round pick, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper describing him as a Top 20 overall talent. Given his pedigree as another Tide linebacker, Evans should get a boost from teams eager to add the next Reggie Ragland or Reuben Foster to their organization. Of course, with his versatility to play the middle and rush the passer with ease, a strong showing during drills Sunday could be enough to thrust Evans up a few spots into the Top 15, where he could join Fitzpatrick and Ridley.

Robert Foster, WR — Another athletically gifted and speedy Tide prospect much like Brown, Foster could never quite put it together in Tuscaloosa. Still, whether it was the occasional jet sweep plays he’d take for 20-plus yards or the go-routes he’d run wide open, Foster’s talent was never questioned. Currently projected as a late-Day 3 option, the 6-foot-1 Foster has the ability to open some eyes when he competes Saturday, especially if he can show the same sort of big-play potential during the receiver-specific drills, as well as have an impressive showing in the 40-yard dash.

Da’Shawn Hand, DL — Another highly rated prospect coming out of high school, Hand wasn't as productive until starting as a senior. Given that, there’s still plenty of questions for the former No. 1 overall recruit in 2014. Most of those center on Hand’s on-field inconsistencies and perceived lack of an imposing pass-rush ability. Expected to weigh in at less than 300 pounds, Hand is a lean prospect who could do some impressive things during running drills. If Hand can prove he’s more talented than his college production indicates, he’s another likely Day 3 option that could see his stock climb.

Bo Scarbrough, RB — A physically imposing prospect, the 228-pound former five-star prospect from Tuscaloosa has the physical attributes to make NFL scouts drool. During the Combine measurements Wednesday, Scarbrough opened eyes with nearly 10-inch hands and a wingspan of nearly 80½ inches. Add to that the potential to run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and Scarbrough could rise up draft boards. He has to show what made him a fan favorite at Alabama, as well as a clean bill of health during the medical evaluation following an injury-plagued career.
 
I realize BP is an ego lift and not necessarily any indication of future success, BUT how in the F*%K does Barkley and Chubb throw up 2xs the reps as Bo Scarborough?!?! Is he injured? Is his arms abnormally long making benching more difficult than normal people? Does coach Cochran's program not put an emphasis on this lift for RBs? Is Bo really a pudgy kid in a muscle suit??
Please, somebody splain...(I almosted tweeted Cochran to ask but didn't want to come off as a Dick)


Notable RB bench press reps at the #NFLCombine #NFLCombine2018
Barkley 29
Chubb 29
Michel 22
Adams 18
Walton 18
Freeman 17
Thomas 16
Kelly 15
Ballage 15
Guice 15
Scarbrough 14
Penny 13
Wadley 12
Johnson 11
 
Bo carries a big frame, 6'3 - 230-240 most of his Alabama career, but down to 228 for the combine I believe.. Adding more muscle and strength could have put him in a situation where he would have gotten slower and too big for his body to react in a quick enough manner. Look at David Boston from Ohio State, got too big to be athletic. Cochran knows what he's doing. Endurance (which is what this is at the combine) is a lot different than a max bench press.

For measure, Henry did 22 reps, but I think we all know he's a cut above Bo in the athletic category, and a cut above most. Get on Instagram and watch his workouts and his tenacity.

It is known Barkley was a gym warrior, so his combine will be a money maker for him. Impressed with Chubb's reps, but he is another guy that is a gym rat. His legs are tree trunks.
 
BamaFan334 said:
Bo carries a big frame, 6'3 - 230-240 most of his Alabama career, but down to 228 for the combine I believe.. Adding more muscle and strength could have put him in a situation where he would have gotten slower and too big for his body to react in a quick enough manner. Look at David Boston from Ohio State, got too big to be athletic. Cochran knows what he's doing. Endurance (which is what this is at the combine) is a lot different than a max bench press.

For measure, Henry did 22 reps, but I think we all know he's a cut above Bo in the athletic category, and a cut above most. Get on Instagram and watch his workouts and his tenacity.

It is known Barkley was a gym warrior, so his combine will be a money maker for him. Impressed with Chubb's reps, but he is another guy that is a gym rat. His legs are tree trunks.
Click to expand...

All that may be true, but if you are skipping your Sr. season and this is your big chance, gotta come prepared. So he lost 5,7, 10lbs? Big deal. Even JK Scott put up 9.
 
EasyTider said:
All that may be true, but if you are skipping your Sr. season and this is your big chance, gotta come prepared. So he lost 5,7, 10lbs? Big deal. Even JK Scott put up 9.
Click to expand...

Now you're sounding like these draft gurus that act like if you don't blow everyone away you're screwed. No one is saying he's a three down back. He's not dropping on boards for this. Always was a late round pick. His injuries are more prone to drop him. 5-10 pounds is HUGE in any highly competitive sport, ask anyone. And he most likely lost 20. A lot of superstars in the NFL that didn't destroy the combine. Antonio Brown and Anquan Boldin are two that come to mind. Plenty of guys with eye popping numbers you never heard from again, Courtney Brown and Vernon Golston.

JK also ran a 4.8 - 40. Pretty solid for a 6'6 lanky punter. More athletic than I gave him credit for.
 
What you say @BamaFan334 is all true, but this guy should bench 225 more than 3 more times than our punter
CYtb0uGWQAAL0Pc.jpg
 
Even though Bo has big arms, that does not mean they are arms that have the endurance needed to do a bunch of reps. Also, may have been poor technique. He made up for it, with what is more important for a RB by having a top 6 40 time, the top broad jump and the second best vertical.

He should be a decent NFL RB, if he can actually stay healthy. Not nearly as good as Henry or Ingram but more along the lines of Yeldon.
 
bamachine said:
Even though Bo has big arms, that does not mean they are arms that have the endurance needed to do a bunch of reps. Also, may have been poor technique. He made up for it, with what is more important for a RB by having a top 6 40 time, the top broad jump and the second best vertical.

He should be a decent NFL RB, if he can actually stay healthy. Not nearly as good as Henry or Ingram but more along the lines of Yeldon.
Click to expand...

Yes, had a GREAT day today with elite results in broad jump, vertical jump and very solid 40 time. Knee injuries are certainly a factor, but Bo seems to be a better athlete/RB than L. Blount (not sure why I came up with this comparison-similar size/speed?).

I projected D. Henry as a LB out of HS and insisted he be moved there during his first 2 years at Bama; so my talent evaluation talent proceeds me. Yet, I still can't help wonder what Bo would look like playing Linebacker.
 
EasyTider said:
Yes, had a GREAT day today with elite results in broad jump, vertical jump and very solid 40 time. Knee injuries are certainly a factor, but Bo seems to be a better athlete/RB than L. Blount (not sure why I came up with this comparison-similar size/speed?).

I projected D. Henry as a LB out of HS and insisted he be moved there during his first 2 years at Bama; so my talent evaluation talent proceeds me. Yet, I still can't help wonder what Bo would look like playing Linebacker.
Click to expand...
I am usually pretty decent at predicting how they will do at the next level. I got blasted for it but called Trent as a possible bust due to his lack of field vision. He just never met a HS player or many college players that could stand up to him physically.

My worry about Henry, when he first came in, was his ability to pass protect. Fortunately, he was a ready pupil and picked it up fast. In HS, his coaches just told him to stand there like a statue when he was not getting the ball(about 10 plays per game).
 

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