The NFL Scouting Combine is a pivotal event in the NFL Draft process, serving as a platform for top collegiate prospects to showcase their skills and impress scouts and analysts. This year's combine witnessed several under-the-radar players making significant strides in their draft scores, catching the attention of NFL IQ, the league's new analytical tool. NFL IQ provides a comprehensive look at incoming NFL prospects, utilizing data, tools, and contextual signals that modern scouting and football operations staffs use to evaluate talent. The tool grades prospects in three categories: athleticism, production, and overall draft score. Here, we delve into the top 10 under-the-radar players who boosted their draft scores at the combine, highlighting their impressive performances and the potential impact on their draft prospects.
UCF EDGE Lawrence
One standout performer was UCF EDGE player Lawrence, who entered the combine with a mid-range draft score of 67. His standout performance across all drills, including a 4.52s 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical jump, and 10 feet, 10 inches broad jump, earned him an athleticism score of 86, the highest among edge rushers. This impressive showing led NFL analyst Lance Zierlein to label Lawrence as an 'NFL-caliber edge rusher' and propelled him into the Day 2 conversation. His draft score jumped to 73, significantly enhancing his draft prospects.
Arkansas RB Washington
Another player who turned heads was Arkansas RB Washington, who entered the combine with a draft score of 57 and left with a 71, a 14-point jump. His standout performance included the best 40-yard dash time by a running back (4.33s) and an athleticism score of 92, the highest among all running backs. These impressive numbers, despite not being high enough on the radar for Chad Reuter's early February mock draft, marked a significant improvement in his draft prospects.
Texas Tech LB Rodriguez
Texas Tech LB Rodriguez also stood out at the combine, boosting his draft score from 71 to 79. He led all linebackers in the shuttle run (4.19s) and three-cone drill (6.9s) and ranked sixth in the 40-yard dash (4.57s). His athleticism score of 86, the second-highest among his position group, further solidified his draft prospects. In Daniel Jeremiah's Top 50 prospects 3.0, Rodriguez was slotted at No. 45 overall, a significant climb from his previous unranked status.
North Dakota State WR Green
North Dakota State WR Green entered the combine with a draft score of 78 and finished on top of all participating wide receivers with an 86. His athleticism score of 99, achieved through impressive 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump numbers, further solidified his draft prospects. NFL analyst Chad Reuter suggested that Green's combine showing could give him a chance to be a top-75 pick come April.
Stanford TE Roush
Stanford TE Roush, who entered the combine with a draft score of 66, ranked 22nd among the 27 tight ends invited to Indianapolis. His draft score jumped to 75, seventh among the 18 participating tight ends. Roush's 6-foot-6, 267-pound build makes him a perfect candidate for a solid blocking tight end, and his performance at the combine could push him into Day 2 consideration.
LSU WR Thomas
LSU WR Thomas, who had the lowest pre-combine draft score of all receivers (55), had the biggest draft-score jump of any prospect across all positions, leaving the combine with a 69. His 4.28s 40-yard dash, which ranked third at the combine overall, immediately boosted his stock. Chad Reuter noted that Thomas's speed and kick/punt return experience add to his value as a likely Day 3 pick.
Kansas OT Cruz
Kansas OT Cruz, who ranked 24th among the 25 tackle prospects invited to the combine with a draft score of 64, jumped up to 14th (71) following a solid showing in Indianapolis. His 4.94s 40-yard dash, 35.5-inch vertical jump, and 9-foot-8-inch broad jump earned him an athleticism score of 90, the second-highest among tackles. He was the only tackle not featured in DJ's Top 50 prospects to earn an 'elite' athleticism score.
Stephen F. Austin State CB Davis
Stephen F. Austin State CB Davis entered the combine with a draft score of 72, ranking 14th among cornerback prospects. He left as the second-ranked corner with a draft score of 79 and an athleticism score of 88, the highest among corners. His fantastic numbers across the board, including a 4.41s 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot broad jump, could earn him higher consideration after an impressive showing.
Kentucky DT Gusta
Kentucky DT Gusta had the biggest jump among all defensive tackles, coming to Indianapolis with a draft score of 65 and leaving with a 72. His 'elite' athleticism score of 91, achieved through a speedy 4.88s 40-yard dash, marked his potential worth noting, despite not being considered a top prospect or mocked to go in the first three rounds.
Cincinnati WR Caldwell
Cincinnati WR Caldwell, who sat right in the middle of the wide receiver rankings prior to the combine with a draft score of 72, posted impressive numbers at the combine, including a 4.31s 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot-2-inch broad jump. His athleticism score of 99, one of just two wide receivers to achieve that mark, further solidified his draft prospects. Caldwell's 6-foot-5 height also doesn't hurt his case.
