2020 Combine Diary – News, Notes & Experience
Editors Note:Â Jeff Haverlack and Ryan McDowell were at the NFL Combine this year and this article was submitted on Friday, Feb. 27th.Â
As I write this sitting in the media room here at the Indiana Convention Center, it feels as if I’ve been here for weeks though it’s been only a few days.
Running backs will take the field tonight for their individual on-field drills and all eyes will be on the 40 times of headlining names: D’Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins and Jonathan Taylor. The wide receivers, the bread-basket of this year’s draft class, have completed their drills and aside from one or two names, all performed reasonably well. Some, as always occurs, turned in very impressive performances.
The quarterback class is holding value while the tight end class remains pedestrian but with upside.
Regardless of your own opinions on this class, and I’ll get more into mine below, this is the week which sets the table for the NFL Draft and there are few events more exciting for dynasty players, myself included. After all, I’m just as much a fan as any of you.
Being at the 2020 NFL Combine is a fantastic experienced. Speaking, interacting and being in close proximity with the movers and shakers in the NFL, including the incoming rookie players, is an immersive experience which takes our commitment to the next level. All the big names, teams, beat writers and media organizations descend upon Indianapolis this week to bring the action to you. I’m happy we can now be included in that circle.
The path to the Combine for DLF started years ago but was only realized this year, after finally convincing the NFL that we are, in fact, an NFL based site churning out NFL-based content 365 years by some of the best writers in the industry. Like any important job application, we had to make our case to be included in the event as a site dedicated to the NFL game, and that includes not only coverage of the NFL but also college football. And, perhaps, just as important to that application is the fanatical following of our DLF community, all of you!
Finally with media credential access granted, DLF joined the event in Indianapolis. Before I get into some of the specifics, let me bring you further into the inner-circle and give you more information about the event, some of which I didn’t know leading up to it.
Pre-Combine
I made some assumptions that weren’t correct. Maybe I should have researched it more, but some things I just took for granted.
First and foremost, media credentials do NOT get you access to the NFL Combine on-field workouts. In fact, many media members come in for the event at the Convention Center but leave during the week before on-field workouts have completed. For teams, the focus is obviously on the rookie players, their workouts, interviews and getting as much face time with their desired players as possible. For media, focus is on access to the rookies, their interviews and fellow writers for sharing of information. For television/radio individuals, live broadcasts and interviews take place in the same space the rookies hold their podium interviews that you will often see on the major networks. It’s a small space, filled with many individuals looking to get as much information as possible on the players.
I’d be lying if I said access to rookie interviews was the primary catalyst for being at the Combine. For me, it was for access to the on-field drills which, ultimately, isn’t part of the experience for media. Noted. As it turns out, others have fallen into the same trap or misconception. Being somewhat resourceful, I was able to find access to on-field workouts via a fan experience event which provides limited access for up to 600 individuals. Thankfully, I was able secure two passes to the on-field workouts. It may not have been the expected path to the event, but beggers can’t be choosers.
For myself , the value and allure of the Combine was, first, on-field workouts followed by whatever else I could do to pass my time which would provide value to all of you.
Combine Week
Indi is damned cold! I’m from the Pacific NW and we’re no tropical island in February but this week in Indianapolis made me thankful my hotel was close to the action. How close? Let’s put it this way, I had no idea when booking the hotel that it seems to be the primary hotel for many of the NFL teams and the rookies. In fact, I was on the same floor as many of the rookies and frequently sharing the elevators with Jerry Jeudy, Tyler Johnson, Omar Bayless, K.J. Hill, Zach Moss, Antonio Gandy-Golden, etc., more names than I could hope to remember here.
Staying at the same hotel provided some great opportunities for more ‘intimate’ discussions with the players, conversations I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It was there while chatting with Tyler Johnson on the couch in the lobby that I learned he would not be working out, saving his workouts for his Minnesota Pro-Day. Hearing about the interview process in detail from receiver Omar Bayless was a highlight. More than anything, I found myself very impressed with these young men as they are now on the cusp of realizing their dreams.
My first day at the convention center was spent acclimating to the environment, picking up my media credentials and trying to figure out the unwritten protocol between media, the players and events. This is one case where the event seemed very ‘large’ for a fantasy site to be part of. I’m not about to say that DLF doesn’t belong here because I feel we do based solely on the quality of our NFL and collegiate coverage, but there is definitely a line between ‘real’ NFL and fantasy. I did not have any interactions where I was told this, nor did I ever feel it specifically, but the line is there in my estimation. That said, I expect a greater meshing of our communities in the coming years. And well it should. We are all fans and desire better coverage of our favorite past time and the fantasy game brings so many fans closer to the NFL.
I would also be lying if I said there wasn’t a sense of pride about being here, interacting with some of the beat writers, players and taking part in the interviews. It’s a big stage and it didn’t take long for me to push past my initial overwhelmed state toward understanding DLF belongs here.
Our time was spent between the media room, writing articles like these, finishing up my pre-Combine rookie tiers, taking in podium interviews and enjoying seeing, and interacting with, individuals in person whom I normally only see on television.
But my primary reason for traveling to Indianapolis was to witness the on-field drills for the quarterbacks and receivers on Thursday followed by the running backs on Friday from within Lucas Oil Stadium. I was not only excited to watch from within the stadium as a fan, but toward determining if there was a strategic advantage for my scouting activities.
Combine Experience
As mentioned previously, a limited number of fans are granted access to the Combine activities on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This is provided by a private company as a fan-experience event and it’s relatively tightly controlled. Ryan McDowell and myself arrived early to line up, standing in the 26-degree cold for nearly an hour with other hard-core fans. We had some great interactions with Indi fans to pass the time. Thankfully, we were among the first allowed in as they obviously wanted to get people out of the cold. But we then had to wait inside for over an hour while we received instructions about what we could and could not do while observing the drills. Absolutely NO video and no talking/moving during the 40. And to say they lorded over us to ensure we ‘behaved’ ourselves is an understatement.
We were sitting on the 10-yard line in the 300 level, just above the 10-yard-split sensor at the start of the 40-yard dash. The view was good for the drills. We were ideally situated for the 40s, had a good angle for the gauntlet drill and the quarterback-receiver routes were in easy view. Some of the fans ended up on the far end of the action and would have had a lesser experience.
Within each seating section, they had a large screen television for an additional viewing option. Some complained the TV blocked their view of the finish line of the 40 but that wasn’t the case for us. Each fan is given an ear piece which streams NFL Network’s coverage on the event to help coordinate the action. It was a nice addition though Rich Eisen and the NFL Network coverage often didn’t report the 40-time and our TV coverage didn’t have it on screen. We were often left scrambling to Twitter or NFL.com’s website for the time.
The jumping drills were on the other sideline and we weren’t close enough to see any action. The emphasis was obviously on the 40, gauntlet and passing/route drills.
Overall, while the event was fun and I’m glad we were able to experience it as a fan of the event, we ultimately decided not to attend on Friday night for the running backs, instead electing to take in the action via the NFL Network coverage from a local bar with a few other media individuals. There was some great stories from this night, some of which I’ll keep to myself. The highlight may have been the set of events that found two visiting DLF members sitting at our table to have dinner with us. Always love seeing DLF faithful while at events.
I’m happy to report that all of you following the NFL Combine via coverage on the NFL Network are getting the best and most complete coverage of the event. I wouldn’t dissuade any of you from attending the event in person as we did, but do so as a fan. There simply isn’t any added scouting or observational benefits. That said, should media be granted access at a different level and with a greater ability to share notes and observations with each other as the event unfolds, that could provide additional benefit which would make attendance worthwhile. I will hold out hope this is provided in the future.
Combine Conclusion
As I write this, the defenders are preparing for their on-field drills.
It’s clear the focus is on the skill position players as the hotel and surrounding area is very quiet. Players, agents and NFL personnel are wheeling out their bags, exchanging hugs and making their way back home. Others still have work to do. For the players, I can only imagine the sense of relief that this week, the biggest interview of their young lives, is behind them. I would bet most are going to sleep very well. Those who have been truly candid have admitted as much to me as we wait for the elevator to share a ride up to our rooms or down to the lobby.
I’ve never been a selfie person or one to stop someone for a picture. I wish I was more bold. We stood and watched Jerry Rice in the lobby for a long while, not willing to interrupt his discussions for a photo. I watched Drew Rosenhaus speak with Eno Benjamin before departing the hotel. Drew and I locked eyes for a moment as he was leaving and I missed an opportunity for a photo, instead allowing him to have his privacy.
It’s all good. I’m trying to act like I’ve been here before. But I haven’t. After all, I’m as much a fan of the game and these players as anyone else. I don’t want it to get old or routine. I loved being part of this event.
I guess, in a small way, I’m living my own dream by just being here.
News & Notes
Thank you for reading this far. I know many of you just want the player information, who’s rising, who’s falling and who you should select with those coveted draft picks.
I’m confident that DLF is covering the NFL Combine better than any other site out there. It’s just what we do, it’s why you are a Premium member. And, of course, I have my own views about what I’ve witnessed this week. Let’s get to it.
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow didn’t work out and it was disappointing.
Overall, this group held it’s value. Most believe the quarterbacks of 2020 are slightly above average and I agree with this assessment. There’s something for everyone in this draft. Burrow remains the consensus 1.01 and only Tua Tagovailoa has an opportunity to unseat him. To that end, Tagovailoa had very positive medical news this week following multiple tests and he’s set to resume his climb up the fantasy ranks. It’s not out of the question that I will be moving Tagovailoa to the top of my quarterback rankings, but this won’t happen until I watch more film on these two.
Justin Herbert threw very well and is holding his value. The knock on Herbert is his leadership. He’s more of a quiet leader and not overly vocal. Word is that he’s a good leader in the locker room and that players love him. That’s enough for me but many do look for more swagger. Another quiet leader, also from Oregon, hasn’t fared so well in the NFL: Marcus Mariota. You be the judge. For the record, I like Herbert more than Mariota and he’s secure as my QB3 in this class.
The Patrick Mahomes halo effect is raising Utah State’s Jordan Love. I’ve watched his film and his athleticism and ability to make plays out of the pocket does remind me of Mahomes. That aside, I also witnessed some significant decision-making issues. And here is where being at the Combine provides some benefit. We heard first-hand from someone ‘inside’ an NFL organization that Love left much to be desired in the quarterback IQ dept. and that he couldn’t read defenses. That doesn’t guarantee failure but it’s noteworthy.
After those four, it’s a number of fourth round, or below, dynasty rookie selections unless you play in a super-flex league. Jacob Eason likely occupies the QB5 ranking and could be a third-round selection.
In short, their are four quarterbacks that will likely be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, some believing all four will be off-the-board by selection 10. It all depends on where Jordan Love is selected. My bet is for three selected in the top ten followed by Love being selected before pick twenty. For dynasty drafts, it’s likely that one or two of these quarterbacks will slip to the bottom of the second round or early third round and I wont’ be surprised to see Love selected above Herbert for upside alone.
Running Backs
Moving Up
Jonathan Taylor helped himself immensely with an incredible 4.39 40. Some are actively moving Taylor above D’Andre Swift as this year’s 1.01. Not me but he remains a very solid top-three at the position.
Cam Akers ran a 4.47 and looked good in all drills. He’s locked into a battle with LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the RB4 in this draft.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran an uninspiring 4.60 but the commentary on him has been very interesting. We continue to hear from NFL people here at the Combine how much they are in love with CEH and his running style, even at 5’7″. The Maurice Jones-Drew comp has been consistent and I can’t disagree. I’ve noted it myself and I’ve done the comparison – it fits.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn ran a 4.51 and looked great in drills. Given his lower ranking, this is good enough to move him up. He’s off-the-radar for many but carries fine NFL size and a skill-set to be productive at the next level should he fall to a good situation
Moving Down
Zack Moss was the big loser. He ran a 4.65 and will take a hit for it.
Tony Jones needed a fast time to retain a “sleeper” label and didn’t get it, running a 4.68.
Eno Benjamin didn’t show the speed needed to raise his status as a ‘shifty’ back, running a 4.57
HoldingÂ
D’Andre Swift ran a 4.48, maybe slightly disappointing, but plenty good enough to retain his top spot on my running back rankings
Joshua Kelly remains one of my favorite running back sleepers and his 4.49 is a good time. He had a nice Combine overall in all drills.
Because of Akers and Edwards-Helaire, the running back group now provides good stratification for dynasty rookie drafts. We have an over-weighted top-three and two upside-talents at RB4 and RB5. I will watch more tape before assigning my final rankings leading up to the NFL Draft. As is always the case, some of the lower tier backs will rise significantly following the NFL Draft due to drafted situation. It’s also a good bet one or two of the top five will lose some value as they fall to less-than-ideal situations.
Wide Receivers
Moving Up
Denzel Mims running a 4.38 was completely unexpected and his 38.5″ vertical was about as expected. He was one of my favorite sleepers heading into the Combine and he has now emerged from that status to a first-round talent. He has vacuum hands, a good catch radius and plus-level physicality. I don’t expect he’ll be selected in the first round in the NFL Draft, lasting until the second instead, but as I have said previously, if he had played on a better team, he would have been a household name at receiver. He’s a first-round dynasty rookie candidate without question now.
Henry Ruggs running a sub 4.30 40 could have been considered disappointing to those expecting a sub 4.20. I was expected in the neighborhood of 4.25 and his time is good enough. He jumped out of the building with a 42″ vertical, this from his 5’11” height. I seem to be in the minority here but I’ve had Ruggs well ahead of Reagor in my rankings and he’ll stay there.
Justin Jefferson ran a 4.43 in his 40, ahead of my expectations and jumped a 37.5″ vertical. He possesses such natural hands and he stems and cuts in his routes near the top of the class. He had a very good Combine and his value is on the rise.
Donovan Peoples-Jones surprised me with his 4.48 40 time while jumping a Combine-best 44.5″ in the vertical. He’s an enigmatic player given his lack of production at Michigan but this week’s performance when combined with his 6’2″/212 lb. frame and top status out of high school provides some intrigue for me. I’m not one to often give a “pass” on collegiate production but something doesn’t add up and I’m wondering if he’s going to make for a better NFL player than collegiate. More tape review coming.
Chase Claypool lit up the Combine with a 4.42 40 and 40.5″ vertical for a player thought of as a tweener between receiver and tight end. Not sure his position has been determined here but his athleticism isn’t in question. Personally speaking, I’d like to see him play as a “move” tight end to create mismatches for the back seven.
Falling
Tee Higgins elected not to work out. I don’t see this as a significant issue as I’ve seen everything I needed on tape as far as production and athleticism but players who don’t work out miss an opportunity to prove their competitiveness, as long as they aren’t nursing an injury. Higgins misses an opportunity here and while he will do nothing but fall due to missing the Combine, there’s enough gap between him and the WR4 such that he’ll remain my WR3 and my clear 1.06 in dynasty rookie drafts. Many others seem to be taking him down further.
Tyler Johnson did not work out. This was a big disappointment for me as he was the one I spoke to for the longest while at the hotel and I’ve been “on” him for months. He will be working out at his Minnesota Pro Day but as one of my favorite sleepers, he’ll fall on my list until I see his scores.
Quintez Cephus from Wisconsin ran the worst 40 (4.73) of any receiver, has 8 3/4″ hands and could only muster a 7.2 3-Cone-Drill. It wasn’t a good Combine for the physical wide-out. On the plus side, he did turn in a respectable 38.5″ vertical showing good lower body explosion.
Holding
Jalen Reagor‘s 4.47 40 was disappointing. While I fully expected Ruggs to run a 40 at .10 better than Reagor based on my tape review, I still expected Reagor to turn in a sub 4.40 time. The fantasy community is far too high on him in my opinion and should be lower on him now but as I had him clearly behind Ruggs, I don’t see enough reason to downgrade him at this point. Like Ruggs, his production was down at TCU but I can’t give him the pass that Ruggs is afforded. He has upside and could be successful at the next level, but I’m not nearly as high on him as the fantasy community is. He is this year’s Andy Isabella but with more natural ability.
Brandon Aiyuk was falling on my list but did enough to hold his current level with a 4.50 40 and 40″ vertical. The NFL community seems smitten with Aiyuk and while I don’t share the same enthusiasm, I do see some qualities I like. More tape review coming on him.
Jerry Jeudy/CeeDee Lamb – Both will hold with expected 40 times.  I was hoping Jeudy would run .10 better but both of these talents are such that their skill set transcends their 40-time. Not many prospects are afforded that grace but both did enough to hold their value as the WR1 and WR2 in this draft.
Antonio Gandy-Golden ran a 4.60 which could be grounds for downgrading him but AGG’s value on my rankings was not about speed. I didn’t expect a sub 4.50 time but was hoping for 4.55 or better. 4.60 is marginal and good enough. His 36″ vertical is about as expected and taller receivers don’t normally jump out of the building, D. Peoples-Jones excluded, though he is only 6’2″ while AGG is 6’4″. His 3-Cone time of 7.33 is not good but expected for a receiver of his size. What I like about AGG is his truly gifted hands. I can think of no better hands in ANY receiver I have scouted over the past 10-15 years. He has extremely confident and ‘quiet’ hands. He has a huge catch radius and any ball near his frame is his to complete.
Tight Ends
Rising
Albert Okwuegbunam running a 4.49 was outstanding and completely unexpected. I was looking for sub 4.60 so this time is a pleasant surprise. He also displayed gifted and natural hands in the gauntlet. This isn’t a truly ‘special’ class at the position but solid enough to extend the value of the class overall. Most of higher ranked tight ends will be late-second to mid-third rookie selections in dynasty rookie drafts.
Falling
Stephen Sullivan really struggled with his hands on Thursday. So much so that I have removed him from any sleeper status potential. He did run the third fastest 40 (4.66) but a tight ends without good hands has no fantasy value. I’ll be looking at more tape to see if this was just a case of nerves or something more embedded.
Adam Trautman running a 4.80 40 was not good. The recent fast-riser could have secured a top ranking with a good Combine but turned in a mediocre performance at best. His 3-Cone time of 6.78 is impressive and speaks to his agility but his long speed counteracts this to some degree. He’ll get a penalty in my rankings where, before, he was rising.
Holding
Brycen Hopkins had a good Combine, not great. Enough to hold value and remain in the top three of most positional rankings.
Cole Kmet is high on NFL draft boards than my own and I’m going to find out why. He ran a 4.70 which won’t turn heads so NFL coaches are seeing something that I’m not in that some have him as a first-round candidate. I’m not close to this value on him.
Summary
The 2020 NFL Combine comes to a close and it was a fantastic week.
This class remains one of the best I’ve ever seen and I felt privileged we could be here to witness it in person. As expected, the wide receivers are incredibly deep and when matched with the running backs, the first two rounds of dynasty rookie drafts will hold value unlike any year before. The variability in this draft is such that good players falling to poor situations will present extremely intriguing upside potential in the teens, without including the quarterbacks which will only deepen the draft further.
I hope you have enjoyed this little spin around the NFL Combine and my experience in Indianapolis. DLF will be a fixture at this event for, hopefully, years to come. Should you have any questions on players I didn’t cover here, or have other input, please leave your comments below.
Follow me on Twitter:Â @DLF_Jeff
You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff
- Lineup Advice: Wrap-up, Thank You and Goodbye (TTFN) - January 1, 2024
- Lineup Advice: Week 17 – Championship Edition - December 26, 2023
- Lineup Advice: Week 16 – The “What is” Edition - December 19, 2023
