2018 NFL Combine: Notable OL & RB measurements

The first few days of the NFL Combine involve medical checks and taking the measurements of each prospect. Wednesday, it was the offensive linemen and running backs that had to be measured. Below are those prospects whose size stood out in a positive way and those who should’ve stuck to eating their Wheaties. I will continually update this article as more player measurements are available. All measurements are from NDT Scouting.

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Geron Christian, offensive tackle, Louisville

Well-thought-of coming into the 2017 season, Christian was a victim of Louisville’s disappointing year. The combine will provide him an opportunity to rehabilitate his draft stock. Despite weighing in at less than 300 pounds, his 10-inch hand size and 35-inch arm length should be enough to make scouts buzz. Christian is a former basketball player, so he clearly has some athleticism. I’d expect him to test very well in the coming days.

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Connor Williams, offensive tackle, Texas

Although Williams’ game isn’t dependent upon overwhelming length, measuring in with 33 inch arms and only a 77 7/8-inch wingspan, which is less than some guards, won’t help his draft stock. NFL scouts and front office members prefer long, lanky tackles, so Williams may be considered an interior offensive lineman by more than a few teams. Don’t be surprised if he falls in the draft due to that.

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Jaryd Jones-Smith, offensive tackle, Pittsburgh

Scouts talk about players having “length for days.” Jones-Smith has length for weeks. Notwithstanding his lack of athleticism, with 36 4/8-inch arms and an absolutely massive 88 4/8-inch wing span, teams could see him as a valuable developmental prospect worth taking in the draft’s middle rounds.

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Akrum Wadley, running back, Iowa

After a poor Senior Bowl, it was imperative that Wadley come out and perform at the combine. Measuring in at 194 pounds with small, 8-inch hands, the running back from Iowa fell at his first hurdle. Those tiny hands help explain why Wadley struggled with fumbling problems throughout his college career.

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Derrius Guice, running back, LSU

A candidate to be the second running back off the board, Guice measured in at a svelte 224 pounds, which will allow him to demonstrate his explosive qualities in the on-the-field portion of the combine. It will also allay any concerns that he would attempt to become more of a bruising tailback by putting on added muscle.