The next set of measurements is in, with the bulk of skill-position players having their heights, weights, and lengths recorded for NFL scouts on Thursday. There were several standout players from this group, inspiring hope that we could see a size-speed marvel or two emerge from the NFL Combine. Here were the most noteworthy names from the day:
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
Please, just take a moment to appreciate this chart:
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Butler’s listed size drew Mike Evans comparisons, and the real measurements were even more impressive. Butler measured at 6’5 3⁄8” 227 lbs, with 10 3⁄4” hands and 35 1⁄4” arms. He set a record for the longest wingspan to be recorded by a wide receiver at a whopping 83 7⁄8”. If he shows off in the vertical leap on Friday, the first-round talk could start heating up.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Speaking of delivering on the hype, Metcalf absolutely stole the show with his sculpted body. Metcalf stood 6’3 3⁄8” and 228 lbs, with nearly 10” hands and nearly 35” arms. The kicker was when it was reported that Metcalf measured with only 1.6 percent body fat, a shockingly low total usually reserved for professional bodybuilders.
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Kudos to Fant, who had been billed as more of a big receiver entering the draft season. He measured 6’4 1⁄8” and 249 lbs, assuaging fears about his ability to bulk up, and 9 3⁄4” hands are a great sign for a tight end who can stretch the seam. In fact, most of the tight ends had a great day, averaging around 6’4” and 250 lbs.
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Arguably the top quarterback in this class, Haskins checked the boxes for the size police among the NFL scouts. He stood 6’3” and 231 lbs, with 9 5⁄8” hands.
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Not the best results for Brown, who was expected to underwhelm when it came time to record his size measurements. He stood just 5’9 3⁄8” and only 166 lbs—something that would give several teams pause.
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
This was the most hotly anticipated weigh-in for the day, and analysts seemed to feel that Murray passed his test. He measured 5’10 1⁄8” and 207 lbs, numbers that would still make him the smallest starting quarterback this side of Doug Flutie, but which avoided the potential worst-case scenario of a 5’9” 190 lb nickel cornerback throwing the ball. On the bright side, Murray’s hands measured 9 1⁄2”—a plus for his ball security.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
This was definitely the year of the size receiver at the Combine. Besides Butler and Metcalf, plenty of other prospects hit the 6’2” 220 lb prototype at the weigh-ins. Arcega-Whiteside was one of those, standing 6’2” and 225 lbs, with 9 1⁄2” hands and 33 1⁄4” arms. He’s considered one of the best red-zone targets in this year’s draft, and that size explains why.