The 2020 NFL Combine’s on-field workouts continue with day two featuring offensive linemen, running backs, and specialists. The Buffalo Bills could arguably have needs in every one of those groups, making this a pivotal evening for scouting players. Your top stories for today’s events:
Running backs aim for the first round
It’s a strong year for running backs, even if we don’t have an Ezekiel Elliott or Saquon Barkley to lead the pack. Several players could lock into the first round with a great workout tonight, but who will it be? Can D’Andre Swift (Georgia) prove his breakaway speed is a dangerous weapon? Will Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin) back up his Heisman-caliber resume with an A+ athleticism scorecard? Does J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State) continue to rise atop the pack? The sleeper may be Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU), who seems to impress everyone he speaks with. A strong workout may vault him to day one.
Later-round backs aim to demonstrate athletic talents
The list doesn’t end with that top tier. A group of talented players, whether they were former top recruits, late bloomers, or talents who overcame injuries, can use this event to reset their draft stock. Anthony McFarland Jr. (Maryland) hopes to stand out as a breakaway threat when compared with Swift. Cam Akers (Florida State), who sandwiched two great seasons around a mediocre one, needs to demonstrate his receiving skills and try to lift his stock firmly into day two. For others like Rico Dowdle (South Carolina), Scottie Phillips (Ole Miss), and Joshua Kelley (UCLA), it’s a chance to show they belong in a time-share with an opportunity to start down the line.
Offensive tackle sorting order
This year’s offensive tackle class is chock-full of talent, including a slew of potential first rounders, but how will teams rank them?
You have players stacked with power, like Tristan Wirfs (Iowa), Mekhi Becton, (Louisville), and Isaiah Wilson (Georgia). Raw athletic talents like Austin Jackson (USC), Prince Tega Wanogho (Auburn), and Josh Jones (Houston). A D-III prospect in Ben Bartch (Dayton), an undersized but highly talented player in Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama), and an athletic pass protector who needs to build up his anchor in Ezra Cleveland (Boise State).
The ranking begins today.
The workouts begin at 4:00 pm EST, and are televised exclusively on the NFL Network. They can also be viewed through the NFL and NFL Network apps and through NFL.com, but you may need to sign into your TV provider’s account to watch.
For anyone tuned into the workouts, consider this your open thread to discuss the events or NFL Draft prospects as a whole. Fire away!