Mike Tanier’s Combine Notebook, Day 1: Kyler Murray Speaks to the Skeptics

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Heights, weights, 40 times and other numbers worth talking about from Friday’s weigh-ins and workouts.

        

D.K. Metcalf, wide receiver, Ole Miss: 27 bench-press reps

Not bad for an All-American defensive end. Oh yeah, forgot: Metcalf is a wide receiver. Based on social media posts, we were expecting 270 reps.

        

N’Keal Harry, wide receiver, Arizona State: 27 bench-press reps

WHAT ARE THEY FEEDING WIDE RECEIVERS THESE DAYS?

        

Ed Oliver, defensive line, Houston: 6’1⅞”, 287 pounds

Apparently, there was some question about whether Oliver was big enough to be a first-round pick. Or about whether he has a natural position or is the right size for it (he’s a 3-tech tackle, and yes). Or something, because…lots of ordinary citizens somehow have in-depth scouting opinions about defensive linemen from the American Athletic Conference now? This draft stuff is confusing.

        

Darrell Henderson, running back, Memphis: 4.49-second 40, 22 bench-press reps

Henderson said Thursday that teams were “sleeping” on his speed. “I’m projected to run a 4.6,” he said. No one I talked to projected Henderson to run a 4.6—maybe his trainer came up with that to motivate him— but the fast 40 confirms the burst Henderson shows on tape, making him a worthy Day 2 consideration.

           

Justice Hill (pictured), running back, Oklahoma State: 4.40-second 40, 40-inch vertical jump

These are important results for a 5’10”, 198-pound back. Hill’s burst is obvious on tape, and he has been super-productive for the Cowboys, but he doesn’t generate many yards after contact. If NFL teams are going to invest in a pure speed back, they want to see that the speed is truly pure.

          

Ryquell Armstead, running back, Temple: 4.45-second 40 at 220 pounds

That’s a remarkable size-speed combination for the South Jersey product. Armstead was hampered by toe injuries early in his college career but looked good at the Senior Bowl. His stock is rising.

          

Garrett Bradbury, center, North Carolina State: 4.92-second 40, 34 bench-press reps

Before these impressive results, Bradbury looked like a late first- or early second-round pick who could start in the NFL for a decade. After these impressive results, Bradbury looks like a late first- or early second-round pick who could start in the NFL for a decade.

           

Iosua Opeta, offensive line, Weber State: 39 bench-press reps

Opeta was this year’s offensive line bench-press champion. I have never heard of him or seen him. This result will make scouts double-check his film, which is what the combine is all about.

          

Dexter Lawrence, defensive tackle, Clemson: 342 pounds

He big.

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