With the first real day of the NFL Scouting Combine kicking off, coaches and scouts were able to evaluate offensive linemen, tight ends, and some kickers. Watching game tape is a better evaluation of players than the combine. But watching the combine can show viewers a small amount of their athletic ability. Let's take a look at some of the best performances from Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine.
Greg Robinson, Left Tackle, Auburn
When an SEC left tackle weighs 332 pounds and is running a 4.88 40-yard dash, NFL teams take notice. In my opinion, I have Robinson as my top tackle over Texas A&M's Jake Matthews. Playing Auburn's offense, speed is important. Robinson is fast, and he used that speed to get to the second level to make blocks for running back Tre Mason. To go along with speed, Robinson has some of the longest arms in the entire draft. The main problem with Robinson is that he is still raw with his technique in pass blocking. With his performance in Day 1, Robinson might have moved up the draft even more.
Taylor Lewan, Left Tackle, Michigan
If he entered the 2013 NFL Draft, Lewan would have likely been a top 10 pick. But, Lewan decided to stay another year in school. After the 2014 college football season, Lewan really hurt his stock and some were even wondering if he would be a first round pick. In his 40-yard dash, Lewan ran a 4.87. Lewan jumped back into first round relevance with a good 40-time. It's not often you see a 6'7", 310 pound tackle that runs a 40 in that time. While Lewan impressed some people at the combine, it is worth mentioning that he was given up constant pressure to defensive linemen from Akron University. Lewan could be a boom-or-bust draft pick in May's draft, the future will tell what kind of player Lewan really is.
Matt Patchan, Guard/Tackle, Boston College
Patchan has gone through a lot in the past five years. He originally went to Florida, but he transferred to Boston College to be closer to home. Patchan wears knee braces on both legs, and he has a history of injuries. Despite his setbacks, Patchan was able to receiver an invite to the Senior Bowl and to the Scouting Combine. In his 40-yard dash, Patchan ran a 4.84. With the ability to play guard and tackle, Patchan is extremely versatile. With an impressive combine, Patchan should move up some draft boards regardless of his injury concerns.
Russell Bodine, Guard, North Carolina
North Carolina has produced some pretty good offensive linemen in the past few years. Look no further than Jonathan Cooper from last year's draft. The bench press is one of the best ways to evaluate upper body strength, and that's where Bodine excelled. The massive guard pushed out 42 reps of 225 pounds. Having a road-grader like Bodine allows running backs to get through holes with ease. A power running team could really fall in love with Bodine as the draft nears.
Colt Lyerla, Tight End, Oregon
Lyerla has probably the most off-field baggage out of any player in this draft. Recently, Lyerla was arrested for having cocaine on him. After that incident, Lyerla was kicked off of the football team. He was an unbelievable player for the Ducks when he was on the team. Lyerla played everywhere on Oregon's offense including tight end, wide receiver, and even the full back position. Lyerla projects as a matchup problem for opposing defenses. By running a 4.61 in the 40, the ex-Oregon Duck could be a prototypical H-back kind of player similar to the Philadelphia Eagles' James Casey.
A.C. Leonard, Tight End, Tennessee State
Leonard was transferred to Tennessee State from Florida after he had a few arrests in Gainesville. While Leonard and Lyerla both have off-field concerns, they are both very similar on the gridiron. Both are quick off the ball, and both have great hands. At 6'2", 250 pounds, Leonard has the size/speed ratio to be an athletic tight end in the NFL. His skillset reminds me a lot of Antonio Gates. Originally a late day two pick, Leonard could move up to the third or he could even move to the back end of the second round.
Joe Don Duncan, Tight End, Dixie State
Joe Don Duncan from small-school Dixie State led all tight ends with 35 reps on the bench press. When I have watched Duncan before, I see a tall and athletic pass-catcher who has a big catch-radius. I didn't really see him a lot against the run, but Duncan proved that he is a capable of being an in-line tight end. This means that Duncan has the ability to play as a traditional tight end next to the tackles. Run blocking is important in this league, and Duncan excels at that. He is still a no-name, but Duncan will get more hype when the draft rolls around.