Five fantasy prospects to watch at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine
Kicking off the pre-draft process, the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine begins Tuesday. Over 330 NFL hopefuls will arrive in Indianapolis aiming to prove worthy of the next level. This year’s class isn’t as flush with skill position players as the two previous, but there is plenty of talent that portends to make a fantasy impact. Below are five prospects to keep an eye on throughout the week.
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Jared Goff, QB, University of California, Berkeley
Over the past few weeks the Carson Wentz hype-train has been on express mode. While the North Dakota State product has better size than Goff, his overall acumen is nowhere near as developed. The Cali kid will look to set himself apart from both Wentz and Paxton Lynch while in Indianapolis.
A cerebral signal caller with lightening-quick processing speed, Goff has the mental aptitude to immediately start under center. His game is additionally complimented by a strong arm, swift release, and impressive accuracy at all levels of the field.
The biggest knock against the Cal product is that he’s skinny. Arguably more important than the drills he runs this week will be the number at which he tips the scales. If he’s been able to thicken his 6-foot-4 and 210 pound frame then he could allay the fears of potentially squeamish scouts. How he handles the interview process and whether he wins over the media will also be tests of his professional mettle.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State University
Far and away the best prospect at the position, Elliot is likely to simply show off at the combine. In fact, he tweeted as much on Monday afternoon. The kid is confident… and for good reason.
Formerly Carlos Hyde’s backup, Elliot is a three-down running back with a do-it-all skill set. Gifted with size and speed, the Buckeye possesses a physical running style, above-average pass-catching ability, and advanced blocking technique. His strength, balance, and vision are undeniably elite. Expected to come off the board in the first round of this spring’s draft, Elliot needs to be on fantasy radars, as he should make an immediate impact come September.
In fact, that confidence I mentioned might be the only negative to his game. He did call out his coach for not feeding him the ball enough after a disappointing loss to Michigan in November. While some felt that sort honesty was in poor taste, I appreciated the stud’s candor. Regardless, he’s a player who can walk the walk… so he’ll probably get a pass when talking the talk.
Derrick Henry, RB, University of Alabama
One of the more polarizing players in this draft class, Henry is built like a tank that can both steamroll and squeeze past opposing defenders. A grinder of the north-south variety, Henry commands a military-grade stiff arm and more patience than a pre-school teacher. While his power is nearly as robust as his build, his game is lacking texture and versatility.
Due to his size, Henry doesn’t burst off the line. Rather, it takes him a while to get going. In addition, he’s not particularly shifty, and his lateral agility is barely there. A good showing in the shuttle run and 3-cone drill might quell the naysayers and help the Heisman Trophy winner prove he’s more than a one-dimensional talent.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, University of Mississippi
This kid has it all… almost. An unflinching competitor, Treadwell catches a ball like no other, using mitts that are equal parts sticky and big. His separation technique is top-notch and he’s got plenty of juice after the catch. The only thing he doesn’t have is elite speed. As such, there was much anticipation over Treadwell’s 40-time heading into the combine. However, it was reported on Monday morning that the SEC’s leading receiver in 2015 would not be running the 40-yard-dash.
Whether Treadwell’s decision was due to an undisclosed injury or in an attempt to pad his results with a generous stopwatch at his Pro Day, his choice is disappointing for evaluators and fans alike. While game tape, of course, makes up the bulk of a player’s profile, teams want to know a prospect’s ceiling. Testing for speed, which is in the intent of the 40-yard-dash (regardless of one’s feelings about its efficacy) helps paint an overall picture of each athlete. How Treadwell handles the questions about why he’s chosen not to run will, perhaps, inform his draft stock more than a 4.6 result.
Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State University
Ranked among the top three players at the position by nearly all respected draftniks, Thomas boasts ideal size and quality bloodlines. Despite being Keyshawn Johnson’s nephew, however, Thomas’ ascent has had its share of detours.
A far-from-coveted recruit out of high school, the 6-foot-3 and 209 pound gamer labored to grasp route concepts and develop his technique before breaking out in 2014. As a result, the Buckeye’s body control and spatial awareness are amongst the best in this class of wideouts. While he’s not terribly explosive or fast, his footwork and quickness consistently fluster DBs.
With Treadwell declining to run the 40-yard-dash this week, Thomas has a chance to move ahead of the Ole Miss product. Given this year’s lack of tall receivers he could be the first wideout taken off the board. Keep an eye on the results from his vertical jump and route-running drills. A good showing at those events could boost scouts’ estimation of his NFL readiness.
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