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The 2019 NFL Combine is history. With free agency in sight and the draft not far down the road, the parsing of who ran fast, jumped high and lifted a lot of weight will remain center stage, at least for a few more days.
A long weekend in Indianapolis produced the usual hype, in addition to trends up and trends down. All of which will lead teams to either gamble on a long shot early in the draft, or stay true to a plan long in the works.
For teams looking to flip a position, there are some players to look at. And while a notable like Kyler Murray will get all the oxygen, there is good talent to be had at wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker, and the offensive line.
Here are five players who may have been second or third round names before last week, but are now likely to hear their names called on opening night in Nashville.
A.J. Brown-Wide Receiver, Mississippi
When an NFL team goes looking for a wide receiver in the 2019 NFL Draft, they better look long and hard at A.J. Brown from Mississippi.
Brown had a tremendous workout. But while the audience was blown away by D.K. Metcalf, his teammate at Mississippi, Brown showed he's a first-round talent as well.
The Ole Miss WR measured out at an even 6’-0”, 226 lbs, and had a 40 yard dash time of 4.49.
Side by side with Metcalf, Brown’s combine performance looks pedestrian, but don't be fooled. He’s quick and can get separation out of the blocks. He’s also great after the catch in getting extra yards once securing the football.
Brown was a likely second-round pick. A weekend in Indianapolis moves him into a late first round selection as he is a player who can contribute day one.
Noah Fant-Tight End, Iowa
Tight end Noah Fant had a combine performance that answered any questions about when he should go come the 2019 NFL Draft.
Fant, a Junior from Iowa, turned in a big NFL Combine that all but assures he hears his name called on opening night.
The tight end is a big target. His official combine measurements list him at 6’-4” and weighing in at 249 lbs. He had a 40 yards dash time of 4.5 seconds, as well as a solid 39.5 vertical jump.
Fant was productive at Iowa in his final season, earning first-team All-Big Ten as well as a third-team All-American consideration from the Associated Press.
Best for the team who drafts him is his athleticism. He's a player who can accelerate after the snap and work efficiently in space. His large frame will also make him a threat in redzone situations.
For a team needing an immediate fix at tight end, Fant is a smart pick in the first round.
Byron Murphy-Defensive Back, Washington
At first glance, cornerback Byron Murphy from the University of Washington looks undersized. His relatively small frame is one of those traits that would keep players of that stature out of the first round of any NFL Draft.
In Indianapolis, Murphy flipped that conversation with a combine workout that has him a first night pick.
The former Husky DB turned in an eye opening workout that will force teams to give him a long look in the first round. What they see, especially on tape, will make that call easy.
As for the measurements, Murphy is 5’-11” and weighs 190 lbs. He posted a 40 yard dash time of 4.55.
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Like I said, undersized.
But, he’s also a player who demonstrated tremendous instincts around the football. He's a player who ”gets” the position. Over 13 starts he made 58 tackles, four of them for a loss, adding four interceptions and 13 pass deflections.
He has a nose for the ball, and while most scouts and executives will note his size, it's those instincts that a team will roll the dice on.
Montez Sweat-EDGE, Mississippi State
Montez Sweat put a lot of doubts to rest at the NFL Combine. A solid performance in Indianapolis can do that when questions follow a player.
Sweat, an edge rusher from Mississippi State, came to Indianapolis on a mission. He turned in an impressive combine performance with a 4.41 – 40-yard dash, had a 20 yard shuttle time of 4.29 seconds, and a broad jump measuring 125.0 inches. His official height was recorded as 6’-6” and weighed in at 260 lbs.
The former Bulldog needed a good day at the combine. Many questions have swirled around Sweat following a mysterious dismissal from the Michigan State football program after his freshman year. While the details are not public, he's been transparent with teams who have asked for an explanation.
He concluded his career at Mississippi State as First-Team All-SEC and received an All-American second-team nomination.
Sweat is an EDGE player with solid strength, who can grow into an every-down rusher and defender.
Chris Lindstrom-C/G, Boston College
One player who exits the 2019 NFL Combine raising his draft stock into the late first round is Chris Lindstrom from Boston College.
Lindstrom, who comes from a long line of BC Eagles, is a player teams will like late in the first round due to his versatility and work ethic.
The former Boston College offensive lineman had a solid workout in Indianapolis. He had a 40-yard dash time of 4.91, a broad jump measuring 117.0 inches, and ran a 20-yard shuttle drill in 4.54 seconds. His official measurements list him at 6’-4” and he weighs in at 308 lbs.
Lindstrom is a four-year starter for the Eagles and has shown the ability to be both reliable and versatile. He played both right guard and right tackle during his four years at Boston College.
He likely projects at the guard or center position in the NFL. He's quick and experienced at two positions which will make him attractive to teams needing help on the interior line in 2019.
