Analysis

3/4/22

2 min read

The 33rd Team's Key NFL Combine Takeaways: Day 1

By The 33rd Team

Key NFL Combine Takeaways

The 33rd Team is reporting on the NFL Combine live from Indianapolis all week. We'll be posting our takeaways from each day of the event, followed by a full-week wrap up once the ink dries and all results are final.

Check out our other NFL Combine Features:

Wolf & Polian: What NFL Teams Want Out of The Combine
Brian Schottenheimer: Evaluating Quarterbacks At the NFL Scouting Combine
Has the NFL Scouting Combine Outlived its Usefulness?
2022 NFL Combine Preview: 10 Players Who Must Test Well and 20 Freak Athletes
Do Combine Risers Regularly Achieve NFL Success?
While the Combine is Steering Away From Psychological Testing, NFL Teams Are Doubling Down

Key Takeaways from Day 1

  • North Dakota State WR Christian Watson continued his offseason rise with a 4.36 40-yard dash and 11'4" broad jump, the 7th-longest jump by any WR since 1999
  • Baylor WR and track star Tyquan Thornton flirted with a record-breaking 40-yard dash time. Initially, Thornton ran a 4.21 unofficial 40, but his official time was later revealed to be a 4.28
  • Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce stood out with a 4.41 40-yard dash and 40.5" vertical leap
  • As a potential first-round pick, Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett's hand size has been scrutinized heavily. His hands officially measured in at 8 1/2" at the Combine, which would be the smallest of any quarterback in the NFL. Pickett fumbled 17 times in his NCAA career, per PFF
  • Virginia TE Jelani Woods ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at 6071, marking the fastest 40-yard dash time by a TE taller than 6070 since 2003, and 2nd-fastest by any player taller than 6070 over that span (behind DL Margus Hunt's 4.60 in 2013)
  • Kentucky WR Wan’Dale Robinson measured in at 5080, 3 inches shorter than his listed height with an arm length of 27 5/8", which would be the smallest in the NFL at his position
  • Maryland TE Chigoziem Okonkwo had an excellent day with a 4.52 40-yard dash (best among TEs) and 35.5" vertical jump (second-best among TEs)
  • Despite standing at just 5010, Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore's 10 1/4" hands were the largest of any WR at the Combine
  • Though he is small in stature at 5073 and 173 pounds, Memphis WR Calvin Austin III showed up in a big way with a 4.32 40-yard dash, 39" vertical jump, 11'3" broad jump, and 4.07 20-yard shuttle
  • Although the Combine is not always the best place to evaluate a quarterback's on-field ability, our scouts felt that Sam Howell's velocity and ability to find a rhythm with a new cast of receivers stood out among the group
Tags: Christian Watson, Jelani Woods, NFL Combine See More

The 33rd Team

The 33rd Team is a Football Think Tank created by Mike Tannenbaum.

RELATED