INDIANAPOLIS — Friday’s defensive back drills saw Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins potentially cement himself as CB1 in this year’s draft before going down with an injury after his 40-yard dash. Meanwhile, the Brock Bowers’ absence from tight end drills allowed for some of the position group’s lesser-known depth to shine. Let’s take a look at the best and worst performances from Day 2 and how they affected players’ draft stocks.
DAY 2 MVP: TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State, 6-3 7/8, 250 lbs
Sinnott caught the attention of NFL Network’s camera crew from a group of three fans clad in KSU purple that could be heard cheeringall across Lucas Oil Stadium whenever he ran a drill. Apparently, the mini-fan club gave him a boost, as Sinnott let all tight ends with a 6.82-second three-cone time and put up amazing jump numbers (40-inch vertical and 10-foot-6 broad).
His 4.68-second 40 was solid for his large frame, and he looked great in field drills, demonstrating good ball tracking and soft hands as he snagged passes with ease. It doesn’t seem unrealistic to expect Sinnott to be the second tight end off the board in this year’s draft after his impressive workout, possibly selected sometime mid-second round.
HONORABLE MENTION: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson, 6-1 3/8, 178
Wiggins’ insane 4.28-second 40 time (which currently stands as this year’s fastest among all positions) had me tempted to dub him MVP of the day, but considering his absence from field drills, he’ll make today’s list as an honorable mention.
After running the 40, Wiggins told NFL Network’s Stacy Dales that he felt something pop in his groin, saying the area was “on fire.” After being examined by medical staff, he returned to the field with a large ice pack taped around his hip and leg, and sat out the rest of the day’s drills. Wiggins was diagnosed with a hip flexor injury, but expects to be good to go for Clemson’s April 6 pro day.
BIGGEST RISER: CB Max Melton, Rutgers, 5-11, 187
Melton ran a 4.39-second 40 and impressed with a 40.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-4 broad jump, but his best work came in field drills. Melton ran clean and smooth and looked comfortable flipping his hips. He’s confident in his hands as a former wide receiver, and did much better at running through his catch during line drills than most DBs (those less confident in their hands tend to pull up at the end of the drill for an easier catch). Melton put himself on the map with a solid workout, and shouldn’t make it out of the third round without being drafted.
MOST UNDERWHELMING: SAF Kamren Kinchens, Miami, 5-11 1/2, 203
Kinchens was considered by most going into the NFL Combine as the top safety prospect of his class, but had the slowest 40-yard dash for the position at 4.65, as well as the shortest broad jump at 9-foot-2. He showed good ball skills, but lacked fluidity in most of his drills. Unless he turns things around at pro day, it’s hard to imagine him still being the first safety off the board after a truly disappointing NFL Combine outing.
OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Washington tight end Devin Culp (6-3 1/8, 231) had by far the fastest 40 time for his position at 4.47, and displayed that speed well with fast, fluid routes during field drills.
Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (5-10 3/8, 197) ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, the fastest for a safety at the combine and ninth-fastest among all defensive backs, with an impressive 1.52-second 10-yard split.
Arizona tight end Tanner McLachlan (6-5 1/8, 244) had arguably the most impressive tight end field workout, looking extremely comfortable tracking and catching the ball, as well as displaying solid route running ability and body control. His 4.61-second 40-yard dash was the third-best at the position, and faster than most other tight ends in the class of similar frame.