It’s March 6th, the last day of the NFL Combine and you know what that means: defensive backs. The defensive backs are already thought to be one of the top groups in the 2017 NFL Draft so we should see some excellent skills and times on display today.
On Sunday, Myles Garrett of Texas A&M was the star of the show but several others made their case to be a high pick as well. B.J. Kissel interviewed Dane Brugler in Indianapolis and I found what he had to say about this draft revealing because he thinks that a case can be made that almost every position is a strength in this draft, Here, have a listen,
“This is a draft where you can find starters into day three…”
– @dpbrugler on the depth of this class from the #NFLCombine. pic.twitter.com/Czyd4Lmqdh
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) March 5, 2017
While that may or may not be the case — in other words, I’m not of the opinion that every positions group is strong in this draft — JARD and staff are covering all their bases. Terez Paylor of the K.C. Star has listed a number of cornerbacks who the Chiefs have scheduled formal interviews with including,
Tre’Davious White of Louisiana StateQuincy Wilson of FloridaAdoree’ Jackson of USCFabian Moreau of UCLACameron Sutton of TennesseeJeremy Clark of Michigan
Other players that Paylor said the Chiefs have interviewed include,
Notre Dame quarterback DeShone KizerNorth Carolina quarterback Mitchell TrubiskyClemson quarterback Deshaun WatsonTexas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes IIPittsburgh quarterback Nathan PetermanMiami quarterback Brad KaayaLouisiana-Lafayette running back Elijah McGuireOhio State running back/receiver Curtis SamuelNorth Carolina State running back Matt DayesWyoming running back Brian HillMissouri edge rusher Charles HarrisOhio edge rusher Tarell BashamVanderbilt inside linebacker Zach Cunningham
Charles Harris had a tremendous workout on Sunday. The 6-foot-3 inch, 255 lb. OLB/DE ran a 4.82 40-yard dash, had a 32-inch vertical jump but what was perhaps most impressive was his 20-yard-shuttle time of 4.42. Harris clearly helped himself on Sunday.
OLB/Safety hybrid Haason Reddick had a sensational Sunday. At 6-foot-2 inches and 237 lbs. Reddick ran the 40 in 4.52 seconds, lifted 225 lb.s on the bench press 24 times, went 133 iches— or 11.1 feet — and ran the 20-yard-shuttle in 4.37 seconds. Reddick tape already shows that he plays with instincts and intensity.
Another Safety/OLB hybrid, Jabrill Peppers had a good day yesterday but will go again today with the defensive backs. Peppers has said, “I’m a Safety… and a damn good one.” Peppers will likely be gone in the middle of the first round.
Now… let’s get a good look at the defensive backs available in April’s draft.