NFL
By: Randall Slifer
The combine is an awesome event that has the widest range of thoughts and opinions about the importance of the event. I personally love it, because it’s just an event in between the Super Bowl and the draft to gush over and talk about all the prospects you have been watching for a year or multiple years. The data is real, and it without a doubt has an impact on these athletes’ draft stock, so let’s take a look at the numbers that stood out the most:
Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) – Broad Jump 10’11”
Shemar Stewart is one of the most polarizing players in this combine. People are stacking up Myles Garrett’s size and athletic measurements to Shemar’s numbers. The concern on everyone’s mind is that Myles Garrett had 164 pressures in 3 years at Texas A&M as opposed to 79 pressures for Shemar Stewart. What we cannot deny is that Shemar’s tape is filled with explosion, and the broad jump puts the stamp of approval on that attribute. His broad jump ranks 3rd in the last 5 years between defensive end and defensive tackle. Shemar’s first step may be the most explosive in this draft, and it has been proven that it will follow him to the NFL.
Landon Jackson (Arkansas) – Vertical 40.5”
Landon Jackson has had an up-and-down season with some fair questions about how he transitions into the NFL. Just looking at that guy, you are intrigued to get him on your team. He has incredible length and size that can disrupt centers all the way to tackles. His athleticism was never in question, but the combine is making it clear he is a package. His forty was great at 4.68 but led the defensive line group on Thursday in the vertical at 40.5”. His vertical is 3rd for defensive ends in the last 5 years. Some crowds question how he will produce and adjust to the NFL, but his combine should prove that if you have a good defensive line coach, you can get a lot out of him.
Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) hit 22.62mph on his 40
Jihaad Campbell has been a little up and down this year in terms of where he will fall in the draft. Linebackers are not drafted often in the first, but I do not think you can pass up on an athlete like Jihaad. His closing speed is fascinating to watch as he racked up 117 tackles with 54 solo and 12 (!) tackles for loss. To put 22.62mph into perspective, Tyreek Hill’s top clocked speed during an NFL game was a 60-yard touchdown that clocked in at 22.01mph. Let that one sink in.
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech) – 40.5” Vert and 4.32 Forty
Bhayshul Tuten’s athleticism should not have surprised many people. He grew up in a family of track! His mother broke records in hurdles and his father was a sprinter. 4.32 Forty was ranked 4th in all running backs in the last 12 years. His combination of power, speed, and contact balance is very impressive. His 40.5” vertical confirmed his initial explosion at the snap and the ability to bounce outside and beat your man 1 on 1 around the bend. Bhayshul is a dynamic player who has one big flaw in ball security. I personally believe that the ceiling is worth the risk. He’s a dog.
Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) – 36.50” Vert
Grey Zabel has had one of the more impressive off-seasons. Grey played his 2024 season at North Dakota State at left tackle but played a snap at every single position on the line. Grey’s consensus is to move inside to excel in the NFL. His arms came in at 32” today, and it may not cut it at the tackle position. During the senior bowl, I believe he took the most snaps on the 1 on 1 drills and played every inside position. He showed out that day and put his name out there to the masses. His combine drills were incredible today, and his wave drill looked very smooth. His offseason has put him in a lock for a top 50 pick and it is well deserved.
Matthew Golden (Texas) – 4.29 Forty
Matthew Golden has skyrocketed everyone’s board over the course of one to two months. Of course, people had an eye on him for a while, but he started catching everyone’s eye in the Florida game, and then he really ramped up at the end of the year. The tape was always there. He is a crisp route runner who creates separation at all three levels. He has pillows for hands with only four drops on 83 targets. Now steps in the 4.29 forty. Matthew Golden solidified himself in the first round by leading the forty when multiple people attempted to call their shot to beat the record in the 4.10 land. Teammates talked about his work ethic at the combine which adds another positive element to a 1st round pick.
Did anyone or any number stick out to you over the combine weekend? Leave a reply or send me a message on Twitter/X @Randall Slifer. Go Bills.
