Analysis
3/4/22
2 min read
The 33rd Team's Key NFL Combine Takeaways: Day 1
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:
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
