The NFL Combine wrapped up yesterday, and the Utah Utes had six former players who participated in the annual pre-draft event in Indianapolis, Ind. Let’s take a look at how each player did and who helped their draft stock the most.
Who helped his draft stock the most?
I cannot just pick one player here as two former Utah players really showed out at the Combine: linebacker Cody Barton and safety Marquise Blair. Cody Barton put up 30 reps in the bench press, posted the best time in the 20-yard shuttle of any linebacker (4.03). He was also a top performer in the 40-yard dash and the 60-yard shuttle.
Blair answered most of the concerns NFL had about him. After weighing in at around 180 at the Senior Bowl, leading to questions about his size, he arrived at the Combine at 195. Adding that much weight can cause players to slow down, but Blair went under 4.5 in the 40 (he ran a 4.48). Both Cody Barton and Blair helped their draft stocks immensely. Cody really deserves a shout out for all of his hard work in his four years at Utah. He epitomizes what it means to be a Utah Man.
Who helped his draft stock the least?
Linebacker Chase Hansen helped his stock the least because he did not participate in any drills. I am not sure why he did not go. Hansen has a chance to show off for scouts at Utah’s Pro Day, and I think he will hear his name called in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Other players’ performances
Punter Mitch Wishnowsky wowed scouts by running under a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash as a punter who weighs in well over 200 pounds. Jackson Barton performed adequately, but there has to be some sibling rivalry with younger brother Cody, who bested his big (both in terms of age and size) in bench press posting 30 to Jackson’s 25. Kicker Matt Gay did not participate in drills, but he did not need to. There is plenty of film of the ball exploding off his foot.