INDIANAPOLIS -- The NFL combine is just a small sliver of the evaluation process. Evaluators often use it to confirm their scouting report from the tape. Let's take a look at how a few of the big-name prospects performed Monday, when cornerbacks and safeties went through workouts.
I currently have 10 defensive backs among my top 33 players overall. We saw some "wow" workouts Monday, but there were also a few blunders. And one of the marquee names in the draft, Ohio State safety Malik Hooker, didn't work out because of injury. We'll see if he returns to health fast enough to workout prior to the draft
Players analyzed below include: S Obi Melifonwu, S Jamal Adams, CB Marshon Lattimore, CB Teez Tabor, CB Sidney Jones, CB Adoree' Jackson and CB Jourdan Lewis.
Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
Rank entering combine: No. 40 overall | No. 5 safety
Melifonwu was the big story from Monday. He's off the charts in every way. Measuring just shy of 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, Melifonwu jumped out of the gym (44-inch vertical and 11-foot, 9-inch broad jump). That vertical is the third-highest of the past five combines and the broad is just shy of fellow Connecticut DB Byron Jones' combine record of 12 feet and 3 inches. And Melifonwu ran the 40 in 4.40 seconds, an elite time for any safety, let alone one who weighs 224. In a league where length, size and athleticism are coveted more than ever among defensive backs, given the need to cover the Rob Gronkowskis of the world, Melifonwu is certainly an intriguing talent.
Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Rank entering combine: No. 4 overall | No. 1 safety
