After a week of hoopla and doubt as to whether or not the players would actually work out at the 2022 NFL Combine, the tight ends and receivers will be the first to take to the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium. Here’s a brief preview of how NFL Draft prospects could do during the first day of NFL Combine workouts and who could be the surprise of the day.
2022 NFL Combine Preview: Tight ends
The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is littered with talent at every position, but which tight ends should you be watching?
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland
Chigoziem Okonkwo has been moving up draft boards, and I would expect his vertical momentum to continue after the Combine. Expect some very athletic testing numbers from the tight end, including a 40 time of 4.55 seconds or better.
Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina
Isaiah Likely, possibly my favorite tight end in this year’s draft, had been timing under 4.6 seconds in the 40 and hitting 10’5″ in the broad jump. He tweaked his knee in training recently. Thus, I’m told it will be a game-time decision as to whether or not he works out in Indianapolis.
Trey McBride, Colorado State
Trey McBride had a terrific week of practice at the Senior Bowl, and there are some in the league who believe he will be the first tight end drafted.
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Look for a 40 time somewhere in the 4.6 area. And while that may not be blazing speed for some, it’s much faster than the 4.8-second 40-yard dash scouts estimated he ran before the season.
2022 NFL Combine Preview: Wide receivers
The skill positions get a lot of love at the Combine as they are usually the most athletic. How will these wide receivers do during on-field workouts?
Tyquan Thornton, Baylor
Tyquan Thornton could be the surprise of the receiver group. He’ll test well in all areas at the Combine and could get into the 4.2s during the 40. He has a track background, and his film shows a lot of sneaky speed. While Thornton played at 177 pounds during the 2021 season, I’m told his ideal playing weight is going to be around 185 pounds.
Danny Gray, SMU
Danny Gray started the Senior Bowl with a terrific practice on Day 1, but a heel injury sidelined him. I’m told he could run the 40 in the 4.3s, almost one-tenth faster than expected.
Wan’Dale Robinson, Kentucky
Don’t expect a blazing 40 time from Wan’Dale Robinson — he’ll likely time in the low 4.5s to high 4.4s. Rather, look out for very fast shuttle and three-cone numbers. Also, keep a close eye on his route running during position drills and how fast he transitions upfield after making the catch. Robinson is drawing a lot of comparisons to Rondale Moore with his ability to run super quick routes and fire upfield after the catch.
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati
Expect a solid 40 time from Alec Pierce in the mid 4.4s and some exceptional jumps. I’m told his vertical will be over 40 inches and could hit as high as 42. There will be a large market for a 6’3″ receiver who can jump that high.
Injuries seem to be a growing concern?? One of my pet peeves concern drafting recently injured players, THAT SAID, Chargers took an injured Allen in the 3rd which made sense but, I’m always surprised when they go 1st or 2nd rd. If their position isn’t a play now one, then it makes more sense. MOSTLY, high draft picks are expected to be immediate contributors though.