The 2024 NFL Combine is in the books and now NFL fans have to wait nearly two months until we see these young players get their name called on Draft Day.
The NFL Combine has been such a polarizing topic in the football world and there are many things we can take away from the four-day event. Not only did we see some of the best athletes in the world compete through skill testing and drills, but we also got to hear interviews from general managers and coaches all across the NFL. This is an exciting time of the year as now we get to sit and wait to see what free agency has in store next week.
One thing that fans need to remember is that the NFL Combine does not always translate to on-field performances. We have seen players such as D.K. Metcalf, who had a historically great Combine, have success on the field. But for every Metcalf, there is a John Ross – who did not become the player the Bengals fell in love with at the 2017 Combine.
We are going to be discussing a few players who have skyrocketed up the boards of NFL general managers based on their NFL Combine performances and where they should be valued in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Top Winners of the 2024 NFL Combine
Xavier Worthy, Texas
This is a pretty obvious one. Xavier Worthy increased his draft stock dramatically after he broke John Ross’ 40-yard dash record by running a 4.21. We have seen speedy wide receivers like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and many others have success in the NFL by using their speed to create route separation. Not to mention that the 6-1 receiver hit 41 inches on his vertical jump testing.
Worthy has shown general managers that he has game-changing speed and explosiveness. The question is whether it will translate to the NFL field or not. I think it is reasonable to assume that Worthy can be a top-20 selection at the draft. I have a feeling that a team will reach on him, as teams like to do, to try and find the steal of the draft.
Rome Odunze, Washington
Like Worthy, Rome Odunze also had a great 2024 NFL Combine in terms of testing. The 6-3 receiver had a great showing when he ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and had a 39-inch vertical jump during testing. The numbers aren’t quite as great as Worthy’s, but it’s always important to factor in height and weight, with Odunze outweighing Worthey by 44 pounds. It should also be noted that Odunze made the headlines after he stayed at the stadium after the event was over to break 6.6 seconds in a cone drill that he vowed to break. This makes him a winner in my book as he did a great job of giving general managers a glimpse at his determination and work ethic.
I had Odunze being selected at No. 8 overall by the Bears before the Combine. Now, I believe he and Malik Nabers are competing to be the second wide receiver off the board.
Caleb Williams, USC
This might come as a surprise, as Caleb Williams became the first player to ever attend the NFL Combine and not undergo any medical testing. He also chose not to do any throwing drills at the 2024 NFL Combine, but he did get measured. His height measured a hair over 6-1 and his hands measured at 9 ¾ inches, which were bigger than Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.
But what ultimately made Williams a winner to me was his decision to not test at the event. There was absolutely nothing for Williams to gain from throwing at the Combine, as he has already proved what kind of player he is after dominating for three seasons at the collegiate level. His decision to not do medical testing was smart as well. I don’t see any reason for Williams to put his medical information out there for the entire NFL to see when there is no question that he will be the top overall pick, whether it be the Bears or another team who trades up.
