NFL Combine Aftermath: Who’s Rising and Who’s Falling?
![Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view of Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view of Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0acd787d142386a9d9d5e0e74d139ad9c7e62a2492e5ae410c42ead643156e5b.jpg)
FALLING: Cardale Jones – QB – Ohio State
For Cardale Jones, it was another frustration on what has been a mostly down story following his Cinderella-like rise to super-stardom after a masterful cameo as the Buckeyes’ title-winning quarterback.
Whether it was because of his disappointing play in 2015, or his eventual benching, Jones was a quarterback with much to prove at the annual combine. Unfortunately, a pulled hamstring on his second try at the 40-yard dash ended his mission for the time being, and it means he’ll get just one more shot at impressing teams at Ohio State’s pro day.
To say his afternoon that day is important is an understatement. Outside of the top-3, the quarterback race is a tight one, and not one Jones wants to watch. He needs to be squarely in the mix showing his talents, and he only has one more shot at it.
On an afternoon which saw Michigan State’s Connor Cook, and Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg open the door for movement in the top-5, Jones missed a crucial opportunity to jump his Big Ten opponents as they all vie for NFL employment.
Next: DE - Shaq Lawson