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Drafting Buccaneers: NFL Scouting Combine Recap

By David Harrison

Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson does the vertical jump during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson does the vertical jump during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS

As you would assume, the receivers and tight ends took the combine floor the same day as the quarterbacks. One of the deepest tight end classes to ever enter the draft looked to showcase its talents, and did not disappoint.

Some top measurables were:

Fastest 40: WR – JOHN ROSS, WASHINGTON (4.22)

TE – EVAN ENGRAM, MISSISSIPPI (4.42)

Slowest 40: WR – MORGAN DREW, ARKANSAS (4.74)

 TE – HAYDEN PLINKE, TEXAS-EL PASO (4.97)

Highest Vertical: WR – SPEEDY NOIL, TEXAS A&M (43.5”)

TE – BUCKY HODGES, VIRGINIA TECH (39”)

Shortest Vertical: WR – DARREUS ROGERS, USC (26.5”)

TE – SCOTT ORNDOFF, PITTSBURGH (27”)

Best 3-Cone Drill: WR – TAYWAN TAYLOR, WESTERN KENTUCKY (6.57)

TE – O.J. HOWARD, ALABAMA (6.85)

Worst 3-Cone Drill: WR – RICKY SEALS-JONES, TEXAS A&M (7.46)

             TE – HAYDEN PLINKE, TEXAS EL-PASO (7.55)

TAKEAWAYS:

Of course, the buzz from the weekend came when wide receiver John Ross broke Chris Johnson’s previous 40-yard time with a blazing 4.22 time.

Social media was stirred into a frenzy and I know a few Buccaneers fans who were singing his praises as they target for the team’s top pick.

The stars of the show though, were simply the tight ends.

This weekend in Indianapolis didn’t become so much about who could jump over who, or who could grip their spot tighter. It became more about just observing the physical talent entering the NFL this year at the tight end position.

Must Read: CAMPBELL IS A GREAT CHOICE

If you’re a general manager or head coach looking for an upgrade at this position, then your well will be deep, so strike when you have the chance.

While Oklahoma’s star running back wasn’t in attendance to atone for his past, wide receiver Dede Westbrook was.

The Heisman finalist has charges on his record which stem from altercations with the mother of his child back in 2012 and 2013.

When asked about them, Westbrook said,

"“Like, I’ve been to jail, but all the charges [were] dropped. I have no pending charges or anything. So, I think I’m just like you.” – DEDE WESTBROOK"

This was told to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero, and reflects an opinion some may share. While Westbrook certainly has a shadowed past, he’s removed from it by years, and doesn’t have any pending legal issues remaining.

Either you think this points to a young man who is due for another flare-up, or is a sign of a kid who’s grown up a bit.

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