Several defensive linemen aspirants turned heads during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their impressive performance might have elevated their draft stock during the NFL Draft next month.
Braden Fiske is one of the biggest winners after running the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds. He felt so good about his run that he blurted out, “Oh yeah,” when he finished. Aside from the dash, Fiske had a 9-foot-9 broad jump and a 33.5-inch vertical.
.@FSUFootball's Braden Fiske led all DTs in the:
— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2024
- 40-yard dash (4.78)
- Vertical jump (33.5")
- Broad jump (9'9")
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Meanwhile, Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II ran the 40 at 4.87 seconds despite weighing 297 pounds. He also manifested his hand placement and agility in the other drills. His teammate, T’Vondre Sweat, ran the 40 at 5.27 seconds, which is impressive for a 366-pound guy.
Conversely, edge rusher Jalyx Hunt displayed a 10-foot-8 broad jump, a 37.5-inch vertical jump, and a 4.64-second 40-dash. Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner had an impressive 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash and showed his 40.5-inch vertical.
Finally, Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson completed the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds, a speed usually reserved for wide receivers and cornerbacks. What is more impressive is that he ran that fast at 254 pounds.
These players caught the attention of NFL scouts and front-office executives who are finalizing their strategy for the 2024 NFL Draft.
-Lance Fernandez