What NFL combine tells us about the upcoming draft
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All eyes were on Indianapolis this weekend as NFL prospects gathered for the annual scouting combine … though some of the names expected to make up the top five of the draft did not do a lot.
Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Chase Young didn't participate in on-field drills, shifting the spotlight to some lesser-known names. That helped the likes of Isaiah Simmons, Justin Jefferson and Jonathan Taylor stand out as the biggest winners of the event.
Before we dive in to the rest of our NFL news and notes from the weekend, here's what Nate Davis learned during his time on the ground in Indianapolis, notably that this draft might have a bigger impact than any in recent memory.
Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons impressed with his performance at the NFL combine. (Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)
Must reads from the combine
- 364-pound lineman turns heads: Mekhi Becton is the biggest man at the combine, and he created a buzz with a surprisingly fast 40.
- Tristan Wirfs is a rare physical talent: Now the rest of the football world has a pretty good idea of what Iowa has known.
- Prospect on washing veteran player's car: 'Hell no': Playful rookie hazing is hardly uncommon among NFL teams. Don't expect one defensive end prospect to grab a bucket and sponge, though.
- Do-it-all Clemson defender shines: Isaiah Simmons was a versatile linebacker for the Tigers, and he showed what makes him intriguing at the next level with a blazing 4.39 in the 40-yard dash.
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