COLUMN: NFL combine week

     James Daniels, Josh Jackson, Josey Jewell, Akrum Wadley and Sean Welsh.

     Those five guys are the Hawkeye invitees to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. Iowa State’s rep is WR Allen Lazard.

     As I write this (Monday), the only one left to run through the drills is DB Josh Jackson. As of this morning though his 40 yard run times are in. He ran an impressive 4.49. His second attempt wasn’t as good at 4.6.

     I enjoy watching the Hawkeye guys compete at the combine. Included in that is the feedback that the announcers give on each player. Here is a little bit of synopsis along with my opinion on the five Hawk players.

     James Daniels: Daniels was nursing a sore hamstring so he elected not to run the 40. According to the drill segment of the combine, he made some outstanding impressions. He could go in the first round of the draft. And he is only 20. His grade is 6.00, should be an instant starter.

     Josey Jewell: Jewell’s 40 time was 4.82. That’s about average for a linebacker. He seemed to struggle in some of the drills I watched. My observation is he may be a late pick, 6^th or 7^th round. He will be a steal that late in the game. Jewell graded out at a 5.65, chance to be a starter.

     Sean Welsh: Welsh also had average numbers but he is a Hawkeye-trained offensive lineman. Those guys usually get drafted or sign free agent contracts. I’m guessing the latter. His grade was a 5.37, chance to be a backup.

     Akrum Wadley: Wadley’s performance is a bit of a mystery in my opinion. One thing scouts wanted to see was some added weight and he did that, getting up to 194 pounds. He ran a 4.54 40-yard dash. The better times were in the 4.38 range. Scouts do not see him as an every-down back but one that could catch passes out of the backfield and return punts and kickoffs. I don’t see him being drafted until the third day as a 3rd or 4^th rounder. His grade was a 5.45, chance to be a backup.

     Josh Jackson: I think you are going to see Jackson be the second cornerback taken, in the first round. His main competition for the top spot was Ohio St. CB Denzel Ward. Ward ran a blistering 4.32. Jackson graded at 6.18, should be an instant starter.

     I did look up Lazard’s 40 time. He ran a 4.55. One of the questions Lazard was asked if he thought or would consider switching to tight end. He stated that wouldn’t be a problem. At 6’5” and 227 pounds he need to add some weight. He has the frame to do that. His grade was a 5.39, chance to be a backup or special teams player.

     Now we will wait for the Hawks to host their pro day and see if any of these guys improve their stock. And then the draft will be here in April on the 26^th-28^th.