PurplePTSD: NFL Combine Winners/Losers: Linebackers

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

Josh Frey

2022-03-06

The NFL combine is officially underway, and the prospects that have put their entire lives into creating an NFL career are now showcasing all of their talents over the course of the weekend. Some will thrive, but others will see their draft stock take a dip when the weekend wraps up. Here are the winners and losers among those at the linebacker position.

Winners

Troy Andersen out of Montana State may have solidified his status as a Day Two pick with a spectacular combine performance on Saturday. He recorded the fastest 40 time of all the linebackers with a 4.42, narrowly edging out Alabama’s Christian Harris. Andersen needed a strong showing to prove he could keep up with the big names, and now that he’s done that, the Vikings should absolutely be keeping an eye on him as a prospect.

The Wisconsin Badger was another player needing some strong marks in order to prove he could be a Day Two selection in April’s NFL Draft. He placed among the top 10 in all of the 40, vertical jump, and broad jump while also looking quick on his feet in the on-field drills. Again, linebacker is a position of need for the Minnesota Vikings, and Chenal is a player to keep an eye on.

Prior to the 2021 season, you might have said that Christian Harris was the top linebacker in the 2022 draft class. Now though, he is playing catch up after both Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd had tremendous seasons in 2021. Dean didn’t participate in the combine, but Harris was right on par with Lloyd for every mark and looked very similar through the drills as well. Harris is likely an early second round pick, and today made sure of that.

Losers

Josh Ross went into this combine needing to showcase some athleticism that was lacking from his Michigan tape. That did not happen on Saturday. He recorded a bottom-three 40 time at 4.79 while also finishing in the cellar for both the vertical and broad jumps. Ross’ draft status was already a big question mark, and now this may mean he doesn’t get selected at all.

Without Nakobe Dean in participation, Devin Lloyd was given a big chance to really wow some scouts and put on a show at the combine. While his marks aren’t necessarily disappointing by any means, he did not put on the display that I had hoped for. His draft stock likely isn’t hurt by this because his tape is terrific, but there isn’t really any reason to say he’s improved it, either.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.