5 Combine Snubs to Watch During NFL Draft: PART 7

5 Combine Snubs to watch during the draft: PART 7

Pro Player Insiders continue its series of 5 combine snubs to watch during draft weekend. Today’s group all come from FBS programs but were overlooked for one reason or another as a senior.

Here is our seventh installment of combine snubs to watch.

1. TE C.J. UZOMAH, AUBURN

It’s easy to see why Uzomah went under the radar due to the fact he did not put up great stats with just 11 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns but he has used this postseason to enhance his stock well. His performance at the Medal of Honor Bowl earned him a late invitation to the Senior Bowl where he showed good speed and hands. At Auburn’s pro day he ran a 4.60 and 4.64 in the 40 at 6’5 ¾, 262 pounds with a 1.58 10-yard, 31 inch vertical, 4.57 short shuttle, and did 19 bench reps. Combine snub tight ends drafted typically run well and have size so there is a good chance he is taken between picks 200 and 256.

2. DE/OLB MARCUS RUSH, MICHIGAN STATE

We have liked Rush ever since the fall when we were watching the talented skill players and their highly touted linebacker Taiwan Jones. Rush jumped out on film showing speed and athleticism and continued that at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He was very productive with 37 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks as a senior in 13 games. While undersized (6’2 ¼, 247) he is fast with 4.66 to 4.69 speed in the 40. Rush has a good first step (1.59 10-yard) and explosion (34 VJ, 9’9 BJ). His ability to change direction is pretty good and he showed that with a 6.73 3-cone and 4.28 short shuttle. After putting up 24 reps he showed he has some strength to go with that athleticism. Keep an eye on him in the late rounds or as a priority free agent with a good shot to make a roster.

3. CB DESHAZOR EVERETT, TEXAS A&M

Like Rush, Everett played in the NFLPA Bowl and was very solid during the week. He moves well and has good change of direction skills combined with the average size and speed of a good NFL corner. Improving his man to man cover skills is a must but he can tackle and has the physical tools to work with. Everett ran a 4.55 40 at 5’10 7/8, 188 pounds at his pro day along with a 38 inch vertical, 1.59 10-yard, 4.27 short shuttle, and did 15 bench reps. We don’t expect him to get drafted but if so he would be a late 7^th round pick or a priority free agent signing.

4. DE/DT DAVID IRVING, IOWA STATE

If you like an interesting story this will be one. Irving was charged with assault in November 2013 and then suspended indefinitely after an arrest for large crowd disturbance in April 2014. He was dismissed from the team before the season and did not play in 2014. Irving declared for the NFL Draft and during the pro day he put up a very good workout with a 4.84 40 at 6’7 ¾, 273 pounds and a 38 inch vertical, 10’8 broad jump, and 4.53 short shuttle. We don’t expect him to get drafted because he was just a backup in 2013 with 20 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and one sack but he has tools and should at least be a priority free agent.

5. TE MIKE MCFARLAND, SOUTH FLORIDA

This is not a great draft for blocking tight ends but McFarland is a potential late round option with adequate blocking skills. After a solid season with 27 catches for 315 yards he was snubbed by all-star games but showed out during the USF pro day workout. He measured in at 6’6 ½, 252 pounds and ran a 4.78 and 4.81 in the 40 with a 35 inch vertical, 9’8 broad jump, 4.40 short shuttle, and did 18 bench reps. Look for his name to be called in the 7^th round or be a highly rated priority free agent who could make a roster.