The Daily Nole

Combine Overview: How Did FSU Players Fare?

Jeremy Esbrandt/FSU athletics

The NFL Combine in Indianapolis wrapped up this past weekend, having featured multiple Florida State prospects. Some needed good performances to help their chances while others just needed to not bottom out in order to maintain their position.

On the whole, it was not particularly good for FSU players, but some of that might be overblown. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker did not take part in drills. Here’s a look at all those who participated in at least one drill from the combine. We’re examining how their numbers might have affected their draft stock if at all.

Dalvin Cook: Stock Slightly Down
Much was made about Dalvin Cook’s time in the 40-yard dash and if it should have been better than it was. The truth is, it wasn’t bad. Speed Score is a slightly more accurate measurement that includes weight in its calculation, and Cook finishes in the top 5 among running backs at the combine. His 22 reps on bench press were also top 5 at his position, and proved that his fumbling issues could be attributed more to form rather than strength.

But where Cook got hurt was the 3-cone drill, where he did not finish in the top 10. Many thought he would do better in a drill that focuses on quickness and body control. That does not discount the three years of game tape that prove otherwise, but it does raise questions about Cook’s playing weight and how much of a toll his body can take if he’s playing closer to 200 pounds. Cook was projected to go in the middle of the first round and could have put his name into top 10 consideration. His stock only takes a small hit, and now a selection closer to No. 20 seems more likely.

Travis Rudolph: Stock Neutral
You knew what you were getting with Rudolph when he entered the draft. His physical tools are largely maxed out, and the numbers are consistent with what was expected. His 40-yard dash was a bit slower than it should have been, but it wasn’t far off enough to alter what Rudolph projects as in the NFL. He didn’t bomb any drills and didn’t do anything to help or hurt his stock.

Freddie Stevenson: Stock Slightly Up
Fullbacks have a hard time getting drafted, for obvious reasons. Stevenson still did make a decent case at the combine, where he recorded good numbers on the bench press and 20-yard shuttle. He still has a ways to go to getting selected, but he definitely showed that he has all the physical ability to be a good fullback.

Marquez White: Stock Neutral
Players who only do a few of the drills are hard to gauge. Usually it means that they are waiting until Pro Day in order to improve their numbers or better prepare themselves for other activities. White clearly intends to do this, as he only recorded numbers in three activities: 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump. His 40 time of 4.59 seconds was in the bottom five for all cornerbacks, which is a big negative for his draft stock, considering he doesn’t have the size or build to explain why he ran that time.

He did redeem himself a bit in the next two drills however, finishing in the top 15 of the broad jump and top 10 of the vertical jump. White clearly has some sort of athleticism and ability to cover receivers, but he will need to improve the 40 time in order to maintain his draft worthy status. Either that or have good measurements in the remaining drills.

Kermit Whitfield: Stock Down
There was a decent amount of hype surrounding Whitfield going into the combine. That’s mainly because he was intending on breaking the 4.24 time once set by Chris Johnson in the 40-yard dash. Having watched years of his incredible track speed, there was a legitimate chance that he could do it. Instead, he finished ninth overall with a 4.44 mark. That’s a decent time, even if it is a bit underwhelming.

Whitfield’s issue is that he did terribly in almost everything else. He didn’t finish in the top 20 of any other drill. Coming into the weekend, Whitfield had a chance to become a late round draft pick if he performed decently. That is out the window now. He is likely heading towards undrafted free agency at this point.

Jesus Wilson: Stock Neutral
Wilson’s numbers aren’t impressive by any means as he didn’t finish in the top 10 of any measurement. But it’s still about expectations. Whitfield’s stock went down because he had a certain expectation with his speed that he didn’t fulfill. Wilson came in knowing that he did not have the raw physical ability to compete with some other prospects. His numbers are in line with what many predicted, and it still puts him in a tough position when it comes to getting drafted.

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