Wide Receiver – Julio Jones vs. A.J. Green
Julio Jones talks at the NFL Combine
(Kevin Carden / Scout.com)
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Green is widely considered the top wideout in this year’s draft but Jones appears to have closed the gap following the wide receivers portion of the NFL Combine. Green ran as expected in the 40-yard dash but surprisingly looked somewhat unpolished during field drills and lacked explosiveness in the vertical jump. Green displayed both qualities during his college career at Georgia - so no need to jump to conclusions - but his performance left the door open for Jones.
Jones capitalized on the opening and then some with a lights out performance. Jones demonstrated more all-around explosiveness, speed and even looked better catching the ball than Green. Jones still has his work cut out to overtake Green as the top receiver come this April’s draft but a tremendous Combine may have catapulted him into the top 10. Green is still likely to be selected with a top five pick, but any other hiccups along the way won’t help his case.
A.J. Green
(AP Photo) |
Tale of the Tape
Jones (6-foot-3, 220 pounds)
40-yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches
Broad Jump: 11-foot-3
Bench Press: 17 reps
Green (6-foot-4, 211 pounds)
40-yard Dash: 4.50 seconds
Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches
Broad Jump: 10-foot-6
Bench Press: 18 reps
Field Drills: Advantage Jones
Quarterback – Cam Newton vs. Blaine Gabbert
Most of the quarterbacks showed up in a big way this weekend, starting with Newton. Newton boasts an intimating stature and everything he does seems effortless. Gabbert’s performance was also up to par, but his decision not to throw allowed Newton to close an already shrinking gap. Newton – taking advantage of the spotlight – struggled with his accuracy during field drills but demonstrated the tremendous arm strength he’s already known for.
Both Newton and Gabbert feature impressive size, strength and agility but Newton’s body of work has him on the verge of overtaking Gabbert on draft boards around the league – at least for the time being. The buzz about Newton continues to grow and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is on pace to continue building momentum through his Pro Day at Auburn. Honorable mention goes to Ryan Mallett – whose own set of physical attributes wowed the crowd at times in Indianapolis.
Cam Newton
(Getty) |
Tale of the Tape
Newton (6-foot-5, 248 pounds)
40-yard Dash: 4.59 seconds
Vertical Jump: 35 inches
Broad Jump: 10-foot-6
Gabbert (6-foot-4, 234 pounds)
40-yard Dash: 4.62 seconds
Vertical Jump: 33.5 inches
Broad Jump: 10-foot
Field Drills: Advantage Newton
Questions or comments? Contact Brad Wilbricht at brad.wilbricht@gmail.com
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