The NFL Combine is always more fun when speedy wide receivers steal the show, and in 2020, there were several who performed above expectations and helped their draft stock.
Before we get into who did well on Thursday night, it’s important to identify what the target numbers for wide receiver prospects are:
40-yard dash: 4.50
Vertical jump: 36 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet
3-cone: 7.00
Short shuttle: 4.10
Bench press: 12 reps (225 pounds)
Remember: wide receivers who test and jump within the above-ranges are simply proving to talent evaluators that they check the minimum boxes for an NFL player.
With that in mind, here are six wideouts who upped their stock in Indianapolis.
Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Claypool was arguably the position group’s biggest winner, literally and figuratively.
Claypool checked in at 6-4, 238 pounds and ran a blazing 4.42 40-yard dash. Add his 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10.5-foot broad jump, and you have a physical freak who silenced the chatter that he’ll transition to tight end in the NFL.
Claypool was a productive receiver for Notre Dame in 2019; he totaled 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns while flashing the big-bodied style that caused analysts to think he’d make a position change.
And while he could still evolve into a hybrid pass-catcher on the next level, his Combine performance (for now) keeps him in the mix to be one of the first few wide receivers drafted.
Denzel Mims, Baylor
Mims has been on a steady rise since his stellar showing at the 2020 Senior Bowl. He followed that fantastic all-star week with an even better performance at the NFL Combine.
Mims (6-3, 207) ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, had a 38.5-inch vertical jump and had a 10’11 broad jump. His 6.66 three-cone time was the icing on top of a workout that will force evaluators to reshuffle the top of their wide receiver rankings.
Mims had 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns for Baylor in 2019 and profiles as a Year 1 contributor in the NFL. He won’t be waiting long to hear his name called in the second round.