Broncos at the Combine: Day 2 Risers & Fallers
The Denver Broncos need help at every position so that they will have close eyes on the workouts each day of the combine. They got their look at the interior defensive linemen, edge defenders, and linebackers during the first day of the workouts; now, the defensive finishes up, and the tight ends kick off things for the offense.
As the defensive backs take the field, the Broncos could be looking for a Justin Simmons replacement or someone who can start next to him. They are also looking for a starter opposite Patrick Surtain II. With the tight ends, they need a playmaker as the tight end position did not have the production you want to see.
So, with the workouts done, which tight ends and defensive backs helped themselves, and who didn't?
Tight Ends:
Riser: Tip Reiman | Illinois
A player may not have won the combine more than Reiman. He is entering interviews asking to be used on special teams, tested quite well, and did an outstanding with the drills. The blocking drills showed why he is one of the better blocking tight ends in the class.
Riser: Ben Sinnott | Kansas State
One of the few players that will get me to go back and watch their tape based on the showing they had. Sinnott jumped out of the stadium and did well with the drills.
Riser: Devin Culp | Washington
Culp put up some good athletic numbers, which were expected. He also looked good in the drills he did.
Faller: Tanner McLachlen | Arizona
There was some home McLachlan would do well with the blocking drills to show more than a mismatch weapon in the passing game. However, he struggled with the blocking drills to get much drive, which adds to the concern when working against sleds.
Cornerbacks
Riser: Quinyon Mitchell | Toledo
He had a chance to work himself into the top-corner position and run a 4.33 40-yard dash, and he helped with that. Regarding the positional drills, he was consistently one of the best.
Riser: Myles Harden | South Dakota State
I was unable to watch Harden before the combine, but he caught my eye. He tested well, and the footwork in the drills was clean and consistent.
Riser: Marcellas Dial | South Carolina
While Dial was viewed as a later-round option, his showing at the combine boosted him. It's still likely a day-three pick, but it will likely be earlier now.
Riser: Max Melton | Rutgers
Melton is an athlete, and he showed it. The biggest concern was the technique when watching his tape; while it wasn't consistently clean during the drills, it improved.
Riser: Taheeb Still | Maryland
There were some concerns about Still's speed, and he ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, which was better than expected. The position drills were smooth and consistent with his movement, and he maintained proper form throughout the drills.
Faller: Kool-Aid McKinstry | Alabama
During the medical part of the combine, a foot fracture in his right foot was discovered. It kept him from doing the workouts, but he will work out at the Alabam pro day before having surgery.
Faller: Cam Hart | Notre Dame
When you watch his tape, Hart is a high-waisted corner clunky with his transitions. Instead of erasing those concerns at the combine, he only cemented them.
Faller: Dwight McGlovern | Arkansas
When you are in the middle of the pack for doing the drills, you should know where to line up and what the drill is. McGlovern had to be corrected on every single drill.
Safeties
Riser: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson | Texas Tech
Taylor-Demerson had the top 40 times for the safeties with a 4.41 time. You can see the speed and smooth movement skills on tape, and he checked those boxes at the comb one.
Riser: Daijahn Anthony | Ole Miss
While I didn't get to watch as much of Anthony before the combine, his workout was eye-popping. Everything he did seemed to be easy for him.
Riser: Javon Bullard | Georgia
Bullard is a versatile safety, and with the testing and position drills, he confirmed his versatility. His technique was consistently some of the cleanest in the drills.
Riser: Jaylon Carlies | Missouri
Weighing in at 227 pounds, Carlies will likely move to linebacker, but his testing and drill work could lead some teams to guess second. He was quick and showed good range in the drills.
Riser: Demani Richardson | Texas A&M
While the athletic testing wasn't what you were looking for, he wasn't terrible there. What he did was ace the drills, where he was consistently one of the smoothest prospects.
Faller: Jaylen Key | Alabama
The stiffness isn't as big of a deal for safety as it is for a corner, but Key was stiff even for safety. His change of direction involved false steps, which you don't want to see.
Faller: Evan Williams | Oregon
Williams had questions about his range, and on tape, he is better closer to the line of scrimmage. There are flashes of good range on tape, but he didn't show it at the combine and was clunky with his change of direction.
Faller: Millard Bradford | TCU
The workouts started well for Bradford, but things started falling apart after the first few drills. However, he rebounded with one of the better runs in the gauntlet drill. It was an extremely good day for the safeties as a group.
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