NFL Combine Scouting Reports: Defensive Backs and Tight Ends
Speed was on the menu for Day 2 of on-field workouts at the 2024 NFL Combine. The defensive backs delivered, causing New York Giants fans to likely salivate over all the cornerback athleticism on the field.
The cornerbacks had eight sub-4.4 performances in the forty, which included a blistering 4.28 by Clemson alum Nate Wiggins. Texas Tech safety Tyler Owens, the odds-on favorite to post the fastest time at the combine, teased everyone by not participating in the 40-yard dash but instead putting up ridiculous numbers in the explosion testing.
The tight end group was overall underwhelming. Brock Bowers' decision not to perform was a major disappointment, but there were some stand-out performances from the group. It was a good opener ahead of the Day 3 showing featuring receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks.
Here are my notes from the on-field drills.
Defensive Backs
CB Max Melton, Rutgers
Melton went full Super Saiyan during the explosive drills. He ran a 4.39 forty-yard dash with a 1.51 10-yard split. He topped 40 inches on the vertical jump and leaped 11’4” in the broad jump. As a 5’11” cornerback, that explosion level allows him to play much bigger than his frame. He looked solid through the on-field workouts. The performance made you forget he did not do the agility testing.
SAF Dominique Hampton, Washington
While many high-profile and under-the-radar prospects failed to compete in the performance tests, Hampton ran the full gauntlet and performed well. In the explosion tests, he recorded a 4.51 forty, a 39-inch vertical jump, and a 10’2” broad jump. He also recorded an impressive 6.83 in the three-cone drill and a 4.14 in the 20-yard shuttle. Hampton was the only safety to compete in all the drills and tests.
CB Willie Drew, Virginia State
Drew ran a respectable 4.46 forty, but it was not among the elite times, and it would have probably been overlooked, but he did not compete in any more of the explosion or agility tests. As a Division 2 invitee, it was important for Drew to show up and perform in everything. Whatever the reason for not performing, it was an opportunity wasted, leaving even more questions about the Division 2 product.
SAF Kamren Kinchens, Miami
On a day when so many others flashed elite speed, this was not the day to run a 4.65 in 40. Kinchens followed up that disappointing time with a 9’2” broad jump and a 35” vertical jump. To compound an already disappointing performance, he did not compete in the agility testing, and his on-field workouts did not impress. Kinchens was a ballhawk over the last few years at Miami, so his poor testing will likely send evaluators back to the film to figure out what happened.
Tight End
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Sinnot is a moveable tight end who can block well. He needed to show this at the combine testing, and he did just that. His 4.6 forty was not blistering but is acceptable for his position. He recorded a 40” vertical jump that was the best among all tight ends and was only the second 40” jump in two years. He also had a 10’ 6” broad jump and ran through the on-field drills with fluidity. Sinnott could be one of those sneaky breakout tight ends that in the NFL.
Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
After recording an official 4.77 in the forty, Spann-Ford ran 7.38 in the 3-cone drill. His explosion tests were subparas. He only jumped 31” in the vertical jump and 9’8” in the broad jump. It was a disappointing showing for a player that many believe has an upside at the next level. His 6’6.5” 240 lbs frame is impressive, but his lack of production and his pedestrian performance could turn off a lot of decision-makers.
