What Lions Can Learn from Day 3 of NFL Combine Drills
On Saturday, the offensive skill players took center stage at the NFL Scouting Combine.
In front of representatives from all 32 teams, quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs participated in drills in an effort to show off their skills.
The Detroit Lions have depth needs at all three positions, so Saturday offered the chance for them to scour the market.
Here are five takeaways from Saturday's individual drills.
Worthy has record-breaking speed
A top highlight from the entire week in Indianapolis will be Xavier Worthy's performance in the 40-yard dash. The Texas wide receiver broke John Ross' record in the event with a 4.21 second performance.
Worthy is a deep-threat who has always had the ability to stretch the field vertically, but his performance at the combine exceeded all expectations. Viewed as a fringe first-rounder, the wideout certainly helped his stock.
If the Lions are searching for another speedy wideout who can threaten defenses downfield, Worthy certainly fits that bill. He also showcased good feet, and was one of the overall winners of the combine, regardless of position.
Coleman's highs and lows
Florida State's Keon Coleman has all the intangibles that teams covet with his size and physicality. His measurables met expectations, as he weighed in at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds.
However, Coleman ran a 4.61 40-yard dash that left some disappointed. That speed underwhelmed, but he offset that with a strong showing in the gauntlet drill as he posted the fastest time.
The former Michigan State two-sport athlete will remain an intriguing prospect, as he has all the athletic traits that teams covet. He also fits a need for the Lions as a prototypical "X" wide receiver.
Ladd McConkey continues to rise
Ladd McConkey was one of the top performers at the Senior Bowl, which drew attention to his abilities on a national stage. He capitalized on that momentum with a strong showing in Saturday's drills.
The wideout has impressive footwork, getting in and out of his routes with ease. He also ran a 4.39 "40," which placed him among the better performers of the group.
McConkey is quickly becoming an intriguing prospect, as he has vaulted into the second tier of pass-catchers in the crop. With a strong Pro Day, McConkey could work his way into a late first-round selection.
Penix passes medicals, performs well
With Washington's Michael Penix, there are concerns about his medicals. The veteran quarterback led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff championship game, but has a concerning injury history.
The passer passed all of his checks at the Combine, alleviating some of the worries about his longevity. To make matters better, he performed well in his opportunities on the field Saturday.
Penix throws a good deep ball, and has the necessary skills to pilot an NFL offense. And, his showing at the combine certainly impressed. He certainly helped his stock, and with a potential run on quarterbacks, he could find his way into the first round come April.
Leary improves stock
While the Lions are set at quarterback with Jared Goff, questions remain about who will back him up. The incumbent is 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker, who spent most of the season rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in college.
However, the organization likes to bring in competition at all positions. Therefore, a player like Kentucky's Devin Leary could be a potential late-round fit to compete with Hooker.
Leary had a solid showing Saturday, which could help his chances when the draft comes around. He displayed a strong ability to drive the ball downfield, while firing crisp passes.
If the Lions elect to indeed add depth, a player like Leary, who has some mobility and a strong arm, could be a strong fit.
