Every year we seem to have a handful of players that amaze us with their athletic awesomeness. Even when we expect great results from certain players, we still get wowed. This year was no exception, as there was once again some standout, take-notice performances. Let’s take a look at a few of the next group of stars-to-be.
Up first is the Clemson Tigers linebacker, Isaiah Simmons, who everyone expected to test well. Not only did he test well, he was better than advertised. I know the combine isn’t the be-all-end-all, but there is a lot that can be taken from the results. In the 2019 NFL draft, everyone was ooohing and ahhing over the Devins (Bush & White), both running 4.42 second 40-yard dash times, and rightfully so. They were very impressive and better than expected times. So this year, Simmons takes his shot at those numbers and all he does is post a 4.39 second 40 time. That’s right, a sub 4.40 forty by a 6’4”/238 lbs linebacker. Along with that, he registered a 132” broad jump and 39” vertical. He’s a former safety who converted to linebacker with ease and became a better overall player in the process. In his first season playing linebacker, he set personal bests in tackles (104), solo’s (67), tackles for a loss (16½), sacks (eight), interceptions (three), and pass breakups (eight). Those numbers earned him the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Dick Butkus Award. With his hybrid background, it will be interesting to see how NFL teams get creative with Simmons.
Speaking of the safety position, one name that has gained major attention is Div-II prospect, Kyle Dugger, from Lenoir-Rhyne. He won the Cliff Harris Award, given to the best defensive player in NCAA Div-II. What’s even more amazing is he won the award while only playing in seven games. He received an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he shined and wowed scouts. He then received an invite to the combine, and he did not disappoint. Dugger would lead all defensive players with a 42” vertical and finish fourth in the broad jump with a 134” broad jump. Oh yeah, he also ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash. It’s not every day that you can find a safety with the size, speed, explosion, and production that Dugger possesses. He’s much more than a defender, as he has elite return skills which will only provide a huge boost to his stock. Dugger has six career punt returns for touchdowns and boasts a 13.9 career punt return average. He will be a major weapon for whatever team drafts him.
One player that is going overlooked and shouldn’t be is cornerback Myles Bryant from the Washinton Huskies. Bryant was one of Washington’s most consistent players over the past three seasons, which is impressive considering he switched from cornerback to free safety. That versatility will be a huge boost to his value with NFL teams. However, with his size (5’8”/183 lbs), he likely to be a slot corner. There is nothing wrong with that because in today’s NFL that’s where most of the action in the passing game takes place. He can be a star just like Desmond King has been for the Chargers in that same role. Even with the solid college production, Bryant seems to be overlooked by more flashy, high profile prospects. He had one of the best combines of any of the defensive prospects, and he still is not getting the love he deserves. Oh, you don’t know what I’m talking about? Well, let me enlighten you on his performance. All he did was lead all cornerbacks in the vertical jump (31.5”), broad jump (115”), 3-cone (6.81 sec), and second in the 20-yard shuffle (4.02 sec). Any other prospect would be billed the second coming. Many will point to his 40-time (4.62 sec) as to why they don’t like him. I get that, but I don’t put all my money on just one thing, especially the 40. Go back and watch his game film, and you’ll see his game speed tells a different story. No, he’s not the fastest, but he did test off the charts everywhere else and has the college production and film to back up his game. He’s currently in my top tier of cornerbacks prospects in this draft class and one that I will be keeping a close eye on during the draft.
Thanks for reading my article and if enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at dynastyfootballfactory.com. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
