Three of 2014 NFL Combine’s Most Intriguing Storylines

by Zach Basu

For those unfamiliar with the NFL Combine, it’s a showcase in which NCAA football players looking to enter the NFL Draft perform drills and interviews as a means of attracting scouts. Aside from measurements, the most notable drills include the 40-yard dash, the 225-pound bench press, and the broad jump, among others. Here are three players whose combine performances garnered attention from sportswriters, fans, and scouts across the country.

Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

The man formerly known as “Johnny Football” had one of the most polarizing careers in NCAA history, so it should come as no surprise that his combine workout attracted the eyes of just about every coach in the league. Though known for his Houdini-like scrambling ability at Texas A&M, Manziel only recorded a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash, a disappointing time to say the least. Manziel finished 4th among quarterbacks, but what might frighten scouts (and the #1 pick-holding Houston Texans) is his height, which was officially measured at 5’11 ¾”. He also elected not to throw, a move that really has his draft stock up in the air.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Jadeveon Clowney is another of the 2014 draft class’ most hyped prospects, despite his disappointing performance this past season. The junior Gamecock was measured slightly below his perceived size, coming in at 6’5” and 266 pounds. He also underperformed in the bench press, only recording 21 reps of 225 pounds. His 40-yard dash, however, blew scouts away, coming in at a blazing speed of 4.53, faster than every single quarterback in the combine. Clowney also broad jumped an impressive 10 feet 4 inches, a stat that is sure to keep him in the top 5 of the draft.

Michael Sam, DE, Missouri

In one of the most inspiring stories of the year, Missouri defensive end Michael Sam came out as gay to the sports world, only weeks before the NFL Combine. All eyes were on Sam during his workouts, for should he be drafted in one of the seven rounds, he would become the first openly gay football player in NFL history. Unfortunately for the Missouri product, he performed in an underwhelming fashion in his workouts; not only was he recorded at an undersized 6’2”, Sam also recorded a 4.91 in the 40 and only put up 17 reps in the bench press. Though his character will not be questioned, whether or not he has the physical abilities to play in the NFL will be a story to watch in the weeks leading up to the draft.