4th & Monday: Who stood out at the NFL's 'Underwear Olympics'?
Part track meet, part grammar school fitness test, the NFL scouting combine is a vital cog in the NFL draft's evaluation machine.
So, which 2019 NFL draft prospects were the big winners of this year's "Underwear Olympics"?
Kyler Murray had a big combine without even working out. D.K. Metcalf was a freak show. And Montez Sweat's 40-yard dash time should terrify quarterbacks. Of course, there are prospects you've never heard of who dominated the workouts. And then, on the other end of the spectrum, those having regrettable combine experiences.
Meanwhile, defensive backs are still in Indianapolis and will be performing for teams on Monday. Then we'll break down the overall winners and losers from the event.
- SLEEPERS TO KNOW: Five that surprised with impressive performances
- TOP IMAGES: The top shots from the NFL combine
Prospects in the combine spotlight
- Kyler Murray: Murray didn't throw any passes or run the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, but the Oklahoma quarterback made a big impression, and the buzz builds about him going No. 1 in the draft.
- D.K. Metcalf: The Ole Miss wide receiver was one of the most intriguing prospects at the combine. His physique became a viral sensation, then he ran an eye-popping 40.
- Montez Sweat: The Mississippi State edge rusher set a combine record for defensive linemen in the 40. His time should scare the bejesus out of opposing quarterbacks.
- Jachai Polite: The Florida edge rusher is a projected first-round pick, but that could change after a terrible experience in Indianapolis might deep-six his draft stock.
- Nick Bosa: After a core muscle injury ended his final college season, the Ohio State defensive end said he was so distraught in the aftermath that he could "barely get up."
- Dwayne Haskins: The Ohio State quarterback showed that he is much more substance than myth, and is ready to handle the heat as the face of an NFL franchise.
- Rashan Gary: The Michigan defensive end isn't short on confidence, saying, "I'm the best player in this draft."
- Andy Isabella: The Massachusetts wide receiver — Randy Moss' 5-9 protégé — tied for the top 40 time at the combine. Our Jarrett Bell says Isabella turned the tables on typical stereotypes at the combine.
- Josh Jacobs: The Alabama running back is drawing comparisons to Saints Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara, but it's not because of their running styles.
- Tyree Jackson: At 6-foot-7, 249 pounds, Jackson was the biggest quarterback at the combine. He was also the second fastest.
- Ed Oliver: The Houston defensive tackle said dealing with his massive horse named Oreo is the reason he became "fearless" and able to take on much bigger offensive linemen.
- Bryce Love: The Stanford running back is among the draft's most intriguing subplots.
- Marquise Brown: As one of the NFL draft's foremost big-play threats, the Oklahoma wide receiver — who is also Antonio Brown's cousin — is commanding first-round consideration for the draft.
NFL storylines from Indy
- 'Sky judge' proposal by is idea that NFL needs to embrace: After the no-call debacle that marred the NFC Championship Game, the NFL's need for additional tools in officiating is clear and obvious.
- Raiders hold the key to the 2019 NFL draft: With three picks in the first round, the Raiders could go in a number of different directions as they look to reshape their roster.
- Mayock gears up for Raiders' rebuild: After spending 20 years analyzing the draft, Mike Mayock is now at the helm for the Raiders and evaluating players under a different microscope at the NFL scouting combine.
- Witten comes out of retirement: In a big move for both the Cowboys and fans of ESPN's "Monday Night Football", Jason Witten announced that he's returning to Dallas after a one-year retirement.
- Smith takes hilarious shot at Witten: Former NFL receiver and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith won't be following Witten's lead and return to football, saying, "I’m actually good on TV, so I’m just gonna stay here." LOL!
- Arians bucks an NFL trend: At 66, the Buccaneers' Bruce Arians became the oldest head coaching hire in NFL history and a counterexample to the league's youth movement.
- Lamar Jackson Era begins for Baltimore: With Joe Flacco in Denver and Jackson established as Baltimore's starter, the Ravens are now looking to playmakers to add around him.
- Chiefs tag Dee Ford: Kansas City is placing the franchise tag on the outside linebacker, who was poised to hit free agency after the best season of his career.
Antonio Brown saga continues
- Trade interest growing: The Antonio Brown situation remains unresolved, but Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said at the NFL combine that "interest has grown."
- Brown rips Big Ben: As he eyes a potential exit from the Steelers, Brown is letting his feelings on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger be known.
In non-NFL news
- Manziel kicked out of CFL: The CFL terminated Johnny Manziel's contract. Lucky for Manziel, he's not out of pro football options.
- 'SNL' burns the Bills, Donald Trump and Nickelback with one simple joke: One sports-related thing came out of the Michael Cohen hearing this past week, and that set up "Saturday Night Live" for hilarity.
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