The 2024 NFL combine is over, and now teams turn their attention to pro days and free agency. The Washington Commanders will look much different in 2024 and hold nine picks in the NFL draft. Additionally, only one team has more cap space than the Commanders when free agency opens next week.
But before we look ahead to free agency, we look back at last week’s combine. Which players helped themselves the most? We look at 10 offensive players who improved their stock in Indianapolis.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
The top three passers declined to participate in the throwing drills at the combine, so Penix, who many believe is the fifth-ranked QB in this deep class, took advantage of the opportunity. Penix showed off his arm strength and accuracy and also reportedly impressed in the team interviews.
"As tight a spiral as you'll see." – @Movethesticks
Where does Michael Penix Jr. land in April? 👀 pic.twitter.com/QzRSIGactj
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 3, 2024
RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Wright was a good college player at Tennessee for the past three years, improving each season. He looks poised to be a better pro than a college player, much like Alvin Kamara. Everything went for Wright in Indianapolis. He measured in at a good size, ran a 4.38 40 and breezed through the workouts. He will go higher than previously thought because of his combine performance.
Player tracking data at the combine unlocks the ability to measure explosiveness during the forty.
Jaylen Wright (@Vol_Football) is the first running back to reach 15 mph within the first five yards of the 40-yard dash over the last two combines.#NFLCombine x @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/m9S2Xxnp2O
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 2, 2024
RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Guerendo also had a good college career but entered Indianapolis as a mid-round prospect. He crushed the week. Guerendo measured in at 6-foot-0, 221 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds. If you go back and watch his final college game, the speed shows up on tape. A running back who weighs 220 pounds or more with that type of speed will be in demand at the next level.
Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo is 6'0" and 221 pounds.
He just ran a 4.33u and put up a 41.5" vertical 🤯
pic.twitter.com/HDi7uDANgt— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) March 2, 2024
WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
You don’t break the combine record with a 4.21 40 and not come away a winner. Worthy isn’t the old-school player only on the field for his speed. He’s a first-round talent before anyone ever saw his 40. You add that speed with Worthy’s film, route running, and production, and you have a first-round pick. His teammate, Adonai Mitchell, put up an equally impressive performance.
WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
There was a lot of talk about Worthy, Mitchell and others, but Brian Thomas took advantage of his time to shine. Thomas is 6-foot-3, 209 pounds and ran a 4.33 40. Even more impressive was his 10-yard split at his size. Thomas is a top-15 player who makes an impact as a rookie.
All the headlines out of the Combine are about Texas WR Xavier Worthy running a record-breaking 4.21 forty. He's 5'11/165.
But arguably more impressive was LSU WR Brian Thomas. Ran 4.33 at 6'3/209.
Would also note Worthy's 10-yard split was 1.49, Thomas' 1.50.
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) March 4, 2024
WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
You could make the argument that McConkey was the best wide receiver in Indianapolis. McConkey ran the 40 in under 4.4, and put on a clinic in each of the drills. McConkey will be a star at the next level. Underused at Georgia, that will not be an issue at the next level. McConkey is an elite route runner with the best hands in the draft who can also do damage after the catch.
Ladd McConkey's gauntlet 🤌 pic.twitter.com/Xa4CeoxNFl
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 2, 2024
TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Ben Sinnott entered Indianapolis as a second or third-round pick. While Sinnott didn’t put up elite testing numbers, he was excellent across the board, leading in some and finishing among the top five in most at his position. He has good speed and will not embarrass you as a blocker in space. His film is good. Sinnott is climbing up the boards in a draft that lacks depth at the position.
🚨Top #NFLCombine Performers🚨
Leading the TE group, @KStateFB Ben Sinnott @ben_sinnott SHOWED OUT yesterday, was a top performer in multiple categories. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/W1Hqf8sAtJ
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) March 3, 2024
OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
Over the past month, we’ve seen some mock drafts with Fautanu going early in the second round. Why? Because some people believed he was more of a guard at the next level. As if Fautanu’s film wasn’t enough to persuade you, his performance at the combine should be enough. Fautanu is a brawler, but he is also a brawler who can move. Fautanu will be an excellent pro at tackle or guard. And he’s going in the first round, likely in the top 20.
Forget guard, Troy Fautanu could play tight end! This movement ability is wildddddd for an OL pic.twitter.com/WbCgmhTT91
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 3, 2024
OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
There are concerns about Mims’ lack of collegiate snaps. However, he is a massive human being (6-foot-8, 340) who moves like a tight end. Mims, as expected, put on a show. He was always going in the first round. His physical traits are rare. He solidified that grade last week. The only question is, how high will Mims go?
At nearly 6'8" and 340 lbs, a 5.07u is insane. Wow, @amarius_mims 😳
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ya9zrnrDz8— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2024
C Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin
You always take chances on Wisconsin offensive linemen in the NFL. Tanor Bortolini entered combine week as a likely third-day pick. He left as someone who is almost certain to be picked sometime on day two. Bortolini put up historic testing numbers, and he was a good college player. A prospect on the rise.
The #NFLCombine results are in.
Take a look at the top 5 most athletic prospects at this year's event according to the Next Gen Stats athleticism score model. pic.twitter.com/STId3ZXHXC
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 4, 2024
