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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cody Manning

5 takeaways from Day 3 of the NFL Combine

NFL Isaac Guerendo Xavier Worthy Adonai Mitchell Brian Thomas Jr Keaton Mitchell Next Gen Stats Adonai AD Mitchell Charles Robinson DK Metcalf

The NFL Scouting Combine continued on Saturday with the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers taking the field in Lucas Oil Stadium.

The importance of the combine is more for the medicals and team interviews but the testing does help confirm what you see on tape or it may force you to go back to take a look because a prospect performed better than expected or fell short of expectations.

The Indianapolis Colts are set at quarterback and running back but have questions for depth so those position groups shouldn’t be overlooked this weekend. Another pass catcher should be added to the Indy offense so I wouldn’t be surprised to see one or two of the receivers that were on the field to return to it next fall.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from Day 3 of the NFL combine:

1
Isaac Guerendo lit it up

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned, the Colts are set with Jonathan Taylor at running back but if they want to find some depth through the draft, an intriguing option could be Taylor’s former teammate Isaac Guerendo. His measurables came in at what teams want in their running backs.

At that size, Guerendo impressed throughout his testing. Starting with a 10/9″ broad jump and an outstanding 41.5-inch vertical jump.

Guerendo continued to shine with his blazing 4.33 40-yard dash.

During his 40-yard dash, Guerendo joined De’Von Achane and Keaton Mitchell as the only running backs to reach 24 MPH over the last two years.

According to Next Gen Stats, he is just the fifth running back to earn a 99 athleticism score since 2003 and ran the fastest 40-yard dash for any 220+ pound back since 2003. His broad jump and vertical jump also rank in the top five among 220+ pound backs over the last two decades.

His RAS score ranks second among running backs since 1987.

For Indianapolis, Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson are the only backs on the roster behind Taylor at the moment. If Zack Moss isn’t re-signed and a veteran isn’t brought on for depth, Guerendo is a name to watch for the Colts in the NFL draft.

2
Adonai Mitchell earned some money

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Depending on who you asked, Adonai (AD) Mitchell was viewed as a borderline first-round prospect entering the NFL combine. After his performance Saturday afternoon, he solidified himself as a Day 1 pick and possibly a top 20 selection. His measurables came in at what you seek for a receiver that can work out on the boundary.

When it came to his testing, it was kicked off with his 11’4″ broad jump and an impressive 4.34 40-yard time for a receiver his size. According to Next Gen Stats, during his 40-yard dash, he reached 23.84 MPH and 14.57 MPH within the first five yards.

Mitchell joined D.K. Metcalf as the only wide receiver since 2015 to run a 40 below 4.35, measure at least six-foot-two, and weigh at least 205 pounds.

There have only been four receivers since 2003 at his height or taller to run faster than Mitchell since 2003 according to Next Gen Stats.

Mitchell’s RAS score ranks eighth among receivers since 1987.

For the Colts, if Chris Ballard can retain his priority free agents and attack the weak areas on the roster via free agency then I lean towards a pass catcher being the option with his first pick. Mitchell is a great option to add to the passing attack for Anthony Richardson.

3
Xavier Worthy's record-breaking run

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Adonai Mitchell wasn’t the only Texas wide receiver who put on a display Saturday, his teammate Xavier Worthy broke the internet when he set a new combine record. But first, let’s look at how his day started with his measurables.

Worthy’s day started with a 10’11” broad jump and a 41-inch vertical jump to show the explosiveness we were about to witness. He would go on to run a 4.25 40-yard time, which he could have settled on but Worthy knew he had something in him.

Worthy followed up on his word by breaking John Ross’ 40-yard record when the official time of 4.21 came out.

According to Next Gen Stats, Worthy hit 24.41 MPH in that run.

His RAS score ranks 195th among receivers since 1987.

For the Colts, if Chris Ballard wants a receiver to help take the top off a defense for Anthony Richardson, Worthy’s elite speed should be a welcomed addition to the Indy passing attack.

4
Brian Thomas Jr. solidifies his first round grades

Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Thomas Jr. is viewed as a first-round prospect and his performance on Saturday backed those grades up. His measurables came in at what teams want in their receivers who work out on the boundary.

Measurables alone don’t make Thomas Jr. a first-round pick but his official 4.33 40-yard time at his size certainly helps.

With that time, Thomas Jr. tied D.K. Metcalf for the second-fastest 40-yard dash for receivers 207+ pounds over the last 15 years.

Thomas Jr.’s speed was also on display when he reached 22.91 MPH on a go route during the drills. A full mile faster than any other receiver that ran that route on Saturday.

His RAS score ranks 10th among receivers since 1987.

As mentioned for the Colts, depending on how free agency plays out, a pass catcher is looking like the option for Chris Ballard in the first round. Thomas Jr. is another great option in this class to add a weapon for Anthony Richardson.

5
Joe Milton has a cannon

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The combine is the perfect environment for a quarterback with a strong arm to showcase it and Joe Milton took advantage of it on Saturday. His day started with his measurables, coming in with not only a large frame but also big hands and a wide wingspan.

The only testing that Milton did was his broad jump (10’1″) and vertical jump (35 inches). Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the type of speed he has, which didn’t qualify him for an RAS score until his testing numbers come in from his Pro Day.

Milton’s quiet day got turned up a notch when he was able to show off his cannon on receiver’s go routes.

According to Next Gen Stats, this throw traveled 73.5 yards.

While we didn’t get to see Milton show off his athleticism, he did give a glimpse into this impressive backflip to end the workout for a prospect his size.

For the Colts, they are set with Anthony Richardson and have to figure out the backup situation, but I believe that should be either Gardner Minshew or a veteran via free agency.

Milton is a developmental quarterback prospect who does have a lot to work on his game on the field. With that being said, there should be competition for the third quarterback spot on the roster. A late Day 3 selection of a quarterback to compete with Sam Ehlinger should be in consideration in late April.

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