Eight wide receivers under 4.4 at the Combine, led by Baylor product Tyquan Thornton at 4.28. Dazzling.
This struck me last night as I was trying to find refuge from what’s going on in Ukraine by watching the WRs, TEs and QBs compete in the Underwear Olympics.
We’ve all heard of “teaching to the test” in public education.
These guys and their trainers are now “training and teaching to the drills” at the Combine like never before. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s smart.
But everybody’s technique is getting so much better, especially in the 40. Better stances. Better hand placement at the starting line. Bigger and more explosive first step. Staying low longer. Relaxing instead of squidding-up. Better, smoother and more efficient arm propulsion. Running all the way through the finish.
It’s essentially a track event. So they’re training like track guys. Smart.
Ditto in the vertical jump and broad jump.
Am I wrong to say this is the fastest group of QBs we’ve ever seen in Indy? No, not one of them is Michael Vick or Lamar Jackson, but as a group they can run! I was especially impressed with the 4.52 turned in by Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder. That was faster than 12 WRs.
Today, running backs and offensive linemen. Keep an eye on Alabama tackle Evan Neal, who is trying to become the first Crimson Tide player in 74 years to be drafted #1 overall. Sweet feet.