The NFL Scouting Combine concluded Monday afternoon, and NFL evaluators had a chance to get a better gauge on the incoming crop of prospects.
If you missed the big news form the week of workouts and interviews, here's a rundown of everything you need to know:
Barkley Cements Top-Five Status
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley put his athleticism on display during the on-field workouts, running the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds after weighing in at 233 pounds. Barkley's combination of size, speed, vision and agility have teams drooling at the top of the draft, and he erased any doubt that he'll be off the board in the top five.
Brown's Stock Takes a Hit
Oklahoma offensive tackle Orlando Brown was viewed as a popular target for the Ravens at No. 16 before a rough showing at the combine. He only put up 14 reps in the bench press and then ran the 40-yard dash in 5.86 seconds, and it now seems unlikely that he'll be a first-round pick.
QB Opinions Still Vary
The Combine didn't end the debate about the top quarterbacks in this year's class. USC's Sam Darnold didn't throw at the Combine, but some draft analysts still view him as the best passer in the draft. Wyoming's Josh Allen showed off his big arm in the passing drills by throwing a pass 70 yards in the air. Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield had a good showing, while UCLA's Josh Rosen and Louisville's Lamar Jackson both had up-and-down performances in the passing drills.
Ridley Still Viewed as Top Receiver
Alabama's Calvin Ridley came into the week viewed as the top receiver in the draft, and his workout did nothing to change that perception. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds and impressed during the rest of his on-field drills.
Moore Is on the Rise
Maryland's D.J. Moore was told by the NFL's Advisory Committee a few months ago that he should stay in school for another year. He took his chances by declaring for the NFL Draft and that looks like the right call so far. His stock is on the rise after an impressive Combine where he measured in at 6-feet tall and clocked a time of 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Griffin Steals the Show
By far the biggest story to come out of the Combine was the performance from Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin. He has one hand because of a birth defect that forced amputation when we was four years old, but the physical limitation didn't hold him back at all. He put up 20 reps in the bench press using a prosthetic hand, then ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He was once considered an unlikely draft pick, but his performance and impressive life story have put him in the center of the NFL universe.
Gesicki Turns Heads With Workout
Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki is generating some buzz as someone who could be the "next Rob Gronkowski.” The 6-foot-5 pass catcher shined during the on-field drills, running the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds and leaping 41.5 inches in the vertical. The Ravens want to add pass-catching tight ends to the roster, and getting Gesicki will be more difficult after his performance.
Newsome Wants New Receiver Group
Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome spoke with the media at the Combine, and he covered a lot of ground over the course of his press conference. He spent a good amount of time talking about the wide receiver position and said the Ravens are "looking for the opportunity to change that room, in terms of personnel." Newsome will look at avenues through the draft and free agency to upgrade that group.
