Ohio State Football: 2016 NFL Combine Results for Former Buckeyes
Ohio State was the headlining school at the NFL combine, leading the country with an incredible 14 participants in Indianapolis last week. Defensive end Joey Bosa, running back Ezekiel Elliott and linebacker Darron Lee highlighted the group, but a number of Buckeyes put on a show for the scouts in attendance.
The combine could be a springboard to a historic draft for Ohio State. The Buckeyes hold the record for number of players taken in a single draft—14 in 2004—but they could set a new benchmark in 2016.
However, the former Buckeyes needed to represent well for that to become a reality. So how did Ohio State fare in Indianapolis?
Eli Apple
1 of 14
Eli Apple was Ohio State's top cover corner despite his redshirt sophomore status, but he was tested enough in his two years as a starter to make the leap to the NFL.
The 6'1", 199-pound defensive back feels that he's ready to compete at the highest level.
"Guys like coach [Kerry] Coombs and coach [Chris] Ash, they definitely helped prepare me for this next level," Apple said at the combine, according to Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors. "As far as going against the best every day, guys like Michael Thomas, Braxton [Miller] and great athletes like that ... I think that can translate well in the NFL."
Apple proved his skill set translates well by showing out in Indianapolis, running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash while putting up an impressive 13 reps on the bench press.
40-Yard Dash: 4.4 seconds
Bench Press: 13 reps
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
Three-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Vonn Bell
2 of 14
Vonn Bell could have helped his draft stock with an impressive 40-yard dash, but he wasn't able to run thanks to a minor hamstring injury.
It won't be a detriment to his value, especially with the opportunity of Ohio State's pro day lingering, and teams have two years of game film on Bell. The 5'11". 199-pound safety has incredible range with the coverage skills of a corner, but he's also an excellent asset in run support.
Bell still participated on a limited basis by getting up 16 reps on the bench press. He'll have to showcase his speed and agility at Ohio State's pro day.
Bench Press: 16 reps
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
Three-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
40-Yard Dash: N/A
Joey Bosa
3 of 14
Joey Bosa is Ohio State's consensus top NFL prospect, and he reaffirmed why with a stellar outing.
The strong-side defensive end was a top performer in the broad jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle, ranking in the top five among defensive linemen. He also notched a respectable 40-yard dash at 4.86 seconds, but with the high standard Bosa holds himself to, he called it a "rough, long day," according to Ron Clements of Sporting News.
A popular, albeit optimistic pro comparison for Bosa is J.J. Watt, the superstar defensive end of the Houston Texans. While Bosa will have a lot of work to do to match Watt's production and consistency, they put up similar numbers at the combine.
40-Yard Dash: 4.86 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.0 inches
Broad Jump: 120.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 6.89 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.21 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
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Taylor Decker
4 of 14
Taylor Decker didn't blow anyone away with his numbers, but he showcased the all-around versatility that will make him a fringe first-round prospect this May.
The combine was a big moment for Decker, who did not participate in the Senior Bowl after originally committing to play. That weeklong event would have given NFL scouts a chance to see him in pads for in-game situations. Because he's one of the top tackle prospects in the draft, teams were paying close attention in Indianapolis.
A solid 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle drill showcased his agility and athleticism.
40-Yard Dash: 5.23 seconds
Bench Press: 20 reps
Broad Jump: 101.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 7.7 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.76 seconds
Vertical Jump: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Ezekiel Elliott
5 of 14
Ezekiel Elliott made himself a lot of money in Indianapolis last week.
The superstar running back had one of the most productive two-year stretches in Ohio State history, piling up 4,125 total yards and 41 touchdowns in 2014 and 2015. At 6'0" and 225 pounds, Elliott is the workhorse three-down back that NFL teams covet in a potential first-round pick.
The combine confirmed what everyone saw on the field over the last two years. Elliott clocked a 4.47 40-yard dash, which tied for fifth among running backs. His showing all but cemented his status as a first-round pick this May.
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
Broad Jump: 118.0 inches
Bench Press: N/A
Three-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Cardale Jones
6 of 14
Cardale Jones needed to impress more than any other former Buckeye at the combine, but the quarterback suffered a hamstring injury that prevented him from participating in throwing drills.
That was a huge blow to Jones' draft stock after a disappointing redshirt junior season. The big-armed quarterback lost his starting job midway through the season after struggling with his accuracy and game control, so he needed to bounce back and show NFL teams why they should invest in him.
He has all the tools to succeed at the next level. Jones has NFL size, is immensely difficult to bring down in the backfield and his arm strength is an unquestioned advantage.
He'll just have to wait until Ohio State's pro day to show it.
40-Yard Dash: 4.81 seconds
Vertical Jump: 36 inches
Bench Press: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
Three-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Darron Lee
7 of 14
Darron Lee is considered one of the most versatile linebackers in this year's draft, and he confirmed that notion by absolutely dominating the combine.
He put his speed on display by running an incredible 4.47-second 40-yard dash, which was not only the fastest for a linebacker this year, but every year since 2006. Lee also registered the top broad jump for a linebacker and finished in the top five for vertical jump.
Lee will be an absolute terror on defense in the NFL. His speed will make him a disruptive force in blitzing situations and allow him to cover a wide array of receivers.
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
Bench Press: 17 reps
Vertical Jump: 35.5 inches
Broad Jump: 133.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 7.12 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.2 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Jalin Marshall
8 of 14
Jalin Marshall surprised many when he burned his final two years of eligibility to enter the draft, but with speed and playmaking ability that translates to the next level, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to go pro.
Unfortunately, that speed and versatility wasn't on display in Indianapolis.
Marshall turned in a disappointing 4.6-second 40-yard dash, and only showed up in the top five among wide receivers in the 20-yard shuttle drill. His game film will be much more enticing than his combine numbers, but he'll have a chance to redeem himself at the Buckeyes' pro day.
40-Yard Dash: 4.6 seconds
Bench Press: 16 reps
Vertical Jump: 37.5 inches
Broad Jump: 125.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 6.8 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.13 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Braxton Miller
9 of 14
Braxton Miller went into the combine with more momentum than any former Buckeye after dominating at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, last month. With a carryover in Indianapolis, he could've elevated himself into first-round status.
All eyes were on the blazing playmaker when he lined up for the 40-yard dash, but he turned in a surprisingly disappointing 4.5-second output. It wasn't all bad for Miller, though, as he was a top performer in the three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle.
So is Miller a first-round prospect?
"Do I think? Oh yeah, for sure. I know," Miller said Thursday, according to Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors.
Miller will look to turn in a better 40 time at Ohio State's pro day.
40-Yard Dash: 4.5 seconds
Bench Press: 17 reps
Vertical Jump: 35.0 inches
Broad Jump: 123.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 6.65 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.07 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: 10.84 seconds
Joshua Perry
10 of 14
Joshua Perry was an emotional leader who anchored Ohio State's defense in 2015, and his value to an NFL team will be what he brings to the table both on and off the field.
The 6'4", 254-pound outside linebacker impressed NFL reps from a number of teams during the interview process, and he complemented that with solid numbers in the four drills he participated in.
His 4.68 40-yard dash was a good number for his size, but his 124-inch broad jump (which ranked fourth among linebackers) was his most impressive feat.
40-Yard Dash: 4.68 seconds
Bench Press: 20 reps
Vertical Jump: 33.5 inches
Broad Jump: 124.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Tyvis Powell
11 of 14
Of the nine nonsenior Buckeyes who jumped ship early to the NFL, Tyvis Powell was one of the most surprising to head coach Urban Meyer.
That's not a knock on Powell as a player, as Meyer noted he was in the program for four years (and a starter for two) and has his degree. However, the coaching staff expected Powell back for his final year in Columbus.
After the combine, it's easy to see why Powell believes he has the tools to succeed at the next level.
The 6'3", 211-pound safety ran an incredible 4.46 40-yard dash. Powell wasn't a guy who was known for his speed in Columbus, but he turned in one of the fastest 40 times of the former Buckeyes—even faster than Braxton Miller.
40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
Bench Press: 15 reps
Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches
Broad Jump: 120.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 7.03 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.25 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: 11.63 seconds
Michael Thomas
12 of 14
Michael Thomas entered the combine as a fringe first-round prospect, but he may have cemented his status with an incredible outing.
The 6'3", 212-pound wideout wasn't expected to set the track on fire with a blazing 40-yard dash time, but he turned in an impressive 4.57-second time. His strength, which was one of his biggest advantages, especially when beating press coverage, was also on display when he had 18 reps on the bench press.
Thomas put up solid numbers in every drill the combine had to offer.
40-Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
Bench Press: 18 reps
Vertical Jump: 35.0 inches
Broad Jump: 126.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 6.8 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.13 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: 11.7 seconds
Nick Vannett
13 of 14
Despite not being utilized frequently in Ohio State's offense, Nick Vannett is one of the top tight end prospects in this year's draft. The 6'6", 257-pound pass-catcher only had 19 receptions for 162 yards in 2015, but he's a polished tight end who also thrives as a run-blocker.
"Even though I had only 19 catches and didn’t score a touchdown I still feel I made clutch plays when they needed to be done," Vannett said, according to Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch. "I’m very happy with the season I had."
While Vannett chose not to run the 40, he put up good numbers elsewhere, registering as a top performer in the 20-yard and 60-yard shuttles.
Bench Press: 17 reps
Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches
Broad Jump: 111.0 inches
Threee-Cone Drill: 7.05 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.2 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: 11.5 seconds
40-Yard Dash: N/A
Adolphus Washington
14 of 14
Adolphus Washington had to answer a lot of tough questions at the combine.
The 6'3", 301-pound defensive tackle had an unceremonious end to his Ohio State career when he was arrested for solicitation in the weeks leading up to the Fiesta Bowl matchup with Notre Dame.
“First off, I just want to apologize to Buckeye Nation, to my teammates, to my family,” Washington said on Friday, according to Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch. “I made a really dumb, impulsive decision and had to pay the penalty for it.”
On Saturday, Washington put up slightly disappointing numbers for a 301-pound inside lineman. His skill set is a bit limited as well, which means he'll only be a candidate for teams that run a 4-3 defense.
40-Yard Dash: 5.17 seconds
Bench Press: 21 reps
Vertical Jump: 27.0 inches
Broad Jump: 99.0 inches
Three-Cone Drill: 8.06 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.79 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
All combine measurements are courtesy of NFL.com.
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