NFL Combine 2016: What to Watch for on Day 6

Day 6 of the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine has arrived and marks the final day of the event. The previous five days have yielded results that will either propel prospects into better draft position or cause them to plummet as evaluators have doubts confirmed. There’s just one more positional group left to go through the gauntlet of on-field activities.

The defensive backs are the final players to run, jump and show their ability to compete at the NFL level. It’s critical for cornerbacks and safeties to play fast and physical, as the league continues to be pass-heavy. Those with looming question marks about where they fit must answer with a strong Day 6.

We’ve got the major storylines and names to watch as the combine closes out after the defensive backs finish up. Let’s jump into what to watch for throughout the day.

Cornerback 40 Times

John Raoux/Associated Press

Like it or not, the 40-yard dash matters for skill-position players. Last year, cornerback Trae Waynes rose above better prospects like Marcus Peters and Kevin Johnson after running a blazing 4.31-second 40. The ability to recover from losing early in a route is important for the position, and teams value it.

As far as predicting the draft, Bill Lotter of the Harvard Sports Analysis Collective found that cornerbacks benefit the most from the combine. The 40-yard dash and bench press are the biggest indicators of physical talent, as corners must be explosive yet physical. Long and fast cornerbacks are a rare breed who are highly valued because of their potential to match up against top receivers.

The cornerbacks who can be expected to burn a great 40 time include Miami’s Artie Burns, Ohio State’s Eli Apple, Oklahoma’s Zack Sanchez and former LSU corner Rashard Robinson. Each of these players showed top-notch speed throughout their collegiate careers. They must confirm what the eye test hinted at as far as speed.

There are a number of top cornerbacks with questions about distance speed. Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander and Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III are great competitors, but each measured under 5’11”. They cannot afford to be slower than 4.50 in the 40-yard dash and expect to go high in the first round.

The Importance of Agility

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

While the 40 will draw the most attention, we cannot forget about the short-shuttle and three-cone drills. This is especially the case for safeties who need to show they’re more than box defenders. Even with the recent trend to move strong safeties to linebacker, most defenses and safeties cannot handle that transition due to frame and athleticism limitations.

The ability to tackle receivers and running backs often comes down to angles and short-area quickness. Those who change directions quickly are more physically capable of adjusting their angle of attack. Look for safeties with a short-shuttle time of 4.20 or lower to see a good score. According to MockDraftable.com, an average three-cone time for the position is a 6.98 between the free and strong safeties at the combine.

Safeties like Florida’s Keanu Neal, Ohio State’s Tyvis Powell, Duke’s Jeremy Cash and Clemson’s Jayron Kearse need to show excellent short-area burst and agility. Each is a quality player running in a straight line but has to be more than that in the NFL. If not, the discussion about moving to weak-side linebacker could grow louder.

Testing Strength

Steve Helber/Associated Press

NFL cornerbacks have one of the most difficult tasks to complete on every snap. Not only do receivers have the benefit of favorable rules, but they’re often bigger and faster than defenders.

According to MockDraftable.com, the average receiver who has been at the combine since 2006 has measured 6’1” and weighed 201 pounds. The average 40 time for receivers is 4.51 seconds. These are big, fast athletes entering the NFL.

Cornerbacks in that same time frame have averaged 5’11” and 192 pounds. Their average 40 is a 4.50. Adjusting their time considering their mass, receivers are just better athletes in general.

One way cornerbacks can overcome their size disadvantage and almost even speed is physicality. Strong press cornerbacks can neutralize receivers at the line of scrimmage by throwing off the timing of the play. Teams value this strength in the form of the bench press.

According to Lotter, the bench press predicts NFL success most effectively for the position. Hopefully, this class of cornerbacks has put in the time to pump the iron for a solid performance.

Who to Watch

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

We’ve identified quite a few impact defenders to this point, but several more are worth mentioning as must-watch prospects.

William Jackson III, CB, Houston

Although he’s not one of the hot names right now, William Jackson III of Houston is among the best three cornerback prospects in the class. He has a 6’1” frame and showed excellent ball skills in his career. He totaled 15 passes defensed in his two seasons starting for the upstart Cougars and finished with three interceptions. Don’t be surprised if Jackson rises up draft boards with a strong performance Monday.

Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia

Another long cornerback with multiple years of experience, Maurice Canady can parlay a strong Senior Bowl showing into more momentum at the combine. The 6’1”, 193-pound cornerback has fluid hips on film and changes directions well. He needs to prove what he showed on-field and log at least average agility scores to lock in his Day 2 draft status.

Jalen Ramsey, FS, Florida State

Not only the top defensive back in the draft but potentially the best defender in the class, Florida State playmaker Jalen Ramsey can solidify his ranking at the combine. His experience playing both cornerback and safety is great for teams to see, but he should be seen as a better safety. With so few impact safeties in the NFL, he can prove his top-five value with a good 40 time and agility scores.

Kevin Byard, SS, Middle Tennessee State

One of the better under-the-radar prospects this season is Kevin Byard of Middle Tennessee State. He has great size at 5’11” and 216 pounds. He could walk into a locker room tomorrow and be physically ready to make a difference. Coming from Conference USA means there’ll be questions about whether he’s ready for that jump in competition. Reaffirming that he’s a special athlete throughout the station drills will lock in his Day 2 value.

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

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