Day 3 winners, losers for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers

Setting the NFL Combine record for fastest 40-yard time certainly warrants Xavier Worthy as a winner. The Texas wideout ran a blazing 4.21 on his second attempt after posting a 4.25 on his first run. Worthy also shined in the jumps with a 41-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad. Despite measuring in with a 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame, Worthy could move into a first-round selection at the upcoming draft in April. He rated as a four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 13 wide receiver nationally in the 2021 class.

Whether or not NFL teams and scouts have issues with it is beside the point. Quarterbacks that chose not to throw at the Combine should not be considered “winners.” If a likely top ranked quarterback in the NFL Draft is that concerned about hurting their stock with a poor and sub-par performance in Indianapolis, then maybe teams should reevaluate. The likely top three quarterbacks in the class — Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (North Carolina) and Caleb Williams (USC) — did not participate in throwing drills. In fact, Williams only did interviews. The Combine is an opportunity to prove yourself and unfortunately there is a trend in which top prospects are opting out.

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright posted the second-fastest 40-yard time for those in his position group, clocking a 4.38 on Saturday. His 11-foot-2 broad jump topped all running backs, while his 38-inch vertical ranked fourth. Wright entered the Combine as one of the top running back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class, but potentially moved himself into consideration for the first running back off the board. Wright rated as a three-star prospect coming out of the 2021 recruiting class. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry in the last two seasons at Tennessee. 

Troy Franklin may have benefited by returning to Oregon for another season. But, the wideout decided to leave Eugene a year early and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Expected to be one of the faster receivers in attendance at the Combine, Franklin ran a 4.41, which was only good enough for 10th-best. His 1.61 10-yard split ranked last among all participating wideouts — a potential knock on his ability to separate off the line. Franklin rated as a four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 3 wide receiver coming out of the 2021 recruiting class.

Washington quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr. did throw at the Combine on Saturday. His throws were mostly on target in the passing drills, but it was his measurables that stood out. Penix came in at 6 feet 2 inches, as expected, weighing 216 pounds. His 10.5-inch hand size ranks among the top-10 all-time for quarterbacks at the Combine and matches current Indianapolis Colts star Anthony Richardson. Penix also had an 81-inch wingspan. Penix is likely just below the regarded top-three quarterbacks in this NFL Draft class. If he can remain healthy, there is a chance he becomes a talented starter.

South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler gained a lot of buzz in February as a likely riser in the NFL Draft with his performance at the Senior Bowl. However, his athletic score was rather poor. Rattler ran a 4.95 40-yard dash and his 9-foot broad jump ranked last among the five quarterback participants. Rattler is probably still a developmental quarterback prospect that goes in the middle rounds of the draft. Rattler rated as a four-star transfer quarterback in the 2022 portal class after spending three seasons at Oklahoma. 

Another Texas wide receiver that produced a strong performance at the NFL Combine on Saturday: AD Mitchell. Even with a 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, Mitchell posted a 4.34 40-time, a 39.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-4 broad jump — which ranked as the best for the position group. Fellow Longhorn Xavier Worthy grabbed the headlines with his record-setting 40-yard time, but Mitchell deserves equal recognition as a Combine “winner.” Mitchell rated as a five-star transfer receiver in the 2023 portal class.

Notre Dame running back Audric Estime posted the slowest 40-yard time among the running back participants with a 4.72. He does not flash with speed, but to rank last in the category draws concerns. Estime made up for it a bit with a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad — both ranked among the top-five for running backs. Estime only had two heavy-workload seasons with the Fighting Irish, so his legs should be relatively fresh ahead of his NFL rookie season. He rated as a four-star prospect coming out of the 2021 recruiting class.

Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo continued his rising trend ahead of the NFL Draft. He put together an impressive showing at the Combine on Saturday, which included the fastest 40-yard time among all running back participants. Guerendo clocked in at 4.33 on his first attempt. His 41.5-inch vertical also ranked as the best for the position group. Guerendo split carries in the backfield during his five seasons in college — four of which were spent at Wisconsin. He totaled just 231 carries and 42 receptions. Guerendo rated as a three-star transfer prospect in the 2023 portal cycle.

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman flashes in game with his unbelievable skills as a pass catcher, but underwhelmed at the Combine on Saturday. A potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Coleman potentially hurt his stock with a 4.61 40-time, which ranked second-worst for the position group. Whether or not his 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump made up for it is TBD. Coleman rated as a four-star transfer prospect coming out of the 2023 portal class.