Football Line

All eyes in the sports betting world are on Indianapolis, IN for the NFL combine during this NFL offseason to see what the future holds for the league. There are many different tests that the prospects are put through with the significance of each exercise depending on the player’s position.

The 40-yard dash is something that scouts look for with defensive backs, running backs and wide receivers. So Clemson receiver Jacoby Ford holds the fastest 40 time with an official 4.28. Normally a time like that would put a receiver on the board for many teams, but Ford is only 5’9” tall and has small hands. A team looking for an explosive kick returner may turn to Ford, but there are serious questions about his ability to consistently get open and catch the ball.

Remember the name Mitch Petrus. He started out his college career as a tight end, then moved to fullback and eventually wound up at the offensive line. He has only started for two seasons on the line, and he prefers to play the inside position at guard. He did 45 reps in his session, which was one more than defensive prospect Jeff Owens. Petrus is still raw, but with the right coaching this kid could be the next Orlando Pace.

The vertical jump is usually something that running backs excel at because there is no running start. But in this combine the start vertical jumper was a cornerback. A.J. Jefferson did a 44” vertical jump and added to his impressive 10’6” distance in the broad jump. The Fresno State starting corner has only been a started for one season, and his inexperience will hurt him in the draft. But like Petrus, Jefferson could be a good project for the right coaching staff.

Linebacker Jamar Chaney from Mississippi State also had an impressive combine in events such as the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump and the bench press. Look for Chaney to land with a team that needs a cover linebacker.