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Engram Shines Along Side Rebel Teammates At NFL Combine
While the NFL combine will continue today, the four Rebels participating in the annual scouting event have completed their drills and made an impression on the big stage. The participants from Ole Miss were TE Evan Engram, WR Quincy Adeboyejo, DL D.J. Jones and DE Fadol Brown.
Evan Engram
The most notable performance was turned in by Engram, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash by a tight end, taking just 4.42 seconds to hit the 40-yard mark. Engram was the top performer in the 40, the vertical jump with a 36.0-inch leap, the cone drill, and the 20-yard shuttle.
6'3"
234lbs.
With… 4.42u SPEED?Meet @OleMissFB Evan Engram. 🔥 #NFLCombine https://t.co/j0BZXg4bWr
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2017
Engram’s performance got the attention of some big names from the NFL and former Rebel greats.
Engram has been regarded as one of the draft’s top TEs. NFL Network’s Lance Zierlen has a day 2 grade on Engram (rounds 2-3) because of his weakness as a blocker and past issues with drops. Zierlein outlined Engram’s strengths that should sound familiar to any Rebel fan who’s watched him play over the past three seasons.
“Athletic ability with easy-opening hips. Nimble feet with quick, controlled strides into and out of his breaks. Accelerates out of his breaks to uncover from defenders for quarterback. Will have to be guarded by defensive backs. Opens quickly to find the ball. Successful working all three levels at Ole Miss. Has true vertical speed to attack the seams. Competitive, athletic runner after the catch.”
Full draft profile, click here.
Quincy Adeboyejo
Quincy Adeboyejo’s breakaway speed made him a constant threat to make a big play during his time at Ole Miss. Adeboyejo put that speed on display at the NFL combine this weekend. With a 4.42 40-yard dash, Adeboyejo finished in the top-5 of all wide receivers.
As a three-time honor roll student at Ole Miss, Zierlein noted that coaches are impressed by his on-and-off the field intelligence. Adeboyejo’s speed is undeniable, but Zierlein expressed concerns about his size at just 195 and his inconsistent catching ability. He is currently a day 3 prospect.
“He is raw and is currently lacking the skill level needed to compete for NFL playing time, but has intriguing potential as a field stretcher or big vertical slot receiver.”
Full draft profile, click here.
D.J. Jones
At 6’1, 319 pounds, D.J. Jones has the size of an NFL defensive lineman. At the combine, Jones impressed with a 5.01 40-yard dash and a 108-inch broad jump.
Big man CAN jump. 😏@djjones_44 https://t.co/taPPwzOr4E
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) March 5, 2017
Quick hands and reactive athleticism compliment Jones’ size. While Zierlein didn’t provide a draft prediction for Jones, he sees potential for success.
“Despite his impressive play attributes, Jones failed to generate the production that his flashes on tape would indicate he’s capable of. If a coach can unlock more consistency, Jones has a chance to flourish as a one-gapping nose with three-down ability.”
Jones’ performance caught SEC Network’s Marcus Spears’ eye.
Full draft profile, click here.
Fadol Brown
When healthy at Ole Miss, Fadol Brown had size and speed that made him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive lines. Brown’s combine invite gave him a chance to put that talent on display.
These defensive linemen are FLYING through on-field drills.
Impressive. #NFLCombine https://t.co/K5aohFJGtU
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2017
Brown’s up and down play at Ole Miss is a concern on his draft profile, along with his medical history.
“While his size and length will immediately appeal to some defenses, his inability to generate a consistent pass rush will turn others off. Provided his medicals check out, Brown’s physical traits could get him a late look on Day 3.”
Full draft profile, click here
Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com.
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