The 2019 NFL Combine officially came to a close Monday, but not before the cornerbacks and safeties had a chance to showcase their talents on the big stage.
For the Denver Broncos — a team looking for secondary help — Monday’s workouts might have been the most important all weekend. With Bradley Roby set to be a free-agent and the uncertainty of whether Darian Stewart is in the Broncos plans moving forward positions the secondary as a prime target for John Elway and his staff in the draft.
So let’s dive into Monday’s highlights and what they could mean for the Broncos in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Greedy Williams runs a tremendous 40 time before having to cut his combine short due to injury
The former LSU Tiger came into the combine trying to solidify himself as the draft’s best corner. One of the biggest questions Williams had to answer this week was his speed, which he answered by running the ninth-fastest (4.37) 40-yard dash by anyone in Indianapolis.
Speedy Greedy.@LSUFootball CB Greedy Williams runs a 4.38u 40-yard dash! @G_Will29
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/4JQ4JP3t0p
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2019
That run also tied Williams for the second-fastest 40 time by a corner at the combine. Just as Williams day was going strong, it was cut short after he suffered cramps in both of his calves. Because of the cramps, Williams was unable to participate in on-field drills where he could have showcased his ball-skills that makes him one of the draft’s best corners.
Luckily for Williams he should be able to rebound and show teams what he can do at LSU’s pro-day on March 22nd.
Byron Murphy, Deandre Baker, and Rock Ya-Sin all have big days
Let’s start with Murphy, who could be in play for Denver with the 10th overall pick. Many draft analysts list either Williams or Murphy as their number one corner, which is what made the combine an important step for that position group. Murphy did not blow the doors off the 40 like Williams did (4.55), but he still posted a pretty good time and followed it with a strong showing during on-field drills.
Top CB prospect @ByronMurphy making it look easy 👀 @UW_Football
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/cBazp09tay
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2019
What Murphy did on Monday possibly cemented himself as a first round pick, which is what Baker and Ya-Sin were looking to do as well. For Baker, he ran a solid 40 time of 4.52, which is about what you would expect when you watch his film. With Baker, you get a player who is the most physical corner in this draft class, but is someone who could often get beat in press coverage. For Denver, Baker could be a target if they trade back, or if they really love him, he could be a fine selection at pick number 10 as well.
The other corner who had a solid day is Ya-Sin out of Temple. Ya-Sin really burst on the scene this past season and then proceeded to ‘wow’ scouts and teams with his performance at the Senior bowl. After running a 4.51 40 on Monday, Ya-Sin could sneak into the first round as he has now showcased his ability to compliment speed with a physical style of play.
Some safeties make some noise, especially Darnell Savage Jr.
How great of a last name is Savage Jr. is for a smaller sized safety (5’11”) who loves to just play football and smack you in the mouth? It’s hard not to love what you see from Savage when you turn on the tape, which he backed up with his performance on Monday. Savage ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and paired that with a 39.5” vertical jump.
.@TerpsFootball DB @darnellsavage_ runs a 4.39u 40-yard dash!
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/NwPXSZR1sM
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2019
The former Maryland safety is as solid as they come in this years draft class and what he did at the combine could secure him as a day one or two selection. Savage Jr. certainly set the tone for the day, but Juan Thornhill out of Virginia had a monster performance as well. Thornhill notched the best vertical jump of anyone at this year’s combine (44”), which is also one-inch away from the all-time record.
Virginia's Juan Thornhill (@Juan_Thornhill) records the best vertical jump of the 2019 Combine with 44" (one inch short of the record) pic.twitter.com/UOcLwqxOP5
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) March 4, 2019
Thornhill’s solid day continued with a 40 time of 4.42 seconds and a 11’9” broad jump, which was tied for the top spot this year. Those numbers should help place Thornhill as a day two pick in the draft.