Draft season is upon us, Eagles fans. The NFL combine provides NFL team executives and fans an opportunity to watch many of the best College prospects in the Nation perform drills that most believe translate to success in the NFL. There are many instances of players who have exceeded well during the season, not performing the best in Indianapolis and having their draft stock, and value take a nosedive.
Listed below are five players who excel while under such intense pressure and being under the proverbial microscope. This group exceeded most of the expectations and pre-conceived notions, and performed at a level that could see them skyrocket up draft boards by late April and possibly into the hands of Eagles GM Howie Roseman.
Matthew Golden, Texas
Matthew is a player many were surprised I had ranked as a first round talent on my first wide receiver rankings, and he somehow showed more than his fans expected at the combine. He ran the fastest 40 time at 4.29 and may not just be a first round talent, but a top 3 WR selected in the draft. Golden is 5’11 191, and takes off like a rocket. He can play every WR spot on the line, has a great catch radius, elite ball tracking skills, and smooth routes.
He has a lightning fast release that you have to see on film to believe. He is my WR 1 heading into the draft, but could be available later in the first, dependent on the style of receiver teams are looking to draft. Golden is also loyal, when asked who is one person dead or alive he would like to play catch with, he picked his Texas QB, Quinn Ewers.
Jack Bech, TCU
Bech had already impressed at the Senior Bowl, and did so again at the combine. Jack showed off quick, decisive running routes and soft hands. He has the desirable size, and the skill sets to last in the NFL for a long time. Bech offers the fluidity of a small receiver in a big body, which are unique traits at the WR position. A couple of receivers that many had ranked above him did not shine as much as Bech, and he is an option for a team willing to spend a day two selection on a pass catcher to enhance their offense. He will contribute in an NFL offense as a rookie.
Tate Ratledge, Georgia
Tate has the ideal size and athleticism that Eagles OL Coach Jeff Stoutland loves to bring into Stoutland University. He is a devastating run blocker and finisher, identifies interior pass rushes quickly, and gets to the next level with quickness. Ratledge is 6’6, 308 pounds, and showed off his speed with a 4.97 forty at the combine. His long mullet was flowing in the wind as he sped down Lucas Oil Stadium showcasing an elite, 1993 Phillies, Pete Incaviglia style haircut.
Tate also has the experience of going up against Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter in practice every day during his time at Georgia. This is the experience I want to see on the Eagles O-Line.
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Bhayshul has been one of my favorite RB targets for the Eagles since September. After his performance in Indianapolis, they will have a lot more competition for his services than originally thought. Tuten ran the fastest 40 at 4.32 and was first overall in the RB class with a 40.50 inch vertical jump.
His 40-yard dash time was faster than current Eagles RB Saquon Barkley and the Lions speedy running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Tuten is a home run threat every time he touches the ball and is also a valuable special teams player.
Hollin Pierce, Rutgers
Hollin was a relative unknown pre-combine, I had him selected by the Eagles in my NFL Mock Draft 1.0, but that secret is out of the bag now!
Pierce tested freakishly well by showcasing an 88 1/4 inch wingspan, the second widest at the OT position since 1999. He also measured 36-inch arms. You can teach a lot of things, but this body type is not one of them. His size, strong anchor and core, are rare traits that one can imagine Coach Stoutland would love to develop at the U! He is a roadblock in pass pro and a mauler in the running game. Pierce is an ideal developmental OT who will only get better with proper coaching. There is no better destination for him than Philadelphia!
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