NFL Scouting Combine Day 2 - OL, RB, ST: A look at some prospects the 49ers should keep an eye on

Today the offensive linemen, running backs, and specialists take the field for drills on day two of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine! We breakdown each position, the drills, and featured players who fit 49ers team needs.

By Alex Eisen@AlexG_Eisen Feb 28, 2020, 1:01pm PST

Intro:

Greetings Faithful! We are back for day two of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Yesterday, the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends kicked off proceedings. Act II brings us the placekickers, special teams, offensive linemen, and running backs.

The San Francisco 49ers will be entering this free agency period with question marks at the running back position. Matt Breida is a restricted free agent. Jerick McKinnon missed a second consecutive season to injuries. His future with the team is cloudy. Then there is Tevin Coleman, who is signed for another year. Could he be cut for salary cap savings? It seems Raheem Mostert is the one certainty for 2020. Will the 49ers look to save money at the position and invest in a young running back in this draft class?

The 49ers got a lot of positive production out of their offensive line this season. Still, there are considerations for the future. Joe Staley is not getting any younger. At some point, the team will need to address the tackle position. Guard is also a position that I feel needs more depth and attention. Lastly, we will have to monitor center Weston Richburg after his season-ending injury and how he recovers.

The 49ers seem set at the moment on special teams after drafting punter Mitch Wishnowsky in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Wishnowsky had a successful rookie season and has the position on lockdown. Robbie Gould is under contract for at least one more season and potentially through 2022 (Potential buy-out after 2020), and is one of the most reliable kickers in the league.

Final Note: As I mentioned yesterday, I will be highlighting and featuring players that the 49ers can realistically select and fit in their system, and not necessarily the top-ranked players at their respected positions. Some prospects are considered for potential trade-up or trade-down opportunities as well.

NFL Scouting Combine Day 2 Info:

Date: Friday, February 28
Position Group: OL, RB, ST
TV: NFL Network
Time: 1:00-8:00 p.m. PT

Workout Drills:

40-yard dash

Vertical Jump

Broad Jump

Shuttle Run

Bench Press

10 yard split

3 cone drill

20 yard shuttle

60 yard shuttle

Offensive Lineman:

Trey Adams, OL, Washington

» Hakeem Adeniji, OL, Kansas

» Tremayne Anchrum, OL, Clemson

» Ben Bartch, OL, St. John’s (MN)

» Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville

» Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

» Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan

» Cohl Cabral, OL, Arizona State

» Saahdiq Charles, OL, LSU

» Cameron Clark, OL, UNC-Charlotte

» Ezra Cleveland, OL, Boise State

» Trystan Colon-Castillo, OL, Missouri

» Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU

» Jack Driscoll, OL, Auburn

» Yasir Durant, OL, Missouri

» Jake Hanson, OL, Oregon

» Nick Harris, OL, Washington

» Charlie Heck, OL, UNC

» Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple

» Justin Herron, OL, Wake Forest

» Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana-Lafayette

» Keith Ismael, OL, San Diego State

» Cordel Iwuagwu, OL, TCU

» Austin Jackson, OL, USC

» Jonah Jackson OL, Ohio State

» Joshua Jones, OL, Houston

» Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia

» Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon

» Damien Lewis, OL, LSU

» Colton McKivitz, OL, West Virginia

» John Molchon, OL, Boise State

» Kyle Murphy, OL, Rhode Island

» Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State

» Lucas Niang, OL, TCU

» Mike Onwenu, OL, Michigan

» Matt Peart, OL, Connecticut

» Tyre Phillips, OL, Mississippi State

» Danny Pinter, OL, Ball State

» Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan

» Jon Runyan, OL, Michigan

» John Simpson, OL, Clemson

» Terence Steele, OL, Texas Tech

» Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky

» Simon Stepaniak, OL, Indiana

» Alex Taylor, OL, South Carolina State

» Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia

» Calvin Throckmorton, OL, Oregon

» Prince Tega Wanogho, OL, Auburn

» Darryl Williams, OL, Mississippi State

» Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama

» Isaiah Wilson, OL, Georgia

» Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa

Offensive Lineman to Watch:

Nick Harris, OL18 – Washington
Height: 6’1”
Weight 302 lbs.
Arms: 32 1/8”
Hands: 9 ¾”
Bench Press: 20 reps

The senior out of Washington had a productive year for the Huskies. Harris moves well for the position. He is twitchy and has great movement along the line of scrimmage. Harris has a great center of balance. On tape, he is outstanding in the run game, with the ability to block and create holes and running lanes for the ball carrier. There is a little concern about some measurables, particularly his arms, which are on the shorter side. However, where Harris makes up for this is his ability to hold his ground and create forward motion against oncoming defenders who rarely can push him back. The ability to play center only adds more value to his draft stock. Harris is someone to watch throughout the draft process.

Austin Jackson, OL25 – USC
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 322 lbs.
Arms: 34 1/8”
Hands: 10 ¼”
Bench Press: 27 reps

As I mentioned earlier, the 49ers will need to think about life after Joe Staley. Austin Jackson has natural left tackle instincts. Jackson has outstanding athleticism and physical traits for his position. His movement is quick and clean along the line. Has great lateral movement and steps and gains ground quickly. Has technique that can cause defenders and rushers to become imbalanced. Jackson’s stock has been all over the place. However, he has the potential to be versatile lineman at the next level.

Tristan Wirfs, OL53 – Iowa
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 320 lbs.
Arms: 34”
Hands: 10 ¼”
Bench Press: 24 reps

Tristian Wirfs is a big-bodied, athletic tackle who can move well along the line of scrimmage. His pass protection last season as a sophomore was near-flawless and did not allow a single sack playing at the right tackle position. He has positive grades as a run blocker as well, creating holes and lanes for the ball carrier. While I feel McGlinchey’s natural position is right tackle, Wirfs has the opportunity to transition to left tackle at the next level. Should the 49ers go this route, they will have two young and talented tackles for years to come. Wirfs is a fringe first-round prospect who may slip into day two.

Logan Stenberg, OL44 – Kentucky
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 317 lbs.
Arms: 32 ½”
Hands: 10 ¼”

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 31 Belk Bowl - Virginia Tech v Kentucky

Logan Stenberg is a power, run blocker along the left side of the Wildcats offensive line. He played a pivotal role last season in creating running lanes and holes for Benny Snell, who ran his way into the record books. With Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers offense putting so much emphasis on the run, Stenberg is an intriguing option. His athleticism and ability to shift and maneuverer along the line are a major plus. The senior also brings with him a lot of experience that scouts and evaluators should take note of. Keep a close eye on Stenberg. Especially if the 49ers are looking to solidify their line during the offseason via the draft.

Solomon Kindley, OL28 – Georgia
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 337 lbs.
Arms: 32 ¼”
Hands: 10”

Kindley is a run blocker who has a lot of power and athleticism along the line of scrimmage. Kindley has been just as strong in pass protection as well. Kindley is considered to be amongst the top draft-eligible guards in 2020. Kindley has a broad and thick build, all while demonstrating great speed for his size along the line of scrimmage. Often on tape Kindley will be pushing defenders into a backward pedal. Kindley can create holes and running lanes for the ground attack and holds his own more often than not against pass rushers.

Running Backs:

Salvon Ahmed, RB, Washington

» Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

» Jet Anderson, RB, TCU

» LeVante Bellamy, RB, Western Michigan

» Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State

» Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette

» DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami

» AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College

» J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

» Rico Dowdle, RB, South Carolina

» Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

» Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State

» JaMycal Hasty, RB, Baylor

» Brian Herrien, RB, Georgia

» Tony Jones, RB, Notre Dame

» Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA

» Javon Leake, RB, Maryland

» Benny LeMay, RB, UNC-Charlotte

» Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland

» Zack Moss, RB, Utah

» Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU

» La’Mical Perine, RB, Florida

» Scottie Phillips, RB, Mississippi

» James Robinson, RB, Illinois State

» D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

» J.J. Taylor, RB, Arizona

» Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

» Patrick Taylor, RB, Memphis

» Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt

» Mike Warren, RB, Cincinnati

Running Backs to Watch:

Eno Benjamin. RB05 – Arizona State
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 207 lbs.
Arms: 31 ¼”
Hands: 8 5/8”
Bench Press: 12 reps

The do-it-all workhorse running back from Arizona State is a name to watch in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. Benjamin has great size and measurables that scouts and evaluators seek at the next level. On tape, Benjamin demonstrates his vision and ability to cut through gaps and holes and bust out for big gains. Will also challenge defenders along the edge and stretch out to extend the play. Has some of the best contact balance this draft class has to offer. His ability to cut on a dime makes him a human joystick on the field and a pain for defenders to tackle. Lastly, his abilities as a receiver give Benjamin every opportunity to be a true three-down workhorse at the next level. Every year we have at least one running back from day two who becomes a star at the next level. Benjamin is one to watch in 2020. I have a second-round grade for Eno at the moment. A trade back option perhaps if the Niners are targeting a running back

Cam Akers, RB02 – Florida State
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 217 lbs.
Arms: 30 5/8”
Hands: 9”
Bench Press: 20 Reps

Despite poor blocking up front and an underwhelming win/loss record at Florida State, Cam Akers demonstrated his ability as an all-purpose back. Akers was a top 10 national recruit, Mississippi’s Mr. Football, and broke Dalvin Cook’s freshman rushing record. Akers has a muscular, rock-solid build, with bruising, downhill running capabilities. Very difficult to tackle in the open field, and can cut, spin, and duke defenders. Akers has great vision and awareness for running lanes, even with lack-luster blocking ahead of him. His eyes and feet work as one, and his burst and anticipation help him avoid traffic. He has also demonstrated his ability to be a pass blocker. Akers has a lot of potential at the next level and looks to be a day two pick. A trade back option perhaps if the Niners are targeting a running back.

Jonathan Taylor, RB27 – Wisconsin
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 226 lbs.
Arms: 31 1/8”
Hands: 9 ½”
Bench Press: 17 Reps

Taylor has the capabilities, frame, and makeup to be a three-down, pro-ready bruiser at the next level. His legs constantly churn, and his contact and power balance allows Taylor to push for additional yardage after initial contact. Taylor has patience and vision along the line. Ball security and durability seem to be the two biggest concerns. However, the All-American back demonstrated his ability to move the chains constantly. His ability to cut and navigate through traffic is a major plus. And his burst along the edge is impressive. Taylor’s stock has been up and down, and it will be interesting to see where he comes off the board.

Darius Anderson, RB03 – TCU
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 208 lbs.
Arms: 30 ½”
Hands: 9 5/8”
Bench Press: 19 Reps

Darius Anderson has great size and speed that is desired at the next level for his position. Has good leg strength and contact balance to break tackles. Has the ability to break the edge out-wide for big yardage plays. I really like his initial burst and acceleration through holes and seems along the line of scrimmage. Has playmaking capabilities and is a dual-threat option with the ability to catch the football out of the backfield. He has added value as a kick returner on special teams. Something the 49ers seem to look for with their running backs and receivers—a day three option to keep an eye on.

Tony Jones, RB15 – Notre Dame
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 220 lbs.
Arms: 30 5/8”
Hands: 9 ½”
Bench Press: 13 reps

Let’s start with this fact about Jones. On 298 carries this season, Jones DID NOT FUMBLE ONCE! It has been reported that the 49ers have already met with Jones. He has great size and physical traits that scouts and evaluators seek at the next level. Jones has demonstrated his ability to follow and read his blocks and find running lanes in and around the line of scrimmage. Is a willing blocker and plays a physical brand of football. Jones was also a positive contributor on special teams. It is reported he is beloved by his coaches and has great character and team attitude. Jones seems to be a great example of a late-round pick that Shanahan would love to get his hands on and develop. Keep an eye out on day 3.

Specialists:

I do not anticipate the 49ers to select a specialist in this draft. I do expect they will sign a UDFA kicker to bring into camp. However, as of this writing, with limited draft capital and other pressing needs, a kicker, punter, and long snapper don’t seem to be in the cards. Regardless, I have provided a list below of participants.

Specialists

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 09 USC at Arizona State

» Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern

» Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia

» Joseph Charlton, P, South Carolina

» Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU

» Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse

» Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M

» JJ Molson, K, UCLA

» Alex Pechin, P, Bucknell

» Arryn Siposs, P, Auburn

» Tommy Townsend, P, Florida

» Michael Turk, P, Arizona State

» Steven Wirtel, LS, Iowa State

Who are YOU excited to see on day two of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine? Please share in the comments below!