NFL Scouting Combine Day 3 - DL & LB: A look at some prospects the 49ers should keep an eye on

Intro:

Welcome to day three of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. Today the defensive linemen and linebackers take the field for drills and on-field workouts.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers will have a couple of big decisions to make along their defensive line. Perhaps the biggest involves their sack leader of 2019 and soon-to-be free agent Arik Armstead. In an ideal world, the team would love to find a way to keep him. However, what if that isn’t possible? A replacement in the 2020 NFL Draft may need to be a lower-cost option.

Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

As for the linebackers…Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw look to be dynamic for years to come. When healthy, Kwon Alexander proved to be a true difference-maker all on his own. A linebacker is not the most pressing need for the 49ers…Still, with injuries almost inevitable, adding depth to any position is never a bad idea.

Who are YOU excited to see in action on day 3? Please share in the comments below!

2020 NFL Combine:

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Location: Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium
Day 3: Defensive Lineman & Linebackers.
Time: 1:00 pm PT
Channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL.com

Drills:

40-yard dash

Vertical Jump

Broad Jump

Shuttle Run

Bench Press

10 yard split

3 cone drill

20 yard shuttle

60 yard shuttle

Defensive Linemen:

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

» McTelvin Agim, DL, Arkansas

» Bradlee Anae, DL, Utah

» Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

» Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

» Josiah Coatney, DL, Mississippi

» Kendall Coleman, DL, Syracuse

» Darrion Daniels, DL, Nebraska

» Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn

» Carlos Davis, DL, Nebraska

» Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska

» Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

» Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri

» A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa

» Leki Fotu, DL, Utah

» Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

» Jonathan Garvin, DL, Miami

» Trevis Gipson, DL, Tulsa

» Jonathan Greenard, DL, Florida

» Yetur Gross-Matos, DL, Penn State

» DaVon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State

» LaDarius Hamilton, DL, North Texas

» Alex Highsmith, DL, UNC-Charlotte

» Trevon Hill, DL, Miami

» Benito Jones, DL, Mississippi

» Khalid Kareem, DL, Notre Dame

» Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

» Rashard Lawrence II, DL, LSU

» James Lynch, DL, Baylor

» Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M

» Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State

» Julian Okwara, DL, Notre Dame

» John Penisini, DL, Utah

» Chauncey Rivers, DL, Mississippi State

» Malcolm Roach, DL, Texas

» Alton Robinson, DL, Syracuse

» Qaadir Sheppard, DL, Mississippi

» James Smith-Williams, DL, North Carolina State

» Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC

» Derrek Tuszka, DL, North Dakota State

» Broderick Washington, DL, Texas Tech

» Kenny Willekes, DL, Michigan State

» Raequan Williams, DL, Michigan State

» Rob Windsor, DL, Penn State

» D.J. Wonnum, DL, South Carolina

» Chase Young, DL, Ohio State

» Jabari Zuniga, DL, Florida

How the measurable drills translate for defensive lineman:

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

When looking at the defensive lineman perform their drills today, keep in mind of some minimum measurable targets, defensive lineman should be expected to target as a minimum result. For the most part, prospects exceeding these minimal targets tend to find success in the NFL.

Defensive Tackles

40-yard dash - Minimum Target: 5.15

10-yard split - Minimum Target: 1.80

Vertical jump - Minimum Target: 30”

Broad jump - Minimum Target: 8’9”

3 cone drill - Minimum Target: 7.75

20-yard shuttle - Minimum Target: 4.55

Bench press - Minimum Target: 26

Flying-20 - Minimum Target: 2.13

Defensive Ends

40-yard dash - Minimum Target: 4.85

10-yard split - Minimum Target: 1.70

Vertical jump - Minimum Target: 33”

Broad jump - Minimum Target: 9’9”

3 cone drill - Minimum Target: 7.35

20-yard shuttle - Minimum Target: 4.30

Bench press - Minimum Target: 24

Flying-20 - Minimum Target: 2.13

As for the drills themselves in relation to predicting future success, there is not an exact science on which drill equates to NFL success; however, specific drills for each position tend to garnish more importance than other drills. For the defensive tackles and defensive end positions, measurable drills aiding future success are broad jump, 10-yard split, and the flying-20. For the smaller defensive ends (edge rushers/Leo), measurable drills aiding future success are: 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, three-cone, flying-20, and the broad jump. (*The flying-20 is the measured last 20 yards of a 40-yard dash measuring separation speed.)

Defensive linemen prospects to watch:

Marlon Davidson, DL06 – Auburn
Height: 6’3” – Weight: 276
Arms: 33” – Hands 10” - Bench Press: 21 Reps

Marlon Davidson was a consistent contributor along the Auburn Tigers’ defensive line. Davidson is sharp and quick off the snap, with great technique when rushing the quarterback on passing downs. Has good, but not great instincts and, at times, will over anticipate where the play is going to occur. He is still raw in some areas, and his overall skill set still has room to grow as he transitions to the next level. However, Davidson plays physical and causes disruption that allows his teammates to make impact plays along the line.

McTelvin Agim, DL01 – Arkansas
Height: 6’3” – Weight: 309 lbs.
Arms: 33 ½” – Hands: 10 1/8” - Bench Press: 27 Reps

The athletically gifted and explosive pass rusher out of Arkansas has been a positive contributor for the Razorbacks and offers plenty of upside at the next level. I like his instincts for where the play is going to occur. He seems to have a magnet for the football with his forced fumbles. Agim can squeeze through tight lanes along the line and maneuver himself in and around blockers. He is over-powered at times along the line on passing downs, and his ability to defend against the run is a work in progress. However, he makes up with his speed and explosive motor off the snap. Has a great first step and has demonstrated effective upfield burst.

Jonathan Garvin, DL26 – Miami
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 263 lbs.
Arms: 34” – Hands: 9 5/8” – Bench Press: 23 Reps

Jonathan Garvin has had a productive season for the Hurricanes. The junior was disruptive along the line of scrimmage. Garvin offers a high motor and good initial burst off of the line of scrimmage. He has demonstrated, on multiple occasions, his abilities to beat blockers and create disruption for the passer inside the pocket. One of his best attributes is his hands, which help him win one to one battles along the line of scrimmage. He has the ideal size and measurables for the position. Garvin is not a complete or polished pass rusher. However, his athleticism, football instincts, and raw talent could earn him a day two selection.

Jabari Zuniga, DL46 – Florida
Height: 6’3” – Weight: 264 lbs.
Arms: 32 7/8” – Hands: 10 3/8” – Bench Press: 29 reps

Jabari Zuniga has demonstrated flashes of pf playmaking ability along the line of scrimmage. Zuniga is rangy and fast, looking to close in pursuit. Works best as an interior rusher, and has high ceiling potential from that spot. He can burst off the snap and cause serious disruption along the line. He has also demonstrated his ability to be versatile, playing at many different spots along the defensive line. Has the motor and capabilities to race past the guard’s edge and separate himself from blockers up front. Has the size and desirable physical traits that scouts and evaluators seek at the next level.

Linebackers:

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

» Joe Bachie, LB, Michigan State

» Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue

» Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

» Francis Bernard, LB, Utah

» Daniel Bituli, LB, Tennessee

» Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple

» Jordan Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

» Cameron Brown, LB, Penn State

» K’Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU

» Nick Coe, LB, Auburn

» Carter Coughlin, LB, Minnesota

» Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State

» Michael Divinity, LB, LSU

» Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

» Tipa Galeai, LB, Utah State*

» Cale Garrett, LB, Missouri

» Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State

» Scoota Harris, LB, Arkansas

» Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

» Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan

» Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama

» Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor

» Azur Kamara, LB, Kansas

» Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama

» Jordan Mack, LB, Virginia

» Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota

» Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

» Dante Olson, LB, Montana

» Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU

» Michael Pinckney, LB, Miami

» Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami

» Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

» Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple

» Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

» Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest

» Darrell Taylor, LB, Tennessee

» Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado

» Casey Toohill, LB, Stanford

» Josh Uche, LB, Michigan

» Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State

» Curtis Weaver, LB, Boise State

» Evan Weaver, LB, California

» Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming

» David Woodward, LB, Utah State

How the measurable drills translate for linebackers:

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

When looking at the linebackers perform their drills today, keep in mind of some minimum measurable targets linebackers should be expected to target as a minimum result. For the most part, prospects exceeding these minimal targets tend to find success in the NFL.

Inside Linebackers

40-yard dash - Minimum Target: 4.80

10-yard split - Minimum Target: 1.70

Vertical jump - Minimum Target: 33”

Broad jump - Minimum Target: 9’6”

3 cone drill - Minimum Target: 7.20

20-yard shuttle - Minimum Target: 4.20

Bench press - Minimum Target: 24

Flying-20 - Minimum Target: 2.02

Outside Linebackers

40-yard dash - Minimum Target: 4.70

10-yard split - Minimum Target: 1.65

Vertical jump - Minimum Target: 36”

Broad jump - Minimum Target: 9’9”

3 cone drill - Minimum Target: 7.10

20-yard shuttle - Minimum Target: 4.10

Bench press - Minimum Target: 23

Flying-20 - Minimum Target: 2.01

As for the drills themselves in relation to predicting future success, there is not an exact science on which drill equates to NFL success; however, specific drills for each position tend to garnish more importance than other drills. For the inside linebacker position, measurable drills aiding future success are: 10-yard split and the vertical jump. For edge rushers/outside linebackers, measurable drills aiding future success are: 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, flying-20, three-cone, and the broad jump.

Linebacker prospects to watch:

Logan Wilson, LB43 – Wyoming
Height: 6’2” - Weight: 241 lbs.
Arms: 32 3/8” – Hands: 9 ½” – Bench Press: 21 Reps

Once the ball is snapped, if Logan Wilson is checked into the game, you will most likely find him in or around where the ball is. As you can see from his stat line, the senior linebacker produced volume and positive contributions for the Cowboy’s defense. He has great size for the position, and even at his size, Wilson plays with outstanding speed, particularly his straight-line speed. His coverage protection has increased in ability with each passing season, and his ability to stop the ground game and make an impact against the pass only increases his value. Most importantly, I just love his football instincts and awareness. His football IQ is high, and I think that is crucial, especially for a linebacker.

Kenneth Murray, LB27 – Oklahoma
Height: 6’2” – Weight: 241 lbs.
Arms: 32 ¾” – Hands: 9 ½” – Bench Press: 21 Reps

Kenneth Murray is a physical freak, which utilizes proficient sideline-to-sideline speed to make a strong presence on the field. He has natural football instincts and a knack for putting himself in a position where the play is occurring. On tape, Murray is flying all over the field. His horizontal speed is what will have the attention of scouts and evaluators, and what should help with the transition to the pro level. At times Murray can get overly-aggressive, which can place him out of position. Murray has demonstrated his ability to defend against the run and the pass. He is a clean tackler in open field, often finishing quickly and not allowing the ball carrier to gain additional yards. In a notoriously poor defense, Murray was one of the few shining lights.

Troy Dye, LB14 – Oregon
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 226 lbs.
Arms: 32 ¼” – Hands: 9 3/8”

Troy Dye is a linebacker with speed, who can shift and change direction on a dime to put himself in position to make an impact. I am particularly intrigued by his downhill, straight-line speed. Dye has been productive both against the run and the pass. He has the speed and lateral movement to be effective against the pass. He has an impressive tackle radius, and finishes them quickly, wrapping his arms around his opponent and forcing the play dead. Shifts his body well in position to shoot by blockers and finds gaps into the opponents’ backfield. On tape, Dye has demonstrated his ability to defend well in coverage against tight ends and running backs. Rarely have I seen Dye give up yards after the reception. Dye has good football instincts and will watch and follow the quarterbacks’ eyes to anticipate where the play is going to occur. On film and in the Duck’s defensive scheme, Dye is often utilized as a cover linebacker and can be looked at as potential three-down linebacker. I really appreciate Dye’s leadership skills and his ability to communicate and make sure his teammates are in a position to succeed. I am concerned about his frame and size. I feel he will need to bulk up and add some more weight to his frame as he transitions to the next level. Where he makes up for this, as mentioned earlier, is his speed and shiftiness. Dye isn’t the most physical linebacker in this upcoming class. However, he often puts himself in a position to make a play, and finishes his tackles, while covering multiple assignments throughout a game.

Darrell Taylor, LB36 – Tennessee
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 267 lbs.
Arms: 33” – Hands: 9 ¾”

Darrell Taylor has the physical traits, tools, and frame that scouts seek at the next level. Muscular, and a lot of play strength. He can hold his own at the point of attack. Keeps good balance on initial contact, and plays a physical brand of football. Has good lateral movement, and sets the edge against ball carriers and receivers. Has the initial burst and strides to defend along the edge. Taylor has good football instincts and looks to make an impact when the opportunity arises. Makes his presence known in the backfield, looking to strip-sack when possible. Taylor isn’t a finished product, but he is promising, and there is a lot to like on his tape.