Who doesn’t love watching some of the world’s greatest athletes test themselves at the NFL Combine? And most of all, who doesn’t love the high-stakes 40-yard dash, when less than 5 seconds of a person’s life can earn him millions of dollars. Yet, to me, the 40-yard dash is overrated, especially at the Ravens’ biggest position of want, edge rusher. Instead, I look for three things at the combine: 10-yard split, bench press reps, and arm length. Let’s take a look at some of the players already mentioned in BSL, and some of the players who stood out enough to warrant further attention.

 Discuss in the BSL forums here…

Joey Bosa (1.69 10-yard split, 24 bench reps, 33 3/8″ arm length)

There is no way around it, Joey Bosa’s combine was a disappointment. Not because of his 40-yard dash time, which was too slow to envision Bosa becoming a linebacker, but due to his strength/arm length combo. The 33 3/8″ arm length was middle of the pack, but for a strength oriented player like Bosa to only put up 24 reps and to not have long arms as an excuse was disappointing.

The pros: Bosa’s lower body strength is still very impressive, and his 10-yard split was better than his 40 suggests. Bosa has a decent punch, but he really made his money in college with strong bull rushes and quick hands. To pair that with a solid, if unspectacular 10-yard split, means Bosa should still succeed in the NFL. His combine performance illustrated the general lack of upside, but it also cemented Bosa’s relatively high ceiling.

Shaq Lawson (1.64 10-yard split, DNP bench press, 32 3/4″ arms)

Like Bosa, Shaq Lawson had some good news and bad news at the combine. On the plus side, Lawson had one of the best 10-yard splits of any defensive lineman. Those who watched his film shouldn’t be surprised by this. Though not fast, Lawson has burst to bend the edge.

That said, his short arms a serious detriment. Lawson will struggle to keep blockers’ hands off him, and professional blockers will be less susceptible to his array of moves.

Lawson’s lower body strength and technical prowess is enough to keep him in my top-15, and the 10-yard split (and 40-yard dash) was probably enough to boost his stock to some. Pass rushers succeeding with sub-optimal height and short arms are rare, though, and that should be taken into account when grading Lawson. A move to outside linebacker could alleviate some of those concerns by letting Lawson play in space more, and his 7.16 3-cone drill indicates he could have the quicks to handle such a move.

Noah Spence (1.62 10-yard split, 25 bench reps, 33″ arms)

There was some weeping over Noah Spence’s 4.8 40-time. There shouldn’t be, as his 1.62 10-yard split was among the best at the combine. Paired with a solid 25 bench reps, and Spence’s performance was just fine.

Then again, the field events were never the biggest events for Spence. He needed to ace the interviews, and he did not. Spence is not a first-round pick, but rather a worthy risk on Day 2.

Emmanuel Ogbah (1.59 10-yard split, 20 bench reps, 35 1/2″ arms)

Emmanuel Ogbah was among the biggest risers in this combine thanks to his blistering 10-yard split and 35 1/2″ vine arms. Those are the kinds of numbers a scout wants to see out of an edge rusher. Though his height is only a bit above average at 6’4″, Ogbah has the length to disrupt quarterbacks with his long arms, and his burst off the line is unreal. With numerous slow edge rushers on the roster, the Ravens desperately need some burst. Ogbah could be the guy to provide that.

Carl Nassib (1.62 10-yard split, 21 bench reps, 34″ arms)

I see Carl Nassib as a pure 4-3 defensive end, but his 10-yard split could indicate something more. After all, there is a reason Nassib won the Lombardi award, given to the best linebacker or defensive lineman in the country. Nassib could be worth a look for the Ravens to use as a Pernell McPhee type: a hybrid edge/inside rusher with good hand usage. Another player who bears further watching.

Shilique Calhoun (1.69 10-yard split, 23 bench reps, 34 1/4″ arms)

Long arms and a solid performance on the bench made up for a slow 10-yard split for Shilique Calhoun, who was considered a speed rusher headed into the combine. Calhoun never stood out to me for his long speed, but his long stride paired with solid athleticism made him look like a potential edge rusher for the Ravens at the top of the second round. After a sub-par performance at the combine, he very well could be available there.

Charles Tapper (1.59 10-yard split, 23 bench reps, 34 3/8″ arms)

Charles Tapper was right there with Ogbah in terms of big risers. Like Ogbah, Tapper’s explosiveness was excellent: The two tied for the fastest 10-yard split. And his 34 3/8″ arms are more than enough to make up for his 6’2.5″ frame.

Worth pointing out: Tapper is a Baltimore native and a long-term contributor on a very successful Oklahoma Sooners defense. Tapper is someone who bears more watching. On one hand, his production is only average (seven sacks, 10 TFL his Senior season). The numbers, though, indicate a special player. Stay tuned for more on Tapper.

 

After seeing the Combine numbers, I’m much more inclined to say the Ravens should wait on a pass rusher until the second or third round (or trade back in the first). Bosa’s performance was a disappointment, as were the performances of some of the other top guys. On the other hand, middle-round guys like Nassib and Tapper excelled, and late-first, early-second guys like Ogbah stood out in a big way. There is a lot of quantity in this draft at the pass rusher spot, and there is no reason the Ravens can’t get a good one in the second round.

Shawn Brubaker
Shawn Brubaker

Shawn began his writing career with Bleacher Report as a Ravens featured columnist and Breaking News Team writer. He moved on to write for Yahoo! and work on the Ravens Central Radio podcast. Most recently, he was an Editor at the Baltimore Wire. Shawn is a 2013 graduate of the Catholic University of America.

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