FanPost

Post Combine Player Comparisons

The combine can be overanalyzed as the measurables don't exactly dictate NFL success but they still excite people. Personally, I do find it interesting to compare prospects who performed similarly to current/previous NFL players at the combine that also possess comparable playing styles and other traits. I picked out a couple players that could easily be in purple next year:

Firstly, we'll take a look at arguably our most urgent need: QB

Jimmy Garoppolo and Tony Romo

QB

Jimmy Garoppolo

Tony Romo

Height

6 ft 2

6 ft 2

Weight

226 lbs

230 lbs

40 yard

4.97 seconds

5.01

Vertical

30 1/2 inches

30 inches

Broad Jump

9 ft 2

8 ft 9

Bench Reps

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There is definitely an uncanny resemblance of the type of athlete they both are based on the numbers. Besides both of them attending Eastern Illinois, these QBs possess very quick releases with good-not-great arm strength (hopefully Spielman has a more detailed QB assessment than that). Garoppolo is considered a better prospect than Romo was coming out of school (2nd round vs free agent). The Vikings can look for Garoppolo as a potential starting option in the 2nd round if they go a different direction at #8 in the draft.

Continuing on to another area of need: DBs.

Justin Gilbert and Patrick Peterson

DB

Justin Gilbert

Patrick Peterson

Height

6 ft 0

6 ft 0

Weight

200 lbs

219 lbs

40 yard

4.37 seconds

4.34

Vertical

35 1/2 inches

38 inches

Broad Jump

10 ft 6

10 ft 6

Bench Reps

20

15

Justin Gilbert has all the ability to turn into a shut down man-to-man corner just like the All-Pro Patrick Peterson. They have great length, exceptional athleticism, great ball skills, and "big-play" ability in the return (kick/punt/interception) game. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for the Vikings to choose Gilbert at #8 to establish a strong CB tandem with Xavier Rhodes for the future of the franchise.

Lamarcus Joyner and Antoine Winfield

DB

Lamarcus Joyner

Antoine Winfield

Height

5 ft 8

5 ft 9

Weight

184 lbs

176 lbs

40 yard

4.55 seconds

4.41 seconds

Vertical

37 1/2 inches

37 inches

Broad Jump

10 ft 2

10 ft 2

Bench Reps

14

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Joyner may be one of my favourites in the draft. Despite Joyner's small size, he manages to lay heavy hits and make big plays which is why I decided him to compare him to the sorely missed Antoine Winfield. While there is some discrepancy between their speed, the tape doesn't lie with Joyner. I watched a lot of Florida State games this year, and he's the only prospect of which I implore you to become a dreaded "youtube scout" for. clicky clicky for his standout performance against a highly ranked Clemson team. Joyner, mostly because of his size, is seen as a mid 2nd round pick but his stock may have dipped after his 4.55 time in the 40 (small guys are expected to be faster). He could easily solve our well documented slot cornerback problems as well as play safety.

Lastly, I'll look at an intriguing position specifically for Norv Turner: Scatter Back

Dri Archer and Darren Sproles

RB

Dri Archer

Darren Sproles

Height

5 ft 8

5 ft 6

Weight

173 lbs

187 lbs

40 yard

4.26 seconds

4.31 seconds

Vertical

38 inches

33 inches

Broad Jump

10 ft 2

8 ft 9

Bench Reps

20

23

You've probably heard of Dri Archer out of Kent State by now if you followed the combine at all. He challenged Chris Johnson's combine record 4.24 fastest 40 with his very impressive 4.26 while only taking 18 steps to do it (tying Calvin Johnson for least amount of steps to complete the 40). He, like Sproles, can be lined up all over the field as an all-purpose back with good hands and great speed. Judging by his combine performance, he may even be more explosive than Sproles. With Norv Turner as the co-ordinatior the possibilities are endless for Archer as Turner likely made Darren Sproles into the impact player he is today. Before the combine, Archer was projected to be a 7th round selection but that is likely to change (my guess would be as high as the 5th round).

I hope you enjoyed my comparisons, if you have feedback or your own personal observations/comparisons from the combine please share them in the comments.

Thanks for the read!

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.