NFL Combine: Stunners and Stinkers

Mr. Foley and Aydin Khalil

The NFL Combine just occurred in Indianapolis from February 29 to March 3, 2024. Many incredible feats were achieved.

Starting off with the passing drills, Washington quarterback Micheal Penix Jr. was launching dimes to his receivers in the passing drills. Penix was throwing the football like threading a needle to all his combine receivers. Another stunner was quarterback JJ McCarthy from the CFP champions, the Michigan Wolverines. McCarthy had dimes going through the air in Indy’s domain. Our beloved 7th grade Social Studies/ 8th grade ELA teacher agrees with us, “I also think JJ McCathry did really well. I think he’s underrated, because people think he can’t throw as he wasn’t asked to throw very much at Michigan because they relied on their defense.” Mr. Foley stated, “I think Penix was the best, and that McCarthy did very well.” Although his WRs dropped a lot of the deep balls and catches in general, McCarthy still had one of the best passing performances in the NFL Combine. 

Heading over to the 40-yard dash, Texas WR Xavier Worthy broke the 40-yard dash record. Xavier Worthy ran a blitzing 4.21 second run, eclipsing John Ross’ 4.22 second run set in 2017. Mr. Foley stated about Worthy’s 40 yard dash, “I think that made him millions of dollars.” Mr. Foley stated. “Everyone knew he was fast, but they weren’t expecting him to break a record. He was looked as a good receiver but not one of the best, but now after that, I think he’ll be moved up in draft boards.” But the wide receiver stunner list continues, with Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. Odunze had no trouble catching most of the throws and surely made it look incredibly easy. His speed was fairly decent on the 40 yard dash, running that in 4.45 seconds. 

However, with stunners there comes stinkers. Quarterback Caleb Williams did not participate in the combine workouts or the medical check. It seems that he was so confident in his Caleb Williams power that he doesn’t need to show it off at the combine. This either means Williams is scared of the combine or just didn’t want to attend (or he really doesn’t want to get drafted by the Bears).  

On the other hand, some players just didn’t want to attend the NFL Combine. North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye wanted to practice and work more before the NFL Draft. Maye certainly receives our respect and he certainly wants him to be at his best for whichever team he plays football for. Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison JR. didn’t want to attend because Marvin Harrison simply did not want to get interviewed by the reporters. We can’t blame him however, NFL combine interviewers seem to have unethical and off-topic questions most of the time.   

Overall, the NFL Combine was full of incredible talent and got us excited for the 2024-2025 NFL season. Who do you think had the best performance? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.