With the NFL Combine officially in the books, prospects will scatter away from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and back to their training centers across the country.
With the league's draft scheduled for April 30, they have two months to bolster their hopes of playing professional football.
In the meantime, let’s look at how Ohio State’s Michael Bennett, Doran Grant, Jeff Heuerman and Devin Smith all performed during what could be considered the NFL’s biggest job interview.
Michael Bennett
- Measurables: 6 foot 2, 293 pounds
- 40-yard-dash: Did not compete (injured)
- Bench press: Did not compete (injured)
The Skinny: While Bennett couldn’t perform at the combine because of a lingering groin injury, he crushed his session with the media and reportedly performed well in interviews with NFL teams over the weekend. The combination of Bennett's upside and intelligence should make him an attractive pick for NFL teams looking to draft someone who will be an asset on and off the field.
"When I’m on the field, it’s a completely different person."
Best Quote: The articulate and thoughtful Bennett said he has a "dual personality disorder" and "when I’m on the field, it’s a completely different person. Very aggressive, looking to cause some havoc. I really want the person I’m playing to know that I’m a better player than he is.”
Doran Grant
- Measurables: 5 foot 10, 200 pounds
- 40-yard-dash: 4.44 seconds
- Bench press: 21
The Skinny: Grant might be the best all-around prospect from Ohio State at the combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.444 seconds and did well on the bench press for a 5-foot-10, 200-pound cornerback. While Grant wasn't necessarily flashy with the Buckeyes, he was consistent and helped lock down the likes of Alabama's Amari Cooper, Michigan State's Tony Lippett and Cincinnati's Mekale McKay. When you combine his overall athleticism and track record, a team's might get a really solid cornerback out of the Akron, Ohio, native.
Best Quote: Asked how fast he wanted to run the 40-yard dash, Grant said, "I'd rather you guys just watch."
Jeff Heuerman
- Measurables: 6 foot 5, 254 pounds
- 40-yard-dash: Did not compete (injured)
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Bench press: 26 reps
"I can do it all, be an every-down tight end."
The Skinny: Heuerman wasn't able to do much at the combine because of a lingering ankle sprain suffered in the Sugar Bowl, but he presents an interesting option for prospective for NFL teams. On one hand, the likes of Meyer and tight ends coach Tim Hinton have raved about Heuerman's athleticism in the past. It was also clear the guy is considerably tough after playing through foot injuries for most of the season. On the other hand, questions appear to remain over whether Heuerman's able to be an NFL-caliber tight end and whether a team will weigh potential over past production.
Best Quote: "I can do it all, be an every-down tight end. I see so many guys who only catch balls, they only block,” he said. “I kind of pride myself on doing it all."
Devin Smith
- Measurables: 6 foot, 196 pounds
- 40-yard-dash: 4.42
- Bench press: 10 reps
The Skinny: After putting on a show during Ohio State's postseason run, Smith entered the NFL Combine with considerable momentum. It's why the talented wide receiver, one whom Urban Meyer called the "best deep-ball receiver" he's ever coached, said he hoped to be drafted in the first round. Smith (expectedly) smoked the 40-yard dash and measuring at 6 foot is important because he's somewhat undersized for a receiver. Scouts probably won't invest much into his shortcoming on the bench press. What Smith must do, however, is show teams he can be an every-down receiver and not a one-trick pony who catches the deep ball and nothing more.
"That’s what teams need. They need guys who can go and get it."
Best Quote: On having a knack for making big plays: "That’s what teams need. They need guys who can go and get it. I think I have that ability ... I’ve shown it plenty of times in college so I’m just going to translate that to the next level.”
