Top 10 takeaways from NFL combine for fantasy football players

Watching over three hundred football players run and jump in spandex may not be high on everyone’s to-do list. For us true gridiron geeks, however, it’s appointment viewing.

Studying the incoming NFL class and seeing how the prospects perform at Lucas Oil Stadium is a way to confirm what hours of game tape do (or don’t) show. The combine is also an opportunity to see how various NFL franchises are thinking about these young hopefuls, which sheds a bit of light on to their potential fantasy futures.

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If you missed the festivities – due to a Fuller House marathon or Steph Curry induced shock - I’ve got you covered. Below are my top 10 takeaways from this past weekend’s 2016 NFL Combine from a fantasy perspective.

1) My biggest takeaway is that the last two wide receiver classes have spoiled us. While this group has some talent, it’s not nearly as flush as previous years. I was hoping that what this collection of receivers lacked in size would be made up for in speed. Such was not the case. In fact, theses wideouts were the slowest since 2011, averaging a time of 4.56 in the 40-yard-dash.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that guys like Michael Thomas’ (4.57) or Tajae Sharpe (4.55) won’t make an impact at the next level (Thomas has incredible body control and Sharpe’s hands are hella sticky) but right now their draft stock is more Chivas than Macallan.

2) Will Fuller is NOT slow. The exception to the above, Fuller ran the fastest 40-time while in Indy, flying down the track in 4.32 seconds. A known blazer, the knock against Fuller has been his hands. While he tallied 29 TDs, he also racked up 18 drops over the past two seasons at Notre Dame. His mitts are small, measuring just 8.25 inches, which might be part of the reason ball security has been such an issue. From a fantasy perspective, Fuller is going to be a headache to own. Similar to Ted Ginn Jr., the speedster is just as likely to take it to the house as he is to bat the ball away.

3) I really wish Corey Coleman had been healthy enough to run. Coming off sports hernia surgery, Coleman declined to participate in any of the running drills. However, he posted solid numbers in both the vertical jump (40.5) and broad jump (10-9). An explosive player who can highpoint the ball, Coleman comps similarly to the Cardinals’ John Brown. His quickness will be key, as his size is less than ideal for an outside receiver. The Bengals could be a potential landing spot for the Baylor product.

4) Speaking of vertical threats, Josh Doctson has got hops. Posting a vertical jump of 41 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet and 11 inches, the former Horned Frog flaunted his burst. Unable to play in the Senior Bowl because of a wrist injury, Doctson’s combine showing erased plenty of question marks. He needs to be on fantasy radars, and is a likely second round pick come April.

5) Derrick Henry is a beast, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Tipping the scales at nearly 250 pounds, Henry rumbled his way to a 4.58 second 40-time. That’s a really fast for a really big dude. He also got his plyo on, posting a 37 inch vertical jump and a broad jump just two inches shy of 11 feet. So, yes, he is a giant athletic marvel.

But his agility numbers were among some of the worst recorded. Obviously, change of direction is an issue for such a large specimen. Unless Henry goes to a team with a super-stout offensive line (*cough* Dallas *cough*), he’s a hard sell for me in fantasy. As other big backs from 'Bama have proven (Eddie Lacy and Trent Richardson), keeping a large frame in football shape is no small order.

6) Kenyan Drake is everything his Heisman Trophy winning teammate is not. As versatile as Henry is one-dimensional, Drake showed off his fleet feet with a 4.4 40 time. Capable of lining up in the slot, Drake projects to be a Charles Sims-like third down back, who, if paired with a creative offensive coordinator, could do some damage in PPR formats. Durability concerns and playing in the expansive shadow of Henry have kept Drake from basking in the limelight. His solid showing in Indy, however, may have changed that.

7) Keith Marshall has speed and strength. The Georgia product ran the fastest 40 time at the combine, clocking in at an official 4.31 seconds. Not only did he streak down the turf, but he also managed 25 reps during the bench press, which was fourth most of all RBs in attendance. After suffering an ACL tear in 2013 and being buried on the Bulldogs depth chart behind Todd Gurley, Marshall was largely written off. His workout, however, is likely to have scouts rethinking his potential.

8) Tyler Ervin is like Darren Sproles with a jet-pack. While Ervin’s three inches taller and two pounds heavier than the 32-year-old vet, he’s never going to be a power runner in the NFL. His ability to catch out of the backfield in combination with his gritty athleticism, however, makes him an interesting prospect. Impressing last week with a 40 time of 4.39 seconds and a vertical jump of 39 inches, Ervin has proven there’s upside to his game. A productive kickoff and punt returner at San Jose State, Ervin’s effectiveness on special teams makes him all the more Sproles-like.

9) Jared Goff has small hands, but remains the most accurate passer in the class. Hue Jackson blustered about big hands being of the utmost importance in the AFC North, but if Cleveland wants a QB that can step in immediately then Goff is their guy. Carson Wentz – who has ideal size and that whole Andy Dalton ginger thing – is simply a more developmental prospect.

10) Dak Prescott is a quick study. Perhaps the most improved QB prospect in this class, Prescott is riding the momentum from his solid showing at the Senior Bowl. Despite a set of wheels that can punish a defense, the Mississippi State product received average grades as a passer. Yet at the combine, he excelled in the passing drills and showed impressive mechanics while dropping back. He won’t have any fantasy value this year, but his real-football stock is rapidly rising.

Follow Liz on Twitter @LizLoza_FF