Panthers Tracks: Reviewing how Carolina’s 2019 NFL Draft class did at the combine
The on-field testing at the NFL Scouting Combine will take place this weekend in primetime.
It’s easy to get blown away by numbers and surprise performances. Often, it’s hard to remember what those results were after players show up on an NFL field.
We’re here to help. Before the Panthers select their 2020 draft class and scout the performances at this year’s combine, let’s revisit how the 2019 class, all of whom took part in the combine, performed.
DE Brian Burns (16th overall)
- 40-yard dash: 4.53
- Vertical jump: 36 inches
- Broad jump: 129 inches
- 3-cone drill: 7.01 seconds
Burns’ 40-yard time was flashy, which only helped his selection in the first-round of the draft. He had a strong start to his rookie season,even getting in the early mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but dealt with injuries. One thing is for sure, the combine performances can’t predict health.
OT Greg Little (37th overall)
- 40-yard dash: 5.33
- Vertical jump: 25 inches
- Broad jump: 113 inches
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.74
Little underperformed at the combine, finishing with the second- and third-worst marks of any offensive tackle in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump. His vertical jump was barely over the minimum. However, despite his less-than-stellar numbers, general manager Marty Hurney traded up to select him in the second round. He also had an injury-filled rookie year.
QB Will Grier (100th overall)
- 40-yard dash: 4.84
- Vertical jump: 34.0
- Broad jump: 112 inches
- 3-cone drill: 7.09 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.28
Grier put together a solid combine performance, including tying for the fastest ball speed at the event with Brett Rypien (59 mph). He also had a top-five showing among quarterbacks in the three-cone drill and short shuttle. But it was his ability with his arm that got him selected by the Panthers. He went on to start two games at the end of the year after losing the back-up job to Kyle Allen before the season began.
DE Christian Miller (115th overall)
- Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
- Broad jump: 118 inches
Miller took part in select combine events two months after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the College Football Playoff national semifinal. It’s hard to really judge Miller’s performance as he was dealing with an injury. He had a solid vertical jump and played in seven games his rookie year.
RB Jordan Scarlett (154th overall)
- 40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
- Bench press: 21 reps
- Vertical jump: 30.0 inches
- Broad jump: 116.0 inches
- 3-cone drill: 7.37 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.63 seconds
Scarlett finished fourth among running backs in his speed score, which is a weight-adjusted 40-yard dash score. He had a solid combine performance overall, but nothing overly flashy. As the third-string running back, Scarlett had four carries in 2019.
OT Dennis Daley (212th overall)
- 40-yard dash: 5.23 seconds
- Bench Press: 20 reps
- Vertical Jump: 26.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 103.0 inches
- 3 Cone Drill: 7.95 seconds
- 20 Yd Shuttle: 4.92 seconds
Daley’s 20 bench press reps aren’t ideal and his jumps weren’t as high as desired, which contributed to him falling to the third day of the draft. He ended up having to play more than the Panthers anticipated due to injuries, starting nine games his rookie year. Overall he showed a need for improvement heading into his sophomore season.
WR Terry Godwin (237th overall)
- 40-yard Dash: 4.55 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 117.0 inches
- 3 Cone Drill: 6.96 seconds
Godwin’s performance also left something to be desired. He didn’t attempt the bench press and only had a 4.55 40-yard dash time. He was waived by the Panthers before the start of the regular season.
Required reading
+ Getzenberg: The Panthers haven’t committed to Cam Newton as their starter, despite what you heard
+ (Subscribers only) Panthers are looking for players who can be multiple on defense. What does that mean?
+ Panthers coach Matt Rhule ‘absolutely’ wants Cam Newton in Carolina this season
+ SEC linemen hated facing him. What drafting Derrick Brown would bring to the Panthers
+ Sorensen: The Panthers have an obvious pick to make in the NFL Draft, and it’s not Isaiah Simmons
+ Fowler: Panthers coach Matt Rhule is charming, but he talks a lot without saying anything