The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine has been underway and through the weekend there have been plenty of standouts. While I am a firm believer that the Combine shouldn’t have a major effect on your film evaluations, it is still a part of the context needed to tell a prospect’s full story. Here are a few players either confirmed their film, or who may have forced some of us to take a look at it.

#NFLCombine State of Mindhttps://t.co/RXeVdfBm3y doesn't just have the #NFL Combine tracker which we are updating by the hour, but we link any content to the prospect. So you can watch any of our Twitter film breakdowns or read their Full Scouting Report. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/NHlQVwldCp — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) March 4, 2018

What else needs to be said about Shaquem Griffin? His stock has been on the rise for months now. He has done anything and everything that coaches at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine have asked of him, and he has done it with a big smile on his face. Griffin had the scouts in the bench press area cheering him on as he put up 20 reps of 225 pounds while wearing a prosthetic hand:

Shaquem Griffin just benched TWENTY REPS at 225 lbs. with a prosthetic hand. (via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/OKse67VQ8b — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 3, 2018

But then he burned the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium by running a 4.38 forty-yard dash, a time NO-ONE expected.

These twins can fly ? Shaquill & Shaquem Griffin faceoff in the 40-Yard Dash simulcam! ? | @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Ye1fuClK5B — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 4, 2018

He has definitely cemented his status as a player who is going to be drafted. His hustle and athleticism have always shown up on tape but maybe not to this extent.

LB @Shaquemgriffin wins with speed up the field and then spins inside for a sack. Griffin was 8th in QB pressures in 2017 with 52. pic.twitter.com/Eeff90nF8u — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) January 22, 2018

It will be a major asset for him at the next level, as it will continue to be the driving force of his game.

The pressure from Griffin causes QB Ferguson to throw an interception…Tough way to lose a game. pic.twitter.com/jyrNTan8t8 — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) January 22, 2018

As most expected, QB Baker Mayfield had a great weekend. He was poised in front of the mic, confident in his tape and abilities, and continued to show his competitive toughness in his media segments and on the field. It’s no surprise to hear that he impressed front office personnel in his interviews.

Will @bakermayfield‘s height be an issue? “I got three years of tape you can watch.” ?: #NFLCombine Day 2 | TOMORROW (9am ET) pic.twitter.com/YnGiQ3wYI4 — NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 3, 2018

His on-field drills were right in line with his 2017 season. His mechanics were crisp, his throws were compact and accurate.

“This kid is special. He has every gift you want.”@MichaelIrvin88 impressed by @BakerMayfield’s on-field drills performance. ?: #NFLCombine LIVE on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/Fq33IcagK2 — NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 3, 2018

A player that is starting to pick up steam is running back Nick Chubb. The Senior running back from Georgia who had to overcome a horrific knee injury in 2015 appears to be back to 100% after a tremendous 2017 season. Chubb graded out as the 4th-most elusive running back in this class, per Pro Football Focus. He forced 55 missed tackles in the run game and reached the end zone 15 times.

His strength when he gets north/south is tremendous. Regardless of defender, DL, LB, DB he is able to keep his lean, shoulders square and legs churning. Oh yeah and still run away from people. Such a strong dude. pic.twitter.com/7IkQc05Guy — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) March 2, 2018

Aside from the freak Saquon Barkley, Chubb may have had the best combine among running backs. The 227 pound back showed off his speed by running a 4.52 forty-yard dash, bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times, registered a vertical jump of 38.5″, a broad jump of 10’8″, and rounded out his workout with a 7.09 three cone drill. It is safe to say that, while many analysts love his teammate Sony Michel, Chubb may actually be the better player to come out of that backfield.

Final update: Nick Chubb ripped the Combine to shreds. – Best off-tackle runner in Yards Created history

– 84th percentile in Missed Tackles Forced

– 98th percentile SPARQ athlete Live blog: https://t.co/h8m3zGOqd4 — Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) March 2, 2018

A player who I haven’t scouted thoroughly yet is Florida State’s defensive end Josh Sweat. Sweat really opened some eyes this weekend. His measurables were off the charts. At 6’4, 251 pounds with 34 5/8 arm length, but he was able to show off a different area of his game.

On tape he looked like a player who is very good against the run, able to stack and hold the point of attack, but left a little to be desired in the pass rush portion of his game.

Ok, ok, I see you Josh Sweat… pic.twitter.com/KBVpbXpu7d — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) February 2, 2018

He’s a player that definitely is going to make analysts and scouts go back to check the tape to see if those raw measurables and athleticism or explosion were overlooked. His 4.53 forty-yard dash, defensive line-leading 39.5 vertical, and 1.55 10-yard split are remarkable.

Josh Sweat HT: 6-5

WT: 251 lbs.

Arms: 34 5/8”

40-yard: 4.53

10-yard: 1.55

Vert: 39.5”

Broad: 10’4”

SS: 4.28 Jadeveon Clowney HT: 6-5

WT: 266 lbs.

Arms: 34 1/2”

40: 4.53

10-yard: 1.56

Vert: 37.5”

Broad: 10’3”

SS: 4.43 — Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 4, 2018

Include me in that group that plans on taking closer look at him as I have only seen one game on him.

Ok, ok, I see you Josh Sweat… pic.twitter.com/KBVpbXpu7d — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) February 2, 2018

Please take a second to leave a review for Cover 1 | The Podcast. Leave your twitter handle for a chance to win Chris Brown's The Art of Smart Football book. A must read for every football fan. Thanks for all of the support!! Link: https://t.co/Msx7dN93Ia pic.twitter.com/6ynmtMJSfZ — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) March 1, 2018

Debunking the myth that there are no WR1s in the 2018 NFL Draft Class https://t.co/nwJL6XYWM4 #Bills #Billsmafia #GSN @Grandstand_SN — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) March 4, 2018

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