Yesterday, Luke Inman wrote about players with the most to gain or lose from the weigh-in, where talent on the field clashes directly with the thresholds teams have established for particular positions.
At the end of the day, play on the field will determine success, but traits can help determine NFL-level play just as well as college play. Lance Zierlein had an excellent piece as to why that’s the case in the context of Jourdan Lewis.
To some extent, length, height and weight will play a big role. Who among the players we identified ended up helping their case?
Zach Banner, Offensive Tackle USC
Banner was looking to come in below 375 pounds and decided not to declare last year in order to prove to NFL teams that he could consistently keep his weight below 400 pounds. He came in at 361 pounds, so he at least proved he could find a manageable level of weight. His measurements otherwise are impressive; a 6’8″ tackle with an enormous wingspan, Banner might be the clay a team might covet in order to develop as a long-term solution on the right side.
Forrest Lamp, Offensive Guard, Western Kentucky
Lamp was an astounding left tackle for Western Kentucky but questions about his height and length have had most project him to guard. For most teams to give him a chance at tackle, he’d have to have an arm length longer than 32″ at the minimum while staying true to his listed 6’4″ height. Unfortunately for Lamp, his arms came in at 31 7/8″ and he measured 6’3 3/4″ tall. It’s unlikely any team keeps him at tackle—he’ll have to take his impressive footwork to the inside.
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Defensive End, Villanova
Kpassagnon was one of the few players whose appearance drew whispers among the crowd. A likely result of a combination of his small-school pedigree and impressive frame, Kpassagnon measured in at 6’6 7/8″ inches tall, with a wingspan of 84 4/8″ and an arm length 34 7/8″ arms. He looked cut at 280 pounds and may entice a few front offices to develop him.
Mike Roberts, Tight End, Toledo
Roberts is a guy that Inman and I both appreciated while watching his teammate, Kareem Hunt. We didn’t see him in passing situations, but as a blocking tight end, he was impressive. It turns out, he did well as a receiver at the Shrine game. His height and weight serve as a counterbalance to an extremely impressive but undersized tight end class here at the Senior Bowl, and he may be able to distinguish himself. At 6’4 3/8″ and 261 pounds, he’s likely the best example of a prototypical tight end and teams may prefer him to receiving threats like 6’2 3/4″ 245 lb. Jonnu Smith, 6’3 1/8″ 236 lb. Evan Engram and 6’2 3/4″ 227 lb. Gerald Everett.
Damontae Kazee, Cornerback San Diego St.
The Senior Bowl is filled with shorter cornerbacks, so if one of the more productive ones stands out and surprises with unexpected length or height, they may be able to move up a few rounds. Unfortunately, the 5’10 1/4″ Kazee didn’t fit the bill.
There were other winners, too. Just as there are few taller cornerbacks, there aren’t many tall receivers. There aren’t many prototypical receivers; Travin Dural might be one of the only ones with standard height (6’1″) and weight (206 pounds). Amara Darboh (6’1 3/4″, 215) and Zay Jones (6’1 7/8″, 202 pounds) also fit the mold, while Cooper Kupp (6’1 1/2″, 198 pounds) is pretty close as well.
The taller Josh Reynolds (6’2 3/4″) only weighs 187 pounds, and Jamari Staples (6’3″) is just as thin (190 pounds). When Jalen Robinette returns from his school obligations, he may fit the bill as a taller receiver with some muscle to match—but for now, we’re missing his measurements.
Two defensive backs also stood out. The only taller cornerback was 6’2″ Rasul Douglas, who also had 32 1/8″ arms and weighed 204 pounds. He represents the mold of cornerbacks that have become popular since the Seahawks made use of the model on the way to two Super Bowls and a ring.
At safety, Obi Melifonwu grabbed attention.
If he displays fluidity, speed and play recognition, he could rise up draft boards in a stacked safety class.
The FBS record-holder in rushing, Donell Pumphrey, had been cast as a complementary back in the NFL, even with some wondering if he should switch to playing in the slot. It’s almost an absurd question, but his size may make him untenable as a reliable running back. But if he showed up to the weigh-in at something above 190 pounds (which no one would have reasonably expected), teams would consider it. Instead, he weighed 169 pounds and measured 5’8 1/4″ tall.
