The NFL Combine is over, and the prospects in attendance all had their chances to show off their abilities to all 32 NFL teams. While the drills generate a ton of buzz, the medical and interview processes are just as important. Every year, several players struggle at the Combine and fall in the NFL Draft because of their efforts. This year was no different.
Plenty of players had less than stellar combines and hurt their stock slight, but missed on out on this list. This list is only for those players who hurt their stock in a major way. On the bright side, all of these players could help their stock at their Pro Days. With that in mind, here are five players whose draft stock fell thanks to their poor efforts at the combine.
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
No player had a worse NFL Combine than Smith, who didn't even work out because of a knee injury he suffered at the end of last season. Unfortunately Smith, the knee injury could cost him all of 2016.
Difficult day for #NotreDame LB Jaylon Smith, who had his medicals. Ankle & knee nerve issues, teams believe he's out for 2016 -- at least
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2016
The major question now is how far Smith will far in the NFL Draft. He's an incredible talent and could have been a Top 5 selection if he were healthy. But that injury could cause teams to take him off their board entirely. Nerve damage is a serious issue and it could cause his draft stock to take a major hit. But, if he can regain his previous form, Smith could be a Patrick Willis type player.
De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Wilson checks in at 6-foot-5, 224-pounds. He was never expected to wow anyone with his 40 time, as he's not a fast player. But Wilson failed to meet the lowest of expectations with his 4.85 40 time, the worst of any WR. That time was slower than 13 different defensive linemen. Wilson also posted the worst vertical jump among WRs. Wilson has great size, but the combine confirmed he lacks speed and jumping ability. His NFL ceiling is likely very limited.
Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona Wildcats
Wright was a productive, tackling machine when healthy. He hoped to show his way more athletic than his tape indicated, but Wright posted a poor 4.90 40 time. That was one of the worst 40 times among linebackers and Wright didn't look great in drills either. The undersized Wright can still carve out an NFL career because of his instincts and nose for the ball, but his combine effort only hurt his draft stock.
Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma Sooners
At 5-foot-11, 227-pounds, Striker is built more like a safety than a pass rushing linebacker. Because of his size, Striker needed to show he's athletic and fast enough to make it as an edge rusher. That wasn't the case at the Combine, as Striker posted a disappointing 4.80 40 time and was among the worst at three-cone drill. Short and slow does not cut it in the NFL.
Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jones has very little tape from his time at Ohio State, which means NFL teams value every chance they get to watch him through. However, Jones was unable to throw at the combine because he pulled his hamstring during his second 40-yard dash. Jones needed a chance to look sharp during drills, but didn't get that chance. Jones looked great during Ohio State's national title run, but struggled in run-based offense this year. Jones' Pro Day is going to have even more value now.
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