Three Former Maryland Terrapins invited to the NFL Combine
The NFL Combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium at Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday, February 23rd.
It is a week-long event that will last until March 2nd, giving many top NFL prospects an opportunity to showcase their physical skills. Scouts from all 32 NFL teams, including coaches and general managers, will be there to not only watch the players performance but will also try to get to know them through their interviews.
Maryland has three pro prospects that have been invited to the combine and have a strong chance to get drafted this April.
Antoine Brooks Jr - Safety
Brooks (5-11 216lbs) was arguably the Terrapins' best player this past season. He was the best safety in college football at stopping the run, tied for the highest grade (90.8) by Pro Football Focus.
Highest-graded safeties in run-defense:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 19, 2020
1. Antoine Brooks Jr. - 90.8
2. Alvin Davis Jr. - 90.8
3. Garrett Taylor - 90.2 pic.twitter.com/NhgJB7IqO5
He has demonstrated great football instincts and has high football IQ. In his four years at Maryland, Brooks finished with 237 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four interceptions, and nine passes deflections. He is projected as a late day two to early day three pick.
Javon Leake - Running Back
Leake (6-0 206lbs) is coming off his best season as a Terrapin. He finished the 2019 season with 102 carries, 736 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns. He was arguably the best return specialist in college football with 30 returns, 804 kick return yards, and two touchdowns.
Although Leake has been projected in many mock drafts to be a late day three pick, he will have an opportunity to improve his stock through the combine. Leake has good size, speed, and is a talented back who would immediately improve any special teams unit.
The draft might be a couple months away, but he has an idea of where he wants to play.
"I'm a Baltimore Ravens fan. That's my favorite NFL team. I grew up watching Ray Lewis, so that's always been my favorite team," he said in an appearance on IMS Radio. "That would be pretty cool actually."
Anthony McFarland Jr - Running Back
McFarland (5-9 198lbs) has played a lot bigger than his size the past two seasons at Maryland. In his freshman year, he has 131 carries, 1,034 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. He followed up an impressive rookie year with 614 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
He is projected as a late day three pick or a priority free agent.
