2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Biggest Winners from Day 1

See who put on a show during the first day of workouts at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Biggest Winners from Day 1
2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Biggest Winners from Day 1 /

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has technically been underway since Monday, but the real action finally kicked off Thursday, as on-field workouts and drills began from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Linebackers and defensive linemen were the first groups to take part in workouts, and plenty of this year's top prospects made the most of their chance to shine in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers, with a national audience watching on NFL Network.

Here are our picks for the biggest winners from Thursday's action:

DL Braden Fiske, Florida State

After a strong week at the Senior Bowl, Fiske is keeping his draft stock moving in the right direction with a huge combine performance, putting up some ridiculous numbers for an interior defensive lineman of his size.

Fiske was already widely regarded as a potential Day 2 pick coming into this week, but his performance could have him knocking on the door of the first-round conversation.

EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State

The film already told us that Robinson was arguably the most explosive edge rusher in this year's class, and his performance during Thursday's workouts back up that assessment.

There's still some room for improvement in Robinson's game when it comes to defending the run, but his athleticism, explosiveness, and pass-rushing technique should make him a first-round lock and a potential top-15 pick.

LB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State

Wilson was one of the prospects many were excited to see perform Thursday, and the three-down playmaker didn't disappoint.Β 

Wilson's injury history will still be a sticking point for some teams, but it's clear that when he's healthy, he's one of the most athletic defensive prospects in this entire class.

EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner came into the week as the top edge defender in the class for many, and he proved worthy of those projections with the incredible numbers he put up during Thursday's on-field drills.

Turner made the most of his first year as a full-time starter, putting up strong numbers for the Crimson Tide this season. His athleticism and production could easily make him the first edge rusher off the board, maybe even in the top 10.

Best of the Rest

DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

EDGE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

DL Mekhi Wingo, LSU

LB Kalen DeLoach, Florida State


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Luke Easterling
LUKE EASTERLING

Luke Easterling (he/him) has been covering college football and the NFL for more than two decades, with a particular focus on the nexus of both, the NFL Draft. Writing for some of the largest and most recognizable brands in sports media, Luke's experience and expertise in evaluating potential NFL prospects and evaluating team needs/fits has earned the appreciation of his readers, and the respect of his peers. Luke cut his sports journalism teeth at The Tampa Tribune before spending two years at Bleacher Report as a featured columnist covering the NFL Draft and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luke then spent nearly seven years at USA TODAY Sports Media Group as editor of Draft Wire and Bucs Wire, building both into authoritative destination sites for their respective audiences. Now at The Arena Group, Luke covers the NFL and college football for Athlon Sports, and runs Sports Illustrated's FanNation site for the NFL Draft. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Luke has been a featured guest on ESPN Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Fox Sports Radio, SiriusXM and more.Β  Based in Tampa, Florida (the true home of the Cuban sandwich), Luke plays the drums, loves 2000s pop-punk, watches way too many British murder mystery shows, and channels the energy of his deep-south Grammy and his full-Italian Nana in the kitchen. Twitter: @lukeeasterling Email: luke.easterling@si.com