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