The most exciting day from a fan perspective at the annual NFL combine is when the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers take the field for on-field workouts.
At the 2024 NFL combine, some excitement was lessened when top quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels chose not to participate in workouts or throwing sessions.
There was also the talk that this year’s running back class wasn’t deep, while the wide receivers were again a deep group.
The receivers did put on a show on Saturday. So did the running backs. The Washington Commanders need a quarterback and another wide receiver. Washington could also use a change-of-pace, third-down back.
So, what stood out from Saturday’s workouts?
Here are six takeaways from the QBs, WRs and RBs on Saturday.
What a day for the Texas wide receiver duo
On Friday, Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders took the field for on-field drills. On Saturday, it was the turn of his teammates, wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy.
These boys can fly.
Worthy set a new NFL combine record in the 40-yard dash with a blistering time of 4.21 seconds, breaking John Ross’ record. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound Mitchell came in under Worthy with a ridiculous 4.34-second 40. Before you call this duo workout warriors, let’s remind you they can play. The duo combined for 130 receptions for 1,859 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023. Worthy also put up impressive numbers in the vertical and broad jumps, too.
Can both land in the first round?
The simulcam you've been waiting for.
Xavier Worthy tops John Ross' 40-yard dash record with a 4.21
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ump5lW7aB6— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
Georgia WR Ladd McConkey keeps putting a show
You want a dominant slot receiver for the next decade or possibly longer? Georgia’s Ladd McConkey is your guy. A productive college player known for elite route running and hands, McConkey measured in at 6-foot-0 and ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds. McConkey has been viewed as a second-round pick since the Senior Bowl, but it’s difficult to imagine he doesn’t make it into the bottom half of the first round.
Forget the 40 and college production for a moment and just watch this from McConkey:
Ladd McConkey's gauntlet 🤌 pic.twitter.com/Xa4CeoxNFl
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 2, 2024
Watch out for Xavier Legette
South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette measured 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, and ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds. That’s super impressive. Legette didn’t have a lot of production over his first four college seasons but broke out with 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. That’s a sign that his best football is ahead of him. How high will he be drafted? The Commanders need a bigger wide receiver, and Leggette is an intriguing option on Day 2 of the draft.
Check out this comparison:
I can't look at Xavier Legette and not see AJ Brown (from a body type standpoint)
Legette actually ran .10 seconds faster in the 40 at 6-1, 221 compared to 6-0, 226.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 2, 2024
LSU's Brian Thomas could go in the top 15
While Malik Nabers is considered the top LSU wide receiver (it’s closer than you think), Brian Thomas is right behind him. Nabers didn’t work out on Saturday and didn’t need to, as he is going in the top 10. Thomas did, and that proved to be good news for him. Measuring in at just under 6-foot-3 and weighing 209 pounds, Thomas ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds and posted impressive numbers in the vertical and broad jumps. He also met with the Commanders in Indianapolis.
As we said with Leggette, Washington needs a big wide receiver. Of course, the Commanders would need to move down in the first round to land Thomas because there’s no chance he’s falling to the second round. He may even land in the top 15.
LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. told reporters he met with the Commanders in Indy.
"Just the coaching staff I would say stood out to me a lot. It would be great to build a new team, just building how the organization wants the team to be now."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) March 1, 2024
Spencer Rattler has risen up boards since the Senior Bowl
When top prospects chose not to throw, someone was going to stand out. Multiple quarterbacks had impressive moments, but the day’s winner was South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler. Nothing stands out physically about Rattler, as he stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 211 pounds.
While Rattler is behind Daniels, Maye, Williams, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix and J.J. McCarthy, he’s universally viewed as the next best in the QB class. That could land him in the third round. Rattler has an impressive arm strength and velocity. What helps Rattler is whichever team that drafts him, he’s not going to have the pressure of starting early in his career. He can sit and develop. Rattler is an intriguing prospect and is taking advantage of every opportunity he’s been provided.
"Talking to everybody here, all the scouts, Spencer Rattler is their favorite mid-round QB" – @MoveTheSticks
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 2, 2024
Is Jaylen Wright the back the Commanders need?
We’ve been told this isn’t a good running back class. However, there are several good backs in this class; there just isn’t anyone like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs.
One running back who stood out on Saturday was Jaylen Wright of Tennessee. He measured in at 5-foot-10 and a solid 210 pounds. Wright is only 20 years old and improved in each of his three seasons in Knoxville. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2023 and also caught 22 passes.
Wright ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds (2nd among RBs), posted the largest broad jump of all running backs, and also had the fourth-highest vertical jump. He was excellent in the on-field drills and that acceleration is something.
Player tracking data at the combine unlocks the ability to measure explosiveness during the forty.
Jaylen Wright (@Vol_Football) is the first running back to reach 15 mph within the first five yards of the 40-yard dash over the last two combines.#NFLCombine x @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/m9S2Xxnp2O
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 2, 2024
The best is yet to come for Wright who will be a better pro than college player. His stock is on the rise.
