2024 NFL Combine Winners and Losers - Day One

The 2024 draft combine is upon us, and if it feels like football never ends… you are correct. 321 young men have made their way out to Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis to interview for their dream jobs. Just like in every aspect of life, some guys shine in their interviews and some struggle to show their full potential. 

Here is a list of winners and losers from day one of the scouting combine (DL/LB):

Winners

Florida State - defensive tackle, Braden Fiske

Braden Fiske made himself some money over the past several weeks. Using his momentum from a very productive Senior Bowl week, Fiske ran an outstanding 4.78 40 yard dash and also had a vertical of 33 ½ inches and a 9-foot-9 broad jump. Fiske is now considered a serious candidate to be drafted in the late first to early 2nd round and possibly becoming the first defensive tackle off the board.

Alabama - linebacker, Dallas Turner

Dallas Turner was a star at the combine and solidified his standing as the #1 linebacker in the draft. He ran a 4.46 40 yard dash and jumped an outstanding 40 ½ inches in the vertical jump. Turner could go as high as the top-10 in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Texas - defensive tackle, Byron Murphy

Byron Murphy came into the combine listed as a top 3 defensive tackle and after his performance, he has possibly earned a first round grade. At 297 pounds, he ran an impressive 4.87 40 and was smooth in his movements during agility drills. 

N.C. State - linebacker, Payton Wilson

Wilson was the fastest runner of the day, running a 4.43 40 and was quick to let the NFL brass know he is in great shape and that there should be no injury concerns. Though Draft Nation thinks that some teams will still question his injury history, Wilson should land in the mid-late 2nd round and definitely be off the board by the end of day 2.

Losers

Illinois - defensive tackle, Jer’Zhan Newton

Newton entered draft season as the #1 defensive tackle on the board, but after not performing in any drills or running the 40, he opened up the door for Braden Fiske and Byron Murphy. His measurements may be concerning as he has one of the shortest wingspans of any defensive lineman. There is a lot riding on his pro day if he wants to show he still belongs in round 1.

Kansas - Edge rusher, Austin Booker

Booker weighed in at only 240 lbs., and his 4.80-second 40-yard dash was near the bottom for edge rushers. The momentum that he'd built up was quietly put to a halt. He appears to be locked into a mid-round draft pick. 

Ohio State - linebacker, Tommy Eichenberg

Eichenberg was one of several linebackers who did not work out at the combine (Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Junior Colson, Jaylan Ford and Ty’Ron Hopper among others). After a disappointing season in Columbus last season, a lot of teams were anxious to see how Eichenberg performed in his testing. He has a lot to prove to teams before he can be considered a solid day 2 prospect.