2017 NFL Combine: Best Performance in Each Drill

Now that the NFL Scouting Combine is over, we can take a look back at some of the most impressive performances in each drill from Indianapolis.

Scouts and fans of the NFL draft paid close attention to the NFL Scouting Combine this past weekend, and it was definitely one for the ages. There were some eye-opening performances from some big names, and even a record-breaking performance in the 40-yard dash.

A handful of prospects, including Connecticut's Obi Melifonwu and Wisconsin's T.J. Watt, were able to turn some heads in Indianapolis and have increased their draft stock in a big way. However, with over 300 prospects working out this weekend, let's take a look at the best overall performances in each drill.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

40-Yard Dash: John Ross (4.22 seconds)

There are few workouts that get as hyped up as the 40-yard dash, with people wondering every year whether or not someone can break Chris Johnson's record. Well, that record was finally broken this weekend by former Washington Huskies receiver John Ross.

Ross showcased blazing speed this past season for the Huskies, but people were still surprised by his 40-yard dash time of 4.22 seconds, breaking CJ2K's record.

The former Huskies receiver was already in the discussion as a first-round pick, but this performance definitely helped him solidify that status. He's an explosive deep threat who has drawn comparisons to the likes of DeSean Jackson and Tyreek Hill.

There are some concerns about Ross' injury history, but with blazing speed like this, teams are going to want to take a chance on him.

Honorable Mention: Jalen Myrick (4.28 seconds)

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Bench Press: Isaac Asiata and Carl Lawson (35 reps)

There was a tie at the top of the bench press performances from this weekend between former Utah offensive guard Isaac Asiata and Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson. Both players were probably thrilled with their respective results.

For an offensive lineman, Isaac Asiata's 35 reps on the bench weren't as impressive as Lawson's for a defensive end, but it still helped him stand out this weekend. Asiata is competing with the likes of Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp as the top offensive guard in this class. While he may not be the top guard prospect, that kind of strength will be hard to ignore.

As for Lawson, this was a great way for him to stand in a loaded class of edge rushers. He posted some strong numbers across the board, and while he's not the biggest prospect, his powerful build is what made him so dangerous in the SEC.

Lawson has gone in and out of the discussion as a first-round prospect, but him and his agent are hoping that this bench press performance will help his draft stock come April.

Honorable Mention: Forrest Lamp, Aviante Collins and Jermaine Eleumunor (34 reps)

Vertical Jump: Obi Melifonwu (44 inches)

There's something to be said about the athleticism of former Connecticut Huskies defensive backs. After Byron Jones took the NFL Scouting Combine by storm a couple of years ago, safety prospect Obi Melifonw showed up and showed out in Indianapolis this weekend.

At 44 inches on the vertical jump, Melifonwu took home the best vertical of anyone at the combine this year. That's even more impressive when you consider the fact that Melifonwu is quite large for a safety at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds.

After going relatively overlooked during the college football season, Melifonwu started generating a ton of buzz after looking awfully impressive at the Senior Bowl. His combination of size, athleticism and instincts makes him an imposing force on defense.

With that athleticism on display this weekend, Melifonwu is starting to generate a lot more buzz as a first or second-round prospect. That's even more impressive considering he's competing with guys like Jamal Adams, Malik Hooker, Budda Baker and Jabrill Peppers at the safety position.

Melifonwu may have had the best vertical, but that wasn't the only drill that he dominated this weekend.

Honorable Mention: Speedy Noil and Marcus Williams (43.5 inches)

Broad Jump: Obi Melifonwu (11 feet, 9 inches)

After posting the best numbers in the vertical and broad jumps, it's become abundantly clear that Melifonwu can jump out of the building. Not only was his broad jump the best of the weekend at 11 feet and nine inches, but it was far and away the leader, beating the next-best landing by five inches.

It was definitely an impressive number to put up in the broad jump, but it still came a handful of inches short from Byron Jones' record back in 2015. A couple of years ago, Jones actually set a world record with a 12-foot-3 broad jump.

We already talked about Melifonwu being a potential first-round pick because of these workout numbers, but it's about more than that. He's massive for a safety but still moves well enough to cover the entire field. He does a great job of breaking downhill and uses his size to make some big hits on ball carriers.

It's going to be interesting to see where Melifonwu lands, but what will be more interesting is if he can jump over names like Peppers and Baker and be drafted before them. Only time will tell, however, so we'll be keeping a close eye on the incredibly athletic safety prospect.

Honorable Mention: Robert Davis and Fabian Moreau (11 feet, 4 inches)

3-Cone Drill: Kevin King (6.56 seconds)

The Washington Huskies have two potential first-round defensive backs in Budda Baker and Sidney Jones in this year's draft. However, there was another DB coming out of Washington who took the combine by storm.

Washington's Kevin King was a beast on Monday, running a respectable 4.43 40-yard dash. However, where he really made his money was in the agility drills. His 3-cone drill time of 6.56 seconds helped him squeak by Stanford's Christian McCaffrey and Western Kentucky's Taywan Taylor for the best time in the drill.

For someone who comes in at 6-foot-3 as a cornerback, that was an awfully impressive number to post in the 3-cone drill.

Melifonwu wasn't the only prospect to dominate the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend, however, because King was also able to take the best performance in two different drills.

Honorable Mention: Christian McCaffrey and Taywan Taylor (6.57 seconds)

20-Yard Shuttle: Kevin King (3.89 seconds)

King may have squeaked by a couple of other prospects and had the best 3-cone drill performance by 1/100th of a second, but he was able to dominate the 20-yard shuttle by a much wider margin.

The Washington defensive back's 20-yard shuttle time of 3.89 seconds was .05 seconds better than the next best finish during the weekend. It makes sense that King did so well in the shuttle since he finished at the top of the 3-cone drill, as they both measure a prospect's agility.

What all does this mean for King's draft stock? It's definitely a positive sign, and should help him move into the discussion as a potential second or third-round pick based off of size and athleticism alone. Washington quietly had one of the most impressive secondaries this season, and King was the most overlooked prospect in that group.

He's probably not going to be a first-round pick, but King still made himself a lot of money in Indianapolis this weekend.

Honorable Mention: Howard Wilson (3.94 seconds)

60-Yard Shuttle: Shelton Gibson (10.71 seconds)

The 60-yard shuttle isn't the most popular drill for fans and scouts, but don't tell West Virginia's Shelton Gibson that, because he crushed the rest of the competition in the drill.

Gibson showed off his long-distance speed in the 60-yard shuttle, clocking in at 10.71 seconds. The next closest performance didn't come close, with Christian McCaffrey clocking in at 11.03 seconds.

Although Gibson isn't the biggest name at the wide receiver position in this draft, he put his name on the map in September when he dropped 171 yards and two touchdowns on just six receptions against Youngstown State. He finished the season with 43 catches for 951 yards and eight touchdowns.

Gibson didn't have the best 40-yard dash (4.5 seconds) or vertical jump (32 inches), but he graded out really well in the agility drills, and he's hoping that those will help him improve his draft stock heading into the draft in April.

Honorable Mention: Christian McCaffrey (11.03 seconds)

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