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2017 NFL Combine: Biggest Winners and Losers

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:03 a.m. ET

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Fansided, Jerran Anderson/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

Well the NFL Combine has come and gone. Here's a look at some of the winners and losers as we approach the NFL Draft on April 27.

Well the NFL Combine is over and done with. This year's draft class was full of talent and it showed in a variety of ways.

Washington wide receiver John Ross broke Chris Johnson's 40-yard dash record by running the drill in 4.22 seconds. Defensive end Myles Garrett showed why he's head-and-shoulders above the rest of the class. And Jabrill Peppers worked out with both the linebackers and safety/defensive backs groups, showing off his versatility.

Peppers ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash with the linebackers group, the fastest of any linebacker. He also did 19 reps on the bench press and posted a vertical of 35.5 inches. His broad jump of 10-foot-8 tied for the best with Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt.

The NFL Combine was a very interesting one to say the least. The top running backs didn't run the fastest 40 time, T.J. Logan, out of North Carolina did, running a 4.37 40-yard dash. However, Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine and Dalvin Cook showed off their strength in the bench press.

Perine benched 30 reps on the bench, most by any running back, while Cook finished tied in fourth with 22 reps. Perine didn't do too hot in the 40-yard dash, running a time of 4.65 seconds. Cook still ran a 4.46 40 but he was no T.J. Logan.

Here's a look at the 2017 NFL Combine Winners and Losers. One big thing to remember for the losers is they will all have a chance to redeem themselves at their respective Pro Days.

Losers

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

LB Reuben Foster, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster was inexplicably sent home early during the NFL Combine on Day 2. Foster, an All-American selection and Butkus Award winner in 2016, was sent back to Tuscaloosa after an altercation with a hospital worker. It was a bizarre situation to say the least.

Foster led the Crimson Tide in tackles last season with 115 and was set to show off his skills in the NFL Combine. However, he never made it passed the pre-exam portion of things.

Foster has since apologized for his role in things. In fact, he's reportedly sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams and invited teams to meet with him on March 7 at the University of Alabama.

Foster still has a chance to redeem himself at Alabama's Pro Day. It is scheduled for March 8. As a projected top-10 pick, he'll need to do well to prove the altercation really was just a miscommunication.

Nov 19, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman (33) jumps over Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Mike Lee (11) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Rohman-USA TODAY Sports

RB D'Onta Foreman, Texas

Former Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman had a strong 2016 season, entering his name early in this year's NFL Draft. He entered the NFL Combine However, during the pre-exam portion of the combine, NFL doctors found a small stress fracture in his foot. He did manage to rep 19 reps on the bench press, but he was held out of drills the next day.

The junior running back ran for 2,028 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns last season at Texas. He won the Doak Walker Award after leading the Big 12 in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He was also second in the FBS in rushing yards.

Foreman is still expected to workout at the Longhorns Pro Day, which is scheduled for March 28. Considering he was held out of combine drills for precautionary reasons, he should be able to show scouts he is healthy then.

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) is chase down by Washington State Cougars linebacker Dylan Hanser (33) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington

Former Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp is an FCS wide receiver who was expected to turn heads at the NFL Combine. Kupp was the 2015 and 2016 FCS Offensive Player of the Year, winning the award in back-to-back years and his career was full of record-breaking numbers.

In four years with the Eastern Washington Eagles, Kupp caught 428 passes for 6,464 receiving yards for 73 touchdowns. Each of Kupp's statistic are an FCS record.  In 2016, he caught 117 passes for 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.

However, at the NFL Combine, Kupp was unable to account for much of these numbers. The 6-foot-2 and 198-pound wide receiver ran a subpar 4.62 40-yard dash. His time ranked near the bottom of the pack in regards to other wide receivers.

With so many expectations entering the combine, Kupp was expected to show his athleticism after his career at Eastern Washington. But with his 40 time, it leaves scouts questioning if he can compete against NFL-level cornerbacks.

Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

CB Teez Tabor, Florida

Cornerback Teez Tabor entered the NFL Combine with a lot of hype. He had a stellar career with the Florida Gators and entered his name early into the NFL Draft.

At Florida, he racked up 104 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, eight interceptions and three interception returns for touchdowns. He ranked top-five in the SEC in interceptions in 2015 and 2016, becoming one of the most-fear corners in the conference.

However, at the combine, Tabor ran one of the third-worst times in the 40-yard dash at 4.62 seconds. While a lot of scouts questioned his ability, Tabor did little to silence his critics. The 6-foot and 201-pound cornerback bench pressed 225 pounds nine times. He ranked at the bottom in the bench press as well.

With so much hype, Tabor flopped with his performance. He has an opportunity to bounce back at Florida's Pro Day. Scouts compared his performance to that of Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden. Haden had a disappointing NFL Combine back in 2010 when he ran a 4.57 and 4.60 40-yard dash.

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah offensive lineman Isaac Asiata speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Winners

OG Isaac Asiata, Utah

Former Utah Utes offensive guard Isaac Asiata turned heads at the NFL Combine as one of the better lineman there. Asiata bench pressed 225 pounds a combine-high 35 reps along with former Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson.

Asiata was a four-year starter while at Utah, starting in 43 games. He started 39-straight games before his career ended. He was a second team All-Pac 12 selection last season. The 6-foot-3, 323-pound lineman won the Pac-12's Morris Award, an award voted on by the conference's starting defensive linemen.

Asiata was expected to turn heads in this year's Senior Bowl. But he left early with a hamstring injury. At the combine, he really wowed with his strength and agility in drills. 

Nov 19, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) runs after his first quarter catch against the Navy Midshipmen at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Navy defeated East Carolina 66-31. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

WR Zay Jones, East Carolina

Former East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones had quite the career, setting a number of records in his wake. Jones set new FBS records with 399 career receptions and the single-season record with 158 catches in 2016. He caught 1,746 receiving yards for eight touchdowns for the Pirates last season.

In the Senior Bowl, Jones caught six passes for 68 receiving yards and six touchdowns. To top off that performance, Jones ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His 11'1″ broad jump was third-best among the wide receiver group. His 20-yard shuttle 4.01 seconds and 60-yard shuttle time of 11.17 seconds were both top-five finishes.

Jones was able to show scouts his ability at the combine. The 6-foot-2, 201-pound prospect certainly rose his draft stock with his performance. He also posted a vertical jump a 36.5 inches, tied for ninth best among wideouts.

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

WR John Ross, Washington

Former Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross had a chance to display his speed and quickness at the NFL Combine. Ross returned from injury in 2015 to catch 81 passes for 1,150 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns for the Huskies' high-powered offense in 2016.

In the kickoff return game, Ross return 17 kickoffs for 411 yards and a touchdown. In 2014, he returned 38 kickoffs for 938 yards and two touchdowns. His speed in the open field is something to marvel at.

With his 40-yard dash time, scouts now have taken notice of Ross' speed and quickness. He also jumped 37.0 inches in the vertical jump test, but a calf injury held him out of others drill. Despite his calf injury, he certainly showed scouts he can do more than just catch passes on offense.

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

OLB Haason Reddick, Temple

Former Temple Owls linebacker Haason Reddick had quite the story entering the NFL Combine. He was a key on the Temple Owls' defense last season, as they won the American Athletic Conference Championship. He began his career a walk-on to the Owls' football team, but finishes at a much better position entering the 2017 NFL Draft.

Reddick ran the best 40-yard dash time among all the defensive linemen at 4.52 seconds. His broad jump of 11-foot-1 was also the best among defensive linemen and a new record. He had the third-best vertical jump at 36.5 inches as well.

The former walk-on recorded 65 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, an interception and a fumble recovery. He led the team in sacks and was third in the FBS in tackles for loss.

The first team All-AAC selection entered the NFL Combine under the radar. But with a good combine performance, he jumped up a lot of draft boards. At 6-foot-2 and 237 pounds, Reddick has the size to move to possible move outside linebacker at the next level. Look for his name to climb up the ranks as the NFL Draft approaches.

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Former Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Myles Garrett entered this year's NFL Combine taking on a lot of criticism. Many critics point to his production in 2016, where he posted just 33 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. However, in 2016, Garrett played much of the year hurt. He played just 10 games.

Looking at his production in 2015, Garrett totaled 59 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two pass deflections and an interception.Back then, he was first in the SEC in both tackles for loss and fumbles forced. It looked like Garrett was back to his old self at the combine.

If anything Garrett solidified himself as the number one overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He had a 41.0 inch vertical, first among defensive ends. Garrett had the second-best broad jump with 10'8″ among defensive linemen. His 40-yard dash time of 4.64 was tied for fifth-best among defensive linemen. He also bench pressed 225 pounds for 33 reps, second-best among defensive linemen.

Garrett was head and shoulders above the rest of the defensive linemen. At 6-foot-4, 272 pounds, his 40-yard dash time showed his quickness and agility as a top defender from the SEC. He looks healthy now and certainly put any worry or doubt over injury to rest.

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