The NFL’s Scouting Combine came to its conclusion on Monday with what is often the most exciting day when defensive backs scorch the 40 yard dash and light up the individual drills. Plenty of memorable performances have been produced by corners and safeties over the years with Deion Sanders and Darrell Green being the two that come to mind first. As electric as these two guys were in workouts, their NFL careers were just as spectacular and Monday’s drills had potential to create some storylines of their own.

Bad news first and leading the way is Florida Gators cornerback Joe Haden who really presented some unexpected questions to scouts after clocking in at 4.58 seconds for the 40 yard dash. Haden is by far this year’s most highly rated corner, but this time will give scouts warranted pause as to just where he falls in terms of overall value. Although on tape Haden shows solid speed rarely getting beaten deep during game action, the jump to the NFL where he will be up against the best of the best raises questions about covering the deep routes. Although he remains the top corner, the gap appears to be narrowing between he and the field and his pro day will be really important for him to solidify his draft status.

On the opposite side of the coin is another SEC junior opting to enter the draft a year early in Tennessee Volunteers safety Eric Berry. As expected, Berry looked outstanding in virtually every drill showcasing total fluidity in his movement really turning his hips in and out of his breaks in individual drills. His 4.47 time in the 40 yard dash shows his closing speed on plays and gives scouts an idea of just how versatile he will be at next level with the potential to even move out to corner if necessary. At 6’0” 211lbs. Berry produced an astounding 43-inch vertical leap to lead the safeties in that category. His performance all but assured his status as a top 5 selection come April’s draft.

The scouting will continue for NFL teams as they evaluate what they have seen in workouts in combination with what has already been seen on film from these potential NFL stars. Pro days will be going on throughout the month of March and individual team workouts will take place after that depending on which franchises are interested in any particular prospects. Needless to say, the talent evaluation portion of the draft process is only getting started so stay tuned for new developments in the days and weeks leading up to the draft itself on April 22nd.

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