How the current Patriots performed at the NFL Combine
Tom Brady’s lackluster performance at the 2000 NFL Scouting Combine remains a fond memory for Patriots fans. It might have taken 5.28 seconds for the then 22 year-old to dash 40 yards, but that number was soon eclipsed by more important stats as Brady raced to three Super Bowl rings in his first five seasons.
The 2018 edition of the Combine kicks off Friday as teams track workouts by running backs, offensive line, place kickers, and special teams players. While Bill Belichick is in Indianapolis, Josh McDaniels and Linda Holliday are not.
Here are some notable Combine performances from current Patriots:
40-yard dash
The aforementioned Brady sprint steals the show here. The four-time Super Bowl MVP clocks in almost a full second behind the record 40-time for a quarterback (Reggie McNeal, 4:35). Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch, who tips the scales at 350 pounds, edged out Brady by finishing in 5.07 seconds.
Tom Brady then: Just a QB from @UMichFootball trying to impress scouts at the #NFLCombine.
Tom Brady now: 💍💍💍💍💍📺: 2018 NFL Combine: March 2-5 on @NFLNetwork https://t.co/PhTMJeZfvi
— NFL (@NFL) February 24, 2018
John Ross holds the NFL record in the straightaway sprint, 4.22 seconds, which he set in 2017 before being drafted ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. Brandin Cooks, who ran track at Oregon State, had the fastest 40-yard dash of anyone on the current New England roster. Footage of the wide receiver’s 2014 workout looks like it’s playing in fast forward as he crosses the line in 4.33 seconds.
Brandin Cooks haciendo su mejor esfuerzo durante el NFL Scouting Combine hace unos años pic.twitter.com/yZZH7L7Xmf
— NFL México (@nflmx) February 3, 2018
Bench press
Unsurprisingly, the linemen dominate this category. Branch and offensive lineman Marcus Cannon are tied for the team lead with 33 reps each. Long snapper Joe Cardona isn’t far behind as he put up 225 pounds 30 times in 2015. On the other end of the spectrum, special teams specialist Matthew Slater had 11 reps and cornerback Cyrus Jones raised the bar 10 times. The NFL record for the bench press, an absurd 49 reps, was set in 2011 by Stephen Paea.
Vertical jump
Brady’s backup, Brian Hoyer, beat him in this category by leaping 32 inches off the ground. Brady’s 24.5 inches was good enough to beat one teammate, offensive lineman Cameron Fleming’s 23.5 inches. The best vertical on the New England roster, 40 inches, came from Slater. Chris Conley and Donald Washington are tied for the NFL record with 45 inches.
Three-cone drill
Belichick’s appreciation for the three-cone drill is well-documented, even if he once said it relies on “ideal conditions, ideal start, nobody lining up across from you, nobody hitting you when you try to release and run ’em, nobody hitting you at the finish line, nothing to think about, no play, no snap count, no defense, no offensive adjustments, no anything.” Stephon Gilmore takes top place on the Patriots roster in the category, which might explain his five-year, $65 million contract.
#Makethemlisten #2012 #10thoverall this was only the beginning 💯 pic.twitter.com/BKln0kFaTl
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) March 2, 2018
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