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Hawkeyes Finish Strong at the NFL Combine

Story by Justin Stallman

Iowa City, Iowa – Five of our very own Hawkeyes had the once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at this years NFL Scouting Combine. Here’s a quick summary of the how the former Hawks performed:

    • Akrum Wadley got the chance to show his speed and elusiveness, posting a 4.54 in the 40 yard dash. Mike Mayock gave Wadley some praise for his playmaking ability, but all in all he doesn’t see Akrum being more than a 3rd down back. Let’s hope Akrum can prove Mayock wrong.
    • Josey Jewell may not have wowed scouts on his 40 yard dash time (4.83), but he still proved that his football IQ and work ethic is off the charts. Some scouts say he would work best in a zone-scheme defense, he can read the QB’s eyes well and gets in the throwing lane. Jewell is projected as a 3rd to 4th round pick. He was also compared to former Wisconsin Badger and 49ers standout, Chris Borland. Unfortunately for Borland, his career only lasted a single NFL season as he wanted to avoid future head injuries, retiring from football after his rookie season in 2014.
    • Josh Jackson put his talents on display today. He’s making a case for himself to be a top 10 pick in the draft. Jackson originally posted a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash, but that time was later downgraded to a 4.56. Jackson is currently Mike Mayocks #2 rated CB on the draft board.
    • James Daniels surprised a lot of important people with his performance at the combine.  Daniels shined in the mirror drill. However, he didn’t get the chance to run the 40 yard dash due to a hamstring injury. Mike Mayock noted that Daniels has “textbook” footwork and hand placement.
    • Finally, Sean Welsh also had the chance to show scouts what he has to offer at the next level. His numbers didn’t exactly wow anyone, but then again I don’t think anyone expected them to. Welsh’s strength has always been his demeanor, character, and work ethic. He is the epitome of a team player, and he’s a solid all around offensive lineman. Welsh ran a 5.43 40 yard dash, did 20 reps of 225 lbs in the bench press and had a 25 inch vertical jump and a 103 inch broad jump. His numbers put him in the middle of the pack of offensive lineman heading into the draft.

The combine is officially over, and with that our coverage is as well. Be sure to tune into the NFL Draft that goes from April 26th to April 28th to find out where these former Hawkeyes end up.

 

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