NFL Scouting Combine: 5 Prospects needing to pass athletic tests

The NFL Scouting Combine begins this week with a plethora of prospects going under the spotlight. Here we look at five who need to shine athletically.

The value of the athletic testing at the NFL Scouting Combine is often an area of intense debate.

It is the tape that matters most in the eyes of the vast majority. However, in a league where teams are getting faster and spread concepts are on the rise, athleticism has arguably never been more important.

For those players in the first and second-round conversation, a strong athletic performance in Indianapolis can have a significant bearing on draft position.

Indeed, fast times and explosive leaps can be the difference between a prospect going early and experiencing a long wait. Here we look at five players who stand to gain significantly from outstanding athletic performances at the Combine this week.

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

There is no doubting the production of Epenesa, who followed up 10.5 sacks in 2018 with 11.5 in 2019.

What the Hawkeye pass rusher appears to be lacking, however, is burst and bend off the edge.

As a result, the 40-yard dash, specifically the 10-yard split, and the agility drills could have a significant impact on where he is selected.

If he aces them, teams eyeing help off the edge may lock him near the top of their boards.

Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

Kmet is a prospect that has provoked plenty of debate among draftniks, with only one season of significant production to his name.

In 2019, Kmet make 43 catches for 515 yards and six touchdowns. Prior to his junior year, he had only 17 catches for 176 yards.

Yet Kmet has impressed with his fluidity out of his breaks and an explosive showing at Lucas Oil Stadium could turn some of his doubters into believers.

Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Becton is a giant of a man at 6-foot-7 and 369 pounds. At the 2018 combine, a tackle of similarly massive size, Orlando Brown Jr, endured a nightmare experience that unquestionably hurt his stock.

Brown was eventually picked in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens but has gone on to become a dependable starter at right tackle.

No such struggles are anticipated of Becton, who is expected to perform well in Indianapolis and is already viewed as one of the top tackles in the class. Yet he will surely be looking to demonstrate athleticism to go with his size to bolster his standing in the discussion over whether he, Andrew Thomas or Tristan Wirfs is the best tackle in the draft.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Firmly in the conversation to be the first receiver taken, Lamb is not considered to have the same elite speed of Alabama duo Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.

Lamb otherwise looks to be close to the complete package with his ball-tracking skills, ability to gain yardage after the catch and determination in the blocking game.

Should he run a 40-time to suggest he is quicker than the tape indicates, Lamb could gain a key edge in the wideout pecking order.

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

If you consider Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons a linebacker, then Xavier McKinney could be the first safety off the board come April.

One of the few things that may prevent that from becoming the case is concern over the limitations of his range when playing the deep middle.

Athletic testing is no substitute for the tape. However, if McKinney can run fast and display explosiveness, he may allay those doubts and seal his status as a mid-first-round pick.