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With 2024 NFL combine In the rearview mirror, the Internet is awash with articles focusing on the “winners and losers” of the big event. While most of our prospect review articles focused on positive results and how players would fit with the Detroit Lions, in this article we will take a slightly different approach.
In this article, we’ll examine five players who were seen as performing poorly at the Combine and explore how, if their draft stock drops, why the Lions would be wise to take advantage of the opportunity to add a quality player at a better value.
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Why people are worried: Straight line speed.
With the top 10 or 15 wide receiver prospects all running sub-4.5-second 40-yard dashes, including a record performance—Coleman’s 4.61-second 40-yard dash soured several analysts’ perceptions of the wide receiver.
Possible fall? He could drop out of the first round.
Why it’s worth it for the Lions: Your GPS speed.
As mentioned in our featured receivers article, Next Gen Stats had GPS trackers built into players’ equipment and the results were very favorable for Coleman. During field exercises, he recorded the fastest GPS speed in the “gauntlet drill” (20.36 MPH)as well as Second fastest “road” time (21.71 MPH)second fastest on the “slot strike” route (18.47 MPH), third fastest on “slant” routes (19.45 MPH) and fourth fastest on the “dagger” route (18.10 MPH).
For the Lions, this presents a unique opportunity. Not only do they prefer GPS over 40-yard dash times, but they also need a starting WR-X receiver. If Coleman truly sees a slide on draft day, the Lions would do well to consider arresting that slide, even if they have to make trades in the second round to get him.
Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
Why are people worried?: A 4.95 40-yard dash and below-average jump results.
When comparing Robinson to the other edge rushers likely to be selected in the first round, the former defensive tackle turned edge rusher stands out like a sore thumb. Nearly an inch taller and more than 30 pounds heavier than other top prospects, Robinson isn’t built to rush the passer like other flexible, explosive athletes.
Possible fall? He could drop out of the first round.
Why it’s worth it for the Lions: His size, role, college production and attitude fit.
I don’t think Robinson goes out of the first round because I don’t think the Lions will pass him up. While he lacks the traditional edge rusher traits, he checks all the boxes of what the Lions have looked for in an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
A long, massive edge guard who wins with speed and power and who closely resembles the style of edge rusher the Saints have deployed, particularly Cam Jordan, with whom Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is very familiar. . Robinson’s power and movement skills are better than what the Lions currently have on the roster, while he also offers the positional range to kick inside on pass catches.
For Lions fans looking for a borderline upgrade, the Southfield native fits the bill.
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Why people are worried: Below average results across the board, problems with exercises.
It was a tough day in Indianapolis for Trice. Not only did he perform below average that day, but an early injury in on-field drills limited him even more. Overall, it was a disappointing performance that will leave analysts wondering if it was just a bad day or if the Combine exposed his weaknesses.
Possible fall? A drop to the third round seems realistic, but could it fall further?
Why it’s worth it for the Lions: His effort and production are reminiscent of Hutchinson.
Outside of the injury, it’s difficult to square the circle on his athletic performance, but you have to appreciate his competitive nature to continue participating when so many others dropped out. That effort speaks to his overall character and it shows when you watch the game film.
Over the past two seasons, Trice has led all FBS-level defensive linemen in pressures (logging 70 in 2022 and 80 in 2023, per PFF) and last season, he led the NCAA with 753 defensive snaps. He was also strong against the run, as PFF credited him with 21 rushing “stops,” third-most among edge rushers at the Combine.
If Trice moves to the third round, the Lions could sign him as a replacement for Romeo Okwara as they work to develop his game. Because of his work ethic, his ceiling may be much higher than people think.
Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
Why people are worried: Its great speed and weight.
While the 40-yard dash may mean more to defensive backs and wide receivers than it does to other position groups, it’s still only part of the overall data on players. However, Lions fans have been burned by corners not moving so many times that every time a corner doesn’t run in the 4.3 seconds, they label it “slow.” Rakestraw’s 4.51 40-yard dash at the Combine, where he was recovering from a groin injury, generated a lot of backlash.
Rakestraw also weighed in at 183 pounds, which has raised some questions about his ability to hold up in the NFL, especially in run support.
Possible fall? He could drop out of the first round.
Why it’s worth it for the Lions: He’s still the same guy fans wanted before the Combine.
Both attacks on Rakestraw’s performance were a bit surprising because they seemed representative of what is seen on game film. He looks like a 4.5-second 40-yard dash player down the field and he basically checked that box. It would have been nice to see him run faster, of course, but his time was ahead of schedule.
Plus, he actually checked in eight pounds heavier than expected, as Missouri listed him at 175. Is he still light? Surely that argument can be made. At the same time, he probably played lighter in college and was still a very impactful run support player, so this is another box I have in mind.
For me, he performed close to expectations, and the only real concern I have in selecting him with the 29th pick is his injury history. Only Combine health checks will help teams understand your overall health, but unfortunately we won’t have access to that information.
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
Why people are worried: Below average results across the board.
Kinchens entered the Combine with a Day 2 projection, typically ranging between the 50th and 80th picks, but all of his measurables were very disappointing and his stock is expected to fall. Among safeties, he finished last in the 10-yard split, the 40-yard dash and the broad jump.
Possible fall? You could abandon day 2 and go to day 3.
Why it’s worth it for the Lions: It’s hard to find a player with his potential on Day 3.
While the testing numbers show a poor athlete, Kinchens has impressive game film that points to a prospect who could challenge starting with more time to develop. His anticipation and instincts keep him close to the ball, and his ability to contribute in run support will be very attractive to the Lions.
The Lions are looking for depth at safety, and if they could find an instinctive player who exceeds their metrics on Day 3 of the draft, he would represent great value.