The NFL Combine wraps up on Monday as the offensive linemen will bench press concluding the event but, for the most part, NFL Scouts and Front Offices saw what they needed to see. The Combine has lost some of its luster as players opt out of the event but, several players took a massive leap up draft boards with their performances. Leaving NFL Combine week, there are five clear winners and losers as the week draws to a close.
Winner: Nick Emmanwori - Safety - South Carolina
Coming into the Week, everyone was excited to see how Nick Emmanwori would test as his film is great but, no one knew if he had the athletic ability to be a first round pick and a difference maker in the NFL. After putting up a truly incredible showing at the NFL Combine, Nick Emmanwori now may be the best safety prospect in this class as there aren't any questions about his athletic ability.
Loser: Malaki Starks - Safety - Georgia
Make no mistake about it, Malaki Starks didn't have a bad NFL Combine by any means but, he didn't perform to the level many would've hoped for. It doesn't help when the safety you are competing against literally has one of the best showings in the history of the Combine. Georgia's Pro Day could put Starks right back as the Top Safety in the class but, Emmanwori has significantly closed the gap if not surpassed Starks.
Winner: Matthew Golden - Wide Receiver - Texas
Heading into the season, Luther Burden was seen as the top receiver in the class, leaving the season it was seemingly Tetairoa McMillan, and after the Combine, the best receiver in the class very well may be Matthew Golden. The Texas star put on a show running the fastest forty among the wide receivers. Golden's strong Bowl season paired with his showing at the NFL Combine could result in him hearing his name called first among wide receivers.
Loser: Isaiah Bond - Wide Receiver - Texas
Heading into the week, Isaiah Bond was expected to have a massive week especially in the forty yard dash as speed is his best asset. Bond made the expectations even bigger as he promised to break the forty yard dash record. Instead, Isaiah Bond fell way short of the mark running a 4.39 second 40 yard dash. Like on the field this season Isaiah Bond was overshadowed by teammate Matthew Golden as Bond's status as a Day Two pick now seems in question.
Winner: Shemar Stewart - Edge Rusher - Texas A&M
Leaving the season, Shemar Stewart was seen as at best an end of the first round draft pick but, looked like a Day Two selection. The Reese's Senior Bowl saw Shemar Stewart dominate his competiton and it skyrocketed him up draft boards. Then Stewart tested at historic levels and now he could be a Top 5 pick when the Draft rolls around. Stewart is the perfect example as to why you compete at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine as it'll make him millions this Spring.
Loser: Abdul Carter - Edge Rusher - Penn State
Abdul Carter is in the shortlist of players who can hear their name called when the first overall pick is made at the NFL Draft. Medical examinations found a foot injury that may require surgery and when paired with his shoulder injury from the end of the season, overall health becomes a massive concern. Abdul Carter will still be a top five selection but, the Titans could trade out of the first overall pick if they're concerned about Carter which could cause him to slide.
Winner: Maxwell Hairston - Cornerback - Kentucky
Leaving the NFL Scouting Combine as the fastest man in the NFL Draft is a massive win for Maxwell Hairston especialy as at times some questioned Hairston's speed. After flashing at the NFL Combine, it seems the lowest Hairston could go is in the second round while he'll now have a chance to be a first round pick.
Loser: The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants
The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders made a strong push to land Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams offering up significant contract extensions. Instead, the Rams and Stafford reached an agreement keeping the Super Bowl winner in LA. Now both the Giants and the Rams need to find their future signal caller in what has been called a weak quarterback class. The Raiders have it the worst picking sixth overall but, this offseason is massive for both franchises.
Winner: The Running Back Position
Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry did a ton for the running back position after their former teams discarded them putting together massive seasons. At the NFL Combine while Ashton Jeanty didn't work out, the running back class shined. Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson both put themselves in the conversation to be first round picks. Quinshon Judkins, Brashard Smith, RJ Harvey, and Bhayshul Tuten all impressed and will have team's circling back on their tape as they build their draft boards.
Loser: Mason Graham - Defensive Tackle - Michigan
It's difficult to sit out of the NFL Combine and hurt your draft stock except Mason Graham may have done it this weekend. While other defensive tackles blew NFL scouts away, Graham wasn't participating which may hurt his case with several teams. The most damaging factor is the fact that Graham weighed in 24 pounds lighter than his program height at Michigan and his arm measurements will raise concerns.