Combine Top Performers: Defense

It's that time again where talented players from all over the United States migrate to Indianapolis for the annual NFL Scouting Combine. It is here where future NFL talent is put to the test to see if they have the physical, mental and emotional strength to handle the rigors of the national football league.

Days 3 and 4 showcased the defensive players who will find their way on to rosters and starting lineups on Sundays and we saw some tremendous feats of strength, agility and athleticism from a lot of players, here are the players who I thought shined for their respective groups:

DL:

Connor Barwin, Cincinnati

Top Performer:

40 yard dash: 4.66

Vertical Jump: 40.5"

Broad Jump: 10'8"

3 Cone: 6.87

20 yard shuttle: 4.18

At the combine Connor Barwin proved to be one of, if not the most athletic and versatile athletes on the field on Day 3. He did amazing in every drill, he came off as likable and smart in his interviews and he proved he can flat out play. With his versatility as a DE in a 4-3 an OLB in a 3-4 and a reserve TE, he has generated quite a buzz and I believe put himself into 1st round consideration.

LB:

Clay Matthews, Southern California

Top Performer:

40 yard dash: 4.67

Vertical Jump: 35.5"

Broad Jump: 10'1"

3 Cone: 6.89

20 yard shuttle: 4.18

Clay Matthews was another talented USC linebacker on the field on Day 3 and I believe he did the most to help his stock of the four of them including potentially making himself a mid-late 1st day selection as he looked good in all his drills from pass rush to coverage as he showed fluid hips, good speed and solid ball skills, he could be an SLB in a 4-3 or an ILB in a 3-4, he'll also be a special teams player and instant contributor, he really helped himself out with a great combine workout.

CB:

Vontae Davis, Illinois

Top Performer:

40 yard dash: 4.49

Bench: 25 reps

3 cone: 6.75

20 yard shuttle: 4.07

Vontae Davis had a solid day and potentially distanced himself from former consensus #1 cornerback Malcolm Jenkins with a more consistent and explosive combine workout. Though he looked a tad mediocre in drills he did a lot to help himself including being one of only 4 cornerbacks to break 4.5, he is a big and solid corner and could potentially find himself going as early as 8 and as late as 23 depending on how teams view his tape and inconsistencies but I think he helped himself out.

S:

David Bruton, Notre Dame

Top Performer:

40 yard dash: 4.46

Vertical jump: 41.5"

Broad jump: 11"

3 cone: 6.60

60 yard shuttle: 10.96

David Bruton stood out amongst all the safeties running incredibly well, looking good in the drills and putting up great measureables. He's really helped himself a lot from a mid 2nd day selection to a potential 1st day selection in the mid-late 2nd round. He has shown good speed, burst, explosion and athleticism and he really helped increase his stock in a lackluster cornerback and safety class where no one really discerned themselves as the can't miss prospect.

There you have it folks, with another combine under wraps we can now look forward to Pro Days and the Draft, stay tuned for all the updates in terms of mock drafts, Pro Day results and Draft analysis.