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Top SEC wide receiver performances at NFL Combine

By Matt Green

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone, Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson and George Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie sit on a bench together during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone, Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson and George Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie sit on a bench together during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wide receivers took the field on Saturday at the NFL Combine, and there were plenty of SEC teams represented among the bunch.

The wide receiver that stole the show at the NFL Combine was John Ross of Washington.

The 5-foot-11, 188-pound receiver broke Chris Johnson’s 4.24 40-yard dash record. Ross ran a 4.22, but because he wasn’t wearing Adidas cleats, unfortunately he will not be awarded his own island.

There was also a lot of SEC players on display on Saturday. There were 58 receivers in total in Indianapolis, including 12 from the Southeastern Conference.

Texas A&M was the most represented with three wide receivers among the group.

Top Performers

Josh Malone, Tennessee

Malone had a stellar junior season and he followed it up with an even better combine. Malone was third in the SEC in receiving yards and touchdowns while also averaging 19.4 yards per reception in 2016.

On Saturday he measured at 6-foot-3, 208 pounds. Malone ran the third fastest 40-time among receivers at 4.40 seconds. He only did 10 reps on the 225-pound bench press. With his size and ability, that 40-time will do a lot for his draft stock.

Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia

McKenzie went from return specialist to number one target in Athens last season. He led the Bulldogs in every receiving category but still left some scratching their heads with his decision to turn pro.

His size is the biggest question mark, measuring at  5-foot-7, 173 pounds. But his 4.42 40-time is exactly what he needed to boost his draft stock. He also recorded the second best time among wideouts with a 6.64 in the three-cone drill, displaying that lateral quickness that made him a fan-favorite in Athens.

Quincy Adeboyejo, Ole Miss

After scoring seven touchdowns in 2015, Adeboyejo scored just one in 2016. But he turned heads at the combine.

He measured at 6-foot-3, 197 pounds and his 4.42 40-yard dash was tied for fifth among receivers. He also ran a 6.73 in the three-cone drill, the fourth best time among receivers.

Speedy Noil, Texas A&M

Noil had a solid freshman season, but struggled to make an impact in his final two seasons in College Station. And the Aggies’ loaded receiving corps with Josh Reynolds, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Seals-Jones was largely responsible for that.

Noil helped his draft stock on Saturday. He measured at 5-foot-11, 199 pounds and ran a 4.52 40-yard dash. But what really got people talking was his 43.5-inch vertical leap, the best so far at the NFL Combine. His 11-feet-1-inch broad jump and 18 reps on the 225-pound bench press were also among the top five performances among receivers.

Malachi Dupre, LSU

Dupre was the top ranked receiver in the country coming out of high school, but inconsistent quarterback play caused him to have a solid but underwhelming career in Baton Rouge.

He measured at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds and ran a 4.52 40-yard dash. His 39.5-inch vertical and 11-feet-3-inch broad jump were both top three among wide receivers.

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