Red Raiders show out at the NFL Combine

Three former Texas Tech Red Raiders participated in the NFL Combine this past weekend. Keke Coutee, Nic Shimonek, and Dylan Cantrell all participated and had very good days, helping all of their draft stocks. Let’s examine each of their performances individually and see how each of them could have helped their draft stock going into their pro-day.

Nic Shimonek: 6’-3”, 220 lbs

40-Yard Dash: 4.88 Seconds

Vertical Jump: 28.5 inches

Broad Jump: 8.4 feet

Coming in as a fringe draft pick, Shimonek showed flashes of potential as he was proficient slinging the ball around the field on Saturday. His performance surely helped his draft stock as some people are even placing Shimonek in the 6th round of the NFL Draft. Scouts got an even better look at Shimonek as he was one of the three quarterbacks selected to be a “throwing” quarterback. Not only did he complete the quarterback drills, he threw in the other skill position drills as well. I predict that Shimonek will be a 7th round pick.

Dylan Cantrell: 6’-3” 226 lbs

40-Yard Dash: 4.59 Seconds

Bench Press: 18 reps

Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches

Broad Jump: 10.8 feet

3-Cone Drill: 6.56 seconds

20-Yard Shuffle: 4.03 seconds

60-yard Shuttle: 10.85 seconds

Cantrell had an amazing workout this weekend as his SPARQ - or complete workout - rating was the best of all of the receivers in the draft. He led all receivers in the combine in the 3 cone drill and the 20-yard shuffle. Cantrell made his athleticism known this past weekend. Although he only ran a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash, I believe that he could turn into a solid, complete receiver in the NFL that will turn some heads once he gets meaningful reps. I also predict that he will be a 5th round pick this April.

Keke Coutee: 5’-10” 180 lbs

40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds

Bench Press: 14 reps

Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches

Broad Jump: 9.4 feet

3-Cone Drill: 6.93 seconds

20-Yard Shuffle: 4.15 seconds

Coutee proved to NFL scouts this weekend that he has breakaway speed as he posted the 6th fastest 40 yard dash time among receivers. He also did a great job catching all balls thrown at him in the catching drills. He performed so well, the New England Patriots announced they had a private meeting with him. I predict that Coutee goes in the 3rd or 4th round.