With the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine comes the chance for many players to make an impact on NFL scouts and coaches in hopes of boosting their draft stock and potential rookie paycheck. South Carolina will have four players in Indianapolis this weekend in wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, tight end Jerell Adams, running back Brandon Wilds and offensive lineman Brandon Shell.
Cooper was the driving force for the Gamecock offense over the past two seasons, amassing 2,420 combined rushing and receiving yards and 20 touchdowns since the start of the 2014 season, not to mention a few trick plays where he had success passing the ball. According to CBS Sports, Cooper is the eighth-ranked wide receiver in this year’s draft class, and he is projected as a second-round pick. With a strong combine, the former all-purpose Gamecock could launch himself into fringe first-round territory.
Adams could be the most intriguing of the South Carolina players taking part in workouts this weekend. The 6-foot-5 tight end is ranked sixth for his position in what most consider to be a fairly weak class. Like other successful tight ends Jimmy Graham and Antonio Gates, Adams is a former basketball player, and his background is reflected in his athleticism after the catch. Considering he caught just 66 passes during his four years in garnet and black, Adams certainly has something to prove in Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend, but those who followed his collegiate career have seen his flashes of brilliance before.
CBS Sports’ latest rankings list Wilds as the 27th best running back prospect in April’s draft, which has him just outside the group of players who are projected to be drafted. Having battled multiple injuries during his time in Columbia, Wilds never had above-average statistics, failing to surpass 600 yards or more than four rushing touchdowns in any single season. Wilds does not have elite speed or athleticism, but he is a consistently average back. Don’t expect him to do anything spectacular at the combine, but a solid, consistent performance will be the first step to hearing Wilds’ name called at the draft.
Regarding Shell, the 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle certainly has the size to play in the NFL, but scouts aren’t exactly blown away by his athleticism. They have particular concerns about his speed and footwork, which is likely why he is projected as a seventh-round pick by CBS Sports. Teams will be willing to give Shell an opportunity due to his size and experience as a four-year starter, but he will need to prove he has above-average strength and at least average athleticism this weekend if he is going to improve his draft stock.
Shell and Wilds will be the first players to take the field in Indianapolis on Friday when running backs and offensive linemen take part in on-field workouts. Cooper and Adams will workout on Saturday and catch passes from quarterback prospects.
Adam Orfinger will be covering the NFL Combine from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this weekend. For live updates and analysis, follow him on Twitter @AOrfinger.