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Four players to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine
TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jack Bech. Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Four players to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine

On Thursday, the annual “Underwear Olympics,” also known as the NFL Scouting Combine, will begin the ritual of scrutinizing select college football players as they pursue their dreams of playing professional football.

If they can perform well at this professional dog and pony show, these four players could hear their names called early at the NFL Draft in April.

Bradyn Swinson, DE

For teams that need help on the defensive line and/or the edge, Bradyn Swinson of LSU would be a solid choice. Swinson wreaked havoc on SEC offenses and was good at getting to the quarterback.

At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Swinson posted 59 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Swinson has been described as explosive off the ball and is skilled in his hand usage to fend off opposing blockers.

Barring a trade, teams like the Ravens, Lions, Commanders, Bills, Chiefs, and the Super Bowl champion Eagles all pick late in the first round and could call Swinson at his watch party.

Jack Bech, WR

If teams need to add to their wide receiver room, drafting TCU receiver Jack Bech would be a stroke of genius. The Senior Bowl MVP, Bech caught 62 passes for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024.

At 6-foot-1, 214 pounds, Bech is a skilled route-runner and has steel clamps for hands. The Texans or Packers would be a good fit for Bech. 

Quinshon Judkins, RB

If teams need a running back with a nose for the end zone, look no further than Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins. Judkins earned a national championship after transferring from Ole Miss.

In three seasons of college football, Judkins scored 45 rushing touchdowns. The Vikings and the Steelers both need a running back who can score.

Jaxson Dart, QB

The Steelers and Seahawks need a quarterback. Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss deserves a call. Dart has good size, at 6-foot-2 and 226 pounds, and played aggressively while at the same time reducing turnovers.

He extended plays with his legs to the tune of 493 rushing yards. Dart passed for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions. In addition, Dart set Ole Miss records for total offense and passing efficiency.

While other players at these positions are getting all the hype and recognition, teams would be wise not to sleep on the players listed above. Success at the combine will provide a significant boost to their draft stock.

Tony Thomas

Tony comes to YardBarker with 5 years of experience writing for such media outlets as The Gridiron News, College Football Dawgs, Mike Farrell Sports, and Saturday Blitz. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Tony is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

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