The annual NFL scouting combine has concluded in Indianapolis, Indiana, and now teams across the league will evaluate players through their ability in the film room. This will likely determine who they will be selected by in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although, the main talking point from the combine will likely be revolved around the players that drove up their own draft stock with impressive performances in the drills or those who turned out to be disappointments on the field and in the interview room. With that, here are the top winners in terms of draft value following the scouting combine.

Winner #1: Wide Receiver, Henry Ruggs III – Alabama

First, pass catcher Henry Ruggs may have had the most prolific combine out of all the prospects that were invited to participate. Within the on-field drills, Ruggs ran a 4.27 40-yard dash in his first attempt, and was described by many as the fastest player in the class. In addition, the former Alabama wideout also had a vertical jump of 42 inches and collected a broad jump of 131 inches, which was rather impressive for his stature at 5’11”. Not only did Ruggs put together astounding combine results, his in-game performance certainly boosted his draft value. He accumulated over 700 receiving yards (10th in receiving yards in the SEC) in each of his last two seasons as a collegiate athlete and caught 24 touchdowns in his three seasons at Alabama (according to Sports Reference) despite being the third option on the Alabama offense. Ruggs’ rare talents were noted by current NFL front office workers, as an anonymous AFC executive stated that he is “A little more physical than Jerry Jeudy, a little more of a straight-line guy, and not quite as shifty… But the speed is completely legit,” according to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com. Overall, Ruggs has the potential to be a top-15 player selected in the draft class due to his remarkable speed and his exceptional route running as a wideout.

Winner #2: Offensive Tackle, Tristan Wirfs – Iowa

Expected to be an early first round pick, Tristan Wirfs unquestionably impressed at the combine as he accumulated the fastest 40-yard dash time for an offensive lineman in this year’s edition of the combine, as he ran for 4.85 seconds (according to NFL.com’s measurements), becoming known as one of the more athletic offensive lineman in this year’s draft class. Additionally, Wirfs had a vertical jump of 36.5 inches, which was good for the best measured jump in this year’s combine, unequivocally driving up his draft stock. In all, Wirfs should be an early selection based on his efficient run blocking and positional value, being an offensive tackle, a position needed by many teams within the draft.

Winner #3: Offensive Tackle, Mekhi Becton – Louisville

The second offensive lineman to appear on this list is stout pass protector, Mekhi Becton. In the combine, Becton ran a 5.1 second 40-yard dash, the fastest ever for his eye-raising weight at 364 lbs. Not to mention, Becton performed well in the on-field drills in terms of pure strength, as he had 23 bench reps (36 percentile while being relatively heavy), proving that his athletic build is not just solely from his measured weight. Like Wirfs, Becton specializes in the offensive rushing attack as he is excellent at creating lanes for outside runs for halfbacks and is infamous for his relatively long arms (35 ⅝”), which is more than enough to block opposing defensive linemen from rushing the passer. All-together, expect Becton to be taken in the first round like many offensive tackles that have entered the draft, as teams will likely consider him valuable for his massive measured weight and outstanding run-blocking.

Winner #4: Quarterback, Justin Herbert – Oregon

The first signal-caller to appear on this list is heavily-sought after for his impressive work as a shotgun passer, which is Justin Herbert. To begin the combine, Herbert ran for one of the fastest 40 yard dash times among all quarterbacks with a 4.68 official time along with shocking scouts in the several passing drills that took place in Indianapolis. Furthermore, at the annual Senior Bowl, Cincinnati Bengals head coach, Zac Taylor complemented Herbert for his proficient work as a passer as he exclaimed, “I thought Justin Herbert did a really good job, he was sharp,” according to Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report. While Herbert may have shown an impressive performance at the combine through the passing drills, inadequate deep-passing may raise concerns on draft day, but it shouldn’t completely derail his draft value as he remains to be a projected first round selection.

Winner #5: Linebacker, Isaiah Simmons – Clemson

Arguably the most versatile defensive player in the draft, Isaiah Simmons boosted his draft stock to even greater heights with an outstanding combine performance. In the 40-yard dash drill, Simmons ran for a 4.39-second time, which was good for the fastest among all linebackers that participated in the on-field drills. Simmons also received a vertical jump of 39 inches and a broad jump of 132 inches to his name (according to NFL.com’s measurements), which was a larger quantity than some pass catchers in the combine. Statistically speaking, in his 2019 season as a member of the Clemson Tigers, Simmons tallied seven sacks and intercepted three passes (per ESPN.com), establishing himself as one of the best defensive players across college football. Overall, Simmons appears to be a top-five selection in the upcoming NFL draft, and has the potential to be future all-pro with his valuable versatility and ability to rush the passer from several different positions.

Among the teams across the league, many will be searching for their quarterback of the future, as Justin Herbert appears to be on the watch list for teams like the Chargers and Buccaneers, who are in need of a strong-arm signal-caller. At the top of the draft, the New York Giants and Detroit Lions will be looking for quality linebackers and defensive backs, but Isaiah Simmons may be the most intriguing option with his versatility on the defensive side of the ball. Furthermore, Offensive tackles Mekhi Becton and Tristan Wirfs will likely be selected by offensive-line needy teams, as in particular, the New York Jets will look to protect quarterback Sam Darnold from opposing edge rushers. Not to mention, organizations such as the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos are in need of a deep-threat receiver, and since they both possess top-15 selections, Ruggs has the potential to be a viable option. Overall, the NFL Draft should bring tons of surprises as players will shockingly be selected ahead of their value, or behind their projected value in the theme of the draft in April, but these five players will likely be top selections as they possess true talent, when compared to their respective peers.