2017 NFL Combine Recap for former Sooners By: Ryan Lewis Posted on: March 6, 2017

Image via NFL video of combine

While I’m sure that many of you have diligently followed the NFL combine over the past several days, it’s easy to miss an event or two. This should serve as a summary of how the 3 former Sooners who participated in the NFL combine performed. Samaje Perine, Dede Westbrook, and Charles Walker all represented the Sooners at the event. OU’s pro day will be another chance for former Sooners to impress NFL scouts.

Samaje Perine

Forty Yard Dash – 4.65 (Position best = 4.37)

Bench Press – 30 reps (Position best = 30 reps)

Vertical Jump – 33.0” (Position best = 39.5”)

Broad Jump – 116″ (Position best = 131″)

3 Cone Drill – 7.26 (Position best = 6.57)

20-Yard Shuttle – 4.37 (Position best = 4.18)

60-Yard Shuttle – 11.71 (Position best = 11.03)

Perine was expected to put up some reps at bench, but 30 is just a fantastic number. Only 7 guys in the entire combine put up more at bench, all linemen. In fact, 30 is tied for the 6th most by a back at the NFL combine in the past 12 years. Aside from the bench, however, not many of Perine’s numbers were eye-popping. Although unsurprising, his speed did not match up with the top times at the combine. It seems that he solidified the thinking about him: he is a smooth runner with good vision and unbelievable strength, but one without top-level speed. He will still be a solid back for a team, and a round 3 or 4 pick seems likely.

Dede Westbrook

Forty Yard Dash – DNP (Position best = 4.22)

Bench Press – DNP (Position best = 23 reps)

Vertical Jump – DNP (Position best = 43.5”)

Broad Jump – DNP (Position best = 136″)

3 Cone Drill – DNP (Position best = 6.57)

20-Yard Shuttle – DNP (Position best = 4.00)

60-Yard Shuttle – DNP (Position best = 10.71)

Westbrook unexpectedly did not participate in the NFL combine. He had several meetings with teams over the weekend, but did not perform any of the workouts.

While he will obviously have the chance to impress scouts at OU’s Pro Day, it was an odd choice to make at such late notice. It still seems that he can be a top 5 receiver off the board, so hopefully he helps his case at the Pro Day.

Charles Walker

Forty Yard Dash – 4.96 (Position best = 4.52)

Bench Press – 25 reps (Position best = 35 reps)

Vertical Jump – 28.0” (Position best = 41“)

Broad Jump – 107″ (Position best = 133″)

3 Cone Drill – 7.89 (Position best = 6.85)

20-Yard Shuttle – 4.96 (Position best = 4.19)

60-Yard Shuttle – DNP (Position best = 11.43)

Walker’s numbers didn’t jump off the board. He’s a bigger guy than most, even at his position, so not topping the speed and jump workouts isn’t a deal-breaker for him. However, with that heavier size, it would have helped his case to be closer to the top on the bench. There is no doubt that he is very physically gifted, but health issues from concussions and the manner in which his collegiate career ended make his draft stock tough to predict.