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NFL Combine: Curtis Samuel Shines, Pat Elflein’s Performance Solid

By Charlie Lockhart

Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Curtis Samuel (4) prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Curtis Samuel (4) prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Curtis Samuel turned in an outstanding 40.

Curtis Samuel entered the Combine with something to prove to NFL scouts if he was to be considered a late first or early second round draft pick. Mission accomplished.

Samuel proved he had the strength of a running back on Friday with his18 reps in the bench press. On Saturday, he showed everyone he was faster than most wide receivers.

Samuel ran a 4.31 in the 40 which was the second fastest time at the Combine. It was overshadowed by the record-setting mark of 4.22 turned in by John Ross, but certainly didn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts.

Samuel also turned in a 37 inch vertical which was one of the best jumps among wide receivers. He had a solid broad jump of 119 inches and ran a 4.33 in the 20 yard shuttle. Those numbers combined with his terrific 40 time, is just the kind of performance Samuel needed to move up in the NFL draft.

Noah Brown only participated in the bench press (19 reps) and 20 yard shuttle (4.33). He has said he would run the 40 at Ohio State’s Pro Day.

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Pat Elflein performed adequately but not spectacularly in his events. The center/guard lifted the bar 22 times in the bench press, and jumped  23.5 inches in the vertical and 99 inches in the broad. He posted times of 5.32 in the 40, 7.94 in the three cone and 4.71 in the 20 yard shuttle.

The fact that Elflein didn’t blow people away with his measurables shouldn’t be much of a concern to NFL scouts. If it is, the scouts will be making the same mistake college recruiters made in 2012.

Elflein was the lowest ranked player in the Ohio State class that year. He was ranked the No. 983 overall player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite.

By his junior year Elflein was named a second team AP All-American guard and was first team center last season. His performance on the field, along with his leadership and work ethic, will carry a lot of weight when it comes to the draft. And at Ohio State’s Pro Day, NFL scouts will get an earful by Urban Meyer and his staff on those attributes.

Must Read: Will These 3 Players From DBU Be 1st Round NFL Picks?

So far things are going well for Buckeyes at the NFL Combine. I will have updates on the defensive players and their workout performances following today’s activities.

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