Three dozen Pac-12 players will participate in the NFL scouting combine this week, with on-field workouts beginning Thursday in Indianapolis.
One prospect, Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, the potential No. 1 overall pick, is expected to receive an outsized share of attention.
But as the four-day event unfolds, the spotlight could shift to two participants who played the same position for the same team: Washington cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Trent McDuffie have the skill sets to shine and the opportunity to climb draft boards across the NFL.
“The speed testing matters most for one position, and that is cornerback position,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah told NFL.com recently. “You will see guys fluctuate on the board based off their time at that position more than any other.”
Jeremiah then singled out Gordon and McDuffie as players to watch.
“I really like them now, but I think you’ll continue to see them elevate,” he said. “Kyler Gordon — I don’t know that a lot of people are familiar with him. He’s very tall, he’s very long, he’s going to run in the 4.3s (for the 40-yard dash). He’s going to jump over 40 inches. You’re really going to see his name start buzzing after the combine.
“I’ve been a Trent McDuffie guy for a long time. He’s probably going to run (in the) high 4.3s, at worst low 4.4s, and jump around 40 inches.
“Both of these guys are legit first-round players. And I know Husky fans are going ‘Why didn’t we win any games?’ It wasn’t their fault, OK? There were a lot of other issues. Those guys are legit.”
Arizona State leads the conference with eight participants, followed by Oregon with six and USC and UCLA with five each.
No Pac-12 quarterbacks were invited for the first time since 2014, but 10 defensive backs made the list.
The NFL Network will televise the on-field workouts each afternoon.
Here’s the workout schedule:
Thursday: quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends
Friday: running backs and offensive linemen
Saturday: defensive linemen and linebackers
Sunday: defensive backs
In addition to Gordon and McDuffie, we’re intrigued by these 10 players:
(Caveat: Injuries undisclosed to the public could prevent players from participating in specific drills.)
USC Edge Drake Jackson: This draft is loaded with top-tier edge rushers. A terrific athlete, Jackson must distinguish himself this week and show scouts that, with added muscle mass over time, he could be a starting-caliber player at the next level.
Colorado LB Nate Landman: His production was off the charts until an Achilles injury at the end of the 2020 season, followed by a shoulder problem in ’21. Landman isn’t an elite athlete, so he needs to show enough speed and lateral quickness to climb into the late rounds.
Utah LB Devin Lloyd: This week is all about confirmation for the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year: Will he substantiate the all-around game that scouts have seen on tape? If so, Lloyd should emerge from Indianapolis as a projected top-15 selection.
USC WR Drake London: His size, strength and hands are good enough for a top-five placement on draft boards, but there are questions about his speed and whether he can gain separation from cornerbacks. Coming off a broken ankle, London’s participation in running drills is uncertain.
Washington TE Cade Otton: The latest from a program that has produced so many quality tight ends over the decades. Otton possesses the size and skills required to start at the next level. How will he compare to other top tight ends like UCLA’s Greg Dulcich and Ohio State’s Jeremy Ruckert?
UCLA OL Sean Rhyan: One of the most talented linemen to pass through the Pac-12 in years, Rhyan’s versatility — he projects as a guard or tackle — could be an asset in the evaluation process. The conference needs as many linemen to be drafted as possible in order to use their success as a means of luring future recruits.
Oregon Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux: He entered college with immense hype and was frequently dominant. Will the uber-athletic edge rusher leave Indianapolis as the projected No. 1 pick or merely on the top tier of prospects? He has stout competition for the No. 1 spot from Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. One anonymous NFL executive told NFL.com: “It won’t be close between (Hutchison) and Thibodeaux. Hutch is a dude.”
Washington State CB Jaylen Watson: One of the most intriguing Pac-12 prospects is tall for his position (6-foot-3) but fairly raw, with just over one full season of FBS-level experience. We see a significant upside opportunity for Watson this week, as well as downside risk if he doesn’t produce a top-end 40-yard dash time.
Arizona State RB Rachaad White: Arguably the best all-around tailback in the conference last season (because of his pass-catching skills), White doesn’t project as a high-round pick, partly because he plays a low-value position and partly because scouts aren’t sold on his urgency level.
Oregon WR Devon Williams: Something of an enigma since he arrived at USC in 2018 as one of the top recruits in California (before transferring to Oregon). Williams has ideal size (6-foot-5) for a possession receiver but never matched production with talent and carries a mid-level draft grade. Will he force scouts to reassess?
Support the Hotline: Receive three months of unlimited access for just 99 cents. Yep, that’s 99 cents for 90 days, with the option to cancel anytime. Details are here, and thanks for your support.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.
Pac-12 rewind: USC and Oregon survive, Utah and Washington roll, Ott shines, ASU skids and Stanford get walloped again
