NBA Postseason Best Bets (5/17)
Alex Christenson
Every year, some prospects help their draft stock by blowing up the combine. They rise up the board and surpass the consensus expectations regarding their status. We need to keep our eyes on three prospects who fit that bill this year as we enter the 2022 NFL draft cycle.
Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis Tigers
Currently, per Grindingthemocks.com, Austin doesn’t have an expected draft position inside the top 75 picks. That could change if he blazes the combine. Last year, three wide receivers 5-foot-8 or shorter (Tutu Atwell, Rondale Moore, D’Wayne Eskridge) all were selected inside the top 75 picks. Each of them clocked in at 4.42 or lower in the 40-yard dash. With Austin’s track background, don’t rule him out from building on a strong Senior Bowl week. If this happens, he could easily find himself selected before the end of the second round of the NFL draft.
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
With only 615 receiving yards in his Ohio State career overshadowing his ability, Ruckert is going to turn heads. Ruckert offers more upside in the receiving game despite the less than impressive box scores than many would expect. He flashed short-area quickness and fluid moves in and out of his breaks at the Senior Bowl. Ruckert also ran a 4.76 forty in high school with an 82nd percentile vertical jump. If he clocks a faster 40 and jumps out of the gym, Ruckert’s name will be a popular one as a sleeper in rookie drafts.
Sincere McCormick, RB, UTSA
McCormick’s 2,946 rushing yards over the last two seasons will catch the eye, but don’t let it distract from his athleticism. McCormick ran a 4.54 40-yard dash with an 85th percentile 20-yard shuttle in high school. With unofficial measurements of 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, McCormick possesses the frame to handle a three-down workload. He proved he could hold up to the volume averaging 293 touches over his last two seasons. If his size is accurate and he puts on a show at the combine, he’ll see his stock skyrocket.
