Written by Will Brinson at CBSSports.com
Another day is in the books at the 2017 NFL combine and we’re still lacking in real action here in Indy. The running backs and offensive linemen did the bench press, but we haven’t seen anything in terms of on-field drills yet thanks to the backed-up schedule.
And yet there’s plenty to focus on from Thursday’s goings-on, particularly with more coaches and GMs speaking about the state of their teams.
Let’s dive right in and look at some winners and losers from Thursday’s combine action.
Winners
Dalvin Cook: The Florida State running back has concerns about his shoulder that could potentially scare teams. So when he sat down for the bench press, there was some concern about what number he might put up. Cook, who described himself as the “best running back in the draft” during his media session, quelled any concerns quickly by throwing up 22 reps on the bench.
Alex Smith: Chiefs GM John Dorsey joined us on the CBS Sports set on Thursday and stated unequivocally that in 2017 his quarterback will be the veteran who’s been on the roster foryears. Without discussing any specifics about other quarterbacks, Dorsey said it’s “case closed” for Smith as the starter in Kansas City. There was plenty of belief that he could pursue soon-to-be free agent Tony Romo, but consider that off the table.
Mitch Trubisky: The North Carolina quarterback was an inch taller than many expected. Sound the alarms! But seriously, Trubisky checked in at 6-foot-2, and that means he’s just as tall as the rest of the top quarterbacks in this class outside of Deshone Kizer. Trubisky saw some speculation on Thursday that he might be actually taken No. 1 overall , but it still remains a pretty big longshot that the Browns would bypass Myles Garrett and take a gamble on a quarterback with 13 starts.
Jack Del Rio: Del Rio didn’t actually have to do anything to win other than have yours truly deal to him in blackjack. This is a thing that actually happened, and it was amazing. Not only did the Raiders head coach hit on 17, but he managed to pull a blackjack on the second hand.
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