Commanders Draft: 6 prospects with falling stock at 2022 NFL Combine

The 2022 NFL Combine taking place just weeks before the start of free agency and well over a month before the draft is such a tease, but that’s not going to dissuade Washington Commanders fans from soaking it in every year.

It’s part of the reason the NFL is king. Between free agency, the draft and training camp roster battles, it’s a year-long event. When it comes to this year’s draft, though, scouts and analysts have raved about the classes’ depth.

On Thursday, quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends took center stage and their collective performance surely didn’t alter that viewpoint. Between Malik Willis’ dropping jaws with his raw arm strength and the receivers ripping off one blistering 40-yard sprint after another, it was a  successful opening night.

For every handful of prospects that took advantage of the opportunity to boost their stock, there were some who didn’t rise to the occasion.

With that in mind, let’s review some players whose respective stocks are on the decline following Thursday’s showcase.

Commanders Draft: 6 prospects with falling stock at NFL Combine

David Bell, WR, Purdue

We know a lot of Commanders fans who’ve dreamed of David Bell falling to Washington in the second round this year. Not only are they likely to get their wish, but he could stand to fall beyond the No. 43 overall selection.

There were questions about Bell’s athleticism coming into the event and his lackluster 4.65-second 40-yard dash will only make them grow louder. On a day that saw nine receivers run under 4.4 seconds, Bell lagged behind the rest of the pack, and his 33-inch vertical and sub-10-foot broad jump didn’t help matters, either.

Bell redeemed himself running the gauntlet, but scouts already knew he possessed strong hands. With several receivers ascending up draft boards after Thursday’s drills, Bell finds himself as a middle-round prospect, which is a shame for a player who earned Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors this season.

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The potential top WR in this year’s loaded class, Burks failed to plant his flag in that regard Thursday. With explosive performances taking place all around him, the Arkansas star could fall to the middle or late first round as a result.

For starters, Burks’ 40 time of 4.55 seconds, while not terrible for a 225-pound receiver, was disappointing for a player who drew AJ Brown and Deebo Samuel comparisons throughout his junior year in Fayetteville. He didn’t help his case with a subpar 32-inch vertical and 10-2 broad jump, either.

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While Burks has intriguing build-up speed, he looked unsure of himself on corner and out routes. The young receiver has the necessary skillset to be a star in the NFL, but his rawness as a route-runner could dissuade teams from investing a high first-round pick in him. That couldn’t be said before Thursday.