The first day of on-field drills in Indianapolis has concluded, showcasing some impressive performances from prospects that are being linked to the San Francisco 49ers in various mock drafts and speculation. Although several noteworthy players, including Mason Graham from Michigan, Abdul Carter from Penn State, Mike Green from Marshall, and Walter Nolen from Ole Miss, chose not to participate in the drills, many defensive linemen seized the opportunity to elevate their draft stock significantly. Let’s delve into the standout players from Thursday’s activities.
Shemar Stewart, an EDGE rusher from Texas A&M, turned heads with his extraordinary athleticism. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 267 pounds, Stewart recorded a perfect 10 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), indicating elite athletic performance. His impressive metrics included a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 2.66-second 20-yard split, and a 1.58-second 10-yard split. Additionally, Stewart showcased his jumping ability with a 40-inch vertical leap and a 10'11" broad jump, making him one of only four defensive linemen over 260 pounds to achieve such a vertical jump since 2003.
While Stewart's athletic gifts are undeniable, concerns linger regarding his college production, as he accumulated only 4.5 sacks across three seasons. However, history has shown that players with limited college output can flourish in the NFL. For example, Danielle Hunter had a similar statistical profile before becoming a star. After such a remarkable performance, it is expected that Stewart will climb the draft boards quickly. The crucial question for NFL teams will be whether Stewart can refine his pass-rushing skills to complement his physical talents.
Another standout from the drills was James Pearce, Jr., an EDGE from Tennessee, who stands at 6'5" and weighs 245 pounds. Pearce’s day began with a modest 31-inch vertical jump, but he quickly rebounded with a strong ten-foot-three broad jump, a lightning-fast 4.47-second 40-yard dash, and a remarkable 1.56-second ten-yard split. His explosive performance has positioned him as a top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
With the Carolina Panthers holding the eighth pick, they may look to replace Brian Burns, making Pearce a logical fit for their needs. Should Pearce slide to the 11th pick, the 49ers will face a significant decision regarding his potential addition to their roster.
Finally, Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama, further solidified his status as the consensus LB1 in the NFL Draft. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 235 pounds, Campbell blazed through the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, with a 2.84-second 20-yard split and a 1.6-second ten-yard split, all categorized as “Elite.” His overall performance earned him a stellar 9.85 RAS score out of 10.
Campbell's impressive 10-foot-seven broad jump highlighted his explosiveness and athletic prowess. Given that he weighs 235 pounds—typical for a linebacker—his ability to perform at such a high level is particularly impressive. With the potential departure of Dre Greenlaw in free agency, Campbell presents an excellent option for the 49ers to pair with Fred Warner and contribute immediately. While the primary goal is to retain Greenlaw, Campbell stands out as an exceptional Plan B for San Francisco.
