The NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Tuesday, but on-field testing and timing drills didn't start until Thursday evening.
With Day 1 of on-field workouts complete, who stood out? NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter tabbed five “winners” from Thursday’s events at Lucas Oil Stadium. Quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends participated in the opening night, and three receivers drew high marks from Reuter: Skyy Moore (Western Michigan), Chris Olave (Ohio State) and Christian Watson (North Dakota State).
View photos from QB, WR and TE workouts at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Liberty quarterback Malik Willis (16) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Iowa State tight end Charlie Kolar (11) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Texas Tech wide receiver Erik Ezukanma (10) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore (19) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden (04) runs the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Virginia tight end Jelani Woods (20) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Notre Dame wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr (02) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Dontario Drummond (09) takes the vertical jump test during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Dontario Drummond (09) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones (15) takes the vertical jump test during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (03) takes the vertical jump test during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden (04) takes the vertical jump test during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Nicholls State-La wide receiver Dai'Jean Dixon (06) runs the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Notre Dame wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr (02) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (15) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Brown quarterback E J Perry (10) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Brown quarterback E J Perry (10) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Liberty quarterback Malik Willis (16) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (12) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
SMU wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr (27) runs the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) runs the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (13) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Miami wide receiver Charleston Rambo (26) reaches for a pass during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce (24) runs a route during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Colorado State tight end Trey McBride (13) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III (01) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (03) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden (04) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Texas A&M tight end Jalen Wydermyer (21) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Texas A&M tight end Jalen Wydermyer (21) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor (20) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Arizona State tight end Curtis Hodges (10) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Virginia tight end Jelani Woods (20) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Iowa State tight end Chase Allen (02) looks to throw during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Nebraska tight end Austin Allen (01) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones (15) runs during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Oklahoma tight end Jeremiah Hall (07) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III (01) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Michigan State tight end Connor Heyward (09) runs a blocking drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Braylon Sanders (30) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Braylon Sanders (30) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Virginia Tech wide receiver Tré Turner (34) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson (35) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon State tight end Teagan Quitoriano (17) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Michigan State tight end Connor Heyward (09) takes a moment between drills during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Miami wide receiver Charleston Rambo (26) runs with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips (22) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Braylon Sanders (30) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (39) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (39) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Miami wide receiver Charleston Rambo (26) runs a drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (33) runs a drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Virginia Tech wide receiver Tré Turner (34) runs a drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (15) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (21) runs a drill during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe (17) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (12) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Nevada quarterback Carson Strong (14) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Northern Iowa wide receiver Isaiah Weston (36) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Braylon Sanders (30) tries to stay on his feet during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Nevada quarterback Carson Strong (14) throws a pass during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Miami wide receiver Charleston Rambo (26) turns after making a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Boise State wide receiver Khalil Shakir (31) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips (22) dives to try to make a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Virginia Tech wide receiver Tré Turner (34) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson (35) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) extends to make a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Braylon Sanders (30) during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Coastal Carolina tight end Isaiah Likely (12) catches the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (12) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (13) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Nevada quarterback Carson Strong (14) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (15) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (11) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (12) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (15) throws the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (21) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips (22) drives with the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Boise State wide receiver Khalil Shakir (31) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (32) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (33) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oregon wide receiver Devon Williams (37) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (39) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (39) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
SMU tight end Grant Calcaterra (04) runs the 40-yard-dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Maryland tight end Chig Okonkwo (15) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Virginia tight end Jelani Woods (20) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore (19) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips (22) leaps as he participates in the vertical jump during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (15) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe (17) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (11) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (12) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (15) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips (22) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Mississippi State wide receiver Makai Polk (25) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Nevada quarterback Carson Strong (14) scrambles to throw the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Miami wide receiver Charleston Rambo (26) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (28) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Mississippi wide receiver Braylon Sanders (30) runs the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Miami quarterback D'Eriq King (09) throws during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) broad jumps during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Texas Tech wide receiver Erik Ezukanma (10) broad jumps during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III (01) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (03) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson (35) looks on during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger (03) broad jumps during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Indiana tight end Peyton Hendershot (08) broad jumps during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Nevada tight end Cole Turner (19) broad jumps during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden (04) holds the ball during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton (17) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor (20) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (21) poses for a photo during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Oklahoma wide receiver Mike Woods (40) looks on during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips (22) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (28) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (39) makes a catch during the 2022 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/NFL)
Reuter wrote the following of Watson:
Watson, a former FCS receiver, proved he belonged on Thursday night, running a 4.36 40-yard dash at 208 pounds. He posted other excellent test results like an 11-foot-4 broad jump and 38.5-inch vertical. He was smooth and nimble in his route running during drills, showing his ability while competing alongside Olave, Garrett Wilson and other FBS stars. Watson's now pushing for a top-50 draft slot.
Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber also took notice of Watson's performance.
In addition to the trio of receivers, Maryland tight end Chig Okonkwo shined in Indy.
Okonkwo impressed at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl, and he should continue his ascent on draft boards after a strong workout. His effort started with a 4.52 40-yard dash at 238 pounds, considerably faster than the other tight ends. Okonkwo looked as smooth on the field on Thursday as he did on Saturdays during the season. He didn't catch every ball thrown his way but showed an ability to track passes over his shoulder and adjust to other throws that weren't directly on target.
And lastly, Reuter highlighted Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, who has been tabbed by many pundits around the league as the top QB in this year's draft class. The position group overall hasn't been highly touted, but Willis is garnering attention.
Willis consistently made things look easy on Thursday night, showing excellent arc on his deep throws. While he did overthrow a couple of shorter targets, his slants got into the receiver's hands in a hurry. The moment wasn't too big for him, and he was encouraging his fellow combine participants during their reps. He chose not to run a 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, but he already has plenty of tape that displays what he can do with the ball in his hands.
Krammer: Vikings have 'puzzle' to solve this offseason
There's plenty of intrigue around new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, who don’t yet have a track record in their respective positions.
There are multiple questions to be asked about the Vikings roster, too, and decisions to be made this offseason. Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune covered the “puzzle” facing Minnesota’s new leadership duo. Krammer wrote:
The Vikings most pressing questions come from their current salary cap-strapped roster. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is entering his final season under contract at a lofty $45 million charge. Defensive end Danielle Hunter has an $18 million roster bonus, a built-in trigger to restart negotiations, due this month. The Vikings pending free agents include five prominent defenders, led by linebacker Anthony Barr.
On the pair's 14thofficial day together, Adofo-Mensah likened team building to a puzzle. The Vikings have another two weeks before NFL free agency opens, and pieces will start falling into place.
Krammer, who has been in Indianapolis covering the combine, said Adofo-Mensah and Vikings Executive Director of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski "will continue meeting with representatives of their players."
The team has exclusive negotiating rights with their 17 unrestricted free agents — including Barr, cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson — until March 14, when talks open leaguewide among free agents.
Get a behind-the-scenes look of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Adofo-Mensah told media members this week that he's spoken with Cousins about his future with the organization.
"Went over the team and the offensive performance kind of the same way I would," Adofo-Mensah said. "We just talked generally about our vision for the team and what we want to accomplish. And, look, those conversations are ongoing and I can't tell you anything at this moment, but we will communicate and we will do whatever is best for the Minnesota Vikings, and Kirk will do what's best for Kirk. But I think there's a lot of middle ground for us to work well together."
Krammer noted that "O'Connell reiterated that he's happy to be reunited with Cousins after they worked together in 2017 with Washington" and that he "wants Cousins to have a say in the offensive overhaul."
