The 2014 NFL scouting combine was a fast-running big man's dream, with eventual first-round offensive tackles Greg Robinson and Taylor Lewan blazing 40-yard dash times of 4.92 and 4.87, respectively.
This year's combine was paced by a big man, yes, but one from a very small school.
As in Division-III Hobart College, far more known for its lacrosse than its football.
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Yes, the Statesmen have not had one of their players land in the NFL since the 1930s, but offensive lineman Ali Marpet is almost assured to end that streak after performing well at the Senior Bowl and following Friday's impressive combine performance.
Marpet led all offensive linemen with an official 4.98-second 40 time, and the fastest 10-yard split of 1.74 seconds. Speed is not going to be an automatic ticket to the NFL, but his athleticism pops, as does his competitiveness. Notable from his Senior Bowl week was locking horns — and holding his own — against possible top-10 pick, Washington defensive tackle Danny Shelton.
Also, Marpet (hence the Hobart degree) is smart, with the school producing far more hedge-fund managers than athletes, but that intelligence is considered a plus. He could project to center or guard, and he played in college (and for one day at the Senior Bowl) at left tackle, so Marpet ranks high in the versatility category, too.
The 6-3, 307-pound Marpet isn't going to be a first-round pick, but it wouldn't be completely stunning to see him drafted on the draft's second day — either Round 2 or 3 — as a multi-positional prospect.
His 40 on Friday helped make this young man some money, which is a good thing considering Hobart's tuition (no scholarships there) of $57,000 per year. Ouch!
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1FDLbtq
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