The first day of field drills at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis saw some impressive performances from defensive prospects.  These players are linked to the 49ers in mock drafts or speculation.  However,  some prospects like Mason Graham from Michigan, Abdul Carter from Penn State, Mike Green from Marshall, and Walter Nolen from Ole Miss did not participate in the drills.

        The defensive linemen who did participate had a great day.  They showed off their skills and raised their stock with impressive performances.  This is sure to move them up draft boards.  Let's dive into the standout players from Thursday's events.

        Shemar Stewart, an EDGE from Texas A&M, had a standout performance.  Stewart's athletic abilities were on full display.  He had a 4. 59u 40 time, 2. 66u 20-yard split, and 1. 58u 10-yard split.  Stewart also had a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-11-inch broad jump.  All five categories fall into the “Elite” category.  Stewart's athletic gifts were never in question.  However, his college production was a concern.  He only had 4. 5 sacks over his three seasons.  It’s uncommon but not unheard of for a player with little college production to turn into a star NFL player.

        Stewart's performance will likely move him up draft boards.  However, the question remains: can Stewart refine his pass-rushing skills in the NFL to match his freakish ability?

        James Pearce, Jr. , an EDGE from Tennessee, had a solid performance.  He started his day with a 31-inch vertical jump.  His initial jump would be the only blemish on his record as he followed it up with a ten-foot-three broad jump, 4. 47 40 time with a 1. 56 ten-yard split.  The explosive EDGE with a high motor will draw attention in the top ten of the NFL draft following his performance on Thursday.  Carolina at number eight makes a lot of sense, considering the task of replacing Brian Burns.  If, by some miracle, Pearce, Jr makes it to number 11, the 49ers will have an interesting decision on their hands.

        Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama, had an impressive performance.  He blazed a 4. 52u 40 time with a 2. 84u 20-yard split and a 1. 6u ten-yard split.  All three are considered “Elite. ”  Campbell finished with a 9. 85 RAS score out of ten.  With a ten-foot-seven broad jump, Campbell flashed his explosive traits for the world.  Weighing in at 235 pounds makes Campbell’s performance all the more impressive.  Prospects shed weight to run faster, and Campbell’s weight is typical for a linebacker.

        With the possibility of Dre Greenlaw departing in free agency, Campbell would slot right in next to Fred Warner and hit the ground running for the 49ers.  Plan A is to bring back Greenlaw, but Campbell is as good of a Plan B as there is.

        The NFL Combine is a crucial event for prospects to showcase their skills.  It's a chance for them to impress scouts and move up draft boards.  The performances from Thursday's events are sure to have an impact on the upcoming NFL draft.

NFL Combine Day 1: Defensive Linemen Shine

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