The NFL Combine is set to begin tomorrow and it will feature a pair of Terps looking to improve their draft stock. Chigoziem Okonkwo is up first Terp with the tight ends set to workout on Thursday, March 3 while safety Nick Cross is set to workout out Sunday, March 6.
Both Cross and Okonkwo need to take advantage of this opportunity, as their draft position isn’t set in stone. A good workout at the combine will have teams taking a closer look at both of them and could result in them being drafted higher than initially thought.
Okonkwo admitted he’s spoken with every NFL team except the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, impressing teams with his tape as a receiving threat. “When I get the ball in my hands, I want to make a special play. I don’t see anybody that’s in front of me,” Okonkwo laughed during his interview with Draft Network. “They have to get out of my way at that point. That’s how I approach it. I’m always trying to run tough with the ball in my hands. I aim to punish would-be tacklers.”
Okonkwo’s first test will be how he checks out medically. He missed all of the 2020 season due to myocarditis. Players have fallen in the draft due to health issues that were discovered during checks at the combine, so while he’s since been cleared, this will be important for Okonkwo as teams do their homework. His height is the next thing that teams will pay close attention to. He’s listed at 6-foot-2, which is considered a little small for a tight end. While he was productive during the season, teams are a little scared to take an undersized player too high. It’s also a big reason why teams like the 49ers are evaluating Okonkwo as an H-back, a role the former Terp can thrive.
With him being possibly smaller than what teams look for in a tight end, the on-field workouts are critical. He needs a good time in the 40-yard dash, and having a strong number of reps in the bench press would help. Okonkwo also can not have any problems catching the football since that was a strength of his while with the Terps. A perfect run on the gauntlet drill would go a long way to show how naturally he catches the ball.
Heading into the combine, Okonkwo is a projected fourth round pick for the Dallas Cowboys by one outlet.
Cross, meanwhile, can thrive in a combine setting. Also an early projected fourth-round pick, Cross has an opportunity ahead of him to flash his freakish athleticism during the 40 yard dash and cone drill. He didn’t have the consistently dominant junior year that everyone expected him to have, so showing off his athletic ability as a rangy safety will get teams to think about what he could be down the line. Also, being a former track guy, it would a disappointment if he didn’t have a good forty time.
During the defensive backs drills, he must show off an ability to open up his hips and change direction. Also showing an ability to catch the ball, like he flashed in college, will help as it’s not as natural to all defensive backs.
The last thing that is important for both of these players is their interviews with coaches and GMs. NFL teams take these interviews seriously, but luckily for both, they’ve been frequently available to media during their final season to enhance their skills. Okonkwo, especially, always comes ready as an impressive listen.
The NFL will air on NFL Network beginning March 3:
Thursday, March 3 – Tight Ends, Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
Friday, March 4 – Offensive Linemen, Running Backs
Saturday, March 5 – Defensive Linemen, Linebackers
Sunday, March 6 – Defensive Backs, Kickers, Special Teamers