2019 NFL combine: Setting the stage for day 7, position groups, schedule, prospects to watch for the Patriots, open thread

After one week of action, the 2019 NFL scouting combine will come to a close today with defensive backs working out on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf in Indianapolis. The New England Patriots currently have a deep cornerback group under contract and will therefore likely be more interested in the safety prospects. Let’s find out who they might look for, and what else is happening today.

Players’ schedule

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB): On-Field Workout (timing, station, skill drills), Departure

Broadcast schedule

The final day of action in Indianapolis will also be broadcast live. Starting at 9:00 a.m. ET, NFL Network and the league’s affiliated services will air the on-field workouts:

Television: NFL Network

Radio: Sirius XM, TuneIn

Mobile: NFL Mobile app

Online: nfl.com/watch (login through cable provider), NFL Game Pass

Run Rich Run

One of the combine’s traditions, NFL Network host Rich Eisen will attempt to run the 40-yard dash again in 2019. The event, which helps raise money for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, takes place since 2005 and will see the 49-year old beat his personal best of 5.94.

Over the years, Eisen’s 40-times have developed as follows:

In order to support Run Rich Run and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital please click here.

On-field drills

40-yard dash: The most publicized event of the entire combine, the 40-yard dash measures a prospect’s acceleration and sustained vertical speed. Furthermore the interval times — the 10-yard split and the 20-yard split — give teams a clearer look on a player’s quickness and initial burst.

Vertical jump: The vertical measures a player’s leaping ability as well as his lower-body strength and explosion out of his position. The drill is especially important for skill position players on both sides of the ball.

Broad jump: Similar to the vertical jump, the horizontal broad jump tests a prospect’s lower-body explosion and strength as well as his balance in and out of his stance.

3-cone drill: The 3-cone drill tests agility and change of direction skills, and is therefore important for almost all position groups. Since 2010, the Patriots added seven defensive backs with a combine 3-cone time of under 6.75 seconds — a drill to watch, without a doubt.

Short shuttle: The short shuttle is a 20-yard running drill divided into portions of 5, 10 and 5 yards. It measures a player’s quickness, agility, burst, flexibility and short-area explosion.

Prospects to watch

FS Sean Bunting, Central Michigan: Bunting is a high-upside prospect that will likely become a mid-round option in late April. A versatile player who might be able to reach his full potential when lining up as a deep safety as opposed to a cornerback role, the Central Michigan product is a work in progress.

FS Lukas Denis, Boston College: Another developmental safety that the Patriots might be interested in brining on board, home-grown Lukas Denis from Boston College could become a late-round addition to the team’s defensive backfield. A deep centerfielder that needs to work on his strength and add to his frame, Denis has the movement skills to grow into a solid free safety at the next level.

SS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida: One of the top safeties in this year’s class, Gardner-Johnson could be a day-one starter at the next level. A versatile option that could line up anywhere from the slot to a hybrid role in the mold of Patrick Chung to playing the deep field, the 21-year old projects to be a late first/early second-round selection.

CB Isaiah Johnson, Houston: Johnson needs to improve his technique and footwork, and work on his ball skills, but he might be worth a shot as a developmental option on day three. His frame — 6’2, 195 lbs — is impressive and might make him an option as a strong safety as well.

SS Taylor Rapp, Washington: A versatile player that brings adequate size, strength and tackling skills to the table in order to serve as a safety-linebacker hybrid at the next level, Rapp will likely come off the board on day two. Even though his speed does not impress, he should find success in the NFL because of his versatility and overall skill set.