A look back at members of the Indianapolis Colts who dominated the combine before they dominated the NFL.
The NFL Combine has returned to Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium. Prospects have already been meeting with teams and will soon hit the field to showcase their athleticism.
From the 40-yard dash to the bench press, players typically deliver show-stopping numbers that win franchises over.
The combine is where the Indianapolis Colts were wowed by a lot of the players that are currently on the roster. After seeing the way these players dominated drills, Indy knew they had to get them on the team. Let’s look back at some of the most memorable moments.
Jonathan Taylor blazes through the 40-yard dash
A 4.39 at 226 lbs?! @JayT23 left all the scouts in awe.
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2022
📺: #NFLCombine starting Thursday at 4pm ET on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/1An9NYIAXU
The year Jonathan Taylor just had makes total sense if you go back to his college career and combine performance— he’s been special for a while.
At the 2020 combine, Taylor ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, recorded 17 reps on the 225-pound bench press, and had a 36-inch vertical jump. Taylor also looked great in the remaining test and on-field drills.
This all translated to the professional field where Taylor has dominated in his first two seasons. In year two, he led the NFL in rushing, was selected to the Pro Bowl, and was a unanimous First-Team All-Pro.
As great as Taylor was, none of that would’ve been possible without his linemen, especially Quenton Nelson, someone who also dominated at the combine.
Quenton Nelson impresses on the bench press
Nelson has become popular in the NFL for the viral clips of him moving grown men around on the field. A look back at his combine performance and it’s clear he’s no stranger to moving weight.
Moving heavy things in Indy since 2018.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 23, 2022
📺 #NFLCombine | March 3-6 on NFLN pic.twitter.com/qx1EzzgKkk
Nelson recorded 35 reps on the bench press, which was the fourth-most of his draft class. That was also the same amount as his draft mate and fellow Colts linemen, Braden Smith.
This power has translated to the field from day one for Nelson. Since he stepped foot in the NFL he has been one of the best offensive linemen in all of football.
Through four seasons he has made four Pro Bowls, four All-Pro teams and has only allowed four sacks. With one year left on his rookie contract, he is due for a record-breaking deal.
The Colts were lucky to land athletes like Taylor and Nelson who dominated the combine and now they will look to do it again. With on-field prospect testing scheduled to begin Thursday, Indy will be looking for its next star.
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