The defensive backs took the field on Tuesday morning in the last of the NFL Combine workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The depth and athleticism of the group was on display all morning, as the cornerbacks and safeties showed terrific speed and athleticism throughout the workouts. Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara performed as expected, turning in fast 40 times and showing exceptional explosiveness in the jumping drills.
Amukamara was among the best in the broad and vertical jumping drills, finishing an inch behind Cortez Allen in the broad jump and an inch and a half behind Curtis Brown in the broad jump. Peterson was near the top, as well, showing incredible athleticism for his size.
Here’s a few of the top performers, beginning with the vertical jump.
Curtis Brown 39.5
Chris Culliver 38.5
Marcus Gilchrist 38.5
Josh Thomas 38.5
Prince Amukamara 38.0
Patrick Peterson 38.0
Richard Sherman 38.0
The top leapers in the broad jump includes many of the same names as the most athletic prospects rose to the top in the jumping drills
Cortez Allen 10’9
Prince Amukamara 10’8
Curtis Brown 10’8
Chris Conte 10’7
Aaron Williams 10’7
Chimidi Chekwa 10’6
Patrick Peterson 10’6
Josh Thomas 10’6
Richard Sherman 10’5
The defensive back class, especially the cornerbacks, appears to be deep and talented ahead of the 2011 NFL Draft. Peterson, Amukamara and Jimmy Smith top the class, projected as early to mid first-round picks, with Peterson in the discussion for the first overall pick in the draft. After that, though, the class still impresses, with plenty of talent to be had for teams looking for immediate secondary help.
For more on the workouts, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL Combine StoryStream.