Combine Winners That Likely Jumped Up Chicago Bears' Draft Board

The 2022 scouting combine has come to a close. It is the last major event of the pre-draft process where so many prospects get together in one place. From here, the Chicago Bears will start sending their representatives across the country to various college pro days to gather their remaining data. Then GM Ryan Poles will start aligning his draft board for next month. His first official one in charge. One thing is certain. There is a strong likelihood several prospects will receive bumps up the board after what they accomplished in Indianapolis. Tape study is still most important, but the NFL is often determined by which teams have the best athletes. Poles knows that as well as anybody. Here are a few names that already fit what this new Bears regime likes but really did themselves a favor with excellent drills.

Chicago Bears will be elevating these guys after the combine

Christian Watson (WR, North Dakota State)

• 6'4
• 208 lbs
• 40-yard dash: 4.36 seconds (6th-best)
• Vertical jump: 38.5 inches (4th-best)
• Broad jump: 136 inches (Best)

Every year, that one prospect flashes on tape but doesn't boast overwhelming production. Then he shines in athletic drills, offering teams hope that he can be a far better pro than a college player. That is Watson this year. His 801 yards and seven touchdowns last year was fine given the North Dakota State's run-first approach. The strong hands and decent route running stood out. Then Watson ripped up the combine with those numbers. Players his size don't usually do that. If cultivated in a more pass-oriented system, he has a chance to become so much better than he is right now.

Cole Strange (OL, Tennessee-Chattanooga)

• 6'5
• 307 lbs
• 40-yard dash: 5.02 seconds (10th-best)
• Bench press: 31 reps (2nd-best)
• Three-cone: 7.44 seconds (5th-best)
• Broad jump: 120 inches (Best)

As the Chicago Bears shift to the outside-zone offense, they will require athletic and intelligent offensive linemen. Especially at the center position. Strange demonstrated at both the Senior Bowl and the combine that he checks those boxes. His size is good and he moves with the necessary quick feet. His anchor is also good against bigger defenders despite his relatively light weight. More important with Strange is his clear intelligence and nasty attitude. He knows what must be done on every snap and isn't afraid to mix it up with anybody.

Perrion Winfrey (DT, Oklahoma)

• 6'4
• 290 lbs
• 35-inch arms
• 40-yard dash: 4.89 seconds (3rd-best)

While he didn't participate in any other drills, Winfrey made the statement he needed to. He can move really well for a guy his size with his length. The Sooners defensive tackle had 5.5 sacks in 2021. Not special production by any means, but the tape shows a player with untapped potential as an interior pass rusher. That is something the Bears will need in their new defense under Matt Eberflus. Winfrey has the burst and length, but also the motor. He can be relentless, driving blockers into the backfield. Watch his entire Senior Bowl week. The guy was wreaking havoc.

Malcolm Rodriguez (LB, Oklahoma State)

• 5'11
• 232 lbs
• 40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds (4th-best)
• Vertical jump: 39.5 inches (4th-best)

Rodriguez is everything a team could want in a linebacker from almost all points of view. He was a leader and the brains of the defense at OK-State. His instincts and range allowed him to make 397 tackles and force 13 fumbles. Then he showcases his upper-tier athleticism at the combine with great speed and explosiveness. If only he were a few inches taller. Teams are going to shy away from Rodriguez because he's 5'11. It is difficult to justify more undersized linebackers in this league. Still, size hasn't always been necessary for this particular defensive scheme. Lance Briggs was only 6'1, and Derrick Brooks was 6'0. If you are an athlete, instinctive, and tackle well (like Rodriguez), it's an excellent defense for you.

Zyon McCollum (CB, Sam Houston State)

• 6'2
• 199 lbs
• 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds (3rd-best)
• Vertical jump: 39.5 inches (2nd-best)
• Broad jump: 132 inches (Best)

If you're coming out of a small school to the NFL, you better be a great athlete and have dominated the competition you played. McCollum offers confirmation in both instances. Somebody that size who can move with such explosion can't be ignored. If that weren't enough, he finished his college career with 13 interceptions and six forced fumbles. So he knows how to take the ball away too. That will get over big with Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams. He'll need to adjust to NFL speed, but if he's willing to work, this kid's ceiling is limitless.