Scouting Combine D-Linemen Who Passed The Ryan Poles Thresholds
The scouting combine is a useful tool for helping fans predict what the Chicago Bears might do in the upcoming NFL draft. However, it has become doubly important in regards to GM Ryan Poles. It has become apparent over the past two years that he is a stickler for physical traits when it comes to prospects. They must be a certain size, length, and level of athlete to be considered viable for their team. That is particularly true on the defensive line, which took center stage on Thursday to kick off the event.
After getting the full measurements and watching the drills, multiple names crossed the necessary thresholds to get themselves in consideration by the Bears. Here are six that stood out the most.
Ryan Poles has specific parameters. These names met them.
Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
- 6’4
- 254 lbs
- 33.5-inch arms
- 40-yard dash: 4.58
- Vertical jump: 35 inches
- Broad jump: 10 ft 7 inches
While his arm length isn’t quite at the preferred range, it is above the red line at 33 inches. He coupled that with a terrific 40 times and one of the better vertical jumps at the event. His explosiveness can’t be argued. All of that is backed up on tape, where he collected 18 sacks over his two starting seasons.
Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
- 6’3
- 247 lbs
- 34-inch arms
- 40-yard dash: 4.47
- Vertical jump: 40.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10 ft 7 inches
Everything here is a picture of perfection except for his weight. The Bears usually prefer their defensive ends around 260 lbs. Turner might be able to add enough mass to handle that. Otherwise, he was the freakiest athlete at his position for the entire combine. It is easy to see why he had 22.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss in three years for the Tide.
Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
- 6’5
- 285 lbs
- 34.5-inch arms
- 40-yard dash: 4.95
- Vertical jump: 35 inches
- Broad jump: 9 ft 3 inches
Robinson really emerged at the Senior Bowl last month. His mix of size, length, and power was evident. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to have the explosiveness necessary for a defensive end role. However, that wouldn’t be an issue if the Ryan Poles were to draft him as a defensive tackle instead. His numbers are better than DeForest Buckner’s in those conditions.
Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
- 6’4
- 294 lbs
- 34-inch arms
- 40-yard dash: 4.89
- Vertical jump: 32 inches
- Broad jump: 9 ft 8 inches
If you’re looking for a poster child for measurables at defensive tackle, this is it. He’s got the height, weight, length, and explosiveness tailor-made for the three-technique position in the Bears’ scheme. His production was also consistently good, with 24 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks over three seasons.
Kris Jenkins (DT, Michigan)
- 6’3
- 299 lbs
- 34-inch arms
- 40-yard dash: 4.91
- Vertical jump: 30 inches
- Broad jump: 9 ft 7 inches
One thing people knew about Jenkins going into the combine was his power. The dude was a tank in the middle of that Wolverines defense. These numbers suggest he has untapped potential as an interior pass rusher. History shows Michigan defenders often become better pros once in schemes that fully utilize their skills. Rashan Gary is a perfect example.
Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
- 6’5
- 306 lbs
- 35-inch arms
- 40-yard dash: 5.01
- Vertical jump: 31 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet
He looked like an ascending stud before an injury slowed his progress in 2022. A coaching change last didn’t help either. Yet Smith was still a solid presence in the middle for the Tiger and proved at the combine that he is both healthy and brimming with untapped potential.