Sooners And Cowboys At The NFL Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up on Tuesday and seven local players attended. Oklahoma's Damien Williams, Aaron Colvin, Gabe Ikard, Trey Millard and Jalen Saunders and Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert and Josh Stewart made the trip to Indianapolis to be weighed, measured, tested and scrutinized alongside some of the nation's best.

Justin Gilbert – Cornerback

6-0, 202

Gilbert made the most of his time at the combine, specifically when he turned in a 4.37 40-yard dash. That was the top time among cornerbacks, but Gilbert didn't quit there. He went on to push 20 reps on the 225-lb bench press, broad jumped 126 inches and looked good enough in drills for one scout to call him the "best cornerback prospect since (LSU's) Patrick Patterson." It's safe to say Gilbert ensured himself first-round money on draft day, but the question is how high will he go? Many projection sites have Gilbert at No. 10 to the Lions.

Damien Williams – Running Back

5-11, 222

The expectations weren't high for Williams going into this year's combine, but he went above and beyond them starting with a blazing 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash. That was good for fourth among running backs. He did 16 reps on the bench, jumped 121 inches in the broad jump and registered a vertical leap of 35.5 inches. Williams will have to answer questions about his midseason dismissal from Oklahoma but he may have done enough to earn some looks in the late rounds of the draft.

Jalen Saunders – Receiver

5-9, 165

Saunders showed enough speed in the 40 (4.44) and athleticism (34-inch vertical, 122-inch broad jump) to prove to scouts he deserves a look at being a slot receiver in the NFL. Size and durability are the primary concerns with Saunders but his return skills should keep him on the draft board and could potentially push him to a mid-round draft selection. Saunders met with Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Tennessee, New York Jets, Oakland and Baltimore at the combine.

Gabe Ikard – Center

6-4, 304

Ikard also made the most of his opportunity at the combine turning in the best times by an offensive lineman in the 3-cone drill (7.3 seconds) and the 20-yard shuttle (4.37). His 40 was a respectable 5.13, among the best by interior offensive linemen. Ikard should get hard looks from several teams in the later rounds of the draft. His physical stats don't wow scouts but he plays smart and consistently found ways to get the job done at Oklahoma.

Josh Stewart – Receiver

5-10, 178

Stewart didn't fare so well at the combine. He lacks ideal size for an NFL receiver and coupled with a disappointing 40 time (4.69) and average times in the agility drills, Stewart didn't boost his stock much. His best showing at the combine may have been his 35-inch vertical leap. Most think he'd have benefited from one more year in the college ranks, but Stewart is still a draftable prospect even if he's fallen into the last couple rounds.

Aaron Colvin – Cornerback

5-11, 177

Colvin is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered at Senior Bowl practice and did not participate in drills at the combine. The unfortunate injury could drop his draft stock a round or two but expect Colvin's name to be called. His instincts set him apart and several projections have him being taken in the third or fourth rounds.

Trey Millard – Fullback

6-2, 247

Millard is also recovering from an ACL injury suffered in October and, like Colvin, didn't work out at the combine. He was a versatile, three-time All-Big 12 first-team player for Bob Stoops. Millard has great hands out of the backfield or lined up as a receiver. It's not likely he'll be drafted due to the injury but if he finds his way onto a team he could prove his worth as a special teams player alone.