Dennis Nett | Syracuse.com
A handful of New Jersey natives will be under a microscope during the NFL's annual scouting combine in Indianapolis this week. The week-long event will feature over 300 draft prospects performing drills in front of the league's most important decision-makers.
Kentucky's Josh Allen, NC State's Kelvin Harmon and Michigan's Rashan Gary are all projected as potential first-round picks. That New Jersey trio will have a lot to prove at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here is a list of the New Jersey natives invited to the NFL Combine:
Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State
Hometown: Palmyra, N.J.
High School: Palmyra
College Production: 177 catches for 2,665 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns
Day of Drills: March 2
Scouting Report
Via The Draft Network:
"Logging back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, Harmon has been one of the ACC’s most productive receivers over the last two seasons. He is a true alpha with dominant play strength. His burst and play speed for his size is underrated. His blend of size, physicality, ball skills and fluidity make him and ideal fit as an x-receiver in any scheme. By year three, Harmon has the upside to be relied upon as a true No. 1 receiver that keeps the chains moving, hits big plays and thrives in the redzone."
Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
Hometown: Plainfield, N.J.
High School: Paramus Catholic
College Production: 119 tackles (23 for loss) and 9.5 sacks
Day of Drills: March 3
Scouting Report
Via NFL.com:
"Five-star defensive end prospect coming into Michigan who leaves with those same five-star traits and loads of potential but a lack of development in key areas. Gary is a face-up rusher who seems content to hit tackles with bull-rush attempts rather than working the edges. He's explosive out of the blocks and in closing to the quarterback, and is just waiting for hand development and additional rush moves. His size, strength and motor could make him a plus run defender in short order. He has elite potential if a defensive coordinator can harness the energy and focus his approach."
Josh Allen, OLB/DE, Kentucky
Hometown: Montclair, N.J.
High School: Montclair
College Production: 220 tackles (42 for loss), 31.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles
Day of Drills: March 3
Scouting Report
From The Draft Network:
"Josh Allen’s burst, bend and length provides an exciting foundation to work from in becoming a high-impact pass rusher in the NFL. That said, there is still room to grow in terms developing counters, improving his vision and adding play strength that indicates an extremely high ceiling as he evolves as a player. Allen has already proven his ability to function with his hand in the dirt, as a stand up edge and dropping into coverage making him a scheme-versatile defender that would thrive in a defensive front that is multiple. Allen has the tools needed contribute right away in the NFL with the makings of a dynamic playmaker at his position by year three."
Yosuah Nijman, OT, Virginia Tech
Hometown: Maplewood, N.J.
High School: Columbia
College Production: 45 games (32 combined starts)
Day of Drills: March 1
Scouting Report
Via DraftAnalyst.com (from August):
"Keep an eye on offensive tackle Yosuah Nijman, someone who really impressed me in 2016 and played reasonably well last season until he was sidelined with injury. Nijman has terrific size while showing great agility and movement skills in his game. He has growth potential and is much more than a small-area blocker."
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Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College
Hometown: Ramsey, N.J.
High School: Don Bosco Prep
College Production: 99 catches for 1,281 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns
Day of Drills: March 2
Scouting Report
Via The Draft Network:
"On a BC Eagles offense that isn’t afraid to regularly put three tight ends on the field, Sweeney was a standout. While he lacks the juice to be a truly dynamic receiving tight end, his hands are extremely natural and he’s a technician as a route runner. While Sweeney, doesn’t overwhelm opponents as a blocker, he has the play strength and technique needed to exchanges power in the trenches and contribute in that capacity. Sweeney doesn’t project as a featured tight end in the NFL but his balanced skill set should lead to a career providing valuable depth and opportunities to work in multi-tight end sets."
RyQuell Armstead, RB, Temple
Hometown: Millville, N.J.
High School: Millville
College Production: 573 carries for 2,812 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, 29 receptions for 175 receiving yards
Day of Drills: March 1
Scouting Report
Via The Draft Network:
"Ryquell Armstead has intriguing skills as a potential inside zone rusher in the NFL. Armstead knows when it is time to bury his pads into the pile and has the functional strength and leg drive to get tough yards. Armstead also possesses the springy cuts needed to confidently burst into the second level, especially between the tackles. Armstead can be part of a rotation of backs but his lack of pass pro and receiving chops will hinder his value as a potential bell cow."
John Munson | NJ Advance Media
The Rutgers Duo
Along with the New Jersey natives, Rutgers has two alums set to take part in drills at the Combine.
Saquan Hampton, S, Rutgers
Hometown: Hamilton, N.J.
High School: Nottingham
College Production: 167 tackles (7 for loss), 4 interceptions and 20 pass breakups
Day of Drills: March 4
Blessuan Austin, CB, Rutgers
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
High School: Campus Magnet
College Production: 89 tackles (five for loss), 2 sacks, 4 interceptions and 18 pass breakups
Day of Drills: March 4
How to Reach Me
Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@Mike_E_Kaye. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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