Yesterday, with the closing of the 2009 NFL Combine, we saw how certain players benefited from the experience. But we also witnessed some sub par performances that may have dropped the “draft stock” of other, even high profile players. How about we take a closer look at who emerged as winners in terms of their draft day stock.

Winner’s Circle

Superman Linebacker Aaron Curry runs 40 yard dash (thanks to NFL.com)

1. Aaron Curry–Wake Forest/OLB

Solidified himself as a legit top 3 pick by running faster than all the linebackers, and actually placed a better time than a large number of the defensive backs at the combine. But keep in mind, he is also about 60 pounds heavier than most of the defensive backs! Furthermore, if you watched him in the position drills, he looked super smooth and fluid. Everything came effortlessly to him.  He should be a serious candidate at number 1 for the Lions after what he did this week. To top things off, he was the top performer in the 40 yard dash (4.56 sec), vertical leap (37 in), broad jump (10’4 ft), and 60 yard shuttle (11.35 sec). He finished 7th in the bench press, which was the only drill he participated in where he failed to achieve the top performance!

2. Jason Smith–Baylor/OT

After successfully navigating through all the drills, Smith emerged as a top performer in the bench press (33 reps), 3-cone drill (7.53 sec), and put up a respectable 5.22 sec in the 40 yard dash. He generally looked good in the position drills (especially the one where they mirror the defender), and Tom Kowalski of MLive.com said Smith was the most composed and mature of the elite tackle prospects during interviews.

3. Darrius Heyward-Bey–Maryland/WR

This was his coming out party. At Maryland, he was never properly utilized. But on Sunday, we saw a glimpse of what this guy could have done, and what he could athletically do  in the NFL.  Heyward-Bey was a top finisher in the bench press (16 reps), 40 yard dash (4.30 sec-fastest time at combine), broad jump (10’6 ft), vertical leap (38.5 in), 3-cone drill (6.80 sec), and 20 yard shuttle (4.18 sec). If he lives up to his athletic potential, the sky is the limit for him. But can he use that speed to get open?

To see him run at the combine click the wide receiver video here at NFL.com

4. Brian Cushing–USC/OLB

Had the top performance for bench press in the linebacker group. He was 7th fastest amongst linebackers in the 40 yard dash (4.76 sec), 10th in vertical leap (35 in), 7th in broad jump (10’0 ft), 1st in the 3-cone drill (6.84 sec), and 4th in 20 yard shuttle (4.22 sec).

5. Jared Cook–South Carolina/TE

Ran the fastest time for tight ends (4.50 sec), finished 1st in vertical leap (41 in), 1st in broad jump (10’3 ft), and 7th in bench press (23 reps).

Honorable Mentions

6. Evander Hood–Missouri/DT

He was 4th best bench presser (34 reps), and recorded one of the only defensive tackles to break 5.0 seconds in the 40 yard dash (4.91 sec).

7. Clay Matthews–USC/OLB

A walk-on at USC, and son of former NFL player Bruce Matthews. Finished in the top 10 in each of the following categories: 40 yard dash (4.67 sec), vertical leap (35.5 in), broad jump (10’1 ft), 3-cone drill (6.90 sec), and 20 yard shuttle (4.18 sec).

How did I do?

I published an article about a week ago, calling attention to 10 players to watch at the combine. Out of the 10 players to whom I called attention, I am excited to say only 1 player didn’t do as I hoped (Alex Mack). But he decided not to participate, so you’ll have to forgive me for that oversight. But every one of those players performed in the top 10 in at least one category. I’m excited! Take a look and tell me how you think I did.