Sweat was on Thursday’s menu, as offensive linemen and tight ends left everything on the weight bench. Quarterbacks, receivers and running backs will take the field Friday for numerous drills. Florida State’s quarterback Jameis Winston is 50/50 in his decision on whether to throw at the combine. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota has assured NFL scouts that he will participate.
Alabama’s Blake Sims will be amongst a group of trigger pullers looking to impress coaches, general managers and owners. He has met with 10 NFL teams and said each of them liked his story on his perseverance at Alabama. When asked about his 40-time time, Sims told reporters that he looks to run under a 4.5.
Sims’s leadership proved critical for Alabama in 2014. The Georgia native guided the team to a 12-win season, a Southeastern Conference title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. He accounted for 3,487 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sims completed 64.5 percent of his passes, and displayed mobility with seven rushing touchdowns.
Sims, who stands at 5-foot-11 and 223 pounds, desires to follow in the footsteps of Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson, at 5-11, has defied the stereotype of size for quarterbacks and has generated a solid pro career thus far.
Sims’s deep ball has improved, but his accuracy on passes toward the sideline needs work. He has a tendency of short hopping passes and overthinking in his decision making.
Sims has exceptional footwork in the pocket. He excels at anticipating blitzes and being smart with the ball. Sims is projected by multiple sporting outlets to be drafted in the sixth or seventh round. Friday will give him a chance to put it all together on the field for a captivated audience.
| 2015 Quarterback in the NFL combine | ||
| Name | College | Projected Round |
| Jameis Winston | Florida State | 1st |
| Marcus Mariota | Oregon | 1st |
| Brett Hundley | UCLA | 2nd |
| Bryce Petty | Baylor | 3rd-4th |
| Garrett Grayson | Colorado State | 3rd-4th |
| Shane Carden | East Carolina | 5th-6th |
| Sean Mannion | Oregon State | 6th |
| Blake Sims | Alabama | 6th-7th |
| Connor Halliday | Washington State | 7th |
| Brandon Bridge | South Alabama | 7th-FA |
| Hutson Mason | Georgia | 7th-FA |
