2024 NFL Combine takeaways, grades for top EDGE, DL and LB prospects, plus other winners and losers

The first day of on-field drills at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis saw defensive linemen, edge rushers and linebackers take the stage in Indianapolis. A handful of prospects elevated their stock with strong performances while others sent scouts back to the tape. 

Here are some of the winners and losers from Thursday’s on-field drills in Indianapolis, starting with a look at the measurements of the prospects in CBS Sports’ top 25 consensus rankings.

Dallas Turner (Alabama)

4.46 seconds

40.5 inches

10-foot-7

1.54 seconds

Laiatu Latu (Alabama)

4.64

32

9-foot-8

1.62

Byron Murphy II (Texas)

4.87

33

9-foot-3

1.69

Jared Verse (Florida State)

4.58

35

10-foot-7

1.60

Chop Robinson (Penn State)

4.48

34.5

10-foot-8

1.54

Bralen Trice (Washington)4.72———1.65

Grading the top-rated EDGE/DL/LB

EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama: A

Turner measured sub 6-foot-3-inches and 247 pounds on Thursday, but his lack of ideal height was neutralized by his 34 3/8″ arm length. His athletic testing was off the charts with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, as well as a 1.54 second 10-yard split. He leaped out of the stadium with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-7-inch broad jump. 

EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA: B+

Latu is a technically sound prospect, and his athletic testing should answer any remaining questions teams had for him. His grade is a little lower relative to the other sensational figures tabulated by the likes of Turner, Robinson and Verse, but no one should be discrediting Latu’s performance. He is a personable prospect who showed his spirit by supporting the other participants even when his workout had finished.

DT Byron Murphy II, Texas: A-

Murphy is a little undersized, but his frame silences some of those concerns. He has a thicker lower body build, which suggests he should have no problem holding up in the run game. Murphy showed good burst and likely solidified himself as the top interior defender eligible for the…

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