NFL.com's Monday Winners and Losers

quote:

---

Winners

---

quote:

---

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina: The hype surrounding Clowney's talent and potential is certainly warranted, based on his spectacular performance on the turf. The 6-foot-5 1/4, 266-pound defensive end clocked a 4.53-second 40-yard dash while also posting a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump and 10-4 broad jump. Those numbers, which are ridiculous for a man of his size, underscore the elite athleticism, explosiveness and body control Clowney displays on the field. Sure, the questions about his work ethic, maturity and judgment are troubling, but it's impossible to ignore his extraordinary physical gifts. It will be very tough for teams at the top of the draft to pass on a freak like this.

---

quote:

---

Losers

---

quote:

---

Michael Sam, DE, Missouri: While many media members came to Indy to further report on Sam's recent announcement that he's gay, NFL scouts and coaches used the event to assess his chances of making a key contribution to a team. Sam reportedly passed the interview portion of the exam with flying colors, but he put on a disappointing performance during the workout. He clocked a pedestrian 4.91 in the 40, while also posting marginal marks in the vertical jump (25.5 inches), broad jump (9-6) and three-cone drill (7.80 seconds). Additionally, he looked tight and stiff while changing direction in positional drills. Sam simply looks uncomfortable moving around in space, which makes it unlikely he'll be able to successfully move to linebacker at the next level. To his credit, Sam did show above-average body control in the "bend and burst" drill, leading several scouts to peg him as a possible DPR (designated pass rusher) in the NFL. Given his limited game/athleticism, Sam's draft stock likely will take a significant plunge following this combine showing.

---