5 Draft Prospects Who Could Break The Bench Press Record At NFL Combine

5 Draft Prospects Who Could Break The Bench Press Record At NFL Combine

By Shawn Spencer

February 17, 2015

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5 Draft Prospects Who Could Break The Bench Press Record At NFL Combine

Danny Shelton Washington — With the NFL Combine about to begin, there are a number of prospects who are expected to put on a show. Linemen aren't usually mentioned among the elite athletes at the event, but the bench press allows those in the trenches to show off their strength. The current record is 51 reps, held by former Eastern Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Ernest. That record has stood for 15 years, but these five players have a chance to break it.

With the NFL Combine about to begin, there are a number of prospects who are expected to put on a show. Linemen aren't usually mentioned among the elite athletes at the event, but the bench press allows those in the trenches to show off their strength. The current record is 51 reps, held by former Eastern Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Ernest. That record has stood for 15 years, but these five players have a chance to break it.

5. Jeremiah Poutasi (OT-Utah)

Jeremiah Poutasi Utah

5. Jeremiah Poutasi (OT-Utah)

Jeremiah Poutasi Utah — Jeremiah Poutasi played right and left tackle for Utah, but a move inside to guard is likely in his future. Although he struggled at times against speed rushers, Poutasi had no trouble versus the bull rush. He could have stayed in school for another year, but he likely wouldn't have improved upon his third-round grade. Poutasi should shine in the bench press, but it's his performance in the agility drills that will determine his NFL position.

Jeremiah Poutasi played right and left tackle for Utah, but a move inside to guard is likely in his future. Although he struggled at times against speed rushers, Poutasi had no trouble versus the bull rush. He could have stayed in school for another year, but he likely wouldn't have improved upon his third-round grade. Poutasi should shine in the bench press, but it's his performance in the agility drills that will determine his NFL position.

4. Deon Simon (DT-Northwestern State)

Deon Simon Northwestern State

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4. Deon Simon (DT-Northwestern State)

Deon Simon Northwestern State — Deon Simon (No.99) could significantly improve his draft stock after the bench press. He finished his senior year with just 26 tackles as a knee injury cut his season short after seven games. He wound up on the radar of NFL teams after his stellar performance against Baylor in September. The 332-pound Simon is an ideal fit as a 3-4 NT. He's not currently projected to be drafted, but a strong Combine could move him into the Day 3 discussion.

Deon Simon (No.99) could significantly improve his draft stock after the bench press. He finished his senior year with just 26 tackles as a knee injury cut his season short after seven games. He wound up on the radar of NFL teams after his stellar performance against Baylor in September. The 332-pound Simon is an ideal fit as a 3-4 NT. He's not currently projected to be drafted, but a strong Combine could move him into the Day 3 discussion.

3. Tayo Fabuluje (OT-TCU)

Tayo Fabuluje TCU

3. Tayo Fabuluje (OT-TCU)

Tayo Fabuluje TCU — Concerns over Tayo Fabuluje's work ethic can be put to rest at the Combine. He weighed in at 360 pounds during the 2014 season, but will be expected to lose 20-30 pounds before suiting up for an NFL team. Along with his massive frame, Fabuluje has outstanding strength. He should easily be among the top performers in the bench press. If his endurance has improved, Fabuluje could break the record. He has a sixth-round projection.

Concerns over Tayo Fabuluje's work ethic can be put to rest at the Combine. He weighed in at 360 pounds during the 2014 season, but will be expected to lose 20-30 pounds before suiting up for an NFL team. Along with his massive frame, Fabuluje has outstanding strength. He should easily be among the top performers in the bench press. If his endurance has improved, Fabuluje could break the record. He has a sixth-round projection.

2. Danny Shelton (DT-Washington)

Danny Shelton Washington

2. Danny Shelton (DT-Washington)

Danny Shelton Washington — Without question, Danny Shelton is the best nose tackle in the 2015 NFL Draft. Whether or not he's a top-10 pick will be heavily based on his Combine performance. When Shelton's on his game, he disposes of interior linemen with ease. In the last 10 years, only Stephen Paea has surpassed 45 reps at the Combine. It would be a disappointment if Shelton doesn't surpass 45 reps.

Without question, Danny Shelton is the best nose tackle in the 2015 NFL Draft. Whether or not he's a top-10 pick will be heavily based on his Combine performance. When Shelton's on his game, he disposes of interior linemen with ease. In the last 10 years, only Stephen Paea has surpassed 45 reps at the Combine. It would be a disappointment if Shelton doesn't surpass 45 reps.

1. Brandon Scherff (OT-Iowa)

Brandon Scherff Iowa

1. Brandon Scherff (OT-Iowa)

Brandon Scherff Iowa — Brandon Scherff is easily the top candidate to break the bench press record at the Combine. The Iowa left tackle is the No. 1 offensive lineman on my board, and could be a top-five pick. Before the 2014 season began, Iowa posted a video of Scherff in the weight room. At the time, he was benching about 400 pounds, cleaning almost 500 pounds and squatting over 650 pounds. If anyone is going to break the record this year, it's going to be Scherff.

Brandon Scherff is easily the top candidate to break the bench press record at the Combine. The Iowa left tackle is the No. 1 offensive lineman on my board, and could be a top-five pick. Before the 2014 season began, Iowa posted a video of Scherff in the weight room. At the time, he was benching about 400 pounds, cleaning almost 500 pounds and squatting over 650 pounds. If anyone is going to break the record this year, it's going to be Scherff.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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