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2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 21

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 21

NFL Combine Jameis Winston Marcus Mariota
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers on the field, today was the biggest day of the NFL Combine. Several questions were answered as the skill positions went through workouts. How would Jameis Winston's shoulder hold up? Who are the Day 2 running backs? Would any of the top receivers stand out? Here are the answers to those questions and more in today's biggest takeaways from the Combine.

6. Top Returners Show Off Receiving Skills

Tyler Lockett Kansas State
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

6. Top Returners Show Off Receiving Skills

Tyler Lockett Kansas State
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Two of the best returners in college football proved they can contribute on more than just special teams. Kansas State's Tyler Lockett and UAB's J.J. Nelson showed great hands and route-running ability during today's workouts. I currently have Lockett rated as a third-round pick and his 4.40 40-yard dash proved he can be an outside threat. Nelson isn't projected to be drafted, but his Combine-best 4.28 40 time may intrigue teams late.

5. Shaq Thompson Refuses To Participate In RB Drills

Shaq Thompson NFL Combine
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Shaq Thompson Refuses To Participate In RB Drills

Shaq Thompson NFL Combine
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Despite playing some RB at Washington, OLB Shaq Thompson decided not to participate in today's RB drills. This doesn't seem to be much of an issue, but a few teams reportedly requested for him to participate. This could turn off some teams who put in the request. Thompson was very adamant that he's an OLB, but his lack of size may force him into a safety role. He's still going to be a first-round pick, but Thompson didn't do himself any favors.

4. Dorial Green-Beckham Looks Like First-Round Pick

Dorial Green-Beckham NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dorial Green-Beckham Looks Like First-Round Pick

Dorial Green-Beckham NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Dorial Green-Beckham certainly has several character concerns, but he's looked like a first-round pick in Indianapolis. After measuring in at over 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, he ran an official 4.49 40-yard dash. His vertical and broad jumps weren't overly impressive, but his ability to high-point a football isn't in question. The red flags will likely cause his stock to slide, but he'll be a steal for a 2014 playoff team in the late-first round.

3. Running Backs Fail To Stand Out

David Johnson Northern Iowa
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

3. Running Backs Fail To Stand Out

David Johnson Northern Iowa
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

With Todd Gurley and Tevin Coleman watching from the sidelines, the rest of the running back class failed to impress. What is thought of as a deep RB class became much weaker with the exclusion of Gurley, Coleman and David Cobb, who was injured running the 40. As expected, Melvin Gordon played well, but he didn't blow anyone away. The two backs who helped themselves the most, Jeremy Langford and David Johnson, are considered Day 3 picks.

2. Top Receivers Don't Disappoint

Amari Cooper NFL Combine
Getty Images

2. Top Receivers Don't Disappoint

Amari Cooper NFL Combine
Getty Images

While running backs failed to impress, the top receivers certainly did not. The top five on my board (DeVante Parker, Kevin White, Jaelen Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham and Amari Cooper) all showed top-15 talent. Whether it was White running a 4.35 forty, Strong leaping 42 inches or Parker and Cooper executing routes to perfection, this class had an extremely productive day. The 2014 WR class was great, but this class could be even better.

1. Jameis Winston Makes Case For No. 1 Pick

Jameis Winston NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jameis Winston Makes Case For No. 1 Pick

Jameis Winston NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston put to rest any rumors about weakness in his shoulder. Even with 13 quarterbacks throwing, Winston stood out. He was very accurate with his passes, and showed off his velocity. Playing in a pro-style offense at Florida State paid off as his footwork was by far the best. Brett Hundley (UCLA), Cody Fajardo (Nevada) and Jerry Lovelocke (Prairie View A&M) also had great days.

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.

Related:
2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 20
2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 19

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