The CFL National Combine has come and gone, and we now have a better picture of which prospects possess the potential to land roster spots at the next level. Some players performed as expected, but there are a handful of players who managed to leave with a stock higher than the one they had upon arrival.
We’re looking at five U SPORTS prospects who raised their draft stock at the 2022 CFL National Combine.
1. Rodeem Brown
Position: Offensive Lineman
School: Alberta
Three weeks ago, if I had told you that the player to raise the most eyebrows at the largest and most talented CFL National Combine in history would be an offensive lineman, would you have believed me?
Alberta’s Rodeem Brown was a very lowkey prospect entering combine weekend. He doesn’t come from a powerhouse program, and he doesn’t hold any nationally recognized clout. In fact, Brown even boasts a smaller frame at 6’0”. But with each event that passed, Brown won over the hearts of scouts - and fans - more and more.
Brown impressed on the bench (19 reps), had the third highest vert among offensive lineman (27.5”), ran the second fasted forty among offensive lineman (5.30), and had the second farthest broad jump among offensive lineman (8’7”).
Of course, testing numbers only mean something if you impress with the pads on, and that’s exactly what Brown did in one-on-ones. Rep after rep, Brown stayed consistent in keeping his pad level low, maintaining a strong base, and showing scouts that he has the ability to be an interior offensive lineman in the CFL - and a damn good one too.
Brown left this past weekend’s combine with no lingering questions left about his game. Winning matchups against virtually everyone - including Deionte Knight - Brown proved that his size is nothing to worry about.
2. Gavin Cobb
Position: Receiver
School: Manitoba
Gavin Cobb is a prime example of why regional combines are important. Cobb was originally invited to the Western Regional Combine after hauling in 27 receptions for 340 yards and five touchdowns for the Manitoba Bisons in 2021. The Victoria, B.C. native put together a standout performance at the regional combine in Edmonton, which landed him a ticket to the National Combine in Toronto.
If you ask anyone who watched REC/DB one-on-ones at the National Combine, Cobb stood out as a top three route runner during the period. He gets into his routes cleanly, stacks defensive backs after his first move, and creates a comfortable amount of separation that essentially erases the defender’s chances of making a play on the ball. Watching Cobb run routes is an art in itself.
He may still have a year of eligibility remaining, but it seems as though Gavin Cobb has played his final U SPORTS game. He belongs in the CFL.
The three best route runners today were Gavin Cobb, Forbes-Mombleau and Gordon Lam. Real nuance in their routes.
— Nathaniel Behar (@natebehar11) March 27, 2022
I don’t care who analysts are going to try and convince us did well in that period, they’re lying if they said anybody performed better than those 3 in 1v1’s at WR.
3. Deionte Knight
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: Western
I know exactly what you’re thinking!
An OUA All-Star, First Team All-Canadian, OUA Lineman of the Year, U SPORTS Lineman of the Year, highest ranked lineman on the CFL Scouting Bureau Rankings, East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Buffalo Pro Day Invite, how on earth could Deionte Knight - the top defensive lineman in this year’s class - have elevated his draft stock any higher?
The answer? By proving that he can dominate inside.
After a short - but successful - career at Western, that saw him terrorize offensive tackles off the edge, scouts threw Knight at defensive tackle as a test to see if his explosiveness and athleticism could translate to the interior. It’s safe to say he passed that test with flying colours. Knight’s strength was on display all afternoon as he got past his offensive counterparts in quick and aggressive fashion. The highlight of the one-on-one period saw Knight engage in fierce battles with Saskatchewan offensive lineman Noah Zerr - who will likely be the first offensive lineman taken off the board on draft night.
Measuring in at 6’3” and weighing in at 278Ib, Knight stands out as one of the largest defensive lineman in this year’s draft. Given his size, in combination with his athleticism, don’t be surprised to see him add on an extra 15 - 20 pounds and move over to defensive tackle when he goes pro.
4. Tommy Bringi
Position: Linebacker
School: Laurier
I can’t lie, it was quite odd seeing a CFL National Combine that didn’t include five or more Laurier Golden Hawks. Nonetheless, both Laurier participants represented well, and left a great impression. Offensive lineman Braydon Noll certainly put together a solid performance, but linebacker Tommy Bringi really stood out throughout the afternoon.
The best way to describe Bringi as an athlete is “fast-twitch”. Most of his movements are typically fast, explosive, and naturally aggressive. In RB/LB pass rush one-on-ones, Bringi had quality reps, proving he has an arsenal of creative moves in his back-pocket to get around blockers, as oppose to resorting to the unoriginal bull-rush we saw for most of the period from others.
In coverage drills, Bringi looked like a natural. Anyone who’s ever played in coverage, whether it be as a linebacker or a defensive back, knows that stance is everything, as it dictates everything from how you’ll begin a rep to how you’ll finish a rep. Just from the look of his stance, you could sense that Bringi would be good in coverage. He begins his reps low, has a clean back-pedal, keeps his eyes at the route runners hips, and is able to break on the ball or flip his hips to change direction, smoothly, when needed. Bringi dominated RB/LB pass coverage one-on-ones, and even held his own in REC/DB one-on-ones.
Tommy Bringi made himself a lot of money today
— Shomari Williams (@ShoWill33) March 27, 2022
4. Noah Zerr
Position: Offensive Lineman
School: Saskatchewan
This is most likely another confusing addition to the list, but it must be acknowledged that Noah Zerr was the second ranked offensive lineman on the CFL Winter Scouting Bureau Rankings.
Now, if you were to redo that list, he would be the top ranked offensive lineman.
At a mind-boggling 6’7”, 305Ibs, armed with quick feet and hands, Zerr was a tall task for everyone to get around. At his size, his ability to keep his pad level low, move his feet, and stay inside the rushers line of movement is quite a remarkable site to watch.
If you find yourself re-watching OL/DL one-on-ones from this year’s combine, pay close attention to Zerr’s reps. It’s worth a watch.
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