:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66725303/1189609237.jpg.0.jpg)
Keep in mind that these are ceilings — absolute best-case scenarios.
Mekhi Becton
Ceiling: Bryant McKinnie
As far back as Combine data is available (since 2000), only two offensive linemen have run a sub-5.20 forty at over 340 pounds: Becton and McKinnie.
McKinnie was taken seventh overall by the Vikings out of Miami (FL) in 2003. He started 131 games for Minnesota over nine seasons and was one of the best left tackles in the league. The 6’8, 360-pounder is a perfect mold for what Becton could become.
Denzel Mims
Ceiling: Brandon Marshall
Mims and Marshall are obviously different in terms of physique — Mims is 6’3, 207 with a 4.38 forty while Marshall is 6’5, 229 with a 4.52 forty — but I can’t help but be reminded of Marshall when I watch Mims.
Similar to Marshall, Mims has that “even when he’s not open, he’s open” aspect to his game. Throw it up and he’ll come down with it, especially on fades in the red zone. As a route-runner, while he may never burn an opponent into the dust, Mims uses his physicality and crafty hands to buy himself room in ways that Marshall often did. To boot, Mims’ forcefulness as a blocker is another parallel to the six-time Pro Bowler.
Ashtyn Davis
Ceiling: Malik Hooker
Hooker has been a solid center-fielder for the Colts when healthy, which seems like a reasonable target for Davis.
Davis offers the versatility to play the slot, but he was most effective when playing deep. Gregg Williams will have a wealth of new options in the short-term if Davis proves ready to play immediately. Long-term, Davis could serve as the successor to Marcus Maye, where his track speed would give him the upside to make a few more plays on the ball than Maye has (although Maye has still been a strong player regardless of his on-ball production).
Jabari Zuniga
Ceiling: Olivier Vernon
Vernon is one of Zuniga’s top physical comparisons, but it makes sense from a ceiling perspective as well. Zuniga is likely best fit as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL, digging his hand in the dirt as a five-technique. That’s where Vernon has made most of his money in the league, producing pressure at a tremendous rate even if he has never been a sack artist.