Browns WR Combine stock tracker: 3 NFL Draft risers and fallers after workouts

Browns WR Combine stock tracker: 3 NFL Draft risers and fallers after workouts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL Combine is where "draft crushes" are either validated or evaporated in a matter of seconds. For the Cleveland Browns, who are hunting for explosive playmakers to rebuild a dead offense, Saturday’s wide receiver workouts provided plenty of fireworks. 

Draft stocks were definitely affected, and we’ll certainly see a shift in mock draft narratives this upcoming week. Carnell Tate did nothing to diminish his status as the No. 1 wide receiver prospect, but after the Ohio State product, the pecking order at wide receiver is wide open.

Here are the three risers and fallers GM Andrew Berry should be paying close attention to.

More: Browns to pass on Ty Simpson? Grossi reveals the ‘real’ QB target

1. RISER: Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)- 6’4”, 200-lbs

It was the “other” USC receiver that did the most to raise their NFL Draft stock at the Combine. Makai Lemon was adequate at Lucas Oil Stadium, but it was Lane who popped off the screen with his size-speed combination.

At a shade over 6'4", Lane wowed scouts by blazing an official 4.47-second 40-yard dash. Add in a massive 40-inch vertical, plus 10.5” hand size, and you have a vertical threat that fits the Browns' X-receiver profile perfectly. His unique cheerleader/dance background gives him the ability to make acrobatic catches and in-bound toe taps as well. In the gauntlet drill Lane showed natural hands, ran through the catch and an impressive burst.

The Trojan alum came into Indianapolis with a third-round draft grade, and leaves as a possible second rounder. If the Browns punt on a receiver in round-one, then snagging Lane on Day 2 would be a fantastic pick up.

2. FALLER: Denzel Boston (Washington)- 6’4”, 212-lbs

Boston arrived with a first round buzz, but his Saturday was underwhelming. While his ball skills are undeniable, he lacked the "second gear" in Combine drills that talent evaluators were looking for. Critics noted he struggled with explosive cuts during route-running drills, looking a bit "linear" and stiff. Boston decided not to run the 40-yard dash, and delivered a disappointing 35” vertical (five inches less than Ja’Kobi Lane).

He’ll need to hope that NFL front offices focus on his impressive in-game displays of contested catches and sure hands, instead of this Combine clunker.

3. RISER: KC Concepcion (Texas A&M)- 6’0”, 196-lbs

Concepcion skipped the 40-yard dash, which is usually a red flag—until he stepped onto the field for drills. He was a human highlight reel in the gauntlet, hitting 18.5 MPH (per Next Gen Stats) while looking completely effortless. His "suddenness" at the break point makes him a nightmare for man coverage.

For a Browns team looking for a versatile "Z" or slot weapon who can also return punts, Concepcion’s stock is officially at an all-time high. After this weekend’s performance, Concepcion has likely cemented himself as a late Day 1 selection.

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