NFL teams have long found value in many former FCS players, so there is plenty of reason to keep a close eye on this year’s large class of 21 prospects at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
During the annual week-long event inside Lucas Oil Stadium, all 32 teams gain an up-close-and-personal look at prospects (324 this year) through measurements and medical examinations, psychological testing, interviews and on-field workouts.
Following is an update on FCS players in the defensive back/kicker/special teams group:
(Other position groups: QB/TE/LB, OL/RB and DL/LB).
Former FCS Players at 2022 NFL Scouting Combine
March 6, Measurements and Workouts: DB/PK/ST
Markquese Bell, SS, Florida A&M
Height: 6-2; Weight: 212; Hand: 9 3/8; Arm: 32 3/8
40-Yard Dash: 4.41; Vertical Jump: 36.5; Broad Jump: 10-3; 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.46
Notable: Bell was solid, not spectacular, in the testing, but his physical attributes are key for the one-time Maryland player. He had six interceptions and forced seven fumbles in two seasons at FAMU.
NFL.com: “His movements are unorthodox and lack desired fluidity, but he plays with a burst to close that helps him do his job.”
Qwynnterrio Cole, S, Alcorn State/Louisville
Height: 6-0; Weight: 206; Hand: 10 3/8; Arm: 31 7/8
Bench Press: 16
Notable: Out of the 21 former FCS players at the Combine, Cole was one of only five to participate in the bench press (16 reps). His excellent length allowed two programs to use him all over the field, and he delivered nine interceptions in his final three seasons (2018 and ’19 at Alcorn State).
NFL.com: “Cole has posted good ball and tackle production over the last three years and teams will appreciate that his size and physicality show up on tape.”
Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State
Height: 5-10; Weight: 180; Hand: 8 3/4; Arm: 30 3/4
40-Yard Dash: 4.38
Notable: Given his smaller size, the measurements are always a big deal with the 2021 MEAC defensive player of the year. His 4.38 40 was impressive for a projected nickel.
NFL.com: “Durant might be undersized, but he plays with tremendous confidence and competitiveness. He will have issues against bigger slot targets from time to time but proved his ability against receivers of all sizes against Clemson.”
Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston
Height: 6-2; Weight: 199; Hand: 9; Arm: 30 3/4
40-Yard Dash: 4.33; Vertical Jump: 39.5; Broad Jump: 11-0; Three-Cone Drill: 6.48; 20-Yard Shuttle: 3.94
Notable: McCollum was a standout with his size (6-2), speed (the 4.33 40 was third-best among participating cornerbacks) and athleticism (the CBs’ top broad jump and second-best vertical jump). He racked up 13 interceptions and 54 pass breakups in 57 career games at Sam Houston.
NFL.com: “McCollum is big and plays with good physicality in coverage, but his footwork to match the release and phase the route tend to stand out.”
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