COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota showed why they will be the top two quarterbacks selected in the NFL Draft on Saturday.
But the afternoon belonged to a West Virginia receiver who entered the day with questions surrounding his speed. Kevin White vowed to run a "very fast" 40-yard dash time and made good on his promise, solidifying his case to be the top wideout taken on April 30.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, coming off a breakout season, unofficially clocked a 4.35 and 4.36 in his two sprints in Indianapolis. That's bad news for Browns fans who hoped White might fall to them when they select No. 12 overall.
Here's what we learned from watching the NFL Network telecast of the quarterback-receiver-running back workouts:
QB stars sparkle
If Winston indeed has some weakness in his throwing shoulder as was reported Friday every Major League pitcher should have such weakness. The Florida State product demonstrated no ill effects in going through the drills.
Obviously, the biggest questions about Winston remain off the field with his conduct. On the Lucas Oil turf that Andrew Luck calls home he looked poised, loose and very much like a top choice. He made all the throws and delivered them with a deft touch.
West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Winston played in a pro-style offense, unlike many of the other top prospects, and remains the most NFL-ready quarterback. He's also got that swagger which comes with winning a national title and supplying so many fourth-quarter comebacks. Near the end of one drill, Winston stepped up and bellowed, "(they) always save the best for last" and produced an arrow on an out route.
Of course, these prospects are performing in shorts with no pass rush or defenders, but Winston was nonetheless impressive. Same goes for Mariota.
The knock on the Oregon passer is he's a system/spread quarterback. He didn't take snaps under center and rarely had to work through progressions. Talent evaluators aren't going to get a good read on his ability to do that until after he's drafted. Mariota is lauded, however, for his work ethic and ability to process the game. He exhibited good footwork and eye level for a quarterback unaccustomed to making five- and seven-step drops. Good stuff.
Revisionist history
Speaking of system quarterbacks, Baylor's Bryce Petty showed off his strong arm - or, as Mike Mayock calls it, a "live hose." It would be interesting to see how Petty turned out had he played in a pro-style offense starting from his days in high school.
Petty has been likened to former Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden and you can see the comparison. The quarterback is understandably struggling with his footwork. He faces a steep learning curve, but his career progression will be fascinating to track.
White is right
NFL Network analysts believe the battle for the No. 1 receiver in the draft comes down to White, Alabama's Amari Cooper and Louisville's DeVante Parker.
Nobody helped himself more than White on Saturday. The Mountaineers standout ran two blazing 40s to set the table for a great session. Like a figure skater who lands his toughest jump early in a routine, White looked at ease the rest of the way. He had a drop or two, but the Raiders - the team likely to draft a receiver first - had to be impressed.
Cooper and Parker also were solid and one of them would make a nice consolation prize for the Browns if they decide to take a wideout at No. 12. Another receiver who helped his cause was Arizona State's Jaelen Strong, who's been likened to Larry Fitzgerald.
The wildcard in the draft is 6-foot-5, 237-pound Dorial Green-Beckham. The Oklahoma product is a stud on the field and a mess off it. His rap sheet makes Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon look as square as a Wendy's hamburger patty. "DGB" unofficially clocked a 4.49 and a 4.50 in his 40-yard dashes. He's an immense talent, but I can't believe the Browns would go there given the issues with Manziel, Gordon and Justin Gilbert.