Dynasty Rookie Draft Risers: Trey Benson, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy (2024)

The same question was scattered across social media last week, albeit with some of the words shuffled around.

“Why does the NFL Scouting Combine matter?” If the answer is “It doesn’t,” then why go through the whole performance at all? It does matter, just not in the way you might suspect.

It’s only the Underwear Olympics (hardy har-har). Fast guys run fast, and the freaks are on parade. The point so often missed is each player’s draft capital. I’m with the jaded critics who believe the Combine shouldn’t affect where and when a player is drafted (if at all), but it does. Everyone in Indianapolis is running for something, whether it be their future or, in Rich Eisen’s case, charity.

Fantasy football lovers were paying attention. Among the participants, some saw their draft stock rise from a stellar showing at Lucas Oil Stadium. Let’s take a look at a few of those notable players.

2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Risers & Fallers

Risers

J.J. McCarthy (QB – MICH)

Not only was Jim Harbaugh’s favorite QB sharp in the on-field drills, he really bulked up. J.J. McCarthy tipped the scales at nearly 220 pounds in Indy, more than 10 pounds over expected. This lends some confidence in the national champion signal caller’s durability at the next level. His arm is plenty strong and he is incredibly intelligent on the field. Only some cleanup on deep accuracy concerns stands in the way of McCarthy possibly going in the top-10 picks of the upcoming draft.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – UW)

Michael Penix Jr. might have hobbled his way through the National Championship, tattered by the fearsome Michigan Wolverines defense, but he’s still so smooth. Penix Jr.’s silky release and pinpoint accuracy at all three levels were very apparent in the on-field drills. Like a less-mobile McCarthy, his strength is in his experience and football knowledge.

Trey Benson (RB – FSU)

In an RB class devoid of obvious first-round talent, we were starving for one of them to show out in Indy. Trey Benson answered the call. A hearty 6-foot tall and 216 pounds, Benson ran a blistering 4.39 in the 40. The senior Seminole is a well-rounded player on tape, so his strong Combine showing is frosting on the proverbial cupcake.