The NFL Combine gets underway this weekend and 28 players who played college football in Texas will be in attendance. 

Some of these players have cemented spots. Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones, for example, has won over scouts with his elite tape. However, plenty of others – even from big schools – could benefit greatly from having a good day. 

What makes a “good” combine performance? Well, running a strong 40-yard dash can confirm breakaway speed. Shuttle times show side-to-side athleticism. Bench press tests strength and endurance. Those factors, and many more, will get taken into account. 

Here are five players who can shoot their way up NFL draft boards with a good performance. 

WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

There’s no good reason that Reagor wasn’t an All-American receiver at TCU. He was arguably the best receiver in the state over the past two years, but finished with only 611 yards as a junior. The Combine will be a great opportunity for NFL teams to confirm his ability. 

Reagor should fly through the 40-yard dash and push the 4.3 mark. His athletic testing numbers will be just as impressive. Showing exceptional hands through the drills would also do a lot to cement Reagor as a first round prospect, and among the best in the class. 

DL LaDarius Hamilton, North Texas

Hamilton was the only invitee from the Texan Conference USA schools. Players from lesser-known programs benefit perhaps the most from exposure at the Combine, and Hamilton has a similar ability. 

NFL scouts have largely questioned his overall speed and athleticism, which would be critical in projecting him as a complete pass rusher. His physical stature is not overwhelming, so he could really benefit from strong athletic testing to confirm the tape. 

RB Sewo Olonilua, TCU

Olonilua wasn’t utilized very much during his four years at TCU, but he’s a physical freak. Last offseason, Olonilua told us that he benches 460 pounds and squats 770 pounds. If that wasn’t enough, he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at 240 pounds. 

Posting those kind of numbers should be enough for scouts to give Olonilua a second look on tape. He’s the type of athlete that could thrive at the NFL level with his initial burst and bulk. NFL teams could even slot him in more places than just running back. Performing well in interviews could also help put his minor legal issues behind him. 

DL James Lynch, Baylor

Lynch’s production and tape at Baylor is unmatched. He dominated offensive linemen over his three years and leaves Waco as the all-time leader in sacks. However, there are questions about whether the athleticism will match the tape – the combine will give him a chance to prove that. 

His shuttle and vertical jump numbers were solid out of high school for a player of his size, and they should have only improved with three years of development. His 40 times isn’t bad for his size either. Posting strong numbers in those events would help assuage some concerns about his ability to compete with NFL-caliber linemen. 

P Braden Mann, Texas A&M

It’s rare for a punter to be drafted, but Mann will prove at the NFL Combine why he deserves to be picked. Mann was the best punter in America over the past two seasons. His junior year was one of the best seasons ever, as he averaged a whopping 51 yards per punt and became a college football folk hero. 

Former Texas punter Michael Dickson has proven just how valuable an elite punter can be. Mann doesn’t have quite as much control on the ball – but his leg is off the charts. That ability will make NFL teams salivate.