The NFL Combine showcases some of the very best athletes in the world, and within its elite circle, a few select prospects annually go above and beyond the pack with jaw-dropping performances.
While Philadelphia brass observed the combine exploits of rangy Georgia burner Colbie Young, the union of speed and length shown by Washington cornerback Tacario Davis also put the league on notice.
You can't teach size, and you can't teach speed
With measurables reminiscent of current Seattle corner Tariq Woolen (6-foot-3) and former Eagles' standout Bobby Taylor (6-foot-3), Davis stole the show amongst cornerbacks at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Elements of his scouting profile put forth by NFLdraftbuzz.com read like a unicorn that a Madden gaming enthusiast might cook up in create-a-player mode.
"His 6'4" frame is a genuine outlier at cornerback, and the length creates passing windows that feel claustrophobic for quarterbacks trying to fit balls into tight spots. Ran a 4.41 at the Combine at 194 pounds, which is absurd for a corner this tall and validated the long speed you see on tape when he uncoils downfield. Sticky in man coverage once he gets into a receiver's hip pocket, and his stride length lets him eat up ground without looking like he's working hard."
Placing near the top of the 40-yard dash results for all corner and safety participants in Indianapolis, Davis also produced a 9.76 Relative Athletic Score and an elite 37-inch vertical. This type of showing alters draft boards across the NFL, as his stock now vaults towards the top-50 selection territory.
Like Colbie Young, Davis also fought through injuries in college, with a senior season marred by an early rib injury and a hamstring strain. His final campaign in Washington limited him to eight games, yet he still corralled two interceptions. Prior to his time in Washington, Davis excelled at the University of Arizona, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors and being tabbed a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes the nation's top defensive back.
Read more: This Ducks LB allows Eagles fans to forget about past nightmares from Oregon
With Adoree' Jackson likely moving on from Philadelphia, there lies a pressing need at the position. Interestingly enough, Woolen is also a free agent, though his price tag is bound to be lofty. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman just might target a similar prospect to both Woolen and Bobby Taylor back in the day - on a rookie deal to boot.