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All eyes at the 2014 NFL combine were on the likes of Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney and Michael Sam, but the contingent from the Farm were business as usual. There were some surprises, some disappointments, but overall a solid showing from the eight Stanford invitees.
Official Combine results for all Cardinal invitees:
| Player | Position | 40-yard dash | 225 Bench | Vertical Jump | Broad jump | Shuttle | 3-cone drill |
| Tyler Gaffney | RB | 4.49 | -- | 36.5 | 9'7" | 4.18 | 6.78 |
| David Yankey | G | 5.48 | 22 | 28.5 | 8'6" | 4.86 | 7.81 |
| Ed Reynolds | S | 4.57 | 15 | 32.5 | 9'8" | -- | -- |
| Cameron Fleming | T | 5.28 | 26 | 23.5 | 8'1" | 5.0 | 8.24 |
| Josh Mauro | DE | 5.21 | 21 | 32 | 9'7" | -- | 7.43 |
| Ryan Hewitt | FB | 4.87 | -- | 33 | 9'8" | 4.35 | 7.04 |
| Trent Murphy | OLB | 4.86 | 19 | 35.5 | 9'8" | 4.2 | 6.78 |
| Shayne Skov | ILB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Let's break down how half of the Cardinal contingent did in Indy:
Shayne Skov
Not much to report on the fan favorite, as Skov elected not to participate in any of the performance drills at the Combine. Skov has always impressed people with his toughness and tenacity, and the Oregon game this past season shows that he is entirely capable of defending the type of offensive speed he's bound to face at the next level.
The biggest question mark for NFL GM's will be Skov's durability as a three-down linebacker, but former Stanford DC Derek Mason, had no hesitation proclaiming Skov as a better player than 2013 2nd round draft pick Manti Te'o earlier this week.
Projected: Later rounds 4-5
Tyler Gaffney
Tyler Gaffney: 4.49 40 yard dash. De'Anthony Thomas: 4.50 40 yard dash. Yes... that happened. Going into the combine Gaffney was known more for his workhorse running style and patience rather than his speed. This "work horse" back can now add sub 4.5 speedster to a resume that is glowing after an impressive Combine performance.
Keep in mind Gaffney ran the same time as Bishop Sankey, who some consider the #1 RB in the 2014 draft. Other highlights from Gaffney's Combine performance included the 2nd-best 3 cone drill and 7th-best shuttle time among the RBs. Coming into the Combine, Gaffney was considered a late round selection, but with an impressive speed and agility performance in Indy, he could very well have vaulted himself into the 3rd or 4th.
Projected: Rounds 4-5
David Yankey
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound guard who many consider the #1 Guard going to into the draft didn't exactly blow away the competition during his performance drills, but he didn't hurt his current 1st-round status either. Yankey ran his 40 yard dash in 5.48 seconds and Yankey's versatility might ultimately land him as a day 1 pick. Yankey reportedly met with the Giants and Jets while in Indianapolis. The Giants in particular could be a team to watch as they need immediate help up front.
Projected: 1st round
Ed Reynolds
Sure, Ed Reynolds could have had a stronger performance at the Combine, but he has never overwhelmed people with his athleticism or speed, relying more his instincts in coverage and physicality. His best performance in the combine was his 40 yard dash in which he finished 7th compared to other safeties that ran. He ran a 4.57 which narrowly beat Consensus All-American Ha-Ha Clinton Dix who ran a 4.58.
However, Reynolds' time wasn't fast enough to avoid criticism from Mike Mayock, who said after his run, "I was hoping he'd run faster." Reynolds didn't do himself any favors by finishing in the bottom half of the Vertical (32.5 in) and Broad Jump (117 in) while electing not to participate in the other drills. Reynolds could have helped his draft stock with a stronger showing, but many still consider him a top 3 Safety in this draft coming off the board as early as the 2nd round.
Projected: 2nd Round