NFL Scouting Combine: 5 Players Who Saw Their Stock Rise

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Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Obi Melifonwu runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: DB Obi Melifonwu

If you haven’t heard of Melifonwu, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The ex-Connecticut defensive back came into the combine as an athletic, rangy safety who has the athletic traits to become successful in the NFL.

Melifonwu stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds and will be the back line of defense for an NFL team in the fall. The combine is important for prospects like this, who come and showcase their raw athletic ability.

The former Husky turned heads on Monday, as he had the second-longest broad jump in history, and ran a 4.40 second 40-yard dash. He’s only one of two prospects ever with those combination of statistics — the other being former teammate CB Byron Jones.

He came into the draft as a fringe second-round prospect, but might have worked himself into the late first round. The NFL Draft this year features a lot of good safeties, but Melifonwu’s athleticism stands second to none.

The combination of size, speed and athleticism are rare to see at the safety position. With a good display at the combine, Melifonwu has seen his stock rise over the past weekend.