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When the Denver Broncos selected Noah Fant in the first round last night, they got not only one of the top athletes in this year’s draft, but one of the top athletes all-time at his position in NFL Combine performance.
Fant tested better as an athlete at wide receiver than Courtland Sutton.
— Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) April 26, 2019
Noah Fant, at 6’4” 249lbs tested better than Courtland Sutton did at the combine last year in most of the major drills, while 30 lbs heavier.
Comparison of the WR DEN took in the 2nd round in 2018 and our 1st round TE in 2019 (NFL combine data) pic.twitter.com/vShGda69cO
— Joseph Mahoney (@ndjomo76) April 26, 2019
In fact, in the last ten years, Fant’s vertical jump is top five among not only all tight ends, but also all wide receivers over 220lbs. His 3-cone time ranks top 10 in that regard as well.
The closest tight end comparison athletically over the years of combine data to Noah Fant is Jared Cook.
Both Cook and Fant ran in the 4.5 40 yard dash range, and had near 40” vertical jumps at around 250lbs. Furthermore, Fant bested Cook in the broad jump, and his 3-Cone time is top five among all tight ends in over ten years of combine data.
Denver got an truly elite athlete in Noah Fant, and a great mismatch piece to add to Rich Scangarello’s new offense. I can’t wait to see him out there in the orange and blue.
With the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the #Broncos select Noah Fant, TE, Iowa.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 26, 2019
Noah Fant posted a Elite #RAS with Okay size, Elite speed, Elite explosiveness, Elite agility at the TE position. pic.twitter.com/SEHK0xiLgB
Freakish athletic ability by TE Noah Fant on display on a long TD. pic.twitter.com/My1IUEUnno
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) June 13, 2018