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2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 20

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 20

Jameis Winston NFL Draft
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, prospects had a chance to take the field. Offensive linemen, tight ends and specialists all went through workout drills today. While those positions were being thoroughly evaluated, there was plenty going on off the field as well. Here's a look at today's top stories from the NFL Combine.

6. Ali Marpet Is The Real Deal

Ali Marpet Hobart
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

6. Ali Marpet Is The Real Deal

Ali Marpet Hobart
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being a division three player, Ali Marpet fit in at the Senior Bowl. Rather than just fitting in at the Combine, he stood out. He was nearly flawless in the position drills, and excelled in the workout drills. He was the only lineman to run the 40-yard dash in less than five seconds, and his 10-yard split was also the fastest at the position. Similar to Zack Martin last year, Marpet can play all five positions. His stock is on the rise.

5. St. Louis Rams Targeting Linebackers

Jeff Fisher Rams
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

5. St. Louis Rams Targeting Linebackers

Jeff Fisher Rams
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors began circulating today that the St. Louis Rams may be looking to replace either Jo-Lonn Dunbar or James Laurinaitis. Draft insider Tony Pauline didn't specify ILB or OLB, but he did say the Rams will target a linebacker early in the draft. This actually makes a ton of sense. By the 10th pick, Winston and Mariota will be off the board, and interior linemen aren't worth a top-10 pick. The WR class is very deep, so why not take a LB?

4. Maxx Williams Is By Far The Best TE

Maxx Williams NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Maxx Williams Is By Far The Best TE

Maxx Williams NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Clive Walford of Miami and Nick O'Leary of Florida State had their moments, but Minnesota's Maxx Williams proved the gap between him and the No. 2 TE is even larger than first thought. He ran a 4.78 40-yard dash, good for third best at the position, and absolutely dominated the workout drills. The coaches on the field had Williams demonstrate the drills before beginning them. His two runs through the gauntlet proved he's worth a first-round pick.

3. Offensive Linemen Rankings May Change Dramatically

Offensive Line NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

3. Offensive Linemen Rankings May Change Dramatically

Offensive Line NFL Combine
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Expect to see a shakeup among offensive linemen on big boards across the country. In addition to Ali Marpet, Oregon's Jake Fisher and Oklahoma's Daryl Williams had outstanding days. I rank both Fisher and Williams as Round 2 right tackles. On the flip side, the stocks of Tyrus Thompson and Adam Shead of Oklahoma and Andrus Peat of Stanford took a hit. Peat looks too tall for his own good. With the top tackles so closely ranked, he could slide.

2. Edge Rusher Roles Defined

Randy Gregory Nebraska
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

2. Edge Rusher Roles Defined

Randy Gregory Nebraska
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Today's weigh-ins provided some clarity for several edge rushers. Weighing 235 and 245 pounds respectively, Randy Gregory and Shane Ray will likely be 3-4 linebackers. Although Kentucky's Alvin Dupree is working out with the linebackers, at 269 pounds, he could excel as a DE. The big winner was Dante Fowler, who can play all over the front seven. The biggest loser was Shaq Thompson. At just 228 pounds, a move to safety may be in his future.

1. Drama With Medical Checks

Todd Gurley Georgia
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1. Drama With Medical Checks

Todd Gurley Georgia
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Today was not a good day to be a doctor at the Combine. Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft was being evaluated when doctors reportedly twisted his ankle. He was unable to participate in the drills. Whether Georgia RB Todd Gurley heard this news or not, he wisely refused to allow doctors to evaluate his surgically repaired knee. Then there's Jameis Winston. A nerve issue, which won't even affect him, created panic throughout the media.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:
2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 19
2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 18

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