Notre Dame at the 2017 NFL Combine: Highlights, results, and draft predictions

Isaac Rochell

• 4.89 40-yard dash
• 25 rep bench press
• 31.5 inch vertical
• 114 inch broad jump

Isaac Rochell came into the NFL Combine looking to improve his draft stock, and he did just that. Coming into the combine as a projected sixth or seventh round pick, Rochell proved he is much better than scouts give him credit for. With some of the most impressive numbers of the day, this 280-pound defensive lineman impressed in a lot of ways.

As Jarron Jones failed to prove his worth, Rochell was taking advantage of the combine. His 4.89 40-yard dash time almost beat his former quarterback and projected first-round pick. Add some serious strength with 25 reps on the bench and a decent vertical of 31.5 inches, and you have a significant rise in the scouting report.

What Rochell did at the combine is something that will carry heavily into the draft. When teams are looking late into the draft for a player to grab off the board, Rochell’s impressive numbers will come to mind. Instead of a late round pick, he could be looking as high as a fifth-round selection. If he impressed in team interviews, a team may already be setting Rochell up with a surprise jump in the draft board.

NFL Draft: Where each Notre Dame player lands

NFL Draft Prediction:

Rochell won’t jump Jarron Jones in the draft. He did show enough to be considered for a rise in draft stock, though. Teams will be looking his way come the fifth or six round, which gives him a chance to take his final round projection up a bit. Teams who will be looking for a defensive lineman late in the draft will be the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens along with plenty of others. These teams aren’t looking for Rochell to be a starter, but if he can continue to improve, they’ll be willing to take a chance on him.

Projection: New York Giants, 6th round, pick 209.