NFL Draft Combine: Justice Hill, Jordan Brailford in Action in Indy

For Oklahoma State’s rushing leader and its sack leader, the next step on their NFL journeys takes place this weekend. Justice Hill and Jordan Brailford will take part in the NFL Draft Combine which kicks off on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Technically, there will be three former Cowboys on the field if you include former tight end/Cowboy Back Keenen Brown, who is representing Texas State. But as far as the official orange invites go, here’s a look at their weekends and how to watch.

Justice Hill

Watch: NFL Network
When: Friday starting from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

As one of the Day 1 attendees, which include special teams players, O-linemen and running backs, Hill will arrive in Indianapolis on Tuesday for registration, pre-hospital exams, some testing, orientation and interviews. This is where the whirlwind of a week starts.

On Wednesday these groups will go through more testing and their physical measurements (height, weight, etc.), and more time will be allotted for interviews. On Thursday, Hill will have psychological testing, workouts, the ever popular bench press and … more interviews.

On Friday, we’ll finally get to the on-field workouts, the portion that will be televised on the NFL Network, which include timing drills, specific stations and skills.

Can’t Miss Drill: 40-Yard Dash

It’s the most watched and talked about of all the events, but this one is especially intriguing because Justice beat his brother Dax in a foot race last summer. The younger Hill ran a 4.3 a Nike’s The Opening last spring.

If Justice is clocked below 4.4, expect his draft stock to rise. The fastest running back in combine history was Chris Johnson who ran a 4.24 in 2008.

Also keep an eye on … Justice’s vertical jump and receiving drills. He wasn’t featured much in the passing game last year, but Justice was an adequate pass catcher in college. Teams will be interested in that part of his game.

Jordan Brailford

Watch: NFL Network
When: Sunday starting at 8 a.m.

Brailford will be among the Day 3 arrivals which include defensive linemen and linebackers. The schedule will be in the same order as that above only with Groups 7, 8 and 9 arriving Thursday. Bench press will be on Saturday and on-field drills, 40, etc. on Sunday.

Can’t Miss Drill: Short Shuttle and Three-Cone Drills

These far less sexy drills may not be my favorite to watch, but they will be hugely important for Brailford. Some of the knocks on the Cowboys’ sack leader have been his lack of hip flexibility and ankle flexion, both crucial traits for a next-level edge rusher. It’s important that he test well in these.

Also keep an eye on… Measurements. It will be interesting to see what his official arm length is. Also watch for the broad jump numbers. A good overall showing will just boost his draft profile.