Mizzou Tigers turn some heads on Day 1 of the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis and a pair of Mizzou Tigers are already in action. Both Zion Young and Chris McClellan participated in defensine line drills today to mixed results. So did either improve their draft stock today?

First up were measurements, and Zion Young was the clear winner here. While measurements can be helpful to an extent for tackles like McClellan and linebacker Josiah Trotter, who did not participate in drills, all eyes were on defensive end arm length today. Young measured at 33 inches, clearing the bar most teams hold. Of all the edge rushers who finished top-10 in the NFL in sacks last season, every one of them had arm lengths of at least 32 inches.

DT Chris McClellan takes advantage of the testing at NFL Combine

Next, were speed and leaping testing, and since Trotter and Young both opted out of this testing McClellan was the only one to show results. Obviously, that doesn't help either of the opt outs' draft stocks, but it likely doesn't hurt them either. Meanwhile, McClellan put on a mostly solid display. His 40-time ranked ninth, his vertical leap 13th, and his broad jump 11th. So ultimately the big man from Mizzou likely didn't hurt his draft stock, but he probably didn't jump a significant amount either.

Last on the day were individual drills, and this is where both McClellan and Young were able to show some of their explosiveness. Both were reportedly moving well, and it sounds like they caught the attention of the folks on hand.

Overall, McClellan was the only one of the three players to participate in most every drill, so he certainly had the most to gain, or lose. With his scores and drills, he seemingly had a good enough day to at least keep himself in the Day 2 pick conversation. Meanwhile for Young, who has been mocked in the first round by plenty of outlets, didn't do much to improve his stock by holding out of most testing.