Analysis: TE Zach Gentry’s NFL Combine performance

Former Michigan tight end Zach Gentry decided to take his talents to the NFL instead of head back to the Wolverines for one more season.

Coming into the NFL Combine, it has been debated whether Gentry leaving Michigan early was the right decision. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah went on record last week saying “I didn’t think he should have come out. With the draft class at that position as good as it is, thought he could have been better served to go back.”

The NFL Combine could have served as a tool to silence doubters such as Jeremiah. I think I’ll just be faster than everybody thinks I’m going to be,” on Friday.

But on Saturday, when Gentry was able to showcase his wheels in the 40-yard dash, he didn’t deliver. Gentry was timed at 4.90, which was the No. 16 overall time out of 19 tight ends.

Strength is an important factor as well, but unfortunately for Gentry his 12 bench reps at 225 lbs was the worst total out of all TE’s.

Here’s what NFL Draft analyst Tom Downey surmised about Gentry’s combine performance.

Gentry then proceeded to drop 2 out of the 7 footballs thrown his direction in the gauntlet drill (Go to 4:28 for Gentry)

In drills where Gentry showed off route running and blocking skills, he looked stiff.

All around, Gentry could have had a better day. The thing is, most NFL teams already knew that Gentry is a project pick heading into the combine, and nothing fundamentally changed where teams had him on their board to begin with.

Teams are interested in Gentry’s 6-8 height, and they’ll figure out the rest later. Another thing Gentry has going for him is that he’ll likely interview with teams well, he’s a highly intelligent person.

Gentry will have a chance to improve his 40-time and bench press at his pro day.