Lynch at the NFL combine

The official NFL combine results for Marshawn Lynch are in.

His forty time is 4.46, tied for fifth overall (Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson clocked a 4.40 and tied for the best time with Arizona’s Chris Henry and Ohio St.’s Antonio Pittman). This is a solid number for Lynch, considering he was clocked unofficially at 4.52/4.49 beforehand. Also, Lynch lacked pure track form like some of the other RBs.

On the NFL Network, Coach Dick Vermeil commented that Lynch’s time was more than adequate for a running back, pointing out that he is more of a natural running back than a track athlete. In addition, Marshall Faulk mentioned that given his excellent skills and wide running base, Lynch had plenty of speed.

His vertical jump is 35 1/2 and broad jump 10′5″, compared to Peterson’s 38 and 10′7″. Lynch also clocked a 11.80 in the 60 shuttle and a 7.05 in the three cone.

The overall consensus among scouts and analysts is Lynch had a decent to good showing with no surprises, and he seems to be solidifying his position as the second running back taken in the draft (after Peterson). Most are suggesting that the Green Bay Packers will choose him with their 16th pick.

Meanwhile, Lynch is having to respond to alleged character issues. This article from a Wisconsin (note: Green Bay’s state) paper sums up that most teams aren’t buying the allegations against him:

When an ex-girlfriend claimed he assaulted her in December, red flags about Lynch immediately were raised - even though, four days after the woman’s Jan. 25 accusation came to light, an Alameda (Calif.) County deputy district attorney who specializes in domestic violence cases declined to press charges, citing a lack of evidence and “grave inconsistencies” in the alleged victim’s accusations. Lynch never was arrested or charged.

Lynch’s agents at Octagon Sports took a proactive approach to the matter, sending a letter to all 32 teams that included the DA’s remarks. One league source said the woman was looking to extort money from Lynch, a near-certain first-round pick. Four NFL personnel sources interviewed Friday all said that they think Lynch is a “good kid.”

“I was innocent,” Lynch said. “It was a mistake. I moved on from it. I was faced with adversity and felt it made me stronger. I learned a lesson from it, and now I have to keep moving forward.”

Asked what he’ll do when the subject comes up in interviews, Lynch said, “Tell them the truth. It’s probably not fair, but it’s something they want to know and I have nothing to hide.”