'He Looks Like Jim Brown' - NFL Prospect's Freakish Physique Drawing Rave Reviews
The NFL combine is nicknamed the Underwear Olympics for a reason as prospects parade around in tights while NFL personnel marvel at physiques and potential.
But the NFL may as well hand out the Olympic gold medal to D.K. Metcalf, a wide receiver from Ole Miss.
Metcalf made headlines with a shirtless photo of him that went viral a couple of weeks ago. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder looks as if he could top any of those “Most Jacked Athlete” lists thanks to his chiseled physique.
D.K. Metcalf is a 6’4″, 240-lb WR who looks ready to destroy the #NFLCombine ? pic.twitter.com/NIQSYemDn1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 27, 2019
“There’s no Photoshop in that picture,” Metcalf said. “I know the work I put in, so I’m not worried about what other people are gonna say.”
Having a great physique is one thing, but Metcalf clocked in with just 1.9 percent body fat. By comparison, bodybuilders are usually in the 3-to-4 percent range.
Jon Gruden, the Raiders coach whose franchise gravitates toward these types of players, was blown away by Metcalf when he walked into the room to interview with Oakland.
“He looked like Jim Brown,” Gruden told reporters at the combine. “He’s the biggest wideout I’ve ever seen. You have to ask yourself, ‘Who is tackling this guy?’ So, if you’re a 175-pound corner and you’re tackling a 235-pound back or a 230-pound wideout or a tight end, you have to ask yourself, ‘Is this what I want to do?’”
It’s not just Metcalf’s size that cornerbacks have to worry about, it’s also his considerable strength. Metcalf participated in the bench press dress and did not disappoint, doing 27 reps.
Jacked Ole Miss WR DK Metcalf throws up 27 Reps at the Combine ?pic.twitter.com/OTp3wMdp0L
— Simms & Lefkoe (@SimmsAndLefkoe) March 1, 2019
For comparison, 27 reps is the same number put up by future Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas and more reps than what All-Pro defenders Cameron Jordan (25) or Calais Campbell (16) ever did.
Gruden continued to praise Metcalf, who was scheduled to run the 40-yard dash Saturday.
More Gruden on Metcalf: pic.twitter.com/dwIWJYEeUZ
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 28, 2019
“They have pictures of him with his shirt off and they made me want to get in the weight room last night,” Gruden said. “This guy’s really put together, but he shows good elusiveness, good change of direction. I think he’s healthy. I think he’s been cleared medically, which is the No. 1 thing we want to find out.”
The medical issue was the biggest red flag for Metcalf entering the combine, as he played in just seven games last season with Ole Miss due to a season-ending neck injury and subsequent surgery.
Gruden may have an opportunity to pick Metcalf with the four pick in April’s NFL draft. In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft, he has the wide receiver going to the Buffalo Bills with the ninth overall pick.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
