Home NFL 2023 NFL Combine Wrap Up

2023 NFL Combine Wrap Up

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Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/ USA TODAY Sports

Lucas Field Stadium—-This years NFL combine showcased a deep WR’s, Edge rushers, & DB crop headlined by the QB’s. Last season only one QB was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, The Pittsburg Steelers selected Kenny Pickett with the 20th pick overall. That will not be the circumstance in this year draft, where it will up to 4 QB’s drafted in the top 10. Alabama Crimson Tide’s QB Bryce Young former Heisman Trophy winner, had to answer questions about his height & weight throughout the interviewing process over the weekend.

Young’s game play against the toughest opponents speaks volume, having his best games versus the top competition in the nation. Ohio State Buckeyes QB CJ Stroud wowed the NFL scouts at the 2023 combine with his rocket for an arm. Making each throw with accuracy and anticipation and handled the interviewing process in a flawless fashion.

Kentucky Wildcats QB Will Levis impressed the NFL scout over the weekend coming in the combine in superb sharp, displayed a cannon of an arm, exhibited amazing touch on his deep throws. Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson blew NFL scouts minds with his masterful performance recording the fastest 40 time for a QB in this years combine clocked at 4.43, top broad jump at 10’9”, highest vertical jump at 40.50”, showing outstanding footwork and precision passing.

No running back was selected in last years NFL draft in the first round, that will not be the case for this year’s class. Texas Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson will be a 1st round pick and the 1st RB selected in this year’s draft. Robinson weighing in at 215 pounds, 5’11’” recorded a 4.46 40-time, vertical jump 37”, board jump of 10’4” and outstanding balance and explosion.

Rounding out the top RB performances was Texas A&M ‘s Devon Achane running the fastest 40 time for a RB clocked at blazing 4.32. Alabama Crimson Tide’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran a 4.36 40 time and may have increased his stock to mid-to late 1st round projection.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/ USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 wide receiver crop did not disappoint in this years combine. The headliner Jaxon Smith-Njigba did not perform in the combine and will be available on Ohio State’s pro day. Nebraska’s Trey Palmer showed off his remarkable speed running the fastest 40 time for any WR clocked at 4.33. Four other WR’s ran under 4.4 40 time, TCU’s Derius Davis 4.36, Arkansas Matt Landers 4.37, West Virginia Bryce Ford-Wheaton 4.38 and Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims 4.38. Potential 1st rounder Tennessee Vols Jalin Hyatt displayed impressive athleticism with a 40” vertical jump, and 11’3” broad jump. Stanford’s Michael Wilson recorded the most bench press reps for a WR with 23.

The Tight End’s in the 2023 class is rich in talent. This years may have two tight ends selected in the 1st round. Utah’s Dalton Kincaid (did not perform), & Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer weighed in at 249 pounds, 6’4 ½ height, production score of 85 which was ranked 2nd at the combine for tight ends. Miami’s Will Mallory ran the fastest 40 time clocked at 4.54, Georgia Bulldog’s Darnell Washington measured height was 6’7” and weighed 264 pounds ran 4.64 40 time , 21 bench press reps.

The big men were on display at the 2023 combine. The offensive linemen put on a show for the scouts. Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski production score ranked number 1, recording 5.16 40-yard dash, 34.5 vertical jump, 9’7” broad jump, showed he can play a multitude offensive line positions.

Georgia Bulldogs Broderick Jones stopped the show by being clocked a combine best 40 time for o-linemen at 4.97. Other notable performances by Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence, Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz, and potential 1st round picks Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr, & Dawand Jones had good showing at this years combine.

DT’s displayed their power at this year’s combine, Michigan’s Mazi Smith bench pressed 34 reps and overall production score ranked 6th. Georgia Bulldogs Jalen Carter answering all the tough questions during the interview process addressing any and every character issues scouts and organizations may have. Pittsburg’s Calijah Kancey ran an incredible 4.67 40-time weight 281 pounds.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/ USA TODAY Sports

Edge rushers in this years combine increased their stock tremendously, Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. lived up to the hype being ranked as the top edge rusher in the combine with a production score of 99. Not to be out done Georgia Bulldogs Nolan Smith looking outstanding recording the fastest 40 time by any edge rusher at the combine being clocked at a blistering time of 4.39 also had a 41.5” vertical jump, and 10’8” broad jump. Kansas Lonnie Phelps showed off his power by bench pressing 31 reps. Players that opened some eyes were Georgia Tech Keion White, Alabama Byron Young, Florida A&M Isaiah Land, Eastern Michigan Jose Ramirez—- watch for these players as the draft approaches.

Linebackers in this years combine headlined by Auburn Owen Pappoe recorded the fastest 40 time of any LB at the combine being clocked at remarkable 4.39 and 29 bench press reps, ranked number 2 in athleticism score at 89. Clemson’s Trenton Simpson weight in at 235 pounds at 6’2”, arm 32 3/8 & 10 ¼ hand size, increased his draft stock by running a 4.43 40 time and 25 bench press reps.

This year’s combine displayed 7 CB’s that ran sub 4.4 40 times, None faster than Michigan Wolverines DJ Turner II with a smoking hot 4.26 40 time (fastest time at the combine). Maryland’s has a pair of players Jakorian Bennett 4.30 & Deonte Bank 4.35, Mississippi St. Emmanuel Forbes 4.35, Georgia Bulldogs Kelee Ringo 4.36, South Carolina Darius Rush 4.36, & Oregon Christian Gonzalez 4.38. Penn St’s Joey Porter Jr. measurement 6’2 ½ “weighed in at 193 lbs. showcasing his crazy athleticism and strength with 17 bench press reps and could be the 1st cornerback off the board come April’s draft.

Illinois Devon Witherspoon is still projected as the number 1 cornerback on the board. Utah’s Clark Phillips III increased his stock, led all CB with 18 bench press reps and ran 4.51 40 time.

This year’s safeties Alabama’s Jordan Battle showed off his athletic ability 4.55 40 time, 17 bench press reps, ranking 3rd among Safeties. Pittsburgh’s Brandon Hill ran the fastest 40 time of all safeties clocked at 4.43. Texas A&M Antonio Johnson could be the 1st safety off the board at this year’s draft with his fantastic performance 4.52 40 time, vertical jump 31” and ranked number 1 total combine rates for safeties.