2023 NFL Scouting Combine: DJ Turner Runs Fastest 40-Yard Dash, Jaxon Smith-Njigba Impresses Despite Injury

On the final day of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the running backs and offensive linemen took the field to show off their abilities.^[0] The day began with the 40-yard dash, with the fastest time coming from former Michigan Wolverine, DJ Turner, who ran a 4.26.^[1] Turner, measuring in at 5’ 11” and 178 pounds, also jumped 38.5” in the vertical and 10’ 11” in the broad jump.^[2]

Anthony Richardson, a quarterback from Florida, impressed scouts with a 4.44u on his first run.^[3] He also had a 35-inch vertical, 125-inch broad jump, and a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time at the position.^[4]

Zack Kuntz of Old Dominion led the tight ends in the broad jump, clearing 128 inches – 10 feet, 8 inches. Kuntz also topped the field of tight ends on the vertical jump with a 40-inch effort, with Clemson’s Davis Allen the runner-up at 38.5 inches. Will Mallory of Miami, Florida placed third with a jump of 36.5 inches.^[5]

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (CBS Sports' No. 3 WR) also had a great day, despite missing all but three games this past season due to an injury.^[6] He didn't run the 40-yard dash but logged results in the vertical and broad jumps and showcased his route-running excellence, play speed and hands to come down with everything that came his way.^[7]

During the offensive linemen workouts, Stetson Bennett (QB, Georgia) showcased his deep-passing ability, while Clayton Tune (Houston), Derius Davis (TCU), Matt Landers (Arkansas), Marvin Mims Jr. (Oklahoma) and Daniel Scott (Cal) all ran 40-yard dashes in the 4.30-4.50 range. Yasir Abdullah (Louisville) posted a 4.47 time, and all of these players registered impressive results in the 3-cone drill with times ranging from 7.72 to 7.77 seconds.

Overall, the 2023 NFL Combine was a successful event, with many of the draft prospects impressing scouts and showing their athleticism.

0. “NFL combine: Sunday start time, TV channel, positions and drills” Broncos Wire, 5 Mar. 2023, https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/05/nfl-combine-2023-sunday-start-time-tv-channel-drills

1. “Colts Combine Report: Day Two, Defensive Backs” Stampede Blue, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.stampedeblue.com/2023/3/4/23624641/colts-combine-report-defensive-backs

2. “2023 NFL Combine Day Two Biggest Risers” Dynasty Nerds, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.dynastynerds.com/2023-nfl-combine-day-two-biggest-risers/

3. “NFL Combine 2023 Results: Highlights, Reaction and Recap from Saturday” Bleacher Report, 4 Mar. 2023, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10067647-nfl-combine-2023-results-highlights-reaction-and-recap-from-saturday

4. “NFL Combine 2023 40-yard dash times: Michigan's DJ Turner, Maryland's Jakorian Bennett among 10 fastest DBs” 247Sports, 4 Mar. 2023, https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/NFL-Combine-2023-40-yard-dash-times-Michigans-DJ-Turner-Marylands-Jakorian-Bennett-among-10-fastest-DBs-205695180/

5. “NFL Combine: Which tight end ran fastest on Saturday?” AL.com, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.al.com/sports/2023/03/nfl-combine-which-tight-end-ran-fastest-on-saturday.html

6. “NFL Combine 2023 tracker, highlights: Cowboys stars vouch for top WR, historic 40, more big performances” CBS Sports, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2023-tracker-highlights-cowboys-stars-vouch-for-top-wr-historic-40-more-big-performances/

7. “2023 NFL Scouting Combine stock up/stock down, Day 3: Anthony Richardson takes flight” NFL.com, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-stock-up-stock-down-day-3-anthony-richardson-takes-fli