2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Highlights from Day 1
In Indianapolis, the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine has kicked off, commencing with the measurements and on-field workouts on Thursday.[0] Hundreds of the best prospects for the NFL draft are doing various drills and on-field testing, meeting with teams for in-depth interviews, and getting pre-draft measurements.[0] Our coverage of the upcoming 2023 NFL Combine continues with a look at some of the top wide receivers, linebackers and defensive linemen to watch in Indianapolis.[1]
The on-field workouts for the Combine began March 2nd, and the results have been impressive.[1] Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson was the fastest player in the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.58.[2] He was followed by Clemson edge-rusher Myles Murphy at 4.54, Pittsburgh defensive lineman Calijah Kancey at 4.49, and Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness at 4.39. Nolan Smith of Georgia was the fastest edge rusher, running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.52 10-yard split.[3] That time was the best at the linebacker position, and was also in the 99th percentile for edge rushers since 1999.
Adetomiwa Adebawore of Northwestern also had an impressive performance at the Combine.[4] He weighed in at 282 pounds, and then ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds, with a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump.[3] Byron Young of Tennessee had a good showing as well, running a 4.50u and 4.46u on his first two 40-yard dash attempts.
USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu was listed at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds on USC's official website, yet measured in at 6-foot-3, 266 pounds at the Combine.[5] He showed good balance, footwork, and power in his hands.[5]
Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama is the top EDGE rusher in the draft, and is expected to be one of the first players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.[2] Georgia's Jalen Carter and Clemson's Myles Murphy are also names to watch as potential first round picks.[6]
Overall, the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine has been a great display of athleticism and skill from some of the best prospects in the draft.
0. “2023 NFL draft combine workouts preview: Top prospects, predictions” ESPN, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35759783/2023-nfl-draft-combine-workouts-preview-top-prospects-predictions-potential-risers-buzz-40-yard-dash-burners
1. “2023 NFL Combine: Schedule, position previews & how to watch workouts” The Falcoholic, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2023/3/2/23619534/2023-nfl-combine-falcons-draft-drills-schedule-preview-how-to-watch
2. “2023 NFL Scouting Combine Takeaways: Nolan Smith, Calijah Kancey Clock Impressive 40s” Bleacher Report, 3 Mar. 2023, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10067397-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-takeaways-nolan-smith-calijah-kancey-clock-impressive-40s
3. “2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Standouts from defensive line and linebacker drills | NFL Draft” Pro Football Focus, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-standouts-defensive-linemen-linebackers-drills
4. “2023 NFL combine: Nolan Smith, Lukas Van Ness among winners and losers in defensive lineman, linebacker groups” CBS Sports, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-combine-nolan-smith-lukas-van-ness-among-winners-and-losers-in-defensive-lineman-linebacker-groups/
5. “2023 NFL Combine results: 10 standouts from the edge rushers” Pride Of Detroit, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/2/23622075/2023-nfl-combine-results-10-standouts-edge-rushers-best-worst
6. “NFL combine measurements for EDGE, DL: Full list of heights, weights, 40-yard dash times for every prospect” CBS Sports, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-combine-measurements-for-edge-dl-full-list-of-heights-weights-40-yard-dash-times-for-every-prospect/
