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The NFL Combine can make or break a prospect's future. They can expect to field more interest or move up the draft board after a strong showing during the drills. In contrast, some potential rookies might have to wait longer to hear their names called because of their dismal showing.
These athletes showcased exceptional talent come game time but performed poorly during evaluation. Several factors come into play, from injury to pressure and other personal concerns. Regardless, lagging in the drills can decrease their stock.
However, there's still hope for these college football standouts to live out their NFL dream. After all, Combine numbers do not accurately dictate how a player's career will unfold. But these players got a wake-up call to prove their readiness for the big league.
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Andre Carter II
The edge rusher from the United States Military Academy used his quickness to register 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles during his junior season. Unfortunately, he completed a forgettable Combine courtesy of a 30-inch vertical jump and a nine-foot broad jump. Other players in his position did way better than him. After this demonstration and tallying just three sacks last season, there might be doubts regarding his ability to play in the NFL.
Kayshon Boutte
The wide receiver from LSU failed to back up his claims of being the best at his position among all 2023 draft prospects. After sharing a bold statement that no one can guard him, Boutte ranked 39th in the 10-yard split at 1.58 seconds. He also had the worst vertical leap among all Combine participants at 29 inches and the second-worst in the broad jump at 9' 10". It was his opportunity to erase some doubts after finishing with only 538 receiving yards last season. Sadly, he did not deliver in front of scouts and team executives.
Mike Morris
Morris had a breakout 2022 season with Michigan, finishing with 7.5 sacks. His 4.95 40 time placed him second-to-last among all edge rushers in the Combine. His 9' 2" broad jump didn't help his cause of elevating to a late first-rounder. Worst yet, he didn't look good at the four-bag agility drill after slipping multiple times.
Kenny McIntosh
McIntosh finished his final year at Georgia with 829 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had two rushing touchdowns in the SEC Championship Game against LSU. But the Florida native failed to dazzle in the Combine after running the 40 in 4.62 seconds. Historically, running backs who clock around that time become role players or rotation fillers. An argument can be made regarding McIntosh's game speed and his ability to catch passes.
Max Duggan
The Heisman Trophy finalist from TCU finished the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, putting him at the average among quarterbacks. However, the performances of Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, Stetson Bennett, and C.J. Stroud overshadowed his display. While he did enough to merit a nod from an NFL team, he is still more of a late Day 2 or an early Day 3 pick.
Florida Defensive Secondary
The Gators have become a football factor for defensive backs after having a player selected in every draft since 2016. That trend might end in 2023 if NFL teams got discouraged from the 40-yard times of Trey Dean III and Rashad Torrence II. Dean finished the drill at 4.75 seconds, while Torrence clocked in at 4.72. They have an opportunity to bounce back from this disappointing showcase during Florida's Pro Day on March 30.
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