X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NFL Draft - Big Winners Of The 2023 NFL Combine

Lance looks at NFL prospects who may have improved their stock for the 2023 NFL Draft after performing well in the drills during the annual NFL Combine.

With the 2023 NFL Draft fast approaching, prospects showcased their skill set at the annual Scouting Combine. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make an impression on general managers who will run the draft for their respective teams. An outstanding performance at the Combine at a prospect's skill position can improve their chances of getting drafted earlier. But aside from the physical aspect, these potential NFL rookies must deal with the pressure from hundreds of eyes watching their every move.

Each participant must undergo evaluations like the vertical jump, the broad jump, and the 225-pound bench press. There are also mobility drills like the 20-yard shuttle, the 3-cone drill, and the 60-yard shuttle. Prospects also go through additional tests based on their position. Finally, they showcase their speed through the 40-yard dash. The Combine also has a Wonderlic test to assess cognitive ability and interviews to know the athletes’ train of thought.

Every year, certain players become Combine darlings after completing the tests with flying colors. The hype about them increases, while front office units discuss the merit of selecting them. That said, here are the participants who made a noise in Indianapolis.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Anthony Richardson

Aside from being an impressive physical specimen, the former Florida quarterback showed his versatility by having the best 40-yard time, vertical leap, and broad jump among all quarterbacks. Richardson’s 40.5-inch vertical leap is the best among quarterbacks who have participated in the Combine since 2003. His 10’ 9” broad jump dwarfs the opposition. He validated his athletic ability with these tests, making him a legitimate top-five pick.

 

C.J. Stroud

While he did not take part in the athletic testing, the play-caller from Ohio State had an exceptional throwing session. His performance will spark a debate among teams that obviously need a quarterback and have an early first-round selection. Will they go for a dynamic player like Richardson or get a pure passer like Stroud? He won’t have to wait long until Commissioner Roger Goodell calls his name on stage.

 

Will Anderson Jr.

It’s highly likely that the Carolina Panthers will draft a quarterback with the number one overall selection. But what if Anderson’s Combine performance was enough to make him the first person called? He had a solid showing, courtesy of a 4.6 40 and 1.61 in the 10-yard split. Those numbers are comparable to elite pass rushers, and they project him to be the best prospect in chasing the quarterback among this year’s draftees.

 

Chase Brown

Draft experts consider Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs as the top running back prospects in the draft. However, Brown made a case at the Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds. He also had a 10’ 7” broad jump and clocked in at 1.53 in the 10-yard split. Brown is a workhorse, finishing with 328 carries for 1,643 yards and 27 touchdowns in his final year at Illinois. Teams that would like to boost their backfield can take a flier on him during the draft’s second day.

 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

He was already one of the best prospects at wide receiver coming into the Combine. However, Stroud’s throwing highlighted his commendable route-running and reliable pass-catching. Smith-Njigba erased all doubts about his readiness for the NFL, especially after playing just three games for the Buckeyes last season. He also led all wideouts in the short shuttle (3.93 seconds) and the three-cone drill (6.57 seconds). The Texas native will probably be a late first-round selection.

 

Darnell Washington

The 2023 NFL Draft is a fantastic opportunity to select a tight end, given the vast talent pool at the position. However, Washington took center stage after running the 40 in 4.64 seconds and executing the split in 1.57. He also had an impressive 20-yard shuttle time of 4.08 seconds and an out-of-this-world one-handed catch. Washington was primarily a blocker rather than a pass catcher at Georgia but an NFL team can turn him into a matchup nightmare given those attributes and his 6’ 7”, 264-pound build.

 

Blake Freeland

Typically, offensive linemen have the slowest 40-yard time among all positions. But this offensive tackle from BYU completed the drill in 4.98 seconds. Add his 10-foot broad jump and 37-inch vertical leap (a Combine record among offensive linemen), and teams are enticed to get Freeland aboard. Beyond his freakish physical attributes, his blocking ability has plenty of room for growth.

 

Nolan Smith

Smith had difficulty carving out consistent playing time in Georgia’s deep defensive rotation. Suffering a pec injury last season didn’t help his cause, either. However, the Mathematics major impressed with his numbers. He flew through the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, the best mark among defensive linemen. Smith also had a 41.5-inch vertical and a 10' 8" broad jump. He can be a disruptive force on the field if he can carry those attributes to actual games.

 

Adetomiwa Adebawore

The defensive lineman from Northwestern checked in a 282 pounds. However, his massive build did not hinder him from turning in an outstanding display. He ran the 40 in 4.49 seconds, a time comparable with wide receivers. Adebawore also completed a 37.5-inch vertical and 10’ 5” broad jump. Count in his 27 bench presses, and he had one of the most impressive performances at the Combine.

 

Christian Gonzalez

The cornerback from Oregon might have edged Devon Witherspoon as the position’s top prospect. He blazed through the 40 at 4.38 seconds, making him one of seven cornerbacks who completed the drill in under 4.4 seconds. His 41.5-inch vertical will help him defend taller receivers. Gonzalez also completed an 11’ 1” broad jump to close a solid demonstration.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tetairoa McMillan

Signed By Panthers
Kris Bubic

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Bobby Witt Jr.

Posts Four-Hit Game
Jayden Higgins

Inks Rookie Deal
Ashton Jeanty

Secures Rookie Deal With Las Vegas
Colston Loveland

Chicago Signs First-Round Pick Colston Loveland
Stephen Curry

Unsure When He Can Return From Injury
De'Andre Hunter

Iffy For Friday
Evan Mobley

May Miss Another Game
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 3
Adin Hill

Looks To Return To Winning Ways Thursday
Johnathan Kovacevic

Won't Be Ready For Training Camp Following Surgery
Anthony Stolarz

Not Traveling With Maple Leafs For Game 3
Logan Stanley

Could Return To Action Friday
Josh Morrissey

Will Be A Game-Time Decision Friday
Alex Pietrangelo

A Game-Time Decision Thursday
Pavel Dorofeyev

Won't Play In Game 2
Hunter Greene

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Groin Strain
Victor Dimukeje

Dealing With Torn Pec
Quinn Ewers

Inks Rookie Deal With Dolphins
Nic Scourton

Panthers Expect Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen To Make Immediate Impact
Dax Milne

Dax Milne Let Go By Panthers
Cade Horton

Joining MLB Roster This Weekend
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Fire Derek Shelton
Tay Martin

Kyron Johnson Waived By Titans
Joe Bachie

Colts Sign Joe Bachie
Jonathon Brooks

Placed On PUP List, Out For 2025
Jadeveon Clowney

Panthers Release Jadeveon Clowney
Jordan Matthews

Panthers Release Jordan Matthews
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Held In Check Wednesday
Chet Holmgren

Logs Double-Double In Game 2 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads Thunder To Blowout Win
Derrick White

Close To Another Double-Double In Game 2
Jaylen Brown

Struggles In Second Half Wednesday Night
Josh Hart

Leads All Scorers With 23 Points In Game 2 Against Celtics
Mikal Bridges

Makes Late Impact Again
Eetu Luostarinen

Stretches Point Streak To Four Games
Morgan Rielly

Registers Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Max Pacioretty

Extends Multi-Point Streak To Three Games
Travis Etienne Jr.

Jaguars Not Very High On Travis Etienne Jr.
Bhayshul Tuten

Could Make Impact In First Season
Mitchell Marner

Hits Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Arian Smith

Jets Expected To Use Arian Smith Early
Mark Scheifele

Returns With A Goal Wednesday
Jalen Ramsey

Rams Involved In Jalen Ramsey Trade Talks
Jake Oettinger

Collects Victory With 29 Saves
James Cook

Bills GM Expects James Cook To Be Ready
Mikko Rantanen

Nets Another Hat Trick Wednesday
Max Fried

Keeps Rolling With Seven Strong Innings On Wednesday
Framber Valdez

Shuts Down Brewers On Wednesday
Sonny Gray

Tosses Gem Against Pirates
Joe Ryan

Scratched From Thursday's Start With Illness
TJ Friedl

Blasts Two Home Runs
Wilyer Abreu

Launches Two Home Runs
Cam Skattebo

Giants Plan To Use Cam Skattebo As Rusher And Receiver
Dylan Cease

Dealing With Forearm Cramp
Karl-Anthony Towns

Turns It Around In Game 2
Jalen Brunson

Leads The Knicks To Another Win
Kristaps Porzingis

Logs Only 14 Minutes In Game 2
Jayson Tatum

Has Another Rough Shooting Night
Pat Bryant

Broncos Sign Rookie Third-Rounder Pat Bryant
Dylan Cease

Makes Early Exit On Wednesday
J.J. McCarthy

Kevin O'Connell Non-Committal On Potential Competition For J.J. McCarthy
J.T. Realmuto

Exits Early On Wednesday With Foot Injury
Juan Soto

Smacks Two Homers
Hunter Greene

Leaves Wednesday's Outing With Groin Injury
Kris Bryant

To Have Surgery On His Back
Rob Dillingham

Remains Out For Game 2 Against Warriors
Al Horford

Starts Game 2 Against Knicks
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Return In Late May
Sam Hauser

Out For Game 2 Against Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis

Available Wednesday
Stephen Curry

Ruled Out For At Least One Week
Mark Jankowski

To Be A Game-Time Call Thursday
Connor Hellebuyck

Puts Home Win Streak To Test Wednesday
William Contreras

Expected To Return On Friday
Miro Heiskanen

Continues To Sit Wednesday
Anthony Stolarz

Won't Play In Game 2
Mackie Samoskevich

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Wednesday
Aaron Ekblad

Set To Return Wednesday
Clayton Kershaw

Might Need Just One More Rehab Start
Teoscar Hernández

Dodgers Hopeful Teoscar Hernandez Will Return In Two Weeks
Will Zalatoris

Looking To Find Consistency Heading Into Philadelphia
Justin Rose

In Solid Form Ahead Of Truist Championship
Russell Henley

Looks To Keep Building Momentum At Truist Championship
Brian Harman

In Great Form Heading Into Philadelphia
Corey Conners

Red-Hot Heading Into Truist Championship
Daniel Berger

In Great Form Ahead Of Truist Championship
Sahith Theegala

Struggles Continue Ahead Of Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Eyeing Strong Finish At Truist Championship
Jaccob Slavin

Extends Point Streak With Overtime Winner
Collin Morikawa

Poised To Rebound At The Truist Championship
Tony Finau

Trying To Find Form In Philadelphia
Justin Thomas

Looking To Keep Winning Ways Going Art Truist Championship
Maverick McNealy

In Great Form Ahead Of Truist Championship
Michael Kim

Looking To Recapture Elite Form In Philadelphia
Rory McIlroy

The Headlining Favorite At Truist Championship
Ty Jerome

Struggles As Starter Tuesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Eyeing First Victory At Truist Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Looking To Stay Hot In Philadelphia
Andrew Novak

Looking To Keep Hot Stretch Of Play Going In Philadelphia
Shane Lowry

Still Having An Amazing Season Ahead Of Truist Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Trying For Top-10 Result In Philadelphia
Aaron Rai

Heads To Philadelphia Playing Well
Lucas Glover

Hot And Cold Heading To Truist Championship
Deiveson Figueiredo

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cory Sandhagen

Gets Back In The Win Column
Reinier de Ridder

Extends His Win Streak To Four
Bo Nickal

Suffers His First Loss At UFC Des Moines
Santiago Ponzinibbio

Suffers TKO Loss At UFC Des Moines
Daniel Rodriguez

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Daniel Marcos

Undefeated No More
Montel Jackson

Extends His Win Streak
Serhiy Sidey

Gets Decision Win At UFC Des Moines
Jeremy Stephens

Unsuccessful In His UFC Return
Mason Jones

Wins Decision At UFC Des Moines
Joey Logano

Steals The Victory At Texas On Sunday
Kyle Larson

Strong Performance Ends With A Top-Five Finish At Texas
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Quietly Obtains A New Career-Best Finish At Texas
Josh Berry

Spins His Way To A Poor Result At Texas
Ross Chastain

Picks Up Second-Place Finish
Carson Hocevar

Bad Pit Strategy And Late-Race Crash Spoil Carson Hocevar's Top-10 Run
Erik Jones

Improbably Finishes Fifth Despite Speeding Penalty
Michael McDowell

Despite Crashing Out At Texas, Michael McDowell Surprisingly Fights For The Win
John Hunter Nemechek

Brilliant Pit Strategy Lifts John Hunter Nemechek To Eighth Place
Ryan Blaney

Frustrated After Fumbling Away Potential Win At Texas
Brad Keselowski

Woeful Season Continues With Wreck At Texas
Kyle Larson

Has One Of The Best Cars In The Field At Texas
William Byron

Will Be Tough To Beat At Texas
Chase Elliott

A Slam-Dunk DFS Pick At Texas
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric Legitimately Contend At Texas This Weekend?
Ryan Blaney

Is Worth Rostering For Texas DFS Lineups On Sunday
Joey Logano

Struggling To Find Speed At Texas
Tyler Reddick

Should Be Highly Considered For DFS At Texas This Week
Daniel Suarez

Has Been One Of The Best At Texas In Next Gen Car
Denny Hamlin

Might Have Another Quality Texas Start This Week
AJ Allmendinger

Has Shown Speed At Texas This Weekend