The 2023 NFL Draft season is well under way, with the scouting combine being the final piece of the pre-draft puzzle. Scouts and analysts got a first-hand look at the top prospects and their physical measurements, as well as the chance to watch them go through the paces of the drill work and chalkboard sessions. It was an exciting week in Indianapolis and now NFL teams have a much better idea of who could be on their roster come the end of April.
One of the biggest stars of the combine was former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. The 244-pounder ran a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash, which was good enough for the best quarterback combine of all time according to Kent Lee Platte of Relative Athletic Scores. His athleticism is off the charts and it’s easy to see why teams are so intrigued by his potential. He also did well in the chalkboard sessions, which will help ease some of the questions about his passing game. He could be a top 10 pick come April.
Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore also made waves at the combine. He measured 6-foot-2 and 282 pounds, but ran a 4.49 40-yard dash. That’s an incredible number for a man of his size. He didn’t put up all-world production in college, but he has a frame that suggests he can play defensive tackle and his measurables paint a picture of a versatile player.
Finally, the Georgia Bulldogs had another strong performance in Indianapolis. Nolan Smith and Robert Beal were two of the fastest defenders in the entire combine. Cornerback Kelee Ringo posted a blazing time of 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash. According to Relative Athletic Scores, Smith, Beal, Ringo, offensive tackle Broderick Jones and tight end Darnell Washington all graded out as elite athletes. Washington, at almost 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, ran a 4.65 40-yard dash.
C.J. Stroud, the Ohio State quarterback, may have cemented his status as the top quarterback in the draft with his performance in the throwing session. He threw with confidence and accuracy and made it look like he was throwing to receivers he had known for years. He has the highest floor of any of the quarterbacks, and could be the No. 1 overall pick.
The 2023 NFL Draft season is heating up and the scouting combine was a great indication of who could be the top picks in April. With the measurables and workout performances in, teams now have a better idea of what type of players they could be drafting come the end of the month.
