NFL Combine 2023: 5 Prospects whose draft stock shot up
Each year at the NFL Combine, college football players from around the country participate in a variety of drills to show off their skill sets to professional scouts and team executives. It's one of the most important events of the year for all prospects who are looking to enter the upcoming NFL Draft. It presents an opportunity to make one last impression prior to draft day.
The way each player performs at the Combine can affect when they get selected in the draft. Strong performances can improve their stock, while disappointing results can potentially cause teams to consider other players instead on draft day.
Here are five of the biggest winners at the 2023 NFL Combine who may have helped their draft position tremendously.
#1 - Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson is an intriguing prospect because of his athleticism in the quarterback position. He was an excellent rusher during his career with the Florida Gators. He may have gotten scouts excited about his pro potential with a blazing 4.40 time in the 40-yard dash. For comparison, he ran it just 0.06 seconds slower than Michael Vick, the record-holder for quarterbacks at the NFL Combine.
#2 - Stetson Bennett
Stetson Bennett likely needed a strong performance at the 2023 NFL Combine to solidify himself as a legitimate quarterback prospect. Despite his massive success with the Georgia Bulldogs, his size and character have been a concern for many NFL teams. He may have silenced some of the critics after an impressive throwing routine, including tying Will Levis for the fastest throwing speed.
Stetson Bennett showcasing his deep ball🎯🎯
https://t.co/tMMnS8fqeI
#3 - Dawand Jones
Dawand Jones' physical measurements are one of the most jaw-dropping developments from the 2023 NFL Combine. The Ohio State Buckeyes' offensive tackle is officially listed at 6'8", weighing 374 pounds with 11.5" hands and a 7'4" wingspan. Only two current NFL players are heavier than Jones and none of them are taller.
#4 - Bryce Ford-Wheaton
West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton made a name for himself at the 2023 NFL Combine. All of his measurables and drills were among the best of all the players at his position. His overall draft profile now has him most closely compared to DK Metcalf for his unbelievable physical attributes. He possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism to be a true game-changer.
West Virginia WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton has a similar size and athleticism profile to DK Metcalf.
Ford-Wheaton and Metcalf are the only players at their position to weigh at least 220 lbs, jump more than 40" in the vertical, and run a sub-4.40 40 at the combine since 2003. https://t.co/nk93gZQFqv
#5 - Darnell Washington
Darnell Washington was looking to impress scouts at the NFL Combine for his receiving abilities, especially after being used mostly as a blocker with the Georgia Bulldogs. The tight end prospect accomplished his goal by excelling at receiving drills, while also running a strong 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
NFL Combine 2023: 3 Prospects whose draft stock tanked
#1 - Max Duggan
Like Stetson Bennett, Max Duggan needed a strong performance at the 2023 NFL Combine to solidify his status as a legitimate quarterback prospect. Unlike Bennett, Duggan failed to silence some of the critics. The TCU Horned Frogs quarterback measured smaller than anticipated, while his throwing drills were among the worst of the participating quarterbacks.
Max Duggan presented without comment https://t.co/jYQiRNKDH1
#2 - Jordan Addison
USC Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison entered the 2023 NFL Draft process as one of the highest-rated players at his position. Many experts believed he could be the first player selected in his position. That is unlikely to be the case after a poor showing at the Combine. His 4.49-second 40-yard dash was slower than expected and he came in undersized at just 5'11" tall.
#3 - Mike Morris
Mike Morris entered the 2023 NFL Draft process as a projected mid-round pick after helping the Michigan Wolverines become one of the most dominant defensive teams in the country. However, his stock took a hit during the drills at the 2023 NFL Combine. He also stumbled multiple times and struggled to find his footing, which is alarming for any professional athlete.