NFL Draft season has officially started. Every year, the NFL Combine gives us a handful of new players to really take a closer look at heading into the NFL Draft. So without any more delay, I’m here to give you my top 5 takeaways from the 2023 NFL Combine.
1. Anthony Richardson Stole the Show
No one generated more intrigue and excitement during the course of the NFL Combine than the polarizing quarterback prospect from the University of Florida, Anthony Richardson.
When you look at the performance Richardson put on at the NFL Combine, highlighted by a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, it’s easy to see why so many are mesmerized by his athletic profile. Now, he doesn’t really project as an NFL-ready quarterback right at this moment, which is evident by his inconsistency with accuracy, post-snap processing and footwork, but his upside is arguably higher than any other quarterback in this draft class.
2. This Running Back Draft Class is Stacked
Headlined by the blue-chip prospect from the Univeristy of Texas, Bijan Robinson, the running back group put on a show in Indianapolis on Sunday. Jamhyr Gibbs, Devon Achane, Zach Charbonnet and Duece Vaughn were just a few of the backs who were magnificent going through drills. During one of the passing drills, where backs all took turns running a post route out of the backfield, the ball didn’t touch the ground once. It will not surprise me one bit if a starting back this upcoming season is drafted on day number three. That is simply just how good and deep this position group is this year.
3. The Defensive Back Group Didn’t Disappoint Either
I’m well aware I just gushed over the running back group, but the defensive backs, in particular the cornerbacks, were outstanding as well. Projected top corners Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), Joey Porter Jr, (Penn State) and DJ Turner II (Michigan) all solidified or improved their stock with standout performances. When you throw in Devon Witherspoon, Clark Phillips III, Emmanuel Forbes, Kelee Ringo, Deonte Banks, Terell Smith, and Cam Smith, many teams are likely to get a quality/starting caliber player to add to its secondary.
4. The Tight End Group Took the Bronze Medal
Speaking of deep and talented position groups, we should not forget just how good the tight ends looked on Saturday. Michael Mayer was solid across the board, Sam LaPorta looks like the next great tight end to come out of Iowa and it was great to see Luke Musgrave clock a time in the 4.6 range. However, the tight end that is now on everyone’s radar after the Combine was actually the second best tight end on the Georgia Bulldog roster this season, Darnell Washington. Well, hellooooooo Washington (my Chris Farley fans out there will get the reference). Standing an imposing 6’7” 264 lbs, Washington emerged a big winner from the combine with the best catch of the weekend, a one-handed snag at the apex of his jump during a goal line fade drill to close out the day.
5. The Edge Rushers Need Some Love Here Too
Last but not least is the abundance of edge-rushing talent in this draft, who mostly did not disappoint either. Will Anderson posted a solid 4.6 in the forty, Keion White busted out 30 bench press reps and Nolan Smith defied physics by running a 4.39 40-yard dash at 238 lbs.
Will some of these performances impact the way teams approach free agency this week? Perhaps, but this draft class is shaping up to be one of the best draft classes in the last 10 years.
Derek Tate was born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area. He has been covering the NFL for the last five years and is currently the Sports Director and Play-by-Play Announcer for the TV station in northern Michigan, NewsNet. When he isn’t watching, analyzing, living, eating or breathing NFL Football, he enjoys spending time with his one-year-old daughter, Kennedy.