The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine ended officially on Monday. Now that I have had a few days to process all of the information, I look at the ten biggest risers from this year’s event.
Today, I will look at one player who helped themselves the most from each position.
If you missed them earlier in the week, below are my four daily recaps from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
DAY ONE – DAY TWO – DAY THREE – DAY FOUR
You can also see all of the results from the Combine HERE
2023 NFL SCOUTING COMBINE BIGGEST RISERS
CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Stroud didn’t do any athletic testing. He didn’t have to. All he did was have to throw after Anthony Richardson did. Anyone who watched these two throw back-to-back could see how much more polished the OSU passer is. Stroud’s mechanics look effortless. He has no wasted movement and every throw was made with pinpoint accuracy. Stroud may ultimately end up ad QB1 for me.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Charbonnet is built rock solid at 214 pounds. His 4.53 in the forty is more than fine. Charbonnet’s other tests showed him to be an elite athlete as well. He looked great catching the football during the drills. I expect the UCLA product to come off the board between picks 40-55.
Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
It feels like we had all forgotten about Smith-Njigba. Out of sight, out of mind. JSN showed up to Indy and looked outstanding during the field drills. He caught everything and his cuts were phenomenal and precise. The former Buckeye didn’t run a forty, but his 3.93 short shuttle and 6.57 3-cone told us everything we needed to know. JSN should be drafted in the top 25.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Players 6’6″ and 264 pounds should not be able to run like Washington does (4.64). He is built like a tackle and blocks like one to boot. However, Washington also caught the ball with easy effort during the drills. Honestly, I could have picked any number of tight ends from this group. There are studs-a-plenty.
Jon Gaines, OL, UCLA
Gaines is the first one on this list that I have to go back to the tape for. I didn’t focus much on him during the season. But when you test in the 99th percentile, well, I will go back and watch. Gaines 4.45 seconds in the short shuttle sets him up to have a large chance at NFL success.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
Adebawore started catching eyes at the Senior Bowl. At 282 pounds, he ran a 4.49 in the forty. That is how you get everyone’s attention. Adebawore added a 37.5″ vertical as well. He is a bit of a tweener but his pass rush win rate last year was one of the highest in the nation.
Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
Dexter was a whole lot of sizzle for Florida in 2022 but not enough steak. He seized a little momentum back after his elite testing in Indy. I don’t think he can get back into the first round like he was in the preseason. However, Dexter shouldn’t have to wait long on Friday to hear his name called.
Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Iowa sure did have a ton of elite athletes for such a mediocre football team. Campbell is built like a traditional NFL linebacker at 6’4″ and 249 pounds. He then followed that up with elite testing numbers. Players who have the size of Campbell, his production, and his athleticism, usually end up as pretty good football players.
Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
Bennett showed off his versatility in Mobile by showing he could play outside corner, slot corner, and free safety. Now he has shown the world his world-class speed. Bennett ran the forty in 4.30 seconds with a blistering 1.48 10-second split. To top it off, the former Terrapin added a 40.5″ vertical and 11’1″ broad jump. I think Bennett has earned his way into the backend of day three.
Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois
I could have easily gone with Illini teammate Sydney Brown but I thought Martin deserves some love. Martin showed versatility at the Senior Bowl and now he has shown top-level athleticism. Martin ran a 4.46 in the 40 (1.47 10-split). He also vertical leaped 44″ and broad jumped 11’1″. At worst, Martin can be a core special teams player with starter upside. At best, he could be a rookie that outplays his draft position.
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