NFL Combine 2023 Winners and Losers

With the 2023 NFL Combine in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look back at the week that was. From the wondrous steak at St. Elmo’s to podium sessions, 40-yard dash times, and workouts in between, here are a few winners and losers from this year’s NFL Combine. 

NFL COMBINE WINNERS

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

Yes, we expected him to test well, but this well? Historically well? That opened eyes. He arguably won NFL Combine week after slinging it around inside Lucas Oil Stadium and running 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at 245 pounds. There’s fine-tuning needed, but falling in the right situation could see him become one of the league’s most electric playmakers in rapid fashion.

Calijah Kancey IDL, Pittsburgh

He said he was going to run fast, but he absolutely blew the doors off of Lucas Oil Stadium after recording a blazing 4.67 at 281 pounds.

Calijah Kancey:

“I’ll surprise everyone in my 40… stay tuned.”

👀👀👀

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 1, 2023

One of the most unique and explosive athletes in the class, you can keep your size concerns to yourself. 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

He didn’t run the 40, but I couldn’t care less. A flat-out stud on the outside, he showcased the route-running, hands, and fluidity during NFL Combine positional workouts that should lock his name into day one of the 2023 NFL Draft. The most nuanced route-runner in the class, he was spectacular.

Julius Brents CB, Kansas State

Officially the longest corner in the class with 34-inch arms, wherever you have him on your board, move him up. I don’t expect the NFL to get cute this year when it comes to long, athletic corners, and Brents fits the mold of a CB1 on Sundays.

Zack Kuntz TE, Old Dominion

There aren’t many humans on earth, let alone this draft class, that are 6-foot-7 and 250-plus pounds that can run 4.5 in the 40, jump north of 40 inches in the vert, and tout the movement skills of Kuntz. Not all athletes are great football players, but matchup nightmares don’t last long on boards, and Kuntz made himself some money at the NFL Combine.

Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

One of the 2023 NFL Draft’s elite run defenders, showcasing his 4.39 (!!!) speed was just flat-out ridiculous. A day after holding one of the more impressive podium sessions of any athlete at the event, Smith slid up draft boards during the week. 

NFL COMBINE LOSERS

40-yard Dash Technology

Michigan CB DJ Turner left the combine as the fastest man, but there was a LONG list of times that simply made you scratch your head. From UCLA QB Dorian-Thompson Robinson to Houston WR Tank Dell, and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs, something wasn’t quite right.

Lol pic.twitter.com/ojabWJbAHk

— DTR (@DoriansTweets) March 4, 2023

Houston WR Tank Dell 4.50 forty yd pic.twitter.com/pyrHh3yPSL

— Coach K | Keith Sanchez (@TheTalentCode) March 4, 2023

4.40!??!? Rightttttt pic.twitter.com/mIOvQqK5s0

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 5, 2023

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

Absent from Kentucky’s bowl game, the Senior Bowl, and when it came time to run the 40 in Indianapolis, I needed more from Levis. I want to see guys compete, and with such a top-heavy QB class, I haven’t been awarded anything to hang my hat on right now as far as his immediate projectability as a face of the franchise. He will come off the board early, but the team that takes him better have a plan.