After the All-Star Games period, the NFL Draft Scouting Combine is definitely the most awaited event during the process that will lead to the 2023 NFL Draft. The event is right around the corner, the prospects have already landed in Indianapolis and the Lucas Oil Stadium is ready for their performances. Let’s take a look at some players who could boost their draft stock in a significant way during this event. Even though I don’t think the Combine should push analysts to change their evaluations, it’s still important to give a close look at player’s testings.
Darnell Washington
Tight End, Georgia
Georgia massive tight end Darnell Washington is a certified freak athletically and what he can do at 6’7”, 270 pounds is jaw-dropping. While I consider him a first-round talent, generally Washington is considered a borderline first-round profile with his little production and lack of straight line speed as the biggest knocks on his profile.
In reality, Washington does special things with the ball in his hands and he brings to the table an extremely rare skillset. As we all know, the NFL gets influenced a lot by Combine results, so an impressive outing, which is much expected, could bring Washington to be a first-round lock. He could easily end up being one of the biggest winners of this event.
Trenton Simpson
Linebacker, Clemson
I don’t think that Trenton Simpson gets the recognition he deserves as a prospect. Watching the tape, I see a player who could potentially become a Fred Warner-caliber player in the NFL given his athleticism, instincts and natural talent. Simpson’s praises often gets limited to his athletic profile, but it’s easy to see on tape how refined his game is.
He’s another prospect who’s generally considered a borderline first-round profile, but I’m expecting a massive Combine week from him, which could easily push him into certain first-round territory. On the field, he’s a stray bullet and he’s gonna prove it too at the Combine.
A bright defensive staff is going to turn Trenton Simpson into a great chess piece at the next level
He can match up with bigger targets in the slot, + speed with range and will help contain athletic passers trying to get out of the pocket pic.twitter.com/FNYJECAG70
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) February 8, 2023
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Smith-Njigba’s athleticism has been an hot topic in draft circles for a while now. It’s clear that his game isn’t based on electric speed and game-changing athleticism, as JSN emerges as an incredibly refined technician who’s as reliable of a pass catcher as you’ll find.
While he’s another prospect analysts are divided on, high-performing at the Combine could make him the first wide receiver off the board in April. Smith-Njigba is going to be a rock-solid NFL receiver for a long time and after a 2022 season plagued by injuries he has a chance to silence some doubters with a big-time performance.
Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback, Oregon
I actually know that Christian Gonzalez is going to have an impressive Combine week. On tape, Gonzalez’s athleticism pops out with ease as he’s probably the cornerback prospect with the best blend of athleticism and technical refinement.
Although Gonzalez doesn’t have much to prove athletically, I still wanted to highlight him in this column simply because I think he has the potential to put together an historic performance. I’m expecting Gonzalez to be one of the best overall performers at the event and with the race for the “CB1” crown being wide open, he could easily take the lead after leaving Indianapolis.
Mazi Smith
Defensive Lineman, Michigan
Smith, who was already crowned as the biggest freak in College Football by The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, is the classic player who could make a jaw-dropping leap after the Combine. Smith is a rare and explosive athlete with massive power, who, despite being raw technically, has everything needed in order to put together an historic performance. While I’m against changing evaluations after riding the hype of the Combine, I’m sure a quite a lot of teams will move up Smith on their boards after this week.
#Michigan NT Mazi Smith (#58) was awesome Saturday vs. Maryland. Credited with 8 tackles and 4 pressures.
Ranked No. 1 on @BruceFeldmanCFB Freak List, Smith’s freaky testing numbers are showing more and more on the field. pic.twitter.com/q5n6TuDNne
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 25, 2022
