Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books as the quarterback, tight end and wide receiver groups were able to get on the field and complete their testings. Let’s then take a look at the biggest winners after what went down on Thursday:
Anthony Richardson
Quarterback, Florida
Florida signal-caller Anthony Richardson was the absolute headliner on Saturday, as he completely took the Combine by storm. Everyone was expecting a big day from Richardson who clearly is the most gifted quarterback in the whole 2023 draft class and he delivered big-time.
Richardson ended up setting new records for the quarterback position in the broad and vertical jumps, one of his throws reached 60 MPH and he delivered a stunning 4.44s time in the 40-yard dash at 244 pounds. Richardson is one of the most naturally gifted quarterbacks in the last decade and while he’ll need some development as a passer, he possesses the traits to be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL from Day 1. This Combine performance has probably solidified his status as a top-10 pick next April.
Anthony Richardson has generational raw tools for a quarterback.
Collecting a 4.44s 40-time at 244 lbs. is insane. He'll be one of the absolute best dual-threats in the NFL right off the gate. pic.twitter.com/YG3Jiydnhn
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) March 4, 2023
C.J. Stroud
Quarterback, Ohio State
All of the spotlights on Saturday were for Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, two incredibly gifted quarterbacks who displayed their athleticism and strong arms. On the other side though, almost silently, C.J. Stroud delivered a perfect game during his on-field throwing session.
ESPN’s analyst Jordan Reid utilized the term “ace pitcher” to describe him and I think it was genuinely impossible to find a better way to describe Stroud. His mechanics are pristine, his footwork always on-point, and he’s comfortable making throws all over the field while maintaining perfect ball placement and velocity. Stroud is one of the safest picks in the whole draft class and he looks like someone who is able to be a reliable contributor right out of the gates in the NFL.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Wide receiver, Ohio State
After basically missing the whole 2022 College Football season, the eyes of all scouts and analysts were on Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Saturday as he had the chance to finally display something on the field after an unlucky 2022 campaign. Despite not running the 40-yard dash, Smith-Njigba collected fantastic marks in the 3-cone drill (6.57s) and in the 20-yard shuttle (3.93s) while also looking incredibly sharp and smooth running routes and doing the gauntlet drill. Smith-Njigba looks finally healthy and ready to be a primary receiver from Day 1 in the NFL, he put together a tremendous performance on Saturday and silenced many doubters.
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Jaxson Smith-Njigba showed off elite quickness today with a 6.57 3 cone, 3.93 short shuttle. My WR1.
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) March 5, 2023
Darnell Washington
Tight end, Georgia
Washington entered the Combine process with a considerable amount of eyes on him but once again he delivered in a significant way. Washington collected an impressive time of 4.64s in the 40-yard dash at 264 pounds and also an impressive mark of 4.08s in the shuttle. Washington later ended his day with a monumental one-handed catch during the on-field drills that quickly went viral. Washington is a unicorn who can quickly add a new dimension to his future offense as a gigantic pass catcher and majestic blocker with unreal athleticism for his size.
Marvin Mims Jr.
Wide receiver, Oklahoma
While also Zack Kuntz and Bryce Ford-Wheaton had tremendous performances that need to be highlighted, I feel like Oklahoma pass catcher Marvin Mims Jr. who has been an underrated profile for the whole draft process needs the last spot on today’s column. While other smaller receivers got praised during the offseason, Mims Jr. proved once again why he should be considered the best smaller receiver in the draft on Saturday. He collected a 4.38s time in the 40-yard dash and impressive numbers also in the vertical and broad jump. Mims Jr. is a big-time speedster with tremendous ball skills who’s a consistent threat at taking the top off defenses. He’s a legit prospect who should be in the conversation to be taken early on day 2.
Marvin Mims Jr. has always been one of the most underrated players in the whole draft.
True speedster, big-time deep threat with majestic ball skills. 4.38s backs up with you can see on tape.pic.twitter.com/gYgSu2sapw
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) March 4, 2023
