The 2023 NFL scouting combo continued Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium as quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends took to the field in front of all 32 teams.
Here are a few prospects who helped their drafts during Saturday testing and field practice:
QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State
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Stroud decided not to run 40 yards or do any other tryouts. And while he didn’t release any numbers, Stroud was one of the best passers on Saturday. Stroud shot with great precision and foresight, placing balls exactly where they belong on shots at all levels of the pitch.
QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
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Although he is not considered to be as accomplished a passer as Stroud, Richardson is far more athletic. At 6 feet tall, 4,244 pounds. Richardson set quarterback combine records with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-9 long jump. In addition, Richardson posted an official 4.43 seconds in a 40-yard dash in his only attempt, the 6th fastest of any player weighing at least 240 pounds in the Combine since 2003.
WR Jackson Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
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Smith-Njigba missed most of the season with a nagging injury, but he showed why he would be one of the first receivers to be sent off. He did not conduct any sports tests, except for high jumps and long jumps. Smith-Njigba was an elite tester in the three cone and shuttle run, which demonstrated his superior short section speed. In drills, his run along the route was as smooth as silk and showed sticky hands, catching everything clean.
TE Darnell Washington, GA
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Washington was mainly used as a blocker in Georgia and showed glimpses of his ability as a receiver. But he showed untapped potential to become a full tight end at the next level, shining in the glove drill. In addition, Washington made the catch of the night with a one-handed tackle. Yes, and at 6ft 6in and 264lbs, Washington ran 40 yards at 4.65. It’s OK.
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WV
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Talk about a combination of size and speed. At 6’4″ and 221 pounds, Ford-Wheaton ran 40 yards in 4.38 seconds, placing fourth among all wide receivers involved. He then landed an outstanding 41″ vertical jump that tied him with SMU’s Rashi Rice for best wide receiver vert. Planned to be drafted on Day 3, his testing may have pushed him into many teams’ drafts.
TE Zach Kunz, Old Dominion
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In the busy tight end class, Koontz was in the shadows. However, his performance on Saturday put him on the line. At 6’7″ and 255 pounds, Koontz jumped out of the gym at 40″ tall and 10’8″ wide. On top of that, Koontz made a brilliant 4.57-second dash for 40 yards.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
