NFL Combine 2023: Day 2 Surprises and Shocks

By  Bill Carroll

As the second day of NFL Combine 2023, on-field testing concluded, there are a few different categories into which the results have fallen. The consensus was that the corner-back class is the deepest in this draft class and it seems that the consensus was pretty smart regarding the NFL Combine 2023.

I Told You So!

There are some who have talked a big game and 100 percent delivered such as: Michigan corner-back, JuanDrago “DJ” Turner II, he was rumored to be running 4.29 with regularity, in his training prior to, the NFL Combine 2023. The 5’11 1/8″ 178, CB also had a 38 1/2″ vertical jump, 10’11” broad jump, all of which were overshadowed by his 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. He looked good in his drills as well.

Another who left no doubts was Maryland Terrapins corner, Jakorian Bennett, who, in high school, was an all-state track athlete. He looked the part at 5’10 5/8″ 188, with a 40 1/2’ Broad Jump, 11’ 1’’ Broad Jump, and his track background was spotlighted when he ran an official 4.3 in the 40-yard dash.

Bennett’s teammate Deonte Banks, also, was extremely impressive. Measured at 6′ 1/8″ 197, Banks ran a 4.35 40, with a 42″ vertical jump and 11’4″ broad jump, he was seen as a top 50 player, at this point, the late first round is a possibility. Kelee Ringo, came into this season as many people’s corner number one, but some of his technique and focus issues showed up on tape. Despite that, he is 6′ 1 3/4″ 207, and ran the 40 in 4.36, with a 33 1/2″ vertical jump and 10’2″ broad jump.

Christian Gonzalez is my, personal, top-rated corner-back, he checked in at 6′ 1 3/8″ 197, ran a 4.38 in the 40, jumped 41 1/2″ on the vertex, and 11’1″ on the broad jump. His 1.54-second 10-yard split, tied for 18th among this talented corner group. His broad jump was tied for fourth among 29 corners.

Say What, Excuse Me?!

One of the most fun things about the NFL Combine 2023, has been the several surprises, the prospects who exceeded the expectations that most had, perhaps even their own.  Among the most unexpected surprises were: Darius Rush, Daniel Scott, and Terrell Smith.

Clearly, anyone with eyes, knew that Emmanuel Forbes was slender and that Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was short, but when Forbes measured 6’0 3/4″ 166 and Hodges-Tomlinson was 5’7 5/8″ 178, there was an audible murmur here at the NFL Combine 2023.

There were also a few, much more affirmative sounds made when Darius Rush, who had been seen as the ‘other corner’ from South Carolina, capitalized on the momentum he had from the recent Senior Bowl. Rush, a converted wide receiver, showed that he could propel his 6’1 5/8″198 frame with dispatch posting a 4.36 time in the 40, a 35″ vertical jump, and a 10’1″ broad jump.

Another defensive back who has increased his positive buzz is the Golden Gopher’s former corner, Terrell Smith. Smith, an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recipient will be sending NFL talent evaluators back to the tape. At the NFL Combine 2023, he opened eyes with 4.41 in the 40, much faster than projected, with 34″ vertical jump, 10′ broad jump, 4.3 short-shuttle, and a 7.02 in the 3-cone. These results are made more impressive by the fact that at 6′ 1/2″ 204, he is one of the larger corners.

Among the NFL Combine 2023, safety class: the power-packed Canadian, Sydney Brown looked like he was chiseled from Adamantium at 5′ 9 3/4 211, he ran 4.47, with a 40 1/2″ vertical jump and 10’10” broad jump.

Brown’s former Illini teammate, Jartavius “Quan” Martin was astonishing with a 4.46 40 at 5’11 194, with the best vertical so far at the NFL Combine 2023, at 44″ and a 11’1″ broad jump. Another safety who maximized his opportunity at the NFL Combine 2023, was Daniel Scott of Cal-Berkley. The former Golden Bear was poised and composed at the podium, but on the testing field he unleashed the beast.

At 6′ 7/8″ 208 he could play free or strong safety, his 4.45 40 helps him to cover ground, he had a  39 1/2″ vertical, 10’8″, 4.17 short-shuttle, and 6.75 3-cone. One other safety, who is sending scouts back to his tape, is Brandon Hill, from Pittsburgh. Hill has mostly received late-round grades from evaluators. But some teams may revisit his tape and revise their opinions.

Everybody Hurts

The NFL Combine 2023 has been great for several players, unfortunately, it did not work out for everyone. I have been a supporter of the former Virginia corner-back, Anthony Johnson. I have admired his football IQ and solid tackling, however, he may be moving from my corner rankings after the NFL Combine 2023 which calls into question his ability to be viable at his current position.

Anthony’s height and weight measurements were all good news, 6′ 1 5/8″ 204, but his testing numbers hurt like the blues, 4.63 was his 40 time, with a 30 1/2″ vertical jump and a 9′ 8″ broad jump. These are numbers that on might expect from a box safety. His pro day, March 22nd, in Charlottesville offers a chance for redemption.

Others prospects seeking a second chance are and Rashad Torrence II, both former Florida Gators. Torrence may have had the most concerning result in this group, if not for Dean. Torrence is 511 5/8″ 193, which is on the smaller side for a ‘box’ safety, but a 4.72 40, a 33 1/2″ vertical jump, and 9’11” broad jump, make it hard to see him in the deep middle.

But in a “watch my beer” moment, Trey Dean III, who looks the part at 6′ 2 1/8″ 200, but ran a 4.75 40, the better news is that he showed some explosiveness with a 36 1/2″ vertical jump and 10’4″ broad jump. There is good tape on both of them, but these testing results raise concerns.

Flying Into The Future

Before Day three of testing at NFL Combine 2023 begins there’s rampant speculation about which one of the quarterback receiver and tight end prospects may win the speed crown.  Not surprisingly many of the contenders have a track background.

Watch out for Jalin Hyatt in the 40. The Tennessee receiver 10.46 and in the 200 meters a best of  21.14 while running at Dutch Fork high.

Luke Musgrave was a mobile QB, before outgrowing the position and Utah’s Dalton Kincaid has reportedly been in the low 4.5s in his training for the NFL Combine 2023.  Team NBS is wrapping up it’s onsite coverage today. Who do you think will be the Saturday speed kings at the NFL Combine 2023?