Players to Watch at the 2023 NFL Combine

This year’s NFL Scouting Combine is set to be one of the best ones yet, and it’s due entirely to the depth of the talent in this year’s class. Besides some of the household names, there are quite a few guys that can change their draft fortunes with stellar performances in Indianapolis.

Here are guys from each position that you should keep in mind ahead of one of the biggest weeks in football.

Offense

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

It is no surprise that this year’s talent at quarterback is much greater than last years. Even prospects not regarded as “sure things” are still head and shoulders above the rest. This is the case for Anthony Richardson. While he did not have a spectacular career at Florida, Richardson showcased rare talent and dual-threat ability. He showed good instincts and processing ability at quarterback, he made elite throws that only NFL quarterbacks can make, and he showed he great escapability and a run style that parallels the likes of a running back. At 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds, if Richardson can shine in the passing portion of the Combine, expect him to shoot up draft boards and be a lock as a top-10 pick.

Tyjae Spears, HB, Tulane

Tyjae Spears is an under-the-radar prospect who at times made runs that will leave you in shock. He has excellent contact balance, above-average shiftiness and good speed. The knock on him is his size, but in the NFL, we have seen size be obsolete if you possess all of the other qualities of a great back. Look for Spears to turn heads at the combine much like he did in the Senior Bowl this year.

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Zay Flowers has caught my eye the last few seasons at Boston College. He did not get much attention out of high school, and for a large part of the last few years, he hasn’t received a lot of attention out of BC either. Over the last few months, he has picked up steam as a true NFL prospect and in my opinion, he has “WR1” potential. The speedy Floridian compares a lot to the likes of Brandin Cooks and Antonio Brown in terms of play style. His quickness and speed are elite and his ability to separate and play bigger than his frame is evident on film. I expect a good combine from Flowers, and whatever team gets him on draft day will improve its WR room from Day 1. 

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

If you are looking for a “unicorn,” that’s Darnell Washington. He is 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds and can play as your outside receiver. Washington’s measurables speak for themselves. He can legitimately block like an offensive lineman and accelerate through routes like any other receiver or tight end. With a good 40-yard dash time and solid numbers in the other workouts, Washington has the chance to be the first tight end off the board. 

Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

After a good rookie campaign for former North Dakota State lineman (Cordell Volson in Cincinnati), teams are looking to go back to the well at NDSU for more prospects. Insert gritty, hard-hitting combo lineman Cody Mauch. Originally a tight end, Mauch made the switch to tackle midway through his college career at NDSU. He then showcased the ability to play both guard and tackle, which is a huge resource in the NFL. At the Senior Bowl, Mauch showed his toughness, technical prowess and best of all his compete ability, which turned heads. He is easily one of the most physical lineman in this year’s draft, which is deep with quality lineman. If Mauch can continue to turn heads at the combine, he will shoot up draft boards across the league.

Defense

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

I am surprised at the little amount of coverage edge player Myles Murphy has garnered throughout the year. His size is overwhelming at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds. He has elite quickness off the ball and versatility to play some interior DL, along with edge. Murphy is my dark-horse pick to be an impact player in the NFL at an early stage. I believe that he will have teams making draft plans after his week in Indianapolis. 

Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor

Siaki Ika is one of the biggest interior defensive lineman in this year’s draft. He is a 6-4, 358-pound nose tackle, but he shows a unique quickness and has a deceptive array of moves at the line that you wouldn’t expect from a guy his size. He can truly go through you or around you when rushing the passer, and he can anchor a double team and make plays in the run game. If he has a good showing in the running drills of the combine, this will improve his draft stock for teams needing a 3-4 NT or a 4-3 2 or 3-technique. 

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

When I see Trenton Simpson, he gives me a unique drawback to Isaiah Simmons, of the Arizona Cardinals and formerly Clemson. He plays the role of slot linebacker, will linebacker and nickel package linebacker. He is not as fast and explosive as Simmons is, but his versatility and ability in both the run and pass game gives him a great role to fill for NFL defenses. His 40 times will be closely monitored as well as his shuttle and L-Drill workouts to determine his speed and quickness among other prospects. Him being as versatile as he is should garner a lot of attention, come draft time. 

Antonio Johnson, NB/S, Texas A&M

Like Trenton Simpson, Antonio Johnson also is a unique player because even though he is listed as a safety, he plays more of the box and nickelback role for Texas A&M. He has the ability to cover the slot, but he plays very stout in the box and can provide run support. Again, versatility is his best asset. Despite Texas A&M not having a ton of things to cheer about this year, if Johnson has a good week in Indianapolis, he will improve his draft stock greatly. 

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Christian Gonzalez is arguably my favorite prospect as a cornerback in this year’s draft. He has great length and size for a CB at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds. His ball skills may be some of the best in the nation and he plays with great speed. With a good combine showing, he has the chance to be the first corner off of the board this year and in my opinion, if teams are smart, he will not make it out of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.