NFL Scouting Combine Takeaways

March 5, 2023

Hunter Macias

The third round of NFL combine workouts made for arguably the most intriguing day of the entire week. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends took the field Saturday, and the skill players did not disappoint.

NFL Draft

Bryce Young lives up to Expectations

The upcoming NFL draft is generating a lot of buzz among fans and analysts, with many experts already predicting which players will go where. One player who is generating a lot of interest is Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young has been touted as one of the top prospects in this year's draft class, and for good reason.

According to many scouts, Young has the most impressive game film of any quarterback in this year's draft. He's a legitimate playmaker at the position who threw an impressive 79 touchdown passes and only 12 interceptions over the past two seasons. But what really sets Young apart is his ability to process information and make smart decisions on the field.

"He is a sharp processor, though slightly less so in 2022 than in 2021, and understands how to play within the rhythm of a concept," says Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. "He has a great understanding of which throws aren't open and how to avoid forcing the ball."

Despite his impressive skills, however, there has always been a question mark hanging over Young's head: his size. At just over 5'10" and 204 pounds, he's certainly on the smaller side for an NFL quarterback. But at his recent combine appearance, he proved that he's not letting that hold him back.

"While he's still small for an NFL signal-caller, his size is in line with future Hall of Famer Russell Wilson and 2019 first-overall pick Kyler Murray," notes one analyst. "This should alleviate a lot of concerns for any team already high on Young."

Of course, not every team will be a good fit for Young, but his performance at the combine shouldn't hurt his draft stock. He didn't work out on Saturday, but he'll have another chance to impress scouts at Alabama's pro day on March 23. Overall, Young is shaping up to be a top prospect in this year's draft class, and one who could make a big impact on whichever team is lucky enough to draft him. Keep an eye on him as the draft approaches!

Anthony Richardson: Highest Ceiling ?

As the NFL draft approaches, one quarterback who is generating a lot of buzz is Florida signal-caller Anthony Richardson. While Bryce Young's measurement was one of the most anticipated events of the combine weekend, Richardson's performance also turned heads. According to the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's draft board, Richardson is the third-ranked quarterback behind Young and top-ranked QB C.J. Stroud of Ohio State. However, Richardson has long been viewed as the most physically gifted quarterback of the draft class.

"Richardson's rare bundle of traits are worth a risky bet. Players with his build, athletic profile, arm strength and advanced pocket management are hard to find," notes Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.

At the combine, Richardson proved just how much athletic upside he has. He set quarterback-record measurements in both the vertical and broad jumps, and ran an official 4.43-second 40-yard dash. With his combination of size, arm talent, and blazing speed, Richardson is a force to be reckoned with.

While Richardson did struggle with accuracy in college and will need to work on the consistency of his mechanics, his upside is undeniable. Some teams will be willing to bet heavily on that upside, as winning championships in the NFL means being able to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts.

"It may take a year or two for Richardson to realize his full pro potential, but that was the book on Josh Allen when he came out too," notes one analyst. "The Buffalo Bills quarterback has since emerged as a top-tier dual-threat signal-caller."

With his athleticism and potential, Richardson could be the first quarterback off the board in April. It will be interesting to see where he lands and how he develops at the next level. The Raiders, who hold the 17th pick, could be one of the teams in the mix for Richardson.

Other Quarterbacks

During the quarterback workouts at the combine, Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson were not the only QBs that turned heads. C.J. Stroud, despite not participating in any drills, measured up to the ideal quarterback size of 6'3" and 214 pounds. Stroud's accuracy, fluid delivery, and ball placement in positional drills also showed why he is in the mix to be the top QB in the draft along with Young and Richardson, who are more dynamic. Another potential first-round pick who didn't disappoint was Kentucky's Will Levis. Levis showcased his arm talent during throwing drills and recorded impressive scores of a 34-inch vertical and a 124-inch broad jump.

Stetson Bennett

Stetson Bennett, who measured in at 5'11" and 192 pounds, may not be an early draft pick due to his size. However, Bennett had the most impressive series of deep balls during the workout, which demonstrated his arm strength. He also showed good athleticism, running a 4.67 40-yard dash, and has a proven ability to thrive on the biggest stage, having won two national championships.

Hendon Hooker

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker did not participate in drills due to his recovery from a torn ACL but received positive feedback during his medical check. Hooker's size of 6'3" and 217 pounds, along with his 3,135 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in 11 games last season, makes him a consideration for middle and late round picks over draft weekend.

Jalin Hyatt's Performance Raises Questions for NFL Scouts

The upcoming NFL draft is shaping up to be an interesting one for wide receivers, as there is no clear-cut WR1 in the class. TCU's Quentin Johnston currently holds the top spot on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's rankings, with USC's Jordan Addison and Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba also in the mix as top-16 overall prospects. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Addison was the only one of the top three to run the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.49 seconds. He also impressed during positional drills, showcasing his smooth technique.

Smith-Njigba, who battled a hamstring injury throughout the 2022 season, did not participate in the 40 but received rave reviews for his positional workout. According to Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, Smith-Njigba has consistently been graded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in this year's class.

However, the biggest standout among receivers at the combine was Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt. Despite being ranked at No. 89 on the Bleacher Report board, Hyatt made a strong case for himself with an impressive performance. He measured in at 6'0" and 176 pounds and logged a 40-inch vertical and a 135-inch broad jump. He also ran an official 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Questions about Hyatt's ability to grasp an NFL offense remain, as he ran a limited route tree in college. However, his athleticism cannot be denied. He dominated the college competition in 2022, finishing with 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 67 receptions and winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver.

With one of the best all-around workouts by any receiver, Hyatt has certainly entered the conversation as a potential first-round pick alongside Addison, Johnston, and Smith-Njigba. The challenge for NFL teams will be evaluating his ability to transition to the pro level quickly and effectively.

Kayshon Boutte's Draft Stock Depends on Impressive Pro Day Performance

As the Raiders look to add a much-needed spark to their receiving corps, one prospect on their radar is LSU's Kayshon Boutte. The 33rd-ranked player on the B/R big board, Boutte has certainly shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Tigers, but he hasn't been without his fair share of concerns. Consistency has been an issue for the young receiver, with some questioning his route-running and blocking skills. Moreover, he'll need to address why he was unavailable for LSU's bowl game and why he declared for the draft after initially deciding to return to college.

Unfortunately for Boutte, his performance at the combine didn't do him any favors. Measuring in at an adequate but not particularly "big" 5'11" and 195 pounds, he struggled with explosiveness in the vertical, broad jump, and 40-yard dash.

As per @nfldraftscout on Twitter: "LSU WR Kayshon Boutte struggling today: 29” vertical, 109” broad, 4.59 40 yard dash."

However, despite his disappointing showing at the combine, there's still a lot to like about Boutte's game. He was incredibly productive during his three years in the SEC, racking up 1,782 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 13.6 yards per reception. He's a shifty slot receiver with excellent after-the-catch ability, and he was well on his way to a standout season in 2021 before an ankle injury cut his year short.

If Boutte hopes to go within the first few rounds of the draft, he'll need to improve on his testing numbers at LSU's pro day. Jarvis Landry, another LSU product, was a second-round pick despite posting similar combine numbers (4.77 40, 28.5-inch vertical, 110-inch broad). However, Landry had a more impressive final collegiate season, racking up 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns. Boutte has more question marks than Landry did coming out of college, so he'll need to show more in the coming weeks to secure a similar draft status. The Raiders and other teams will be keeping a close eye on him as he looks to impress at LSU's pro day on March 29.

Record Breaking TE Talent in First Round

The 2023 NFL Draft may witness a new record for the most tight ends picked in the first round. In past years, three tight ends were selected in the first round in 1973, 1978, 2002, and 2017. However, this year's draft has three top-ranked tight ends, according to the B/R Scouting Department. Notre Dame's Michael Mayer, Utah's Dalton Kincaid, and Georgia's Darnell Washington are each considered first-round prospects. Mayer, who stands at 6'4" and weighs 249 pounds, is viewed as pro-ready and has exceptional ball skills. Kincaid, on the other hand, is polished and had an impressive college career with 70 receptions, 890 yards, and eight touchdowns last season. Although Kincaid didn't participate in the Indianapolis workouts, he's expected to solidify his draft stock as a first-round prospect during Utah's pro day on March 23.

Washington, who measured at 6'7", 264 pounds, is an exceptional athlete with a record-setting 83¾-inch wingspan, the biggest ever for a tight end at the NFL Combine. Additionally, he ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his rare combination of speed and size. These impressive physical traits make him an intriguing option for NFL teams in need of a tight end. Other tight ends expected to be drafted high include LaPorta, Musgrave, Kraft, and Whyle, who are ranked within the top 98 prospects by the B/R Scouting Department. Oregon State's Luke Musgrave even earned the distinction of being Dane Brugler's second-ranked tight end prospect, behind Mayer. If teams have an early run on tight ends, there's a chance that a fourth tight end could also make it into the first round.

Iowa Tight End Sam LaPorta Impresses Scouts

Iowa's Sam LaPorta had a solid weekend at the NFL Combine, proving that he's a top prospect despite his previous injury concerns. The 6'3", 245-pound tight end was ranked 47th on the B/R big board before the weekend and had questions surrounding his torn meniscus from November. However, LaPorta suited up for Iowa's bowl game less than two months after his injury and performed well in positional drills and all-around workouts during the Combine. LaPorta's impressive testing numbers, including a 35-inch vertical, 125-inch broad jump, and 4.59-second 40-yard dash, were among the top three at the position, behind only Miami's Will Mallory and Old Dominion's Zack Kuntz. His performance demonstrated that he is back to the player he was in 2022, with 58 catches, 657 yards, and one touchdown. Despite the talent among the tight ends in the draft, LaPorta stood out during the Combine and should rise up draft boards before the draft weekend. While he may not be a first-round pick, he is unlikely to fall out of the second round. Tight end-needy teams looking to fill the position in Round 2 could consider trading up for LaPorta. Overall, LaPorta's performance at the Combine showed that he is a top prospect and a valuable addition to any team in need of a talented tight end.

Potential Quarterback Trade Mania Upcoming

As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, the race to secure the first overall pick is heating up, with multiple quarterbacks vying for the coveted position. While there's no clear consensus on who will be the top pick, it's becoming apparent that one of the signal-callers will be the choice. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reports that the Chicago Bears have made it known that the No. 1 selection is up for grabs, and there are several interested suitors.

According to Rapoport, the Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers are among the teams that could potentially make a move for the top pick. With this year's top quarterbacks possessing a variety of skill sets, and no clear consensus on QB1, it's not surprising that teams are eager to secure the player they have at the top of their draft boards. The intrigue deepens with the Arizona Cardinals holding the No. 3 pick, as they too could be open to a trade. This could prompt both Houston and Indianapolis to trade up, potentially making the Bears trade partners for both of them. Chicago is reportedly willing to move outside the range of top defensive prospects Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. As per Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, rumors are swirling that the Bears like Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson as much as those mentioned, if not more. Wilson has even confirmed that he's met with the team twice. If Wilson is attainable outside of the initial five selections, it could make the possibility of a trade further down the order even more intriguing. As for which quarterback prospect will ultimately be chosen, the teams are playing their cards close to their chests, and some may still be figuring it out. However, the uncertainty surrounding the top quarterback prospects makes it likely that one team will make a move to secure the first overall pick, and it could happen well before draft day.