The first day of workouts at the 2023 NFL Combine is in the books as the defensive lineman and linebackers finished testing and the position drills. There were some insanely athletic defensive ends and outstanding performances by players in every group. Here’s a look at some of the prospects who raised their draft stock.
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NFL Combine Risers | DL and LB
Byron Young, EDGE | Tennessee
Byron Young also looked like a special athlete, testing incredibly well. At 250 pounds, Young timed 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, a good mark for a receiver and a great time for an edge rusher. He timed a swift 7.19 seconds in the three-cone, touched 38 inches in the vertical jump, and 11′ in the broad. Young looked terrific in drills, moving around the field with balance, easily changing direction, and showing quick feet.
Owen Pappoe, LB | Auburn
Former Auburn linebacker, Owen Pappoe, was receiver fast during testing, timing 4.39 in the 40. He also posted 35.5 inches in the vertical jump and 10’6″ in the broad. Pappoe was just as fast during position drills, showing that speed in a straight line and laterally. Measuring 6′ and 225 pounds, Pappoe will be a good fit for a one-gap defense.
Lukas Van Ness, DE | Iowa
Lukas Van Ness was another who impressed from start to finish. He timed 4.58 seconds in the 40, 4.32 seconds in the short shuttle, and an amazing 7.02 seconds in the three-cone after weighing in at 272 pounds. He was smooth, fluid, and very natural during drills, often drawing praise from the coaches on hand. Van Ness was very impressive in coverage drills, displaying the ability to get 50 yards downfield and make plays.
Nolan Smith, EDGE/LB | Georgia
Nolan Smith’s marks were off the charts and included 4.39 seconds in the 40 (1.52-second 10-yard split), 41.5″ in the vertical jump, and 10’8″ in the broad jump. Probably half the defensive backs at the Combine won’t match those marks on Friday. Smith did not participate in the position drills, but he really didn’t need to. The 2021 game film proves he’s a three-down defender who can play the run, cover the pass, or blitz the quarterback.
YaYa Diaby, EDGE | Louisville
YaYa Diaby also tested incredibly well and looked awesome in position drills. He clocked 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which was exceptional for a 263-pound defender. The other marks included 37″ in the vertical jump and 10′ in the broad jump. Diaby looked fluid, smooth, and very fast in drills. He was balanced, easily changed direction, and looked like a defensive back in coverage drills.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL | Northwestern
Tipping the scales a shade under 283 pounds, Adetomiwa Adebawore turned in an Olympian workout for a big man. His 40 clocked 4.49 seconds, his vertical jump was 37.5″, and his broad jump was 10’5″. Adebawore dominated all three days of Senior Bowl practice in January, and he’s getting serious looks at both defensive end and as a 3-technique tackle. His Combine workout will only further enhance the belief in his next-level ability.
Bryan Bresee, DT | Clemson
Bryan Bresee did not meet expectations during the 2022 season, but he deserves a pass as he was dealing with a kidney infection as well as the untimely passing of his younger sister to cancer. If his Combine workout is any indication, Breese is on the mend.
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At 298 pounds, Breese timed 4.86 seconds in the 40 with a 10-yard split of 1.71 seconds — both good marks. Breese displayed that speed and athleticism during position drills as he easily moved around the field in every direction and showed an explosive change of direction. He was balanced, quick, and moved with outstanding footwork. His 29″ vertical jump was also an outstanding mark for the big man.
Gervon Dexter, DT | Florida
At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Gervon Dexter is an impressive-looking specimen. During testing and drills, he looked like an athletic specimen. Dexter timed the 40 in 4.88 seconds with a 1.81-second 10-yard split — both terrific marks.
During the positional drills, he looked fluid moving around the field, easily changed direction, and showed excellent bend during the hoop drill. His footwork during bag drills was also outstanding. A vertical jump of 31″ finished the day. If there were one criticism to be levied, it would be Dexter’s pad/shoulder level was a bit high, and he gets his frame upright, which will hurt him at the next level.
Zacch Pickens, DT | South Carolina
Zacch Pickens continued the momentum of three good days of Senior Bowl practice here at the combine. His 1.74-second 10-yard split was an outstanding time (his 40 was timed at 4.89 seconds). He managed 30.5″ in the vertical jump and looked really good in position drills. Pickens was light on his feet, smooth, and very athletic. His performance during the hoop drill was among the best from the defensive line group.
Anfernee Orji, LB | Vanderbilt
Anfernee Orji’s testing marks did not stand out among the group, but they were great for him! He timed 4.58 seconds in the 40, almost .3 better than scouts had expected. His vertical jump measured 38.5″, while his broad jump was 10’2″. Orji looked quick and athletic during position drills. More than anything else, the Combine is about beating expectations- which is exactly what Orji did today in Indianapolis.