2023 NFL Draft: Previewing The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Defensive Line
We’ll clump the interior defensive linemen and edge rushers here, and it starts with one name: Michigan’s Mazi Smith.
Smith was the number one player on the freaks list, and if these numbers get posted by him, good freaking night. A 6.95 three-cone for him is what’s been reported, which is near the really good line for edge rushers. His athletic testing could push him into round one conversation.
Bryan Bresee is a great athlete, we know this. The main thing for him this week is to clear a lot of concerns with past injuries. If anything comes up, the slide many are predicting right now for him could come to fruition.
It’s important to note that while Jalen Carter is an unreal prospect, his athletic numbers might not be quite what Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis posted last year. If Carter benches, goodness. If he doesn’t do much, no biggie. If the testing is fine, no biggie. We know what he is.
Update: Jalen Carter won’t participate in drills this week.
Calijah Kancey needs to perform well, especially for a (listed) 275-pound defensive lineman. He’s expected to, so that’s good news, but he’s one to watch. Adeomtiwa Adebawore has a reported 6.9 three cone in the cupboard, as well as elite vertical and broad numbers, per Feldman.
Will Anderson may not be a bendy rusher, but the explosion numbers, 10-split, and agilities should be pretty strong across the board. He’s a beast.
Will McDonald is reported to push 42-43 inches in the vertical, which would be insane. Andre Carter from Army isn’t put together as a three-down defender just yet, but his agility and explosion numbers should be great. Dylan Horton from TCU had two impressive games in his final three for TCU, and could clock good numbers in the 40 and the explosion drills.
Isaiah Foskey is a fantastic athlete, playing off the ball some for Notre Dame back in 2021. Look for a well-rounded week from him. Zach Harrison is another who could see his stock jump, as could the rising Lukas Van Ness. Myles Murphy and Tyree Wilson should test very well too. Watch for the B.J. Ojulari three cone.