Tag: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Vikings draft prospects: 6 players that impressed at the combine on Friday

The secondary prospects balled out on day two of the NFL Scouting Combine with multiple players jumping out of the building

The NFL Scouting Combine kicked off with a bang on Thursday afternoon by starting with the defensive lineman and linebackers. There was a lot of intrigue with this group, especially at the top.

On Friday, we got the secondary players with the cornerbacks and safeties. This is one of, if not the, deepest class in recent memory.

Early on, we saw some insane jumps and they matched it with their 40-times. Here are six players that really stood out on Friday afternoon.

5 winners from DB workouts at 2023 NFL combine

Which cornerbacks and safeties stood out most Friday?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a foundational piece on defense in 22-year-old cornerback Tyson Campbell. The other side of the secondary isn’t as secure, though.

With the Jaguars set to part with cornerback Shaquill Griffin, the team may have a starter on the other side in Darious Williams. But finding a long-term cornerback to bookend with Campbell is a priority.

Fortunately for Jacksonville, it’s a good year to want to draft a cornerback.

On Friday, the defensive backs were on display at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and these five stood out from the pack:

Cincinnati CB Arquon Bush stunned at Chiefs S Bryan Cook winning Super Bowl in rookie season

Cincinnati CB Arquon Bush told @EdEastonJr he was stunned when he realized his former Bearcats teammate Bryan Cook won a Super Bowl during his first season in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs were built over the years with players that understood how to play multiple roles. Success follows when those players sacrifice for the team at any time and do the least stat appreciated performances to help push the team forward.

Cincinnati cornerback Arquon Bush started every game during the 2022 season, wrapping up his career as one of the most productive players in team history. He ended his collegiate career seventh in school history with nine interceptions, sixth in passes defended with 31 and tied for the school record blocked kicks with three.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Bush about his thoughts on former teammate Bryan Cook winning Super Bowl LVII. He also revealed his mindset during the NFL Combine scouting process.

“That was crazy to me because when I first (saw) it,” Bush began. “I’m like, ‘Hold on, the Chiefs just won the Super Bowl!’ I’m like, ‘This is (Bryan Cook’s) first year in NFL. That’s crazy.’ Congrats to him on doing that.”

Many prospects have taken over the Indianapolis area for the annual event, which can be tense for many trying to improve their draft stock. Bush didn’t seem rattled by the week’s stress as he calmly revealed his mindset through the process so far from his podium.

“(It) as been fun,” said Bush. “Just moving around, seeing all the pieces going to meetings and stuff like that, just taking it day-by-day, minute by minute.”

Bush also mentioned that he received advice from former teammates Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant, who emphasized that he should just be himself. Bush’s positive mindset could be an excellent addition to any locker room as he prepares for next month’s draft.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=217674209]

3 safeties to watch for Chiefs at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Here are three safety prospects the #Chiefs should be keeping an eye on as on-field drills and testing continue on Friday.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine continues with the latest group of prospects hitting the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for on-field drills and workouts. You can watch the cornerbacks, safeties and special teamers workout from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

The Kansas City Chiefs added a number of young contributors to the team via the draft just a season ago. Several of those players posted impressive performances at the combine. The team will look to follow up its standout 2022 draft class by adding even more instant-impact players in 2023.

Keep an eye on the following three safeties working out on Friday. A head-turning performance could put any number of the players squarely on the radar for Brett Veach and company.

Jalen Redmond shines at NFL Combine, sets social media ablaze

Oklahoma’s Jalen Redmond put on a magnificent display of athleticism at the NFL scouting combine yesterday.

The next crop of Oklahoma Sooners has descended upon Indianapolis for the most extensive interview. They’re looking to showcase themselves in front of the NFL world at the NFL scouting combine.

Oklahoma’s success on the field this season was not up to usual standards. However, the Sooners still had a handful of talented players.

One of those Sooners, Jalen Redmond, was the only defensive lineman representing Oklahoma in Indianapolis.

Redmond spent the last four years trying to live up to the four-star recruit he entered college as. Injuries always felt like his biggest enemy. He was productive and a problem for opposing offensive lines when he was healthy. On Thursday afternoon, he showcased why Oklahoma had such high hopes for him when he was healthy. His testing numbers were excellent from top to bottom.

Redmond was the second-fastest among defensive tackle prospects at 4.81 seconds. To further highlight his get-off, he had the second-fastest 10-yard split of 1.71 seconds behind Pitt’s Calijah Kancey. The 10-yard split also helps illustrate a defensive tackle’s ability to get off the ball and their ability in short-area pursuit.

He further showed off his explosiveness, leading the way among interior defensive linemen with the best broad jump and vertical in the group.

On Friday, Redmond flexed his strength by putting up 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench, fourth among his position’s peers.

Next up will be the interview process. However, his tape, combined with his athletic testing numbers, highlight his best football is still in front of him. The medical check will be paramount after dealing with life-threatening blood clots that forced him to miss the 2020 season due to COVID concerns and some lingering knee issues.

Redmond was second on the team in 2022 with 10.5 tackles for loss. He finished his final season with 23 tackles which included four sacks. His other most notable year came in 2019 when he played in 13 of 14 games and made four starts. He led OU with 6.5 sacks and ranked third with 11.0 tackles for loss. Redmond’s natural athleticism was on full display for the NFL world, and it’s hard to imagine he didn’t make a bit extra money for his performance.

Alabama’s DeMarcco Hellams thinks Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is NFL’s measuring stick for safeties

Asked about the tight end he’s looking forward to covering in the NFL, Alabama S Demarcco Hellams named #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce. | from @EdEastonJr

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine showcases the best talent as they start their journey in the league and look to make a name for themselves professionally. If they excel in a competitive environment against the premier talent entering the league, it shows NFL coaches and executives that they too belong.

Alabama safety DeMarcco Hellams was one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide defense finishing the 2022 season with 108 tackles and one interception. Hellams has developed a strong reputation for matching up with some of the SEC’s best tight ends in coverage.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Hellams as he revealed which tight end in the NFL he considers a challenge. The Alabama standout was posed with the question in front of a group of reporters, and his answer was aimed at the Chiefs All-Pro star Travis Kelce.

“I can’t really pick out one particular tight end in mind,” Hellams began. “I guess the perfect matchup just to challenge yourself will obviously have to be Travis Kelce. He’s a guy that gives a lot of people problems, so I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge.”

Hellams led the Rolling Tide in tackles, finishing sixth overall in the SEC. His solid ability to pursue the top ball carriers in college football has led to much of the confidence he’s shown in his football career.

Kelce is coming off the best statistical season of his career so far and has earned the respect of many around the league. Hellams’ confidence is apparent along with his admiration for one of the NFL’s best at the tight end position.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=217674209]

3 cornerbacks to watch for Chiefs at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Here are three cornerback prospects the #Chiefs should be keeping an eye on as on-field drills and testing continue on Friday.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine continues with the latest group of prospects hitting the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for on-field drills and workouts. You can watch the cornerbacks, safeties and special teamers workout from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

The Kansas City Chiefs added a number of young contributors to the team via the draft just a season ago. Several of those players posted impressive performances at the combine. The team will look to follow up its standout 2022 draft class by adding even more instant-impact players in 2023.

Keep an eye on the following three cornerbacks working out on Friday. A head-turning performance could put any number of the players squarely on the radar for Brett Veach and company.

Combine standout Adetomiwa Adebawore says playing for Chiefs would be a blessing

Kansas City’s own Adetomiwa Adebawore is one of the big winners of the NFL Scouting Combine thus far and he says it’d be a blessing to play for his hometown #Chiefs.

When Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore met with the media on Wednesday, he was asked about his placement on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks” list. He landed at No. 30 on the list and some reporters seemed to question if that was accurate.

“I think I’m very athletic,” Adebawore told reporters. “I think you guys are going to see that tomorrow.”

The North Kansas City native delivered on that comment in a big way. While he’s expected to play 3-technique in the NFL, Adebawore worked out with the edge rushers because he knew that his numbers would rival what they put up weighing 40 pounds less.

Weighing in at 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Adebawore posted a 125-inch broad jump, a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.49s 40-yard dash time. All the marks put him in elite company for a player of his size.

When he was a senior playing football at North Kansas City High School, Adebawore never even dreamed of being in the position he’s in now. He wasn’t going to let an ounce of this opportunity go to waste.

“It’s truly a blessing because I wasn’t thinking about the combine when I got out of high school,” Adebawore said. “It was just trying to go get my degree and play football and play hard and then I got the opportunity and I’m trying to take full advantage of it. So it’s truly been a blessing.”

Now, Adebawore has the potential to be one of the biggest risers from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. To hear his name called at the draft in his hometown would be special, no matter where he ends up. If he were to receive a call from the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he’s met at the combine, he says that would be a blessing.

“Oh, man, that’d be exciting to play for my hometown team,” Adebawore said. “I know everyone would be excited to play for their hometown team, so that’d truly be a blessing. But I want to play for the team that wants me.”

Adebawore doesn’t know if he’ll be invited to or attend the NFL draft — an honor usually reserved for those expected to be selected in the first round. He does know for certain that he’ll be in his home city to celebrate with family and friends regardless.

“No matter what I will be in Kansas City,” Adebawore said.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=217674209]

3 linebackers who improved their stock at day 1 of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

The Commanders could use another athletic linebacker. Here are three who had a big opening day at the combine.

The Washington Commanders often play with just two linebackers. Head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio often like to employ the “Buffalo nickel,” which is essentially a hybrid safety on the field.

Heading into 2023, the Commanders need help at linebacker. 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis has one spot locked up after an encouraging 2022 season. At the other spot, Cole Holcomb is a free agent.

And while Holcomb could return, it would be wise for Washington to be looking to add another young linebacker to the mix who could contribute as a rookie and perhaps start somewhere down the line.

 

2023 NFL Combine results for Jalen Redmond

Results for Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jalen Redmond at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond had himself a day to kick off the 2023 NFL draft combine for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Redmond is one of seven Oklahoma Sooners who will participate in the scouting weekend in Indianapolis, working through drills for NFL teams. And it was a good day.

The Sooners’ defensive tackle showed off his athleticism by leading or finishing in the top two of each event at his position. Redmond had a solid career at the University of Oklahoma. He led the Sooners in sacks back in 2019 as a redshirt freshman before opting out of the 2020 COVID season.

Over the course of his Sooners’ career, he recorded 71 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks over three seasons.

With good production and a fantastic showing at the NFL combine, Jalen Redmond is a player that will begin shooting up mock drafts in the coming weeks.