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2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Standouts from quarterback, wide receiver and tight end drills

Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (QB11) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

By Trevor Sikkema

• QB Anthony Richardson: His 40.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad were both combine records for a quarterback, and his official 4.43-second 40-yard dash was the fourth-fastest time among combine quarterbacks since 2003.

• WR Jalin Hyatt: He jumped 40 inches in the vertical and 11-foot-3 in the broad, before recording an official 4.40 in the 40-yard dash.

• TE Darnell Washington: He stood out even before testing Saturday, measuring in at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds. And then he ran a blazing 4.64-second 40-yard dash.

Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins

INDIANAPOLIS — Following impressive performances at defensive positions, Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine marked the start of drills for the first offensive groups.

It was pass game day, as the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends tried to not only show their athleticism in the form of measurable drills but also their skills and savviness on the field.

These are the standout performers from Saturday’s combine schedule.

QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON, FLORIDA

The highlight of the day was, without a doubt, Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson. We knew he would be athletic — anyone who has watched one game of his could tell you that. But the caliber of athlete he showed this weekend was historic.

Richardson’s 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump were both combine records for the quarterback position, and his official 4.43-second 40-yard dash was the fourth-fastest time among combine quarterbacks since 2003. That’s all while measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds. He not only lived up to the Cam Newton athletic comparisons; he exceeded them.

If your projected mock draft doesn’t include Richardson in the top 10 at this point, it’s wrong.

QB C.J. STROUD, OHIO STATE

Stroud didn't work out during the athletic testing position of the day, but he did throw. He was nearly flawless in doing so, displaying great accuracy and touch on every route he threw. Stroud is known as a pocket passer, and his performance Saturday was a cherry on top of some great tape to make that statement even more true. There’s still a chance he'll be the first quarterback selected. 

WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON, TCU

Though the 2023 NFL Draft is brimming with intriguing wide receiver prospects, explosive athleticism seems to be at a premium. That could be one of the reasons why some will have TCU’s Quentin Johnston as their WR1. His 40.5-inch vertical jump was tied for second best in the class on the weekend, as was his 11-foot-2 broad jump. Johnston being a great athlete isn’t anything new, but it was great to check those boxes — so much so that it might have solidified him as the first receiver taken in the draft.

WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, OHIO STATE

Smith-Njigba announced he wouldn’t be running the 40-yard dash, which was disappointing because if there’s anything on his scouting report that holds him back, it’s questions about his long speed. But he certainly put his best foot forward this weekend, looking fantastic in the on-field drills, as seen above. He looked like one of the smoothest route runners in the class, which is a title he needed to defend.

He also recorded a 6.57-second three-cone drill and a 3.93-second short shuttle. Both numbers topped the wide receiver position this weekend and were above the 96th percentile in combine history. Those who have Smith-Njigba as their WR1 had to be pleased with what they saw this weekend.

WR JALIN HYATT, TENNESSEE

This year’s winner of the Biletnikoff Award — given to the best receiver in college football — is one of the few who boasts true explosiveness and athleticism in this class. His on-field results didn’t say anything to the contrary, as he jumped 40 inches in the vertical and 11-foot-3 in the broad. He also recorded an official 4.40 in the 40-yard dash.

Hyatt was incredibly productive this past year because of his speed, and he showed this weekend once again that his athleticism stands in Tier 1 of this group.

TE SAM LaPORTA, IOWA

I’m not sure what they’re putting in the water in Iowa City, Iowa, but the Hawkeyes at the combine have been showing out in a big way. LaPorta’s 4.59-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds was the third-fastest time at the position. He then recorded a 35-inch vertical and a 10-foot-3 broad.

LaPorta is an experienced, all-around tight end who showed good receiving ability, but to see those kinds of athletic numbers on him means he has even more in the tank to develop. It was a big weekend for LaPorta as he tries to stand out among a solid tight end class. 

TE DARNELL WASHINGTON, GEORGIA

Washington stood out even before testing Saturday, measuring in at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds. Carrying that much size and weight would usually temper expectations for athletic numbers, but Washington proved otherwise. He ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, which, at his size, is nothing short of incredible. He then recorded a 10-foot-2 broad jump and capped his day off with a 4.08-second short shuttle to rank first among the tight end group.

Washington was as advertised this weekend. He’s a rare player who will be coveted by many teams in the top 50.

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