The NFL combine is an event for the incoming rookie class to showcase some of their size, speed & strengths. Different members from all 32 NFL organizations attend this event. It gives players the opportunity to raise their draft stock or worst lower their draft stock. Regardless, it is an event growing in popularity with events like the 40-yard dash! Why? One might ask. Because the athletes that attend, attend by invite only. Scouts want to see how offensive and defensive players will perform. At the combiner, here are the Individual Defensive Players (IDP) that rose their draft stock and some that may have had their draft stock dip a bit.
Draft Stock Risers
Edge Rusher – Georgia – Nolan Smith
The 6’2 238 pound Georgia edge rusher came out ready to impress. He needed to after suffering a season-ending injury eight games into the 2022 season. Not only was his 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds the fastest of the defensive ends in this 2023 class. It was the second fastest of all defensive ends to ever run at the combine! He showcased his explosiveness with a leading 10-yard split of 1.52 seconds. If he is able to transition that explosiveness to the pros, he will be a monster.
Linebacker – Auburn – Owen Pappoe
I had Pappoe as a day 3 draft pick in the NFL draft. But his combine performance may have slid him into a late day 2 draft pick. He is a little undersized for your typical linebacker at 6’0 225 pound, but man can he explode out the gate! He led the linebackers with a 4.39 second 40-yard dash and 1.52 second 10-yard split. That’s not all! He also led the linebackers in the bench press of 225 pounds with the most reps of 29! His showcase of speed and strength will turn some heads. Now I don’t think he will be able to lead a team by himself in a 4-3 scheme (4 defensive lineman and 3 linebackers). But if paired up with a solid linebacker in a 3-4 scheme (3 defensive lineman and 4 linebackers) he could flourish. He has the ability to track down the running backs behind the line. Not to mention, speed that could have him drop back into zone allowing him to get an interception or two.
Cornerback – Maryland – Jakorian Bennett
I currently have Bennett as a day 3 pick in the NFL draft. That is not due to lack of talent, but rather how deep this class is. On my board the Maryland prospect moved from a top 30 cornerback to possible top 20. His 40-yard dash (4.30) and 10 yard split (1.48) were second fastest in the class. He showed his ability to get up with a third highest vertical of 40.50”. Which makes sense with his 27 pass deflections over the past two seasons. He will likely be best in man coverage contesting many passes that come his way.
Draft Stock Dips
Defensive Tackle – Baylor – Siaki Ika
The 6’3 335 pound run stopper from Baylor is a monster on the field. His second to last 40-yard dash time (5.39) might dip him on some boards. Each athlete can choose what events they participate in at the NFL combine. After running a slower 40 time I thought Ika would want to showcase his strength. He chose not to participate in the bench press. Personally, I wanted him to pump up that iron to say, “I am a brick wall in the middle of the line!” He will have another opportunity to shine at his pro day. Until then he is sliding down my draft boards.
Linebacker – Oregon- Noah Sewell
Unlike Siaki Ika the 6’1 246 pound linebacker showed his strength. He benched 225 pounds 27 times, 2nd best of the class. Sewell is a good field general and solid tackler. But he ran the third worst-40 yard dash (4.64 seconds) and fourth worst 10-yard split (1.57 seconds). Scouts may be concerned about Sewell’s explosiveness after seeing these times. But if Sewell is able to improve that initial burst to pair with his tackling, he will transition well. He will have a chance to show a little more at his pro day. He slid out of the end of the first round for me. Now a possible early to mid-third rounder.
Cornerback – Miami – Tyrique Stevenson
Going into the combine I thought Stevenson would be one of the fastest cornerbacks. He was about middle of the pack running a 4.45 second 40-yard dash. He did measure in at quality size of 6’0 198 pounds. He might start in a nickel formation (3 defensive lineman, 3 linebackers, 5 defensive backs). Being the fifth defensive back on the field. I do not see him as the first or second cornerback. The mid-tier speed dropped him to a third-round pick instead of mid-second rounder for me.
Thank you for reading! Follow me on Twitter at @ThePPRShow
If you want to win a dynasty championship trophy, make sure you check out RPOFootball.com for dynasty articles, rankings and many future features.