My Biggest Losers of the 2023 NFL Combine
The NFL Combine is officially in the books, and sadly, there are always prospects that see their draft stock plummet after subpar performances. Whether its due to disappointing physical testing, off-field issues, or lack-luster interviews, certain guys cost themselves some money at the combine. Below I’ll cover who I saw as the biggest losers of the 2023 NFL Combine.
Kayshon Boutte
Wide Receiver — Louisiana State University
Once thought of as the top receiver of the class and a sure fire first-round selection, now Boutte will be lucky to hear his name called before Saturday. Coming into the combine, the former Tiger already had his draft stock plummeting due to a lackluster final collegiate campaign paired with off-field issues. Unfortunately, his combine performance’s turned that slip into a free fall.
Coming in, Boutte’s best scenario was to show off his freak athleticism that once made him the top collegiate pass-catcher at just 19 years old. That did not happen. He came in dead last in vertical and second to last in broad jump. Boutte’s 40 time of 4.5 doesn’t hurt, but doesn’t necessarily help him either. Ultimately, his age (just 20 years old) and older collegiate stats won’t let him slip past Round 4 or 5. However, for a guy that could of potentially slipped into Round 1 with phenomenal results, waiting til Day 3 certainly is no win for Boutte.
Will Levis
Quarterback — University of Kentucky
Now, I included Levis here not because of his own poor performance, but rather, the remarkable performance of Anthony Richardson. Of the top 4 QBs, it seems its become two separate races. Bryce Young and CJ Stroud for 1st QB, and Levis and Richardson for 3rd QB. After the combine, it seems that Richardson has cemented himself over Levis as QB3 of the 2023 class. Richardson set the QB records in vertical, broad jump, and 40-yard dash. Not to mention showing off his rocket arm with ease in throwing drills, Levis was heavily overshadowed.
Now, by no means am I saying that one player can drastically alter another’s stock on his own, but Richardson certainly jumped Levis here. Both will most likely still be gone after the top 10, Levis just may have to wait a bit longer than the former Gator.
The National Football League
As you can tell, this last one is a bit different as it is an entire organization rather than a player. It is the organization. Although there’s definitely a variety of reasons to call the NFL a ‘loser’ in regard to player benefits, the combine, pay, and more, let’s focus on just one: the league still making lineman, particularly offensive, run the 40.
This year a highly touted prospect out of Southern California, Andrew Vorhees, took to the 40 line, and ended with a torn ACL. Just an unfortunate accident that easily could of been prevented. The only plausible time I can think of an offensive lineman having to run 40 yards at one time is if they are trying to defend an interception thrown by their quarterback. Now I could be wrong, but I really don’t think any scout or coach is selecting a prospect based on that one-off scenario. Yes, the 40 can help some offensive lineman if they run sub-5 seconds, but it really is just unnecessary. Do better Goodell.
- Side note: Vorhees did set the bench press record AFTER tearing his ACL, just an awesome note to end on after a horribly-timed injury.
