My Biggest Winners of the 2023 NFL Combine
Now that the Combine has wrapped up and we are deep into pro days, it is time to give the biggest winners (and losers) of the combine. Some prospects saw their draft stock skyrocket with phenomenal performances, while unfortunately some disappointed, and their selection status will reflect accordingly. Overall, most stocks won’t budge all too much, however, for the following future professionals, they may have very well made themselves some money.
Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback — University of Oregon
My biggest and most obvious winner of the Combine. Gonzalez came into the draft as a sure fire first-round selection, however, he had more in mind. The former Duck had been in talks of being the first defensive back selection, although, most mocked otherwise. After the combine, I think Gonzalez has the highest odds of any to be the first DB off the board. Although, he didn’t come in first of any of the huge drill categories, his fluency and speed were on full display. He ran a 4.38 40 (4.36 u), however, ran is a strong word.
His motion and stride were so smooth it looked as if he was jogging. Furthermore, his positional drills put his insane athletic traits and fluidity in his hips on full display. It will be interesting to see how much he does on his pro day, as I think he has already cemented himself as the top corner in 2023.
Nolan Smith
Outside Linebacker — University of Georgia
As a highly touted recruit out of high school, Smith seemed like a sure fire first-round selection his first couple years at Georgia. However following an injury-plagued end to his collegiate career, his stock had fallen to mid-round. Smith proved doubters otherwise with his combine performance. At 18, everyone knew his measurements were off the charts, but no one knew how true that was today. The GA native ran a blazing 4.39 40 yd dash, 1.52 10 yd split, and 41.5 inch vertical: all good enough for first place amongst edge defenders.
Furthermore, his physical traits and full health were on full display in positional drills. As previously mentioned, Smith seemed destined for the first round, and he cemented himself that status after his combine record-setting performance.
Blake Freeland
Offensive Tackle — Brigham Young University
What kind of winners list doesn’t include a big boy upfront? Enter Freeland. Unlike Gonzalez and Smith, Freeland won’t be the first at his respective position to hear his name called come late April. However, the former Cougar certainly made himself some money after testing at the combine. Coming in at 6'8" and 300 pounds, it’s hard to miss Freeland even amongst other NFL prospects. After leading all offensive lineman in 10 yd split, vertical, and broad jump, he became impossible to overlook. After turning heads in testing, Freeland showed his agility and fluidity for his size through positional and coaching drills.
Although Freeland is certainly still raw and will need to battle through the speed against quicker edge defenders, he showed potential. That potential upside most likely made him an early Day 3 selection, with the possibility of hearing his name on Day 2.
Adetomiwa Adebawore
Edge Defender — Northwestern University
With perhaps the most difficult name to pronounce (add-E-TOMMY-wah add-E-BAR-eh), the former Wildcat made heads turn with his combination of size and speed at the NFL Combine. Adebawore became the first prospect weighing over 280 pounds to run a sub 4.5 40 (4.49)! Although his measurements of 6'1" and 282 lbs. falls a bit into no-mans land, his quickness and pure speed help his potential.
Depending on which team selects him and what defensive scheme he finds himself in will help determine his future NFL position. I could see him either shedding 15–20 lbs. and lining up along the edge, or adding on the same amount and lining up inside as a 3-technique. Either way, Adebawore certainly made himself some money with his phenomenal testing results, even seeing himself sneak into the first round come April 27th.
