2023 NFL combine: Top draft prospect workouts, risers, fastest 40s

Drills at the 2023 NFL combine finished up Sunday in Indianapolis, with the top running backs and offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL draft class showcasing their skills in front of all 32 teams. The quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends worked out Saturday, with C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Anthony Richardson among those who improved their stock. Defensive linemen and linebackers got things started Thursday. Defensive backs and special teams players followed Friday.

Who ran well in the 40-yard dash? Who dominated in the rest of the on-field work? NFL draft experts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller recap Days 1 to 4 of the combine workouts, evaluating the top performances from each position, picking prospects who are rising (and potentially falling) and addressing notable under-the-radar showings. Let's get into it with a breakdown of all the action at Lucas Oil Stadium.

OL/RB: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
QB/WR/TE: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
CB/S: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
DL/LB: Takeaways | Risers | Top players

DAY 4: RUNNING BACKS, OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

What are your biggest takeaways from Sunday's workouts?

Reid: This offensive tackle class doesn't have a surefire top-10 pick, but there's a lot of depth through the first three rounds. We could see as many as six selected in the top 40 and up to 12 through Day 2. Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) and Broderick Jones (Georgia) are the top three, but Darnell Wright (Tennessee), Dawand Jones (Ohio State) and Anton Harrison (Oklahoma) could hear their names early. That belief held true Sunday as the class as a whole performed well during the on-field drills.

My other takeaway is that this running back class is as strong as advertised. Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) are the top two, but opinions throughout the league vary after them. In such a deep class of rushers, we're likely to see many of them fly off of the board between the second and fourth rounds. Many teams have become reluctant to draft running backs early. That makes it all the more interesting to see just how early both Robinson and Gibbs come off the board.

Reid picks the biggest risers from Day 4

Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State: Jones measured 6-foot-8, 374 pounds with an 87⅞-inch wingspan and 11⅝-inch hands. Not only does he have a massive frame, but he has good body control. He ran a 5.36-second 40-yard dash, a great time for his size. Even though he only practiced for one day at the Senior Bowl, scouts were enamored by him. After a subpar junior season, he returned to play much better last season. His ascension has continued, and he helped himself after a strong showing Sunday. There are many evaluators who think Jones will be selected in the back end of the first round because of his physical traits at his size.

Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee: Wright continued his strong pre-draft process. Positioned in the second group of offensive lineman, I thought he looked the best of the bunch during the on-field drills. After playing guard during his first two seasons with the Vols, Wright transitioned to right tackle, where he had a breakout senior season. His range as a pass protector was on full display as his movements were quick and efficient. His hand power was noticeable while going through drills, too. He and Jones are considered the two best right tackle prospects in this class. The belief among people in the league is that both could be top 40 picks. I have Wright graded slightly higher as my OT4, but Jones is right behind him.

Reid evaluates how other top prospects fared on Day 4

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: As good as advertised -- that's the best way to put seeing Robinson in action inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The clear top player at the position, Robinson finished with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash while also having a 37-inch vertical and leaping 10-foot-7 in the broad jump. He starred during the on-field drills, and he runs with an effortless style that makes it easy for him to sink and transition his weight in any direction. When I asked scouts this week for a target range of where he'll be selected, every answer included somewhere inside the top 20. Robinson is my No. 5-ranked prospect, but positional value will come into the equation.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: With a skill set all about acceleration and having a different gear than defenders, Gibbs finished with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. The speed he showed on film held true as he improved on his first initial run of 4.40. Gibbs was Bama's most dangerous player for quarterback Bryce Young last season, leading the team in rushing yards (926) and catches (44). A versatile prospect who can be used in a variety of ways, Gibbs has plenty of dynamic ability to be an instant game-changer early on as a rookie. As a fast-paced runner, he has the extra gear to go from 0 to 60 in an instant. Gibbs will generate explosive plays as a rookie wherever he lands.

Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern: Is he a guard or an offensive tackle? That remains the biggest question. After playing all five positions during his college career, Skoronski gained experience at multiple spots. Opinions of him throughout the league continue to be mixed. I have him graded as my top tackle, and he should remain there until he proves he's not capable of producing. Many scouts believe he could slide inside and turn into a high-level starter as a guard. With solid testing numbers, Skoronski put up a 5.18-second 40-yard dash and an impressive 34.5-inch vertical leap. That explosion and suddenness were evident during the on-field drills, where Skoronski looked excellent. His hip fluidity and ease with changing directions were easy to see.

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State: Despite not participating in the 40-yard dash, Johnson was a standout during the on-field drills. He showcased natural movements skills, and he can redirect with ease. His foot quickness was the best of the group Sunday. Routinely asked to pass-set during the on-field drills, he looked fluid and natural. He transitioned to left tackle in 2022 after starting at guard for the Buckeyes in 2021, and he continued to get better during each week of last season. Johnson is a contender to be the first offensive tackle selected.

More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 4 of workouts

Reid:

• Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg really caught my eye. Seeing him throughout the week of practices at the East-West Shrine Game, he put together a strong showing. He showed off his strength and awareness, and he has the potential to develop into a starter early in his career. After playing guard during his first season with the Razorbacks, he went on to play center and remained there.

• UCLA lineman Jon Gaines has helped himself throughout the pre-draft process. My first exposure to him up close came during the week of practices at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He made it quickly noticeable he was not only the best offensive lineman there but also one of the best prospects there. He tested well in Indianapolis, running the 40-yard dash in 5.01 seconds while also putting up a 32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-6 broad jump. With starts at both center and guard during his career, many evaluators feel he's capable of playing either spot at the next level. Viewed as a late-round prospect coming into the process, Gaines could be a fourth- or fifth-round target who turns into a spot starter early in his NFL career.

• Tulane running back Tyjae Spears participated only in the on-field drills, but he was outstanding. A sudden mover, he raced through the bags with ease, showing off strong hands and the ability to catch the ball away from his frame. He has the potential to be dangerous in the passing game. He's the type of running back playcallers will be able to design concepts around; he has the ability to put linebackers and safeties in disadvantageous situations. He built on a strong showing from the Senior Bowl. Spears likely is a top-75 pick who could go on to play a big role as a rookie. All eyes will be on Tulane's pro day March 16.

• Kansas State's Deuce Vaughn is another running back who opted not to run but participated in the on-field drills, and he looked terrific. At 5-foot-5, he's the smallest player ever at the combine, but he plays much bigger than his height indicates. He's a uniquely built player who can run in between the tackles and on the perimeter. He has very quick feet and complements those feet with reliable hands to get up the field quickly. Size will be an issue for some teams, but in a committee backfield, there's a place for him as a Day 3 selection. Vaughn's pro day will be March 31, and many teams will be looking forward to seeing his official testing numbers.

DAY 3: QUARTERBACKS, WIDE RECEIVERS, TIGHT ENDS

Notables who did not work out: Bryce Young, Dalton Kincaid

What's your biggest takeaway from Saturday's workouts?

Miller: The last time we saw Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throwing to Jaxon Smith-Njigba at a neutral site, it was during the 2022 Rose Bowl -- and the two combined for 15 catches, 347 yards and three touchdowns. It's fitting, then, that both Stroud and Smith-Njigba looked phenomenal at Lucas Oil Stadium during workouts Saturday.

Stroud displayed once again why he was among the best in the nation over the past two seasons, with smooth accuracy to every level of the field. One scout texted me that Stroud's workout was the best throwing session he has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the combine in 2021. And Smith-Njigba, who missed all but three games in 2022 with a hamstring injury, answered questions about his health and reminded people that he is still the smooth, crisp route runner whom Stroud went to early and often in that Rose Bowl performance.

Reid: Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson's draft stock has officially exploded! After posting the best combine numbers for quarterbacks in the vertical jump (40.5 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-9) since 2006, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds. That is tied for the fourth-fastest time for a QB since 2006. Then Richardson -- my QB3 right now -- showed explosive arm strength in the throwing portions of the workout. His biggest question marks are still the accuracy and consistency, and many of his flaws are centered on faulty footwork, which results in passes being off the mark at times. The right landing spot and then some patience will be crucial for Richardson's development, but he looks destined for the top 10.

Biggest risers from Day 3

Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma: Mims ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds while also recording a 39.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump. That explosiveness is seen throughout his tape, as he is one of the most dangerous downfield targets in this entire draft class (20.1 yards per reception last season). Mims didn't attack the short to intermediate areas during his final season with the Sooners, but he showed comfort there in Indy during the on-field drills. He exhibited strong hands and quick transitions in his routes. Mims is likely to be a popular late-Day 2 target for teams looking to accumulate more explosive playmakers. -- Reid

Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia: Bennett put on an impressive showing on Saturday. At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, he ran a very strong 4.67-second run in the 40-yard dash to start the buzz on an overall solid workout, and he then was masterful in throwing the deep ball with timing and velocity. He also showed the arm strength to drive the ball to the boundary on numerous throws. Though he is thought to be a late-rounder or an undrafted free agent, I see Bennett's talent better suited to the middle of Day 3. Showing more velocity on his throws than expected should definitely help his stock. Bennett wasn't asked to make many advanced throws in the Georgia scheme, which led to assumptions about his pro-level ability, but he proved he has some solid arm talent and mobility. -- Miller

Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina: One of the more impressive performances of the day came from Downs, whose ability to change gears and sink his weight in and out of his routes was evident. His strong hands really popped, and his routes were very crisp with little wasted movement. Wide receivers ran routes from the slot and the outside during drills, and Downs showed comfort from all alignments and caught the ball well on each route run. He registered 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 TDs in 2022, and he is viewed as a second-round pick by many scouts. -- Reid

Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia: After 62 catches for 675 yards and seven TDs in 2022, Ford-Wheaton started the pre-draft process with a great week of work at the East-West Shrine Bowl, which had scouts buzzing. He then doubled down with a great combine workout, standing out in agility and position drills. Scouts were texting me during the workout about his 41-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. He also notched a 10-foot-9 broad jump and put an exclamation mark on his day with a 4.38-second run in the 40. Those numbers at that height and weight are comparable to those of DK Metcalf, for context. Ford-Wheaton came to Indy as an early-Day 3 prospect -- in a draft class featuring mostly smaller receivers in the top three rounds -- but he could rise into the top 100 picks. -- Miller

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia: The massive tight end prospect measured 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.64 seconds. That is a terrific number for him considering speed was one of the biggest questions around his evaluation. An experienced blocker, Washington has been used as in-line talent, but he also is an underrated pass-catcher. And Washington looked smooth going through the gauntlet drill. With his polish as a run-blocker and with steady improvement as a pass-catcher, it's hard to see him making it out of the top 50. Washington has a unique build and versatility, so he should be an instant contributor in the NFL. -- Reid

How other top prospects fared on Day 3

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Stroud doesn't have size questions like Bryce Young or the ball placement/ turnover concerns that plague Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. Stroud is just really solid all around as a quarterback, even if his game hasn't generated as much buzz as the other three signal-callers. It should, though. Stroud is the prettiest passer of the entire quarterback group and a Day 1 starter in the pros. As one scout told me, Stroud is "so good it's boring." His throwing session definitely wasn't boring, though, as he demonstrated the touch, timing and ball placement that rank as the best of the QB group. -- Miller

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: Levis said he was ready to show off his arm strength at the combine, and he appeared to be the best of the first group of passers. This was my first time seeing the likely top-five pick throw up close, and the ball comes out of his hand with so much velocity. His accuracy remained sporadic -- a major concern following last season -- and his development will hinge on creating more consistency with his lower body. That was the underlying reason behind many of his 23 interceptions over the past two seasons. Many evaluators feel like his flaws are correctable and that he can return to his 2021 form, when he had a breakout season. -- Reid

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Not only did he break QB records for the vertical jump and broad jump and set a ridiculous 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash, Richardson sprayed the ball all over the field with improved accuracy during throwing drills. Richardson wasn't perfect, and you can see he still is working to make his improved footwork a habit as he throws different routes, but his accuracy to all areas of the field was markedly better than what we saw at Florida. He needed to come in and hit the underneath and intermediate throws that troubled him in college, and he largely did that. Richardson also had fans at Lucas Oil Stadium cheering with three absolute dimes on deep throws. It might feel reactionary to say Richardson won the combine, but for a player who needed to show improvement and development in his mechanics, this was a good day. And now he has ignited a conversation about his placement in this quarterback class. -- Miller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Despite not running the 40-yard dash, Smith-Njigba looked terrific. He didn't show any signs of the lingering hamstring injury that limited him to three games last season. A precise route runner, JSN just looked different than his counterparts, displaying short-area quickness and detail on his patterns. His 6.57-second three-cone and 3.93-second short shuttle times were outstanding. The highlight of his workout came during the gauntlet drill, when Smith-Njigba flew through it with smooth hands. He looked the part of WR1 on Saturday. The biggest remaining questions for him are his true straight-line speed and whether he can play outside of the slot. He is expected to run the 40-yard dash at the Buckeyes' pro day March 22, and many scouts will have their stopwatches ready to go. -- Reid

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Johnston didn't run the 40-yard dash after jumping 40.5 inches in the vertical and 11-foot-2 in the broad jump, but scouts in attendance weren't waiting to see Johnston run or jump. They wanted to see him catch the football after six drops last season. Johnston looked more comfortable and confident attacking the football with his hands during positional drills, though he did have one drop on a deep route in which he attempted to turn before securing the football. Overall, he didn't let the ball get too far into his chest or body. Johnston is a talented deep threat and a big-play target at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, and he is in play to be the top receiver in the class. -- Miller

Jordan Addison, WR, USC: After recording an unofficial 4.55-second time in his first run through the 40-yard dash, Addison returned to run a 4.49 on his second try. That second-run speed matches what he showed on tape. At 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, he has a slender frame and undoubtedly will need to gain more weight at the next level, but he wins with quick movements and great body control. Those traits were on display during the on-field drills, where Addison had plenty of standout moments. He is a sudden mover with instant change-of-direction skills to complement above-average hand-eye coordination. Addison is my WR2 at the moment and is projected in Round 1. -- Reid

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: The NFL combine is not the ideal event for a tight end like Mayer to showcase his talents. He isn't particularly straight-line fast, and he isn't particularly explosive with first-step burst. He is strong and physical and a nasty run-blocker, though. Mayer's testing times won't impress you; he ran a 4.70 in the 40-yard dash and had a TE-low 10-yard split at 1.66-seconds. He also jumped just 32.5 inches in the vertical and had a sub-10-foot broad jump. Again, this isn't his event. But Mayer showed off his value in the sled drill, in which tight ends must approach a blocking sled in a three-point stance and drive block it (simulating a run-blocking play). His technique, power and ability to drive the weighted-down sled was the best of the group. Teams looking for the next Kyle Pitts won't want Mayer, but those seeking a personnel package-fluid player who will dominate in the ground game and become a red zone threat will value his ability in the first round. -- Miller

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: After a strong performance in the sole practice he participated in at the East-West Shrine Bowl, Flowers came out strong at the combine. Measuring in at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he is a smaller receiver but plays much bigger than his size indicates. Flowers is a fast mover who puts a lot of stress on the technique of defensive backs because of how quickly he can put them on their heels. He displayed strong hands and was smooth through the gauntlet drill, showing little wasted motion when transitioning from the catch process to gaining yards upfield. Flowers is projected in the Nos. 25 to 35 range, but he could be picked higher because of his dynamic skill set. -- Reid

More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 3 of workouts

Reid:

• Tennessee wideout Jalin Hyatt had a strong start to the day, posting a 40.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-3 broad jump, but the rest of his workout was inconsistent. Many scouts I talked to were a little surprised by the 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash; that's fast, but Hyatt plays much faster. He has unique in-game speed and is able to race past defenders with ease, and that ability to create separation on vertical routes was evident more during the route portions of the session. Hyatt was unable to finish the workout, and his right hamstring was wrapped in ice during the final drill.

• Wake Forest wide receiver A.T. Perry quietly put together a very solid workout from start to finish. Measuring at 6-foot-3½ and 198 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. That's an outstanding time for a bigger wideout, and Perry didn't seem to be that fast on tape. His ball production and output remained steady throughout his collegiate career, and he exceeded a lot of scouting expectations for his combine outing, as he exploded to a 35-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. Perry was graded as an early-Day 3 player prior to the combine, but he now has a very strong chance to sneak inside my top 100.

Miller:

• Alabama quarterback Bryce Young opted not to work out at the combine, but he was still the talk of Indianapolis all week, as his height and weight measurements were heavily anticipated. He was listed at 6 feet tall and 194 pounds in college but measured in at 5-foot-10⅛ inches and 204 pounds, with 9¾-inch hands. That's a win for the undersized prospect who could be the No. 1 overall pick. Young has now shown teams his frame can hold more bulk, but all eyes will turn to his Alabama pro day March 23 to see how well he moves and throws if he maintains this weight.

• Both Anthony Richardson and Darnell Washington had amazing workouts and are truly unique prospects. But we have to set expectations that both are works in progress as prospects. Richardson has to continue to develop his lower-body mechanics and make those a habit. And Washington, after catching just 45 passes in college, is still a very raw route runner and pass-catcher. The tools are there for both to become top-tier NFL players, but expectations in Year 1 should be based on each player's development and not on immediate production. The future is exciting for each player, and NFL teams will base the draft value of Richardson and Washington on where they will be in Year 2 of their careers versus where they are right now.

DAY 2: DEFENSIVE BACKS

Notables who did not work out: Devon Witherspoon

Miller: The 2023 safety class has not received much praise from NFL scouts throughout the process, so it was no surprise that the group underwhelmed during agility and position drills. Alabama's Brian Branch (who worked out with the corners), Texas A&M's Antonio Johnson and Penn State's Ji'Ayir Brown all failed to put together an all-around workout that would move them up the board. Illinois' Sydney Brown looked solid -- he was in the top four at the position in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump -- but the '23 safety class lacks excitement at the top. It might be only Branch in the first round and perhaps just five or six guys on the first two days of the draft.

Reid: On the other hand, the depth of this year's cornerback group was talked about a lot coming into the combine, and it lived up to the hype. In contrast to the safety group, I think five corners will go in Round 1, and as many as 15 might come off the board before the end of Round 3. Oregon's Christian Gonzalez and South Carolina's Cam Smith -- both potential early picks -- looked the most fluid of the group, and Coastal Carolina's Lance Boykin and Northwestern's Cameron Mitchell received a lot of positive reviews from scouts as Day 3 players who could rise.

Biggest risers from Day 2

Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina: A standout from the week of practices at the Senior Bowl, Rush continued to boost his stock with a strong performance on Friday. He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, which surprised a lot of evaluators. That type of speed didn't show up frequently on tape. As a former wide receiver, he has above-average route recognition ability and can read and react to the opposition really well. Rush played a mixture of man and zone coverage with the Gamecocks, and his suddenness coming out of his back pedal showed up frequently. He had two picks over 10 games last season. Exiting the season, Rush was thought of as an early-Day 3 selection. Now he has entered the top 75 discussion, with the potential to push even higher. -- Reid

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan: He had the fastest 40-yard dash of the first two days of the combine and tied for the fourth-fastest time since 2003. We expected Turner would run well -- I listed him as one of the burners who could top the charts in our preview this week -- but running this well compared to his peers helps push Turner's stock up. His Michigan tape showed speed and great change-of-direction ability, but rare speed like this will have NFL teams excited about Turner's potential development as a man coverage cornerback. He also posted a 38.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-11 broad jump, solid numbers displaying his explosion. I have him as my CB5, and he projects as a late-first-round pick following a very strong all-around workout. -- Miller

Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois: This was one of the most impressive combine performances so far, regardless of position. Martin jumped 44 inches in the vertical and 11-foot-1 in the broad jump, displaying his explosiveness. Then he went on to run the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds. Playing in a talented secondary, Martin gained experience at both nickel corner and safety at Illinois, picking off three passes and breaking up 12 more. Being able to wear multiple hats on the back end and play on special teams gives him an edge over many of his counterparts in an underwhelming safety group. Martin is likely a third-round target and has the potential to step into a secondary and play early in his career. -- Reid

How other top prospects fared on Day 2

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Gonzalez was expected to perform very well in all the agility and speed drills, and he didn't disappoint. He turned in a 4.38-second time in the 40, including a 1.54-second 10-yard split. The burst we see on Gonzalez's tape, and the closing speed that allowed him to collect four interceptions and break up seven passes last season, was evident not only in his 40 time but also in his vertical jump (41.5 inches) and broad jump (11-foot-1). Gonzalez is my CB3 and is considered a top-15 pick by NFL scouts I've spoken to this week. -- Miller

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State: Porter only participated in the 40-yard dash and clocked a 4.46, tied for 14th among corners. Many of the scouts I spoke to before the combine expected him to run in the 4.45 range, so this wasn't too much of a surprise. A true man-to-man corner, Porter has 34-inch length, an abnormal number for the position. He can get his hands on wideouts and make it challenging for them to get into their routes, and he has the speed to transition, turn and run with matchups. Penn State's pro day March 24 will be key for Porter. He is firmly in the top-20 range right now and could catapult himself even higher with a strong outing there. -- Reid

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland: Banks was one of my guys to watch headed into the week. He wowed on Friday with a 4.35-second run in the 40-yard dash, an eye-popping 42-inch vertical and a fantastic 11-foot-4 broad jump. Per ESPN Stats & Information, he's the second player to hit those three marks or better since 2006 (receiver Chris Conley in 2015). At 6-2 with elite speed and burst, Banks is a raw technician at corner. NFL teams will take notice and look to develop him into a more well-rounded cover man. He's a late-Day 1 prospect on my board. -- Miller

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: After some inconsistent moments during the 2022 season (two interceptions, 10 pass breakups), Ringo had a lot riding on this performance. He started the afternoon with subpar numbers in both the vertical (33.5 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-2), but he helped himself a lot by posting a 4.36-second time in the 40-yard dash. His best moments of the workout came during the on-field drills, since many evaluators had questions about his hip fluidity and change-of-direction skills. Ringo looked fluid in those drills, which force players to sink their weight and redirect. Opinions remain mixed about him; some scouts see him as a late-first-rounder, while others view him as a Day 2 prospect. -- Reid

Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama: One NFL scout watching the workouts inside Lucas Oil Stadium texted me that Branch -- a potential first-round pick heading into the week -- was the most disappointing workout of the day based on expectations. Branch, who is 6-foot and 190 pounds, had a vertical jump of just 34.5 inches, tied for 16th-worst among all defensive backs at the combine. Perhaps most disappointing was a 4.58-second run in the 40-yard dash. Branch wasn't expected to be among the fastest players at the combine, but that time will bring into question his ability to play in the slot in the NFL -- a position many teams are projecting him. He is a versatile coverage player who has experience at cornerback, nickel corner and safety, and teams love that versatility and instincts. But the limited burst and open-field speed will be concerns. -- Miller

Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M: With Branch viewed more as a nickel corner, Johnson is a strong candidate to be the consensus top true safety. He was a versatile player on the Aggies' defense, gaining experience at a multitude of spots. He looked most comfortable as a strong safety, likely his best fit at the next level. During the workout, Johnson displayed that versatility when he was forced to turn and run. He was efficient in his transitions and showcased good hands, snagging the ball out of the air. Viewed as a top-40 pick, he has potential to be a Day 1 starter because of his 6-2, 198-pound frame, ability to play multiple spots and physicality as a tackler. -- Reid

More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 2 of workouts

Reid:

• Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon did not participate in any part of the on-field work due to a hamstring injury. He's expected to perform at the Fighting Illini pro day March 10. Witherspoon could be the first cornerback off the board in April, and he has gotten comparisons to Jaire Alexander. He plays with confidence, and his ball skills, polished technique and willingness to tackle in run support has multiple cornerback-needy teams excited about his potential at the next level.

• Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents continues to rise. He followed up a strong Senior Bowl performance with a standout showing in Indy. At 6-2, he jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical and 11-foot-6 in the broad jump. And he has plenty of fluidity to complement that explosion. He was seen as a late-Day 2 selection early in the pre-draft process, but he's now in contention to be a top-50 pick. Teams that run predominantly zone coverage will have a lot of interest in Brents because of his awareness when reading passing concepts, but he's most comfortable when his back is to the sideline in coverage.

Miller:

• Deonte Banks wasn't the only Terrapin to have a big night Friday. His teammate, cornerback Jakorian Bennett, was among the best all-around performers on the field at Lucas Oil. Bennett's 4.30-second 40-yard dash was the second-fastest of any defensive back. He also popped with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 11-foot-1 broad jump that should have the Indiana Pacers paying attention to his hops. Bennett is the first player to reach all three of those marks (or better) at the combine since 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

DAY 1: DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, LINEBACKERS

Notables who did not work out: Jalen Carter, Myles Murphy, Tyree Wilson, Mazi Smith

What's your biggest takeaway from Thursday's workouts?

Miller: Get ready to hear the word "tweener" a lot following the Thursday night workouts. Two smaller-sized defensive linemen in Pitt's Calijah Kancey and USC's Tuli Tuipulotu were the talk of the town after turning in fantastic all-around workouts.

Kancey, a 6-foot-1, 281-pound interior rusher, ran a 4.67-second time in the 40-yard dash. He was super productive at Pitt with 14 sacks in the past two seasons. Tuipulotu was tied for the FCS lead with 13.5 sacks in 2022 but was thought too small to play defensive tackle in the NFL. He made that decision for the league by weighing in at 266 pounds, and he showed the speed and quickness that will make him a valuable NFL player with a fantastic on-field workout during positional drills. The interior pass-rusher is en vogue in the NFL right now, and Kancey and Tuipulotu could be next.

Reid: This defensive line class as a whole is fast! Throughout both groups, many prospects displayed their quick first step and long speed. It's one of the deeper position groups in this draft class, and the burst throughout the entire position group was quite evident. Six defensive tackles ran faster than 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Biggest risers from Day 1

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson: Bresee had a tough 2022 season, dealing with injuries and the death of his sister. He had just 18 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 10 games. But from start to finish Thursday, Bresee looked the best of the defensive tackle bunch. He posted great numbers, running a 4.86-second 40-yard dash with a 1.71-second 10-yard split. Then during the on-field workouts, Bresee looked fluid, and his change-of-direction skills appeared effortless. His hand strength and ability to redirect were also evident during both the run-the-hoop and run-and-club drills. He plays all positions along the interior but projects best as a 3-technique in the NFL. Right now, Bresee projects as a potential top-25 pick, and his stock is on the rise after an impressive showing. -- Reid

Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia: Smith entered the 2022 college football season as a potential first-rounder and looked like one before tearing his right pectoral muscle in late October and missing the rest of the season. Just four months removed from the injury, Smith won me over by even participating in the combine. But his workout was outstanding on top of that. At 238 pounds, Smith jumped an incredible 41.5 inches in the vertical jump -- a great number for a defensive back or wide receiver, let alone an edge rusher -- a very respectable 10-foot-8 broad jump. Then he really stole the show with a 4.39-second run in the 40-yard dash. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, he's the second-heaviest player to run a sub-4.4 40 and have a 40-plus-inch vertical at the combine since 2006, behind only 254-pound Vernon Davis. We knew Smith's speed and first-step quickness were outstanding, and his performance confirmed it. My No. 20 overall player could very easily be the second linebacker off the board after Will Anderson Jr. -- Miller

Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern: After a strong Senior Bowl performance, the Wildcats defensive lineman had one of the most eye-popping 40 times of the day, running a 4.49 at 282 pounds. That's the fastest time for any 280-plus-pound player at the combine since 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He's a bit of a tweener and spent a lot of time both along the interior and off the edge, so NFL scouts will need to figure out where he fits into their defenses. But Adebawore showcased plenty of explosiveness on tape, posting five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in 2022, and those solid traits stood out on Thursday. He added to the blazing 40 time with a 37.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump. Although there are some questions about his position at the next level, he showed that he's a talented player and should be a top-50 pick. -- Reid

Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina: A Day 3 prospect at defensive tackle, Pickens made money on Thursday night with a fantastic on-field workout and solid testing times. It started with the weigh-in, where Pickens measured in at 6-4 and 291 pounds with a 34 ⅜-inch arm length -- excellent size for a versatile interior defender. Pickens also impressed with his on-field positional skill drills, showing quickness, flexibility and balance in bag drills. A 4.89-second 40 time will only help make the case for Pickens as a Day 2 player in a thin defensive tackle class. -- Miller

How other top prospects fared on Day 1

Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa: A 4.58-second run in the 40-yard dash started the day right for Van Ness. At 6-5 and 272 pounds, Van Ness flashed the speed that has made him a top-15 prospect despite not even starting at Iowa. With very strong on-field drill work -- Van Ness dominated bag drills -- it was a great workout for my No. 3 defensive end. Van Ness' length is obvious watching him work in person, especially when he was whipping through the bags and demonstrating his bend. He also has power and burst in his lower body which make him a special pass-rush prospect. -- Miller

Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama: Even though he's a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick, Anderson still went out and competed. And in running a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, he didn't do anything to hurt his draft stock. It's a solid time for him, but what was most impressive about his workout was how fluid he looked in situations that he was seldom in at Alabama. That included dropping into coverage, flipping his hips and driving on the ball. Anderson proved that he can turn and run, which means he could fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. But he can also put his hand in the dirt for a 4-3 scheme and dominate off the edge. -- Reid

Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State: Positional drills looked easy for McDonald, as he effortlessly navigated bag drills and change-of-direction exercises. McDonald is a smooth mover with excellent length (34⅞-inch arms), a great vertical of 36 inches and a group-leading broad jump of 11-feet. He has been a riser of late, with Mel Kiper Jr. slotting him No. 8 overall in his most recent mock draft. Despite his 34 sacks and 42.5 tackles for loss over 55 career games, I was skeptical of that grade. But after watching him today, it's easy to see him as a Round 1 player. -- Miller

Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh: Despite only running the 40-yard dash, Kancey wowed with a stellar time. He posted a 4.67-second 40-yard dash time, which gives him the fastest time of any defensive tackle since 2006. A bit undersized at 6-1 and 281 pounds, he wins with explosiveness off the line. And his timed speed matched the suddenness and quick first step that are littered throughout his 2022 film. Kancey has the potential to completely alter the interior pass-rush potential for an NFL team's defensive front, and he looks like a mid-to-late Day 1 pick. -- Reid

Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas: Sanders opted to not run a 40-yard dash but did take the field for position drills. He was highly impressive in a bag work drill that's designed to show balance, flexibility, foot speed and bend. With 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception in 2022, the Alabama transfer was among the most productive all-around linebackers in the class. He's currently ranked at No. 34 overall on my board and is LB2. -- Miller

Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson: He suffered a foot injury during the ACC Championship Game, but Simpson looked good in his workout. He ran a 4.43-second 40 time, showcasing the agility and burst that we've seen throughout his career. He played more inside linebacker last year compared to the past, when he was used more in various alignments, but evaluators love his versatility. NFL teams can use Simpson as a blitzer or in the slot to cover tight ends, and he could be a late-Round 1 or early-Round 2 selection. -- Reid

Derick Hall, DE, Auburn: Hall followed up a very strong showing at the Senior Bowl with another really good day in both agility drills and the position-specific work at the combine. Hall's 33.5-inch vertical jump is solid, but his 10-foot-7 broad jump was truly fantastic for his size (6-3, 254 pounds). Hall saved the best for last with a very good workout in the edge-rusher group. His hand power and bend were on display throughout the workout, and he showed easy movement skills working in space. -- Miller

More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 1 of workouts

Reid:

• Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton quietly had a very productive workout. At 6-4 and 309 pounds, he ran a 5.08 40-yard dash but had an impressive 1.79-second 10-yard split. That type of initial burst is what his game is centered around. His power was also frequently seen Thursday, as his best moments came during the on-field drills where he was able to display the strength in his hands and ability to turn the corner and finish. Currently my fifth-ranked interior defender, Benton carries a second-round grade and could eventually become a top-50 pick.

• Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley really impressed me. Originally starting off as a wide receiver, he transitioned to safety and then finished his career as a linebacker. That diverse skill set and his movement skills were easy to see, as he looked the best of anyone during multiple change-of-direction drills that required him to drop into coverage. The savvy that he learned from playing on the back end has carried over to his new position. A strong Senior Bowl performance catapulted Henley into the third-round discussion, and after a strong showing today, it's hard to imagine him getting out of Day 2.

Miller:

• USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu was the first weigh-in surprise of the day, when he came in at 266 pounds after being listed at 290 pounds by the Trojans. Thought to be a tweener as a mixture of a defensive tackle and defensive end in college, it's clear now that Tuipulotu intends to line up at end with a weight under 270 pounds. Regardless, he wowed with his quickness and footwork during positional drills and agility work. With 13.5 sacks -- tied for most in the nation last season -- Tuipulotu has movement ability to go with his production.

• Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. opted to run just one 40-yard dash versus the two attempts players are allowed. As one of the top-ranked players in the class, Anderson made a statement by not backing out of his workout. That's something NFL scouts love to see -- a player who competes without fear. Anderson's 40 time of 4.60 seconds was solid, and his willingness to participate will further cement his status with scouts.