Defensive backs and special team players took center stage at Friday’s NFL Combine. These groups of positions have been subjected to athletic testing and field practice to highlight each player’s potential.
Stars shine with Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon sidelined
Witherspoon, the top pick in the 2023 NFL draft, was sidelined Friday with a hamstring injury. His colleagues took the opportunity and delivered strong performances. Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. showed off his length with 34-inch arms. Maryland’s Deonte Banks and Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez jumped out of the gym. South Carolina’s Cam Smith tested more explosively than many expected. These players compete to be the first cornerback off the board, padding their respective bank accounts in the process.
Michigan’s DJ Turner blistered the turf and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.26 seconds; it is the fastest among all Combine participants so far.
Depth, not star power, is the defining feature among safes
With Alabama’s Brian Branch training with the cornerbacks, the safety class lacked elite talent. However, teams will find quality depth well into Days 2 and 3 of draft. Californian Daniel Scott and Oklahoma State’s Jason Taylor II were among those who impressed. Pittsburgh’s Brandon Hill led the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds.
The quarterbacks will take the field Saturday with wide receivers and tight ends starting at 1:00 p.m. ET. Kentucky’s Will Levis, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud are expected to throw. CBSSports.com will once again be running a live blog to document all of the celebrations.
Keep an eye out for winners and losers from Friday’s celebrations on CBSSports.com.