2023 NFL Combine Day 1 Recap: Impressive showings by defensive players

The 2023 NFL Combine officially kicked off Thursday with the defensive linemen and linebackers.

Each group did a variety of drills, including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump and many more along the way. Below you’ll find the biggest standouts from Day 1, and who could be rising up the draft boards over the next month.

Defensive Linemen

DE Nolan Smith, Georgia

Best 40-Time: 4.39

10-Yard Split: 1.61

No one improved their draft stock more than Nolan Smith Thursday. And all it took was one 40-yard sprint.

Georgia DE Nolan Smith just ran an unofficial 4.44 40-yard dash at 6'2 and 238 pounds. 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/qPR4i7B6ev

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 2, 2023

At 238 pounds, Smith ran one of the fastest 40-times for an edge rusher in combine history Thursday. For comparison, he finished in the range of Davante Adams (4.42) and Stefon Diggs (4.46), who are both wideouts!

His tests measured off the charts as well, putting him in the 95th percentile, or higher, on most events.

Nolan Smith said he was only doing the 40, vert and broad at the Combine

Vert: 41.5" (98th percentile)
Broad: 10'8" (95th percentile)
40-yard: 4.44 (98th percentile)

WHEW

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 2, 2023

And when the official numbers came back, Smith had done even better, posting a blistering 4.39 40-yard dash. Smith is now the second-fastest defensive linemen to compete at the NFL Combine since 2003.

The crazy part: He supposedly wasn’t even running at full speed, telling NFL Network that was going at about 85%.

.@GeorgiaFootball's Nolan Smith ran an official 4.39 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine…

That is the 2nd-fastest by a defensive lineman since 2003.

3 of the 4 fastest DL 40-yd times have been run in the last 2 Combines. pic.twitter.com/HDggKh50ip

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 2, 2023

.@SmithNoland2 seeing his @GeorgiaFootball teammates react to his impressive 🔥4.39🔥 40 is one of best things you'll see at the NFL Combine.

📺: #NFLCombine on NFL Network
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/aXTH480Dtp

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 2, 2023

Smith’s 10-yard split (1.52) also made history, becoming the fastest time ever for edge rushers.

A truly incredible spectacle.

The former Georgia Bulldog is the third-highest ranked outside linebacker on ESPN’s Big Board, but that could well be changing very soon. He finished his colligate career with 110 total tackles, 20 TFLs and 12.5 sacks over four seasons.

Calijah Kancey

Best 40-Time: 4.67

10-Yard Split: 1.64

Another record-breaking performance Thursday, Calijah Kancey out of the University of Pittsburgh.

The former college defensive tackle ran an astonishing 4.67 official 40-time at the combine. That number is good enough to become the fastest mark for a DT since 2003. And, it was also .01 seconds faster than Pitt alum Aaron Donald.

Calijah Kancey posted an official 40 yard dash time of 4.67 at the NFL Combine today.

That is the fastest any DT has run at the combine in 20 YEARS.

And it was .01 seconds faster than fellow Pittsburgh Panther, Aaron Donald 😳 pic.twitter.com/dklMrSifuc

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 2, 2023

At 281 pounds, Kancey is the No.2-ranked DT on ESPN’s big board. After his performance Wednesday, many would be surprised to see him escape the top-20 in this year’s draft.

He finished his collegiate career with 91 total tackles, 34.5 TFLs and 16 sacks in three seasons.

Adetomiwa Adebawore

Best 40-Time: 4.49

Possibly the biggest riser of the NFL Combine was Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore Wednesday.

At 282 pounds, the DL ran a 4.49 40-time, showcasing his elite acceleration for a man of his stature. His 1.61 10-yard split is equally impressive, likely capturing a few eyes after his performances.

Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore just ran an (unofficial) 4.54-second 40. More important to someone like 49ers DL coach Kris Kocurek, Adebawore’s 10-yard split was 1.61 seconds.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 2, 2023

Listed as mainly a DE, Adebawore should slide over to the interior at the next level. Equipped with that kind of speed and burst, NFL teams have to be excited about unlocking him over the next few years. Left off ESPN’s board, the Northwestern alum could be a sneaky steal in the later rounds.

He finished his collegiate career with 97 total tackles, 24.5 TFLs, and 12.5 sacks in four seasons.

Other Prospects to Watch: Jalen Redmond, Dante Stills, YaYa Diaby, Isaiah Land, Byron Young, Gervon Dexter

Linebackers

Will Anderson Jr.

Best 40-Time: 4.60

10-Yard Split: 1.61

The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 draft class, Alabama’s Will Anderson did little to change that Wednesday. Running a speedy 4.60 40, and an explosive 1.61 10-yard split, Anderson is certainly a lock to go in the first few picks this year.

He also tested well in drills, including ones that were geared towards outside linebackers in coverage. Able to move his hips fluidly, Anderson’s technique was on display Wednesday. He won’t be required to hold down the fort in coverage at the next level, focused solely on getting after QBs.

He finished his collegiate career with 204 total tackles, 58.5 TFLs and 34.5 sacks in four seasons.

Other Prospects to Watch: Trenton Simpson, Derek Hall, Anfernee Ojiri, Owen Pappoe, Jack Campbell

Click here for the full NFL Combine schedule, including the time of each group and events. Stay locked in at Sactown Sports for all things NFL

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