2023 NFL Combine Day 2 Recap: Defensive Backs
Mar 4, 2023, 8:00 AM
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 03: Defensive back Christian Gonzalez of Oregon participates in a drill during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The 2023 NFL Combine was back for its’ second day Friday, this time with defensive backs and special-teams.
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 2, and who could be rising up the draft boards over the next month.
CB Jakorian Bennett – Maryland
40-Yard Dash: 4.30
10-Yard Split: 1.48
One of two Maryland standouts Friday, Jakorian Bennett had a great day at the NFL Combine.
His most impressive trait is speed, clocking an official 4.30 40-time at the combine. That, along with teammate Deonte Banks (4.35), had most scouts buzzing about the Terrapins.
Jakorian Bennett can SCOOT
4.31🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 3, 2023
Currently left off of ESPN’s big board for DBs, Bennett could slide into the last few rounds of the draft for contending teams (i.e. the San Francisco 49ers). The Maryland alum finished college with 39 total tackles, five INTs and 11 passes defended in three seasons.
CB Emmanuel Forbes – Mississippi State
40-Yard Dash: 4.35
10-Yard Split: 1.48
Mississippi’s own Emmanuel Forbes is probably the most unique prospect in the DBs group, standing at 6’1″, 166 pounds. While this rangy cornerback will certainly need to put on some weight at the next level, the talent is there in spades.
Having a good day at the combine, Forbes showcased a 4.35 40-time, able to keep stride with most receivers in the pros. His 37.5″ vertical jump and 10’11” broad jump pass the eye test as well.
His on-the-field production is what’s most eye-opening, securing six pick-sixes in his collegiate career. A true ballhawk, teams should be interested in him as the next Sauce Gardner.
Emmanuel Forbes played a total of 107 man coverage snaps last season at Mississippi State.
He allowed a passer rating of 1.4 while in man coverage.
The lowest passer rating that can be achieved by a QB is 0.0
That is the DEFINITION of lockdown 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Ald2O0gUMy
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 5, 2023
Rank 25th overall on ESPN’s Big Board, Forbes could rise to the high-teens come the end of April. In three seasons, the Mississippi Sate alum secured 46 total tackles, 20 passes defended and 14 INTs.
CB DJ Turner II – Michigan
40-Yard Dash: 4.26
10-Yard Split: 1.47
DJ Turner II of the University of Michigan ran the fastest time at the 2023 NFL Combine Friday, clocking in at 4.26 officially. Wow.
His 10-yard split is also the fastest time recorded this year, showing his quick burst ability. Turner is now the fourth fastest man at the combine since 2003, behind the great Chris Johnson (4.24).
DJ Turner improved his draft stock today👏@UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/roMghEvIg6
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 3, 2023
Currently off ESPN’s Big Board, Turner could be a sneaky add in the later rounds for DB-needy teams. His best role at the next level would be in the slot, potentially a steady cover-corner in the NFL.
CB Christian Gonzalez – Oregon
40-Yard Dash: 4.38 (second attempt)
10-Yard Split: 1.54
This is what the next great NFL cornerback looks like: The University of Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez.
Gonzalez had an incredible day at the combine, recording a blazing 4.38 40-time on his second run. His first wasn’t so shabby either, clocking in at 4.44. Also posting a 41.5″ vertical jump, Gonzalez has the raw talent to be an elite member of the secondary in the NFL.
But it’s his technique that’s most impressive, running out of his breaks smoothly and with ease.
Take a look:
Smooth like 🧈 https://t.co/dNBdNdafI5
— Amiliano “Amil” Fragoso (@AmilianoFragoso) March 3, 2023
Such a natural, fluid motion when he high-points the football, very rare for a prospect to possess.
Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez earned a 92 overall draft score after his combine performance, best among his position group.
Gonzalez hit key "elite" thresholds for a cornerback, recording a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and a 41.5" vertical jump.@oregonfootball | #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/4M5G4YexxW
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 4, 2023
Currently ranked at No. 9 overall by ESPN, the Pac-12 standout should be a lock for the top-15 in next month’s draft. And his performance Friday did nothing to change that(probably helped it if we’re being honest). Gonzalez finished his college career with 128 total tackles, 17 passes defended and four INTs.
Other Prospects to watch: Deonte Banks, Kei’Trel Clark, Kelee Ringo, Joey Porter Jr., Sydney Brown
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