(Bryan Bresee / DT / Clemson)
2023 NFL Scouting Combine Positional Analysis
Defensive Tackles / 5T
High Risers
Calijah Kancey / Piitsburgh
6005 / 281 / 30.5” arms
The combine is designed to point out and feature outstanding athletic performances and on Thursday, no one raised more eyebrows with his performance than Pitt’s Kancey. Kancey ran a 4.67 40 which is the fastest 40 time by a DT since 2003 (Aaron Donald ran a 4.68 40) with an amazing 1.64 10-yard split! Undersized but quick and sudden, Kancey has an excellent burst. How well he holds up in the run game will have a lot of say in his long term NFL future, but suffice to say, in the short term, Calijah just made bank. Expect him to be snatched up prior to the end of round 1 in April.
Bryan Bresee / Clemson
6054 / 298 / 10.2” hands / 32.4” arms
Bresee absolutely looks the part of an NFL defensive lineman with prototypical length, size, and athleticism to be a 10-year starter in the NFL. However, his inability to stay healthy and on the field has hindered his development. Bresee showed his raw talent in Indianapolis this week running a superb 40 (4.86), with an even better 10-yard split (1.71), vertical jumped 29” and benched 225 pounds 22 times. Bresee may be the first DT taken in April, especially if character issues continue to plague Georgia DT Jalen Carter.
Zacch Pickens / South Carolina
6035 / 291 / 10.3” hands / 34.3” arms
Pickens’ size, build, and athletic profile are very similar to former Gamecock All-American, Jadaveon Clowney. Pickens flashes moments of complete domination and has a tremendous upside that every DL coach would love to mold. Pickens ran an impressive 40 (4.86), with a solid 10-yard split (1.71), vertical jumped 30.5”, and benched 225 pounds 22 times in Indianapolis. Pickens should be drafted late on day 2 or early on day 3 and should develop into being a solid professional in the NFL.
Disappointing Performance
Jalen Carter / Georgia
6031 / 314 /10.2” hands / 33.4” arms
Although he did not perform any drills and did not participate in field exercises, Carter’s legal situation is a definite disappointment that will have huge ramifications in the 2023 NFL Draft. Two misdemeanor arrest warrants were issued in Athens for his potential role in a street racing incident that led to the death of a teammate and a Bulldog staffer on January 15, 2023. Carter turned himself in, was released, and returned to Indianapolis to finish up the combine. Carter is a uniquely talented prospect. Based on pure talent, he is one of the two best prospects in this draft. But this legal issue, and the corresponding impact on his character, will have a huge say in Carter’s NFL future.
What? Guess I Need to Watch More Film…
Moro Ojomo / Texas
6024 / 292 / 10.3” hands / 34.4” arms
Ojomo’s athleticism really flies off the screen during the combine. Ojomo ran a 5.04 40 (with a 1.77 10-yard split), recorded a 33’ vertical and a 9’4” broad jump, and bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times – especially impressive considering his substantial arm length. Ojomo has the rare combination of elite measureables and elite athletic skills. Ojomo could really end up being a steal on day 3 of the draft in April.
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