NFL Scouting Combine Watch, Latest Odds
Football season is finally over, and while the Kansas City Chiefs can celebrate, attention now turns to the NFL Scouting Combine. It is scheduled Feb. 28th-Mar. 6th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with some 319 players invited to prove themselves while being measured, weighed, “wingspanned,” evaluated in the 40-yard dash and more. They will also interview with various front- office personnel, trying to sell themselves on who they are as players.
Here are a handful of players who have something to prove at this combine.
Stetson Bennett, Quarterback, Georgia
Stetson Bennett was arrested (public intoxication) in Dallas between the time the Bulldogs won their second straight National Championship and the Senior Bowl. Even at 25, there are some questions about maturity. At 5-foot-11, it’s difficult to see Bennett sticking in the NFL.
Perennial understudy (see Chad Henne) could be an option, as Bennett has a high IQ and proved he can play at a high football level.
Meanwhile, Georgia is the 7-2 (+350) choice to three-peat, according to NCAA football odds.
Tyson Bagent, Quarterback, Shepherd
So, the biggest riser at the Senior Bowl was Tyson Bagent, playing at a small NCAA Division II college in West Virginia. He is 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, runs a 4.89 40-yard dash. He was the D-II leader in passing yards (5,000) and touchdowns (53) while playing 15 games in 2021. Scouts have reportedly visited him since to do their homework as he continues to impress.
Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee
The Volunteers had a revival last season, largely because of Hendon Hooker taking control of offense. Hooker tore the ACL (left knee) this past Nov. 17th, so the larger questions will be about his recovery. Hooker is 6-foot-4, Hooker has the size to play in the NFL, and has shown arm strength on tape. However, he is also 25, and may need further refinement.
Running backs
There’s not a lot of depth at this position. Texas’ Bijan Robinson may sneak into the first round, as he has impressed with his power rushing, bursts of speed and ability to catch and block, too. His potential as an every-down back is unmatched in this class.
A couple of speed threats in Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs and Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn, and some traditional running backs in Chase Brown (Illinois), Syracuse’s Sean Tucker and Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim.
Southern Cal’s Travis Dye is another player coming off a critical knee injury. At 5-10 and given the shelf life of running backs in general, he has plenty to prove.
Wide receivers
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Ohio St. wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, unquestionably the best receiver in this class.
He was sidelined much of 2022, then skipped the College Football Playoff, and will have to answer some of those questions. Does he rise above Southern Cal’s Jordan Addison or Quentin Johnston of TCU? Johnson (+150) is favored to be the first wide receiver chosen, as per NFL Draft odds.
Elsewhere, Parker Washington of Penn St. could be another variation of Jahan Doctson, who had a strong rookie season with the Washington Commanders.
LSU’s Kayshon Boutte had some unflattering accusations surrounding him, though the skill is undeniable. Boston College’s Zay Flowers was quite productive in a struggling offense.
Best of the rest
Tight ends include Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, Alabama’s Cameron Latu and Utah’s Payne Durham.
Defensively, Michigan tackle Mazi Smith had a gun charge, which is never good.
