Leading up to the NFL Combine week, I go through 20-30 minutes of scouting preview work on each prospect set to attend -- I watch a couple game tapes and look over some of their career performance data, etc., and then I give each prospect a pre-event scouting grade for the NFL based on that brief look. For some attendees, I've spent an extended scouting time on them already from preview scouting them and then observing them at the Senior Bowl week.
After we get all the official Combine measurables and times, etc., I will complete a post-Combine grade for all attendees and then start to run our scouting analytics (from statistical grading) on those who did all the workouts at the Combine, for the others we have to wait for their Pro Day data.
The Combine (and Pro Days) are key data points to know which prospects to study deeper and file full scouting reports on pre-and-post Draft. Our computer scouting models will give analytic grades on approx. 100 RB prospects for this draft (and, ultimately, we'll run grades on approx. 600+ overall prospects for this draft).
This pre-and-post Combine preview is a very brief look for me, as a scout, to continue to build my database and scouting notes for the weeks and months ahead, and to then focus in on certain prospects that are jumping at me from the early preview. The Combine previews are a first, sometimes second or third look (for me) at a prospect attending -- but my impressions/grading can and will change as we go through the year-long process of scouting these guys right up through the NFL preseason.
After a January-February preview study, here are my impressions, grades, and ranking of each position going into the 2023 NFL Combine (except O-Line, we'll look at OLs after the Combine).
The Tight Ends…
TE Darnell Washington, Georgia (post-Combine grade: A/A+, pre-Combine grade: A/B)
2022: 28-454-2 (15g)
6'7"/264
Actual 40-time: 4.64
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 40
Post-Combine Comments:
TE prospects this size with movement skills AND went to Georgia! He'll be the top TE taken in this draft…because he's also a killer blocker too. The best all around TE in this draft.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
A tight end created in a laboratory a la Jelani Woods…only Washington played at Georgia, so analysts will take him more seriously.
Washington is a sight to behold, but he also hasn't really dominated (statistically) in the CFB ranks -- his main scouting case is 'looks intimidating' and has a few highlight plays that make you drool. Mostly, he has been a lower factor for passing output but the offense could be to blamed (not featuring the TE, and Georgia had a bunch of excellent TEs) -- but when he did get the ball, he was a highlight reel on every other catch with leaping grabs and was the Incredible Hulk on the run/after the catch. Also, note that he's also a fantastic, heavy/bully blocker.
Could be a superstar…could be an enigma that gets under utilized (like freak Jelani Woods did in 2022)
NFL Comp? = A less quick/fleet of foot version of Jelani Woods
Highlight reel: https://youtu.be/Cwl_MCrJamE
TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah (post-Combine grade: A, pre-Combine grade: B+)
(Post-SB Grade: B+, Pre-SB Grade: B+)
2022: 70-890-8/12 games
6'4"/245
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 40
Post-Combine Comments:
Couldn't do anything here due to rehabbing from a broken back (not major). He may be ready to move/get timed at his Pro Day.
Full scouting report on FFM…and he's a 'wow'.
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Post-SB Comments:
Ultimately, didn't attend the Senior Bowl…and didn't need to. He's a top TE prospect already.
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Pre-SB Comments:
The best-looking TE prospect headed to Mobile, by far. The fastest/quickest of the Senior Bowl TEs and the best receiver. A solid enough blocker. I liked him in our 2022 summer preview series, and he only got better with another year of work.
Kincaid was the last name on my list, randomly, to preview at TE…and it was pretty depressing watching all the other prospects before him -- so, when I put on the Kincaid tape it was a night-and-day difference on him compared to the rest of the Senior Bowl group. He's legit.
NFL Comp? = Travis Kelce, potentially.
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/gn3ZUdp5PKc
TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State (post-Combine grade: B+/, pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2021: 22-304-1/10 games (injured knee in 2022, only played 2 games)
6'5"/251
Actual 40-time: 4.61
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Post-Combine Comments:
Ran a solid 40-time and led all TEs in the 10-yd split (1.56). He keeps gaining my respect. I've been a late adopter/late to get onboard.
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Post-SB Comments:
Everyone's love child among the TEs…but there weren't many options to really fall in love with at TE here as it was. 'They' keep pushing how fast he is, but I don't see it as high-end as 'they' do when he has pads on. I'm open to being wrong. He might run fast in spandex at the Combine. I'm still suspicious of how great an on-field weapon he is. But he did show better than I expected/previewed.
NFL Comp? = Perhaps he's more like a Daniel Bellinger (4.63 at the NFL Combine with a 7.05 three-cone).
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Pre-SB Comments:
Nothing special here. A good worker…special teams and blocking, not a terrible receiver but was never featured as that for Oregon. Analysts really like him…I didn't see it at first glance.
NFL Comp? = Tanner Hudson
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/JvKd-FCRfhA
TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion (post-Combine grade: B+, pre-Combine grade: B/C/D?)
2021 (was hurt most of 2022): 73-692-5 (13g)
6'7"/255
Actual 40-time: 4.55
Actual 3-Cone: 6.87
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-Combine Comments:
One of the big winners of the Combine, regardless of position. We projected his 40-time on the money, but I wasn't as confident he'd hid below a 7.0 three-cone coming off a PCL injury…but he blew it away. Hitting a 40" vertical (best in class) and pushing 23 bench reps (tied best in class) just added to his great Combine results.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Season ended 5 games into 2022 on a terrible-looking tackle where he had his leg bent very unnaturally…he walked off under his own power. He hoped to return to play at some point but didn't. The injury is undisclosed. I think he might have lucked out with a wicked PCL sprain, but that's speculation.
Other than that, he might be the TE everyone is going to fall in love with…6'7", might be 6'8". Fast cuts/great TE routes, huge vertical, natural catcher of the ball, good speed -- he's going to be a 'it' sleeper TE at the Combine if he can be a full-go.
NFL Comp? = A better Donald Parham…and I pine for Parham…
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/iYy5D2wqSoU
TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa (post-Combine grade: B, pre-Combine grade: B+)
2022: 58-657-1 (12g)
6'3"/245
Actual 40-time: 4.59
Actual 3-Cone: 6.91
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-Combine Comments:
Came in smaller than expected…a mild disappointment, but he's fast for sure and that keeps him in the top group.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
In the argument for top TE prospect of the 2023 class. Low output/TD numbers because he played on a dysfunctional passing game (7 TD passes in 2022 from Iowa). LaPorta has HIGH end movement skills for a TE…quick feet off the snap, excellent cuts/routes. He's a really smooth athlete. WAY better than T.J. Hockenson -- more of a Hockenson-Fant lab creation.
NFL Comp? = Sure, let's say it…George Kittle…not as good a blocker as Kittle, but as-good/ better of a receiver threat.
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/iUKz2uyctzs
TE Brenton Strange, Penn State (post-Combine grade: B-, pre-Combine grade: B-)
2022: 32-362-5 (13g)
6'4"/253
Actual 40-time: 4.70
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-Combine Comments:
Came in a little slower than I expected…but was 2nd-best in the 10-yd split (1.57) among TEs. He does have a quick burst/acceleration. I'm still a fan…looking forward to a deeper study.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
An alpha TE mindset…he just 'wants it' more than most of the TE prospects I've previewed. There's a spark to his game -- aggressive catcher of the ball, urgent/aggressive after the catch, fights as a blocker. He's just a damn good football player…who might get downgraded because he's 6'3" and not 6'5", and that's a mistake…and expected by the NFL who still thinks it's 1975 and only wake up when a TE prospect is 6'5"/250 minimum height to ride their ride. But 6'5"+ TEs rule the NFL usually, so we can't
I'm not bitter or anything.
NFL Comp? = Better Tyler Conklin/Dawson Knox
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/MsFzdC0-Km4
TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame (post-Combine grade: B-/C+, pre-Combine grade: B/B-)
2022: 67-809-9 (12g)
6'4"/249
Actual 40-time: 4.70
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 25
Post-Combine Comments:
Came in as expected…and that's not good. He did a Combine that would have been top TE worthy 5-10 years ago, I guess…but is not top tier in this era. If he gets drafted ahead of Washington-Kincaid, I'm gonna scream and need to be committed to an institution -- how can the NFL continue to scout so poorly with no business sense? I get the media butchering this every year, but the actual NFL people…why do they keep getting suckered by Cole Kmet-type TEs?
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Pre-Combine Comments:
The standard issue favorite TE of the NFL…big, a little blocky -- but this Mayer version is a little faster version of the Cole Kmet standard issue. Mayer also wore #87 in college, so enjoy the million 'Gronk' comps.
Seriously, he's fine/solid…and he'll definitely get good treatment, rushed into the starting lineup in the NFL.
NFL Comp? = A little quicker Cole Kmet…or Cole Kmet.
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/uzR6-q96lpM
TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State (post-Combine grade: C+, pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 27-348-3 (9g)
6'5"/254
Actual 40-time: 4.69
Actual 3-Cone: 7.08
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Post-Combine Comments:
His Combine helped solidify a top 100 overall draft stock/reality.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Big-framed TE. He might be 260+ at the Combine vs. his 255 list. Has a thick body that looks like he's probably slow, but he can move well for his thick frame. Good blocker, decent hands…not speedy but not too slow. He's the NFL's image of a TE.
NFL Comp? = slower Hayden Hurst…but we'll see if he's near as fast as him to be a full Hurst comp.
TE Cameron Latu, Alabama (post-Combine grade: C-/D+, pre-Combine grade: C-)
(Post-SB Grade: C-, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 30-377-4 (11g)
6'4"/242
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-Combine Comments:
Didn't participate in the timed part of the Combine, which is good because he's nothing like the real top talent/athletes here. He's hiding trying to keep his media-bumped 'Alabama' draft stock propped up.
His grades are falling as so many other better TE athletes arose from the Combine.
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Post-SB Comments:
Latu was fine in Mobile…nothing special, but fine. He's a cookie cutter/generic NFL TE prospect. Good size, decent blocker, OK receiver…competent, not amazing. So many talented, athletic TEs in this 2023 NFL Draft, Latu could get forgotten quickly -- but old school NFL head coaches are suckers for cookie cutter TEs that played at big name colleges.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Latu is a solid enough TE prospect. Moves well enough, is a willing blocker, and has decent hands. Not 'elite' or exciting, just solid/OK. Has NFL TE size and the 'Alabama' pedigree. He will likely be an NFL starter, but more a solid/forgettable one than an exciting one.
NFL Comp? = C.J. Uzomah…maybe some Cole Kmet.
TE Kyle Patterson, Air Force (post-Combine grade: C-/D+, pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 3-32-0 (7g)…not a typo, that was his season tally…his team completed 41 passes all season.
6'5"/260
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Post-Combine Comments:
Came in +15 pounds heavier than expected but didn't get timed, etc., in drills so no real change of scouting here.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Hard to scout him fully because of the offense he was in, but the things I saw -- great catcher of the ball. Solid movement skills. There's something here…but he's battled a bad ACL/MCL tear and a problematic rehab. It's a shame because there's something here…but it may never come to
NFL Comp? = Charlie Kolar
TE Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan (post-Combine grade: C-/D+, pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 35-418-3 (12g)
6'5"/251
Actual 40-time: 4.63
Actual 3-Cone: 7.25
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-Combine Comments:
This is the NFL's kind of TE prospect, big with some speed but stiff/lacking agility.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Solid enough, cookie cutter TE…Ok blocker, decent footwork/quickness, OK hands. He 'works' but isn't an immediate 'splash' TE for the NFL…just useful, competent, and could develop in a couple years to a trusted stable starter.
NFL Comp? = poor man's Dalton Schultz
TE Will Mallory, Miami (post-Combine grade: D+, pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: 42-538-3 (12g)
6'4"/239
Actual 40-time: 4.54
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-Combine Comments:
A shock 40-time to me…0.20+ faster then expected. He's trying to get into the 'C' range grading. We'll see what the computer thinks about Mallory's grades with its analytics scouting calc in the days ahead.
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Post-SB Comments:
Played a lot/was targeted a decent amount in the 11-on-11s. He was just 'there'/'available' in the offense…not a forced weapon QBs wanted to make use of…they more checked down to Mallory. He's going make it to the NFL, but as a forgettable backup/rotational TE.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Possible NFL TE…just not an exciting one. Doesn't have a great NFL body/build…has the size and is 'big' but looks very much like not-a-workout-warrior, at a glance…but he can build on his frame pre-Draft. More interested in blocking engagement than he is 'comfortable looking' as a receiver. My preview didn't really get me excited about him.
NFL Comp? = faster Teagan Quitoriano
TE Payne Durham, Purdue (post-Combine grade: D+, pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: F)
2022: 56-560-8/13 games
6'5"/258
Projected 40-time: 4.87
Projected 3-Cone: 7.4+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Post-Combine Comments:
Huge disappointment for Durham. Had he run in the 4.7s, he could've flown up draft boards a bit -- but he was the slowest TE who got timed at the Combine. Good player, but too slow in this class to take too seriously.
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Post-SB Comments:
The TE prospect who helped himself the most this week. It seemed like every time a TE was scoring a TD in 11-on-11 drills…it was Durham, not Musgrave, etc. (because it was). Durham had a nice TD catch in the game itself but was an inch short/out of bounds just shy. I apologize for my initial 'F' grade. He's still slow, but faster than I first thought…and makes plays.
NFL Comp? = John Bates…who I also thought was way too slow for the NFL in my preview, then he went out at the Senior Bowl week and just kept showing up and is now a decent working NFL'er TE.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A very, VERY heavy-footed, slow TE prospect. Has some size. Ok hands. But is so slow, his reactions and ability to chase players to block is so stunted that he just doesn't look like he's made for the NFL.
NFL Comp? = Sean McKeon
TE Davis Allen, Clemson (post-Combine grade: D+, pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 39-443-5 (14g)
6'6"/246
Actual 40-time: 4.84
Projected 3-Cone: 7.15+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 225
Post-Combine Comments:
Tested as expected…'useful hand' type TE, not a star/key starter TE.
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Post-SB Comments:
Was OK/solid all Senior Bowl week. Was more on the forgettable side than captured attention…but people in Mobile see him as a generically sound TE prospect anyway.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Impressed with this preview. Allen is a subtle good receiver…good routes and a sneaky good leaping/high-point ability/catch radius. Moves well enough and has good hands. A so-so blocker who can get better at that. I didn't see a star here but did see a TE that I'd like to see more activity on at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.
NFL Comp? = Dalton Schultz
TE Josh Whyle, Cincinnati (post-Combine grade: D+, pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 32-326-3 (12g)
6'6"/248
Actual 40-time: 4.69
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-Combine Comments:
Has good height/reach…decent enough speed. I just don't love his game, from preview tape.
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Post-SB Comments:
I thought he had a chance to stand out in Mobile with his size, etc., but he really just blended into the background and was generally 'fine'. His lack of energy/spark always captures my attention watching him…it maybe he's just a smooth operator, but scouts like 'dog mentality' on display (whether a ridiculous concept or not) -- and Whyle is not a 'dog'.
Added 20+ pounds off of prior list, and it seemed to slow him down quite a bit.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Has some skills/tools to work with -- tall/good reach, decent hands, a very good blocker but Whyle plays with a lack of urgency (on the tape I watched) that's a little off-putting to a scout. I want to say he looks unaggressive/passive on the field, when running routes…but he does really go after it in the blocking game…which NFL head coaches will drool over. Whyle may just be very efficient in movement, and it comes off as not-giving-full-effort.
NFL Comp? = Tyler Kroft
TE Noah Gindorff, NDSU (post-Combine grade: D/D+, pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 6-74-1 (3g) *injured in 2022
6'5"/263
Projected 40-time: 4.9+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.5+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Post-Combine Comments:
Didn't get timed at the Combine, which is good for him because speed is not his game.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Big, beefy TE who seems to have a little bit of quickness to go with his country strong body. Overall, will be a blocker TE more than any thoughts of a weapon TE. If he surprises with speed/agility at the Combine, then his grade will jump.
NFL Comp? = Nick Boyle
TE Travis Vokolek, Nebraska (post-Combine grade: D/D+, pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 20-240-2 (10g)
6'6"/259
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 400
Post-Combine Comments:
Didn't get timed at the Combine, but did do other things…but did nothing attention-getting.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
He's got some raw skills to work with…great size, decent movement skills. Just didn't see a lot of targets at Nebraska…could be the offense's fault, because he looked open. OK blocker. He'd be a UDFA that I'd love to snag as an NFL GM, to try and develop/see what's possible with him.
NFL Comp? = Nick Vannett
TE Blake Whiteheart, Wake Forest (post-Combine grade: D/D+, pre-Combine grade: D+/D)
2022: 24-295-3 (12g)
6'4"/247
Actual 40-time: 4.70
Projected 3-Cone: 7.25+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Post-Combine Comments:
Decent speed. Small hands. He has a pulse but I'm just not that excited by his work.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Generic TE…OK effort, blocking, pass catching. Needs to build up his frame to have a chance at the next level.
NFL Comp? = Kenny Yeboah
TE Leonard Taylor, Cincinnati (post-Combine grade: D/D+, pre-Combine grade: D/D+)
2022: 18-170-2 (11g)
6'5"/250
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Post-Combine Comments:
Didn't get timed in anything…likely hiding his weaker speed-agility. Didn't really help himself here. NFL body, but not too exciting of an athlete.
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Pre-Combine Comments:
Has a WR upper body with the height and slower movement of a TE. Not sure of his fit…not great receiver, and not the TE body you love.
NFL Comp? = Brycen Hopkins
TE Brayden Willis, Oklahoma (post-Combine grade: D-, pre-Combine grade: D-)
(Post-SB Grade: D-, Pre-SB Grade: D-)
2022: 39-514-7 (13g)
6'3"/241
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Actual 3-Cone: 7.30
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 400
Post-Combine Comments:
Didn't do anything at the Combine to really help his cause/draft stock.
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Post-SB Comments:
Honestly, I don't even remember him being there…or doing anything of note. I think he was at all the practices…? Doesn't matter.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Just looks like a sloppy, miscast as a TE prospect. Worked as a FB and H-back some then back to TE. He holds a ton when he blocks. He doesn't run sharp routes like a real receiving weapon/threat…he's more a gimmick receiver (left alone, miss direction, scramble drill dump off). It just didn't look like Willis had a great a feel for the game from my preview.
NFL Comp? = Quintin Morris, but not as good.
