Combine Miscellany: Talented CB Class Puts on a Show, QBs Speak, More

Day two of the NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. A loaded cornerback class put on a show on Friday. But first, the quarterbacks took the podiums in Indianapolis.

  • There’s always a quarterback in the NFL Draft that’s impossible to agree on. Anthony Richardson is this year’s guy. Richardson is often referred to as a prospect with a bag full of tools, but no one can agree on how far those tools can take him. Or, more specifically, how long it will take him to figure out how to use them.
  • Richardson hopes to help give us all a better idea of what he’s capable of this weekend. The Gators quarterback spoke to the media on Friday in Indianapolis and likened himself to Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Richardson said he grew up a Newton fan, and then Jackson when he made it to the NFL. Richardson wants to be a hybrid of the two and said he called himself ‘Cam Jackson’ in the 11th grade.
  • Unlike some of the other QB prospects in the draft, Richardson said he plans to participate in all the on-field workouts: “I plan on doing everything,” Richardson said. “I trained for everything, so I’m trying to showcase what I’m able to do.”
  • Richardson’s talent is undeniable. But where he fits into the first-round puzzle is still up for debate. But, I mean, look at this tape …
  • Kentucky QB Will Levis won Friday’s award for the most confident (cocky?) player to take the podium. At one point in his presser that lasted less than 15 minutes, Levis said he wanted to be the greatest of all time: “Yeah, I mean, my goal is to win more than anybody,” Levis said. “I want to be the greatest of all time. Like, you’re crazy if you don’t think that way.”
  • When asked why Levis chose to participate in the on-field throwing drills on Saturday, Levis kept it short and matter of fact: “Because I’ve got a cannon,” Levis said, “and I want to show it off.”
  • Former Georgia QB Stetson Bennett spoke to the media for the first time since he was arrested on public intoxication charges in January. Bennett acknowledged the mistake and said that he realizes that he can’t afford to make those types of mistakes.
  • “It was a mistake that everybody’s aware of,” Bennett said Friday in Indy. “I understand why that can’t happen. I’ve talked to coaches about it, talked to GMs. Apologized to my family. That’s who I feel worst about. I felt like I let them down, because no matter where I go now — and even without all of this — I’ve got an obligation. I’m the fourth (Bennett named Stetson). Can’t do that if your last name is Bennett, and I know better.”

  • Bennett is already facing an uphill battle, seen by most as a backup quarterback prospect despite leading the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships.
  • In the on-field drills, Michigan cornerback DJ Turner II stole the show in the first hour of testing. Turner was clocked in at 4.27 on his first 40-yard dash attempt.
  • Turner opted not to run the 40-yard dash a second time, instead sticking with the unofficial 4.27 40-yard dash time. For about an hour, we all waited anxiously for the official time announcement. On Thursday, the unofficial and official times were .04-.05 seconds faster in a few cases. That would have had Turner flirting with the NFL Combine record.
  • While Turner’s blazing 40 was impressive, he’s not one of the handfuls of cornerbacks expected to be selected in the first round in April.
  • Illinois’ Devin Witherspoon said he was the best cornerback in the draft, but he couldn’t show it as he skipped the on-field workouts. Witherspoon opted to work out at his pro day next week instead.
  • Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, Penn State’s Joey Port Jr., and Georgia’s Kelee Ringo did work out. All of them looked sharp in the on-field portions.
  • Illinois safety Jartavius Martin also had an impressive afternoon in Indianapolis. Martin posted a combine-best 44″ vertical and then ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which ranked third among safeties.
  • The combine continues tomorrow afternoon in Indianapolis. The quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends will be in action tomorrow beginning at noon.
  • written by

    Patrick grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods before moving to the Western Suburbs of Chicago before eventually relocating to the Las Vegas area with his family in 2023. He started with Bleacher Nation in 2021 and has spent time as a Staff Writer and on the Chicago Blackhawks beat. He is currently a writer and editor at Bleacher Nation covering the Chicago Bears and the NFL at large and the author of the Bleacher Nation Newsletter. Patrick is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).

    more nfl news

    Seattle Seahawks 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Sharpening Their Talons with Byron Murphy II

    The Seahawks set sail on a course for improvement in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a new head coach in Mike Macdonald at the helm, the draft strategy focused on shoring up both sides of the ball. Did they find...

    Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Getting Fierce Up Front with Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier

    The echoes of clanging metal might have been replaced by the whir of draft boards, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' focus on building a strong foundation remained unchanged in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a war room laser-focused on offensive line...

    Miami Dolphins 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Bringing the Pressure with Chop Robinson

    Miami's war room buzzed with quiet confidence during the 2024 NFL Draft. Eschewing the typical high-risk, high-reward approach, the Dolphins opted for a strategic, methodical strategy. Their focus? Building a well-rounded team with a blend of instant contributors and long-term...

    Las Vegas Raiders 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Hitting Blackjack with Brock Bowers

    The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Las Vegas Raiders have a new crop of rookies ready to prove themselves in the silver and black. General Manager Tom Telesco and his staff prioritized both offensive firepower and...

    New York Giants 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Now Headlining Broadway – Malik Nabers

    After taking a step backward during the second season under Brian Daboll, the New York Giants 2024 NFL Draft was a crucial step in their hopes of returning to competitiveness. General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were...

    Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Grade: High Praise for 2024 Class

    The Ravens did work in the 2024 NFL Draft and are looking like they put together a solid class. Check out the class, draft grade, and more as we wrap up this year's draft. 2024 Baltimore Ravens Draft Selections The...

    New Orleans Saints 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Drinking the Kool-Aid in New Orleans

    The New Orleans Saints haven't been shy about their desire for long-term success. With a veteran core still performing at a high level and a shrewd GM in Mickey Loomis at the helm, the 2024 NFL Draft presented an opportunity...

    New England Patriots 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Replacing Tom Brady: Take Two

    The 2024 NFL Draft marked a turning point for the New England Patriots. After two decades under the iron fist of Bill Belichick, the team entered a new era with Jerod Mayo at the helm. With a glaring need at...

    Los Angeles Rams 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Seeking Defensive Pressure with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske

    The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2024 NFL Draft in an unfamiliar situation. They had a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 and it couldn’t have come at a better time. They surprisingly made the playoffs last year...

    Detroit Lions Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

    The Detroit Lions made a great run in 2023 that ended in a devastating 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Now, they look ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the complete list...

    Latest News

    Best NBA Prop Bets Today – May 8, 2024

    Today's NBA playoff schedule has just one game -- the Indiana Pacers taking on the New York Knicks.There are typically plenty of NBA player prop bets available for each and every game. Look below to see what opportunities you have...

    Why the Blackhawks Staying at No. 2 is a Draft Lottery Win

    The Chicago Blackhawks did not move up to the No. 1 overall pick in last night's NHL Draft Lottery. But they also didn't move down from the second overall selection, and that's a win for the organization. "It's massive," Blackhawks...

    More Fun With Michael Busch’s Walk-Off Homer

    As the rains were coming down hard, it was fair to wonder whether the Cubs and Padres were going to get to finish that game before going into a rain delay. I'm sure nobody really wanted that to happen, which...

    The Cubs’ Low-A Affiliate Myrtle Beach Pelicans Turned a Triple Play!

    You don't see a triple-play too often (there had been just one in all of MiLB before last night), so it's awfully fun when it happens. One of the most fun parts is thinking, in advance, about what TYPE of...

    A Truly Incredible No-Hitter Jinx

    This is one of those fun bits of baseball that pretty much speaks for itself. Watch and enjoy the best no-hitter jinx in recent memory. https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1788032742707368313

    Rangers vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, May 8, 2024

    The Texas Rangers (21-16) and Marcus Semien (four hits last time out) are favored (-126) on the moneyline for their matchup with the Oakland Athletics (17-20) on Wednesday at 3:37 PM ET on NBCS-CA.Michael Lorenzen will get the ball for...

    The Myrtle Beach Classic Betting Odds, Streaming Live, TV Channel – Round 1

    Daniel Berger is the favorite (+2200) at the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic ($4M purse), from May 9-12 at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, SC.Taylor Pendrith shot -23 to win the AT&T Byron Nelson, with Ben Kohles...

    Dodgers vs. Marlins Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, May 8, 2024

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (25-13) hope to complete a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins (10-28) when the teams meet at 3:10 PM ET Wednesday. The Dodgers are -274 favorites to keep the Marlins out of the win column in...

    Rangers vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – May 8

    The Oakland Athletics (17-20) carry a three-game losing streak into a home contest against the Texas Rangers (21-16) at 3:37 PM ET on Wednesday.The Rangers will call on Michael Lorenzen (2-1) against the Athletics and JP Sears (2-2).Rangers vs. Athletics...

    Padres vs. Cubs Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, May 8, 2024

    The San Diego Padres (19-20) and the Chicago Cubs (22-15) meet in the rubber match of a three-game series on Wednesday at 2:20 PM ET. The Padres are -126 favorites on the moneyline to win the series over the Cubs...

    more nfl news