2023 Pro Days Overlooked: Which NFL Prospects Not Invited to NFL Draft Stand Out? (2023)

AsNFL draftprocess enters its final month, players not invited to the NFL Combine have had a chance to stand out through their pro days. The big numbers here could catch the eye of NFL scouts just as they did for Adam Thielen, Tyreek Hill, Malcolm Smith, Julian Edelman and Phillip Lindsay — all Combine snubs who needed excellent workouts outside of the Combine environment to catch their eyeNFLteams.

This year, a number of players had excellent performances without being invited to the NFL Combine. After weighing the workout results by how they predict NFL performance, we'll take a look at the top pro day performances that went unnoticed.

Best NFL Pro Days 2023

Roschon Johnson, RB, Teksas

Overshadowed bySesame Robinsonin Texas,Roschon Johnsonhe was an efficient and effective rusher for the Longhorns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry in his senior year. He was initially recruited as a running back, but thrived after moving to running back to complement Robinson.

While a 4.58-second 40-yard dash doesn't sound impressive, speed isn't what people are looking for from a 225-pound back like Johnson. Instead, his impressive 1.54-second 10-yard dash and 10’2” broad jump really stand out for a big back like him.

Griffin Hebert, FB/TE, Louisiana Tech

Speaking of big running backs, Louisiana Tech's Griffin Hebert could be the NFL's next impact running back. Originally committed as a receiver, Hebert played that position before moving to tight end in his senior year under new coaching.

He was on track to lead college tight ends in sacks before an ankle injury ended his season, but that might not be his position in the NFL. At 6'1”, Hebert might be better suited for the H-back role, following the path of players like Trevon Wesco and Andrew Beck.

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Hebert's 40-minute time of 4.58 seconds at 239 pounds is pretty impressive, but what really stands out is his 39.5-inch vertical jump and 10'2” broad jump — both workouts highly correlated with success on FB. Add in Hebert's outstanding agility scores, including a 6.95-second three-pin, and you have the makings of a potentially complete football player.

Dylan Deatherage, G, Western Michigan

Western Michigan left guard Dylan Deatherage replaced right guard midway through the year. He played guard for most of his career at Western Michigan, and that might be his best natural fit in the NFL.

Although he has struggled against high-level competition, Deatherage's athleticism means he has plenty to exploit. With a 4.75 second short shuttle and a 9’8” broad jump, we know he has the agility and explosiveness to do whatever he needs to do.

Vincent Picozzi, G, Northwestern

Two-time transfer - first from Temple, then Colorado State - Vincent Picozzi won the spring battle for the starting point guard spot for Northwestern after injuries cut short some of his seasons at Temple and Colorado State. Picozzi's solid year at Northwestern could mean he still needs development to be an effective running back in the NFL, but the potential is there.

At 312 pounds, his 33.5-inch vertical — taller than any guard expected at the NFL Combine — and short 4.70-second shuttle are extremely good for the position.

Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan

Dubbed the Upper Peninsula's Mr. Basketball, Jake Witt didn't play much football in high school, playing wide receiver on the eight-man football team. Despite this, Witt was recruited by local schools such as Northern Michigan and Central Michigan. He chose basketball at Michigan Tech, but transferred to Northern Michigan and started football late, primarily at tight end.

Injuries forced Witt to play tackle, where he struggled, but coaches pushed him to stay at the position, where he had a successful 2022 before declaring for the draft. Witt ran an excellent 40-yard dash, finishing in 4.89 seconds at 302 pounds, but what really stands out are his explosive numbers.

Few players at any position have beaten Witt's 37-inch vertical, much less one at tackle. Tied for first among the combined tackles in the vertical, Witt also bested all combined extensions in the broad jump at 10’3”. Add in excellent agility scores, like a 4.62-second short shuttle and a 7.44-second three-cone, and Witt showed some great tools to work with.

Henry Byrd, OT, Princeton

A multi-sport athlete — including track and lacrosse — Henry Byrd demonstrates rare body awareness for an OT prospect who was not invited to the NFL Combine. After starting at tackle early in his career, Byrd went on to play high-level football for the Ivy program before finishing 2022 with unanimous all-conference honors for his play.

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Along with that comes an athletic build, including a 4.67-second sprint and 32 reps off the bench. Byrd is a high-ceiling player who could hear his name called on day three.

Shedrick Jackson, WR, Auburn

In 2022, Shedrick Jackson was fourth on his team in receiving yards, but as a fifth-year player that's not as exciting as the prospect. Still, players like Donovan Peoples-Jones, Darius Slayton, Hunter Renfrow and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have shown that a role can be found in the NFL without college production. In some cases, it's through athleticism.

Jackson may have had the best workouts of any receiver in the draft, running a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at his pro day at 193 pounds, with the fastest 20-yard split of any prospect by a good margin of 2, 32 seconds — an even more representative workout than the full 40. Add in a 38.5-inch vertical jump and an 11'2” broad jump, and you've got the makings of an explosive prodigy.

David Durden, WR, West Florida

David Durden is a true two-sport athlete. In 2017, Durden was drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of high school and played for their rookie league affiliate, the GCL (now FCL) Red Sox. After retiring from baseball, Durden attended Mercer before transferring to the University of West Florida.

After sitting out the 2020 season affected by COVID, Durden played the 2021 and 2022 seasons with excellent overall statistics, finishing the latter as an Associated Press first-team "all-purpose" player and d2football.com second-team all-division receiver . He was a big threat against West Florida, finishing every game but one with at least one touchdown.

At 6'1” and 204 pounds, Durden's 40-second time of 4.46 seconds stands out, but he is the complete athletic package, with well-above-average results in the vertical (37 inches), high jump (10'7”) short ball (4.21 seconds) and three cones (7.00 seconds). That should translate well to any area of ​​the game, though as an older prospect he's technically a little behind his peers.

Garett Fool, WR, Sjeverna Dakota

Receivers 6'3" and taller tend to project better in the NFL with better explosiveness than speed or agility, and Garett Maag at 6'3 5/8" appears to have all three - but he has a special knack for explosiveness.

With a vertical jump of 40.5 inches and a broad jump of 10’5”, Maag’s 206-pound frame has the ability to go up and overpower contested receivers, something he did regularly at North Dakota. He's a bit raw despite being a fifth-year player and finished second on his own team in receptions and receiving yards, but he's been a mismatch threat for the Fighting Hawks, with at least two receptions in every game.

Maag has more than adequate speed with a 40 minute time of 4.50 seconds and surprising agility scores for his size with a 4.34 second short ball and a 6.90 second three cone.

Derek Parish, EDGE, Houston

It took Derek Parish a while to land a full-time job with the Houston Cougars, become an every-game starter in 2021 and earn a spot on Bruce Feldman's Freaks roster. His 2022 got off to an incredible start, but a torn bicep ended Parish's season.

It's somewhat surprising that he wasn't invited to the NFL Combine, but Parish proved that he may have earned the invitation after his pro day. When weighing workouts in terms of their correlation to NFL production, Parish outperformed every edge rusher invited to the Combine, primarily through his blazing 6.76-second three-cone run, one of the fastest times by any position in NFL history at exercises.

To do that at 241 pounds is mind-blowing and reminiscent of Aidan Hutchinson's jaw-dropping 6.73-second three-cone routine. Parish also ran a fast 4.07-second short shuttle and a very fast 4.62-second 40-yard dash. Parish, along with the next player on the list, has a good chance of being the first undrafted pick in this year's draft.

Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah

After transferring from Florida to Utah, Mohamoud Diabate showed his versatility as an off-ball threat along with his ability to rush the passer. As a rim shot, there is some concern.

At 225 pounds, it's hard to imagine Diabate making it, although players like Haason Reddick and Randy Gregory provide some precedent. When considering his size, Diabate's athleticism is solid, but not special. But compared to players without the ball, he is stunning.

His three-pin of 6.96 seconds is certainly impressive, but what really marks Diabate's position is the broad jump. And at 11’0”, that was one of the best we’ve ever seen from a linebacker. With a 4.52-second 40-yard dash time and a 1.86-second "flying 20" (the last 20 yards of the 40-yard dash), he's got a lot going for him.

Trevor Nowaske, LB, Saginaw Valley State

Despite playing for a Division II team that missed the playoffs, Saginaw Valley State had a well-attended pro day, with about half of NFL teams primarily watching one player: Trevor Nowaske.

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Nowaske didn't make All-American teams, but has the potential to thrive in the NFL. At 237 pounds, his 40-minute time of 4.5 seconds is terrific, and adding in agility scores like a 6.75-second triple cone and a 4.2-second short shuttle demonstrates his movement. Importantly, the 34.5” vertical jump and 10’2” broad jump also speak to Nowaske’s ability to shed blockers and get to the backfield.

Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State

After playing four years at Georgia, the aptly named Ameer Speed ​​transferred to Michigan State, where he started nearly every game. Despite playing as a corner, Speed ​​was one of the most effective hitters the program had. His coverage has been a little sketchy, but there's either an opportunity to move him to safety — at 6'3”, 210 pounds, which might make sense — or work with the ground ball as it is.

There simply aren't many cornerbacks who are 6'3” with arms over 32 inches, and even fewer who can run a 4.34-second 40-yard dash. With average agility scores for his size and good explosive scores, he has plenty of work to do. Speed ​​is the most prominent skill a cornerback needs and it's good that someone named Speed ​​has it.

Kaleb Hayes, CB, BYU

There is a significant effect that a 32 inch hand mark has on projecting a player's score. Players with this arm length tend to score better than those without in a large sample. It's not definitive, but it's helpful.

Kaleb Hayes lives up to that mark and ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash on top of that. With a 6.89-second triple and a 40-inch vertical, Hayes has ability in every aspect of athletics tested. At just under six feet tall, he still has outside ability, especially at 194 pounds. He won't be a Day 1 starter, but Hayes could be worth exploring, especially given his catching ability, which gives him an advantage on special teams, and potential safety conversion versatility.

Donovan Banks, S, Tarleton State

All-conference, but not an All-FCS selection at safety Donovan Banks could be another player that could be put in the NFL's best receiver tank, and his athleticism was on display at his pro day. Banks might not initially catch the eye with his 40-second time of 4.65 seconds, but that doesn't mean much at safety -- Kyle Hamilton is a prime example.

Instead, agility results are more important. Running 4.01 seconds in the short ball and 6.92 seconds in the three cone, as well as a 1.51 second 10-split, tells us that his functional range is good despite the 40-yard dash. It's easy to overlook someone because of his height (5'9”) and 40 time, but there's athletic ability there.

Alijah McGhee, S, Minnesota State

Small school kids usually need all-star recognition, and Alijah McGhee doesn't exactly have that pedigree. And with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, he might be easy to overlook.

Still, McGhee is a 6’0″ safety who ran the three cone in 6.94 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.06 seconds, with a 10’6” broad jump. He should earn an undrafted contract in free agency with those functional numbers and could develop into a key special teams contributor working his way up to a backup or even primary team role.