Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine featured arguably the most athletic and explosive position group in this year’s class, as the defensive backs put on a show for league decision-makers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here are our picks for the biggest winners from the cornerbacks and safeties in Friday’s drills:
Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
A transfer from Colorado who followed his position coach to Eugene, Gonzalez was one of the big-ticket items on this year’s DB slate, and he didn’t disappoint.
After measuring in at 6-1 and just under 200 pounds, Gonzalez lit up the track with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, along with top-five finishes among corners in the broad jump and vertical jump.
With Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon sitting out this year’s workouts, Gonzalez made the most of his chance to stake claim to the CB1 title with a stellar workout.
Maryland CBs Deonte Banks & Jakorian Bennett
It was a banner day for this pair of Terrapins, as both Banks and Bennett turned in incredible performances across the board.
These two teammates each finished in the top five among corners in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump, with Banks’ 42-inch vert taking the No. 1 spot in their position group.
Banks was already regarded as one of this year’s top corner prospects and a potential first-round pick, and while he solidified that status with his performance, it’s Bennett that could see a massive leap up the board with those numbers.
Kansas State CB Julius Brents
After an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl, Brents continued his dominant offseason with another stellar performance for NFL scouts Friday.
After measuring at 6-3 and 198 pounds (with the longest wingspan for a cornerback at the combine since 2003), Brents put on an absolute show throughout the drills, finishing first among corners in the three-cone drill, 20-yard short shuttle, and broad jump, and second in the vertical leap.
Along with a respectable 4.53-second 40-yard dash for his size, Brents’ performance should take him from Day 2 darling to a potential first-round pick.
Illinois safeties Jartavius Martin & Sydney Brown
Another pair of teammates that delivered dueling performances to remember, Martin and Brown were among the best in their position group at just about everything Friday.
They finished 1-2 in the broad jump among safeties, first (Martin) and third (Brown) in the vertical, and third (Martin) and fourth (Brown) in the 40-yard dash.
Brown was already ascending after a strong week at the Senior Bowl, but Martin will now be joining him as they both climb up the board heading into this year’s draft.
