2023 NFL Scouting Combine bold predictions: Three tight ends clock under 4.55 in 40, Pitt star shocks, more

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is upon us in all its glory, and it’s time for some bold predictions for the athletic tests inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

We’re bound to see a litany of jaw-dropping performances, and history tells us many of said performances will be from prospects we weren’t necessarily expecting to be as jaw-dropping as ultimately were. 

With that, let’s get to it — bold predictions for the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine are here. And they’re specific. 

Pittsburgh’s Israel Abanikanda runs the second-fast 40-yard dash among RBs

No running back is running a faster 40 than Texas A&M’s Devon Achane. Let’s just get that out of the way. Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the favorites to be the runner up. Some like East Carolina’s Keaton Mitchell or even Texas’ workhorse Bijan Robinson. I like the Pittsburgh running back. As a true junior unable to participate in the postseason all-star games, Abanikanda enters the combine quietly. He’s not as explosive as Achane or Gibbs, but his film is overflowing with long runs that demonstrate his downfield juice. He had 38 runs of 10-plus yards (!) in a tremendous 2022 campaign. 

Now, he’s listed at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds — at that size it’ll be a challenge to post a blazing time in the 40. If he’s closer to 200 pounds we will see him run the second-fastest time among the backs, behind Achane, who has world-class speed. 

Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott runs a faster 40-yard dash than Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt

Hailing from the SEC, with the five-touchdown masterpiece in the epic victory over Alabama on his resume, Hyatt is the speedster wideout in the spotlight heading into this combine. Do not sleep on Scott, a burner in his own right with a decorated track background in high school. The key to running ridiculously fast in Indy — or to help identify who will scorch the artificial grass at the combine — check the height and weight combinations. 

John Ross and Henry Ruggs were both 5-11 and 188 pounds. Last year, Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes… 5-11, 183 pounds. Ran 4.23. Scott is listed at 5-11 and 185 and has plenty of catch-and-runs on film in which he is traveling at a much different speed than the defensive backs around him. He’ll clock a faster time than the marquee prospect from Tennessee.  

Three tight ends run under 4.55 in the 40-yard dash

This tight end group is stacked. And as far as speed goes,…