Three of Ohio State's representatives at the NFL Scouting Combine received All-Combine Team recognition for their performances in Indianapolis this week.
NFL.com’s Nick Shook released his All-Combine team on Monday, and three Buckeyes made the squad on the offenisve side of the ball as he named C.J. Stroud as his top quarterback, Jaxon Smith-Njigba as his top receiver and Luke Wypler as his top center.
Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects turned heads at Lucas Oil Stadium? @TheNickShook unveils his annual All-Combine Team, spotlighting the top performers at each position in Indianapolis.https://t.co/y3KNUASX5d pic.twitter.com/JQEUpTDe1y
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 6, 2023
In what Shook called his “toughest decision” of the All-Combine team, Stroud received the nod over Florida's Anthony Richardson as the best quarterback despite Richardson's freakish testing numbers at the combine, including a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical leap. In Shook's view, Stroud's accuracy – a trait the former Buckeye touted in his media interviews – shined greater than the Florida product's athleticism.
"The Ohio State QB produced dime after dime, no matter the distance or difficulty of the throw," Shook wrote. "Stroud touted his accuracy as one of his greatest strengths during Friday's media availability and backed it up with a fantastic performance, showing NFL teams exactly why they should seriously consider drafting him in April."
C.J. Stroud is so smooth. pic.twitter.com/JBlFxO5exM
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) March 4, 2023
While Stroud dealt with competition for the top quarterback spot, Smith-Njigba stood alone as the undisputed No. 1 receiver at the combine.
According to Shook, the record-breaking Ohio State wideout excelled in every workout he completed, including athletic exercises and pass-catching drills, as JSN reminded scouts he is still the best receiver in the draft despite a hamstring injury that limited him to three games for the Buckeyes last season.
"Smith-Njigba's excellent combine performance won't come as a surprise to anyone who followed his career at Ohio State," Shook wrote. "He was clean, controlled and smooth throughout all of the drills at Lucas Oil Stadium, running crisp routes and making many of his catches look routine. When he was paired with his former Buckeye teammate, C.J. Stroud, on a rep, the duo made things look elementary.
"More impressive, though: When the other quarterbacks threw to him, nothing changed. Smith-Njigba is quicker than fast – he posted the best 20-yard shuttle time of any receiver since 2014 – which will get him open plenty at the next level. He leaves Indianapolis just as he arrived – as one of the top talents at the position."
C.J. Stroud to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Just like old times. pic.twitter.com/mU1NJrDPhd
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) March 4, 2023
As for Wypler, the Ohio State center was the best player at his position because of the athleticism he displayed across his workouts and drills. Shook also pointed to Wypler's “efficient footwork” as an area where the New Jersey native was a step above his peers.
"There were a number of promising centers on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, but not any one true standout," Shook wrote. "Although most of Wypler's reps were of high quality – showing efficient footwork, if not a ton of power – it was his overall athleticism that earned him this spot. Among the group of centers I considered to be comparable in on-field performance, Wypler tested the best. He earned an NGS athleticism score of 81, due in large part to a 5.14-second 40 time (1.83-second 10-yard split) that translated into his movement during drills. Teams in need of a center will have plenty of options in this year's class, with Wypler among the top offerings."
For Eleven Warriors' complete coverage of the combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, visit our NFL Scouting Combine Central page, which features measurables, workout results and more updates from all eight of Ohio State’s participants at the event.
