2023 NFL Combine Results: 7 Defensive Tackle Standouts

The defensive tackles at the top of the class did enough to stay there.

by

Eric Schlitt
on March 2, 2023 5:45 PM

2023 NFL Field drills opened on Thursday, starting with the defensive line and linebacker combinations. As is typical, one group started with a 40-yard run, then moved on to positional drills, while another group completed agility drills and measured jumps.

While the measurable numbers of skill drills are slowly being released, let’s take a closer look at the inside defensive linemen who have excelled.

Brian Pressey, 4i/3T, Clemson, 6-foot-5 1/2, 298

40-yard dash time/10-yard dash time split: 4.86/1.71

Pressey checked the boxes for size and speed, but also showed good performance in athletic drills on the field. Pressey showed quick footwork when moving laterally, was able to stay low and flat when bending the corner on pass rush drills, and was able to stack his quick pass moves, all while staying in control and balanced.

Overall, he did enough to stay in the first round conversation, which should have been the goal of the day.

Kalija Kansi, 3/5T, Pittsburgh, 6ft-1, 281

40/10: 4.67 / 1.64

Kancey’s show guard was, of course, his 10/40 yard splits. Coming out of Pittsburgh and checking in at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds, Kancey naturally gets compared to Aaron Donald. And after his splits, those comparisons will surely continue.

Donald: 6 feet – 0 3/4, 285, 4.69/1.63
Kansi: 6-foot-1, 281, 4.67/1.64

The big difference is arm length (Donald 32 5/8 vs. Kancey 30 5/8) and we’ll have to see how many reps Kancey can do on the bench press – Donald did 35.

Kancey also didn’t do any field drills, which could have really helped him solidify his stock.

Thoughts quick

Keanu Benton, Wisconsin (6-foot-4, 309) improved with each workout and by the end of the set, he had demonstrated his balance, strength, and ability to change direction at full speed.
Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina (6-foot-4, 334) He was much more agile than I could have expected, and his ability to maintain body control at 334 pounds was pretty impressive.
Zack Pickens, South Carolina (6-foot-4, 291) He looked very smooth in his sideline drills and showed his height in his pass rushing drills.
jacqueline roy, LSU (6-foot-3, 305) showed smooth feet when chopping in small spaces, and was able to lift and land his body with ease, but struggled in space.
Gervon Dexter, Florida (6 ft – 5 1/2, 310) He had a Combien mirror career in Florida, flashes of attractive traits followed but rough patches that left you wanting more.