With Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels skipping on-field workouts at the NFL Combine, the other quarterbacks that make up the class took center stage. Several signal callers took advantage of the primetime opportunity by improving their pre-draft stock. Various talents showcased their abilities in front of NFL evaluators. We've identified four quarterbacks that won the NFL Combine.
JOE MILTON III, TENNESSEE
The NFL Combine was always going to be the perfect environment for Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III to display his elite physical traits. Milton III posted an impressive 35-inch vertical and 10-foot-1 broad jump. With few quarterbacks participating in those drills, Milton led all quarterbacks in the vertical and placed second in the broad.
Milton's arm strength also took center stage throughout throwing drills. The Pahokee, Florida native was launching deep bombs with a simple flick of the wrist. Milton III, who blends moldable tools with untapped potential, did not disappoint in Indianapolis.
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J.J. MCCARTHY, MICHIGAN
With Williams, Daniels, and Maye skipping the majority of the festivities, J.J. McCarthy was the consensus top-ranking quarterback to perform in Indianapolis. McCarthy won the weigh-in process by measuring in at 6-foot-2 and 219 pounds. That's approximately 20 pounds greater than McCarthy's alleged playing weight at Michigan.
McCarthy undeniably bulked up to increase the number on the scale, but scouts will be thrilled nonetheless. McCarthy took advantage of the absentees at the position to do his pre-draft stock a favor. It wouldn't be overly shocking if McCarthy upset the perceived order by being a top-three quarterback off the board.
DEVIN LEARY, KENTUCKY
Devin Leary didn’t enter NFL Combine week with much buzz at his back, but the Wildcat signal-caller took advantage of his opportunity. Leary was arguably the cleanest, most efficient quarterback throughout on-field throwing drills. Leary earned appropriate praise for his clean lower and upper body mechanics. Leary threw the ball with terrific touch.
Leary threw 25 touchdowns at Kentucky this past season after transferring to the program from NC State. A college football veteran, Leary threw 35 touchdowns for the Wolfpack in 2021. Leary performed like a quarterback worth taking a day-three gamble on.
MICHAEL PRATT, TULANE
A high-IQ pure thrower of the football, Michael Pratt looked comfortable throughout throwing drills, applying touch as necessary. Pratt also low-key tested significantly better than most expected. Pratt posted a position-best 36 inch vertical and his 9-foot-6 broad placed third. Pratt is going to offer a team terrific mid-round value.
Honorable mentions: Kedon Slovis (Pittsburgh), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), Spencer Rattler (South Carolina).
