Mississippi State Players at the 2023 NFL Combine: How They Performed
The 2023 NFL Combine was underway in Indianapolis this past weekend, featuring a trio of former Mississippi State football players in cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, edge rusher Tyrus Wheat and defensive tackle Cameron Young.
Forbes' 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and record of 14 interceptions definitely puts him near the top of the list for defensive backs.
But it did also come to attention that his listed weight may be incorrect. Despite his long arms, quick speed, great agility, and reflexes, his weight is an issue. Forbes' recruiting profiles list his weight as 180 lbs, however, when weighed at the combine, he was only at 166 lbs.
Over the three years Forbes saw action for the Bulldogs, he undeniably showed he has the capacity to use his strengths to his advantage despite his weight, and will definitely be an excellent prospect in NFL draft.
Looking at Wheat next, he was unsurprisingly not nearly as fast as his team member where 40 time is concerned (as is to be expected with the difference between positions. Wheat ran a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash and 1.59 in the 10-yard split.
Wheat recorded 21 sacks in three seasons after transferring from Juco to Mississippi State, showcasing impressive speed for carrying 260 pounds onto field and being able to move well to rush passers and spot quarterbacks.
Lastly was defensive tackle Cameron Young. Although a bit slower than Forbes and Wheat, Young's 5.20 in the 40-yard in the dash, and finished his time at Mississippi State with 103 tackles. His speed is still solid for a 304-pound player, and his ability to tackle and cover holes gives him in advantage in being a notable prospect for the draft.
With April on the horizon, it will be interesting to see where each of these players land.
