Tuesday marks the start of the 2023 NFL Combine – where 319 collegiate prospects are set to showcase their skills and measurements for NFL scouts in Indianapolis.
Four former Cyclones will be at Lucas Oil Stadium throughout the week: defensive lineman Will McDonald IV, defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr., wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, and defensive lineman M.J. Anderson.
McDonald IV projects to be the highest pick of the group and will look to showcase the same abilities he did in the Reese’s Senior Bowl earlier this year.
He’s projected to be taken in the first two rounds, but has another chance to raise his stock this weekend.
Hutchinson, who finished 2023 as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, will have eyes on him from teams needing a strong wideout to add to their roster.
Anderson will look to do the same as McDonald IV, but is slated to go a little later after coming off a successful first season on the field in Ames. His 37.5 tackles and 3.5 sacks (tied for second on the team) were enough to generate interests from NFL teams.
He opted to go pro and forego another season at Iowa State.
Johnson Jr. is projected as an undrafted free agent by NFL Mock Draft Database, but is no stranger to rising to the occasion and is taking the opportunity to compete.
Tuesday and Wednesday are used as measurement days for the league, with broadcast action kicking off on Thursday, March 2.
NFL Network will have the broadcast as well as NFL+ on the streaming side.
Thursday @ 2 p.m. CT – Defensive line (McDonald IV & Anderson) and linebackers
Friday @ 2 p.m. CT – Defensive backs (Johnson Jr.)
Saturday @ Noon CT – Quarterbacks, wide receivers (Hutchinson) and tight ends
Sunday @ Noon CT – Running backs and offensive lineman
