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How Arkansas players performed at 2023 NFL Combine

Former Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders at the NFL Combine.
Former Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders at the NFL Combine. (Arkansas Football Twitter)

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Five former Arkansas Razorbacks participated at the NFL Combine over the weekend and a few likely did enough to move themselves up the list of prospects for some teams ahead of April's NFL Draft.

Linebacker Drew Sanders, receivers Jadon Haselwood and Matt Landers, center Ricky Stromberg and tackle Dalton Wagner all performed at the combine.

Below are results, quotes, video and more from each player's performance:

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Drew Sanders - LB

Sanders did not participate in on-field drills due to a reported hamstring injury. He told The Draft Network that he met with the Giants, Panthers and Steelers during the early interview process.

"He plays with good technique in take-ons and has plenty of pursuit range, but he’s still finding his footing with his run fits and tackle consistency," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein said. "He’s a tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside."

Jadon Haselwood WR

Haselwood participated in on-field drills and ran a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash. When catching passes from TCU quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalists Max Duggan, Haselwood impressed with a fingertip catch.

"Big possession target requiring work from the slot to create catch opportunities," Zierlein said. "Haselwood has good size and the strength to make contested catches underneath, but he lacks the speed or separation burst to uncover and stay open against NFL man coverage. His testing could make a difference for him, but a lack of special teams experience could hurt his cause to make it as a WR5/6."

Matt Landers - WR

Landers grew his draft stock as much as any of the former Hogs when he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash. That 40 time was the third fasted of any receiver at the combine.

"He’s still unrefined as a receiver, but his size, athleticism and potential as a ball-winner are noteworthy," Zierlein said. "He has legitimate build-up speed deep and his long strides help him separate. He’s a developmental prospect with upside and should hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft."

Ricky Stromberg - C

Stromberg had a good showing at the combine and more people became aware of just how good he was at Arkansas over the past two seasons. One ESPN draft expert had good things to say about the former Hog.

"Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg really caught my eye," ESPN's Jordan Reid said. "Seeing him throughout the week of practices at the East-West Shrine Game, he put together a strong showing. He showed off his strength and awareness, and he has the potential to develop into a starter early in his career. After playing guard during his first season with the Razorbacks, he went on to play center and remained there."

Stromberg even drew comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, who earned Second Team All-Pro honors last year for the Super Bowl champions. He told reporters that he watches a lot of Humphrey's film.

"Creed Humphrey from the Chiefs," Stromberg said. "He played at Shawnee High School, and I compared my high school film to his high school film, and same with college. I try to watch him mostly."

Dalton Wagner - OT

Wagner did not participate in any of the running drills and his vertical and broad jumps were not within the top 25 of the offensive linemen. His size will benefit him and if teams look back at his grades from last season, they will see his improvement after dealing with some back issues in Fayetteville.

Full combine results for former Razorbacks:

Razorbacks at 2023 NFL Combine
Category Sanders Landers Haselwood Stromberg Wagner

Height

6-4

6-4

6-2

6-3

6-8

Weight

235

200

215

306

320

Hands

9 3/4"

9 1/4"

10"

9 3/4"

10 1/2"

Arms

32 1/8"

32 1/2"

31 1/4"

33 1/4"

34 3/8"

40-yard dash

DNP

4.37 sec.

4.66 sec.

5.26 sec.

DNP

20-yard shuttle

DNP

DNP

4.31 sec.

DNP

DNP

3-cone drill

DNP

DNP

6.98 sec.

DNP

DNP

Vertical jump

DNP

37"

37"

32.5"

24.5"

Broad jump

DNP

10' 10"

10' 3"

9' 3"

8' 6"

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