# Team Player Pos
1 C.J. Stroud QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: CJ Stroud

C.J. Stroud had a great pro day (we were there -- check the video above to watch our recap!) and it further solidified his case as one of the top-two QBs in this draft class. We've heard that the Panthers are high on Stroud -- and for now, we have him going No. 1 because it's easy to envision him transitioning from Ohio State to a Carolina staff that includes Frank Reich and Jim Caldwell.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 93.75 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Geno Smith

Summary:

C.J. Stroud is a better all-around QB coming out of Ohio State than Justin Fields, and he showed that he has the athleticism to win with his legs in the Georgia game. He will be in the conversation for QB1.

Strengths:

  • Will get through same-side progressions, and ball comes out quickly
  • Proved vs. Georgia that he can win with his legs if he needs to
  • Can throw off-platform with rushers in his face; will drop it in the bucket off-platform
  • Doesn't throw with a lot of anticipation but does throw accurately
  • Understands where hot reads are vs. CB blitz
  • When he's locked in, can drop into the bucket on deep throws; shows good touch to all three levels

Weaknesses:

  • While generally accurate, can miss by small amounts on short throws
  • Tries to get through reads but can hurry through them when pressured, then can panic in clean pocket
  • Won't pull trigger on anticipation throws into tight windows
  • Sometimes late seeing targets come open

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
13 3688 66.3 41 6
2 Bryce Young
Alabama, Jr
QB
2023 NFL Draft Player Prospect Breakdown: Bryce Young

Young came in at 5-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at the combine and didn't take part in the drills. But last week he threw at his pro day (we were there for that, too -- see above!) and, like Stroud, showed off the traits that make him so special. He's our QB1 but it's not hard to imagine why, for example, the Panthers might prefer Stroud. If so, the Texans will jump at the chance to land Young here.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 94.30 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Tony Romo

Summary:

Bryce Young is a short, spindly framed passer with a rapid release. He is patient in the pocket and a sudden athlete, allowing him to bounce away from pressure regularly. Creativity as an athlete is borderline elite, although he won't run away from many defenders in the NFL. He looks to create off-structure too often with too many theatrics, and style is a bit frenetic when things break down. Arm strength and deep ball accuracy are good, not great, and he tends to make too many throws from an unbalanced based -- simply because he's a very natural thrower -- that may not have enough juice to get to the intended target in the NFL. He's experienced reading the entire field and clicks through his reads in a hurry. He's very accurate but not absolutely elite, and he's quick to spot open receivers in scramble drill. Noticeably tough, though he did take a lot of sacks in college. He has poise beyond his years.

Strengths:

  • Incredibly poised, chaos doesn't faze him in the pocket
  • Super creative to avoid pressure, and can release the ball from any arm angle or platform
  • Tough as nails, willing to take hits behind the line or in space
  • Anticipatory thrower who also reads the entire field in a hurry

Weaknesses:

  • At times tries to do too much as an improviser
  • Arm talent and speed are good, not outstanding
  • Unprecedented tiny frame and takes plenty of hits

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3328 64.5 32 5
3 Will Anderson Jr.
Alabama, Jr
EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Will Anderson Jr.

J.J. Watt retired, and Zach Allen and Trysten Hill left in free agency. And with a new coaching staff and GM, the team goes with arguably the safest pick in the draft: pass rusher Will Anderson.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 94.40 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Von Miller

Summary:

A five-star from outside Atlanta, Will Anderson Jr. has been as good as -- and maybe better than -- advertised since arriving in Tuscaloosa. In the last two seasons for the Crimson Tide, he had 98 hurries and 29 sacks, and those numbers underscore how dominant he was, at times. He's the best Alabama defender in the Nick Saban era and possibly the best Alabama defender in school history not named Derrick Thomas.

Strengths:

  • First-step quickness and bend around the edge flashes play after play
  • Surprising power and the ability to win consistently with hands on his way to the QB
  • Comparable to Von Miller in size and twitch; both are around 6-3, 245, which is undersized by NFL edge rusher standards, but they play much bigger than that
  • Great teammate, even better person

Weaknesses:

  • Made some business decisions in 2022, though it's hard to blame him -- he still played through Alabama's bowl game
  • Can sometimes whiff on arm tackles in space
  • Sometimes there doesn't have to be something wrong with a player -- with Anderson it feels like you're searching for issues that don't really exist

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.6 seconds

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 1
4 Anthony Richardson
Florida, Soph
QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Anthony Richardson

Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger remain from last season's team while Matt Ryan is now a free agent. The Colts also signed Gardner Minshew, which means the team now has ... three backup quarterbacks on the roster. Put another way: They're still targeting a QB in the draft and the question becomes, which one falls to them if they stay at No. 4, and if it comes down to, say, Anthony Richardson or Will Levis, who will get the nod? We're still sorting through who will be our QB3 and QB4, but given what new coach Shane Steichen and Jalen Hurts were able to do together in Philly, it's not hard to imagine the new staff falling in love with Richardson.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.52 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Cam Newton

Summary:

Anthony Richardson has off-the-charts athleticism both in the pocket and outside of it, but he is so incredibly raw that he has a long ways to go to be a starting NFL quarterback. He will leave the pocket too early and too often miss open reads to attempt more difficult throws, but when he's locked in he has the potential to be a franchise-altering talent.

Strengths:

  • Big-bodied athlete who is a threat in the run game
  • Elusive in the open field despite his size; incredibly quick lateral movements to shake defenders in small area*
  • Next-level athleticism for QB in pocket
  • Smooth, ball explodes out of hand and gets on WR in a hurry, accurately
  • Rhythm thrower when he sees coverage
  • Will leave pocket early at times but incredibly elusive inside pocket; ability to buy time with movements and then find open target downfield*
  • Consistently quick release, puts ball on WR's face on quick throws/screens/rollouts
  • Strong arm allows him to make off-platform/off-balance throws almost look easy at times
  • Will look off DB, get through read and rip seam throw on time, on the face.
  • Consistently keeps eyes downfield when outside the pocket

Weaknesses:

  • Can get antsy in pocket when there is no real pressure; needs to do a better job of standing tall
  • Will sometimes drift into pressure on drop
  • Footwork will need to be tightened up at the next level
  • Doesn't consistently throw with anticipation
  • Doesn't happen often but will sometimes try to play hero ball outside pocket; leads to turnover chances for the defense
  • Can also be slow at times to get to second read, leading to turnover opportunities for the defense
  • Will struggle at times to layer throws

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
  • Vertical: 40.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 2549 53.8 17 9
5 Tyree Wilson EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Tyree Wilson

The more you watch of Wilson the more you love his game. Not only what he put on tape at Texas Tech but his upside 2-3 years down the road. He's long, has the frame to add weight if needed, and he's a dominant, high-motor pass rusher who can take over games.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.27 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Matthew Judon

Summary:

Tyree Wilson is a length and strength edge-rusher with a tall, angular frame. His patented straight-arm is effective. He is smoother than he is dynamic, although he's not slow off the line. Chips don't faze him, and he battles through contact like it's nothing. He works hard against the run on a consistent basis. At times, he gets stuck to blocks, and while his hand work isn't super polished, he constantly works. Leverage isn't great because he's tall, but there's plenty of power to his game. Quality bend to his game, but it's a not a true specialty, and he has limited ability to dip. He has experience inside and was effective there. Overall, he's a long, high-motor, decently refined three-down EDGE with some suddenness limitations but big-time ability.

Strengths:

  • Tall, sleek frame; seriously intimidating on the edge
  • Super-long and utilizes his length to his advantage as a rusher
  • Balance is good, chips don't knock him off his spot often
  • Hard-worker against the run
  • Motor hums all game

Weaknesses:

  • Can get stuck to blocks without the ability to quickly counter
  • Because he's so tall, his center of gravity is high, which leaves him susceptible to squattier blockers who can get under him and control him
  • Dipping around the corner far from a forte

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10
6 Lukas Van Ness
Iowa, Soph
EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Lukas Van Ness

The Lions had a need at cornerback ... and promptly addressed it to start free agency, adding Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley. And while there is depth at defensive end, Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris are entering the final year of their deals and the opportunity to pair Lucas Van Ness with Aidan Hutchinson is too good to pass up.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.22 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips

Summary:

Long, dynamic pass-rusher with advanced game. He loves the two-arm bench press and is very effective with it because of his burst, sheer power, and length to keep blockers off his frame. He counters off that patented start to his rushes with arm over, inside crossover, and rip move to the outside. He's very polished with his hand work and can win with first-step quickness and sustained speed to the football. He often squeezed through gaps with athleticism alone. He has to get stronger, and he's not overly twitchy. When utilized inside, his length presents problems for blockers. He's a big-time prospect.

Strengths:

  • Long with athletic physical profile
  • Bench press is good, and routinely counters off it
  • Can win on the interior with first-step quickness

Weaknesses:

  • Bend is lacking
  • At times spends too much time grappling with blockers
  • Wasn't a full-time player in 2022

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Vertical: 31 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 4.32 seconds
  • Bench Press: 17 reps

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
7 Myles Murphy
Clemson, Jr
DL
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Myles Murphy

Murphy turned 21 in early January, and while we'd like to see him play with more consistency, his best football is in front of him, for sure. He has all the physical tools you look for in an elite edge defenders and it's easy to see him in a few years being dominant. And that, in large part, is what makes him such an interesting prospect.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.37 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Ogbah

Summary:

Myles Murphy is an edge rusher with great size, speed and power. He showed an improved prowess to stack and shed blockers in 2021. The Georgia native needs to construct more of a pass-rush plan and develop an inside counter for when his initial rush is stopped. He does a good job of impacting pass lanes when his rush does not get home.

Strengths:

  • Natural athlete with great size and speed
  • Impacts passing lanes when rush does not get home
  • Quick off the snap, does a good job of shooting gaps
  • Good strength leads to an ability to turn speed to power

Weaknesses:

  • Played with less urgency, regressed from 2021 to 2022
  • Needs to develop pass-rush moves and create more of a plan
  • Ocassionally works too deep in his pass rush

Combine Results:

  • Bench Press: 25 reps

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
8 Jalen Carter
Georgia, Jr
DL
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter, who was arguably the best defender on a '21 Georgia defense that had five first-round picks, would be an easy pick for the Falcons here. He left the combine only to return less than 24 hours later after meeting with Athens police. And then showed last week at his pro day nine pounds heavier, and by several accounts, winded after his workout. Where he is ultimately drafted remains an unknown, but he is a special talent.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 94.23 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Jeffery Simmons

Summary:

Jalen Carter has elite quickness for a player of his size. His value increases as a result of a shortage of pass rush-capable interior defenders. A relatively young prospect, Carter has had limited pass-rush production and is still developing in that area. The Georgia defense has primarily relied on the athleticism of its players to run games and create chaos. He has great strength to play the run.

Strengths:

  • Uses strength and leverage to gain ground
  • Great quickness to attack gaps
  • Plays with great balance

Weaknesses:

  • Limited pass-rush production
  • Plays too high at times
  • Displays a variety of pass-rush moves but needs to string them together for a refined pass-rush plan

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
9 Paris Johnson Jr. OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Paris Johnson Jr.

No team has been busier this offseason than the Bears, who added talent on both sides of the ball, including guard Nate Davis, tight end Robert Tonyan, defensive end DeMarcus Walker (7.0 sacks with the Titans in '22) and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. There's still a need at right tackle and edge rusher but with many of the top free-agent offensive lineman already signed elsewhere, and since this draft class is deeper at EDGE than OT, Chicago takes Paris Johnson Jr. here. He played left tackle last season at Ohio State and was the right guard during the '21 season. Protecting Justin Fields is Priority No. 1, and they can circle back at pick No. 53 (or even 61) to get that pass rusher.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.63 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Andrus Peat

Summary:

Paris Johnson Jr. is a consistently good run blocker when he doesn't get too upright, and he uses leverage well. His passpro needs refinement, and his footwork can be sloppy at times. He does offer position flexibility on game days -- he was the Buckeyes' starting right guard in 2021 before moving to left tackle for the 2022 season. He's one of the best offensive linemen in this draft class.

Strengths:

  • Will sit in passpro set with good anchor, staying in-balance
  • Ability to re-anchor but sometimes struggles against strong, edge rushers who play with a low center of gravity
  • Plus athlete. but it's important to remember that he is still raw
  • Moves well laterally, can get out in space
  • Quick feet; when he's in balance it allows him to mirror well
  • Consistently shows ability to sustain run blocks and if the opportunity presents itself, will pancake the defensive end into the turf
  • When feet and hands are in concert, he can stonewall pass rushers

Weaknesses:

Can sometimes get too high in pass sets and lose leverage

  • Can be susceptible to long-arm, particularly since he has tendency to play more upright
  • Sometimes will overset and get beaten by inside pass rush move, then has to rely on athleticism to make up for it
  • Extremely raw, relying on athleticism to win; will need to become a technician to be trusted at LT in NFL

Combine Results:

  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
  • Bench Press: 29 reps
10 Christian Gonzalez
Oregon, Soph
CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Christian Gonzalez

Gonzalez, a Colorado transfer, is a big-time athlete who is still growing into the position. He has the size, strength and speed -- he ran a 4.38 40 at the combine -- to line up against NFL wide receivers; he just needs to improve in run support.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.13 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Summary:

Christian Gonzalez has great length and good top-end speed to be a man coverage cornerback in the NFL. He can improve as a press man coverage cornerback by landing his jams more consistently. Despite improved ball production, Gonzalez can do a better job of getting his head back to the ball and breaking down his feet to tackle in space.

Strengths:

  • Great length
  • Does an excellent job of using the sideline as an extra defender
  • Flips his hips and gets up to speed quickly
  • Good timed speed

Weaknesses:

  • Improved ball production in 2022, but needs to get eyes back to the ball more consistently
  • Inconsistent landing jams in press man coverage
  • Can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a balanced tackle

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
  • Vertical: 41.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 1 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 4
11 Peter Skoronski OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Peter Skoronski

The Titans added Andre Dillard and Daniel Brunskill in free agency to bolster the O-line but there's still room for improvement. Skoronski is solid and consistent, which are two of the best things you can say about an offensive lineman. The biggest issue he'll face during the pre-draft process will be arm length and whether his NFL future is at tackle or guard. But like he told us at the combine, there are plenty of NFL offensive tackles who have long arms and struggle too. That's not the final determinant of success. In Tennessee he can play inside on Day 1.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.1 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Jonah Williams

Summary:

Peter Skoronski is a pass-blocking specialist with an athletic skill set. He needs to add more weight and power to his lower half. He works hard to anchor. He's noticeably more effective as a pass-blocker than a run-blocker. He has plus recovery skill, big-time grip strength, and knows how to reset his hands in pass pro. At times, his hands are late, and that's when he loses, although he rarely lost on passing plays in college. Overall, he's a decently high-floor, high-upside tackle.

Strengths:

  • Balance and overall pass-pro talent stand out
  • Awesome ability to recover when beaten
  • Very athletic, smooth movements in all areas
  • Outstanding production across multiple seasons

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks normal franchise tackle length
  • Somewhat susceptible to swims
  • Not a dominant run blocker today

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.16 seconds
  • Vertical: 34.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.8 seconds
  • Bench Press: 30 reps
12 Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Texans got their QB with the No. 2 pick, and now they give him a legit Day 1 playmaker. Smith-Njigba, who barely saw the field during the 2022 season because of injuries, is still one of the top wideouts in the class. Before he shined at the Ohio State pro day, it was easy to forget that JSN led the 2021 Buckeyes in receptions and that corps included first-rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, and future first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 87.17 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Christian Kirk

Summary:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a smaller, spindly WR with quality fluidity on the field. He's not an elite athlete and doesn't have much power through contact in his routes or after the catch. He creates space with some wiggle and how quicky he flips into top gear once the ball is in his hands. He glides around the field and away from defenders. He also had a knack for reeling in the difficult grab but is not a high-leaping, contested-catch monster; more of a tremendous ball-tracker. He has savvy YAC skills, deceptive speed, and ultra-reliable hands to be a big-time playmaker in the NFL despite not possessing supreme athletic gifts.

Strengths:

  • Savvy YAC specialty
  • Glides around the field
  • Uncanny ability to flip it into top gear in an instant
  • Ball-tracking downfield is elite

Weaknesses:

  • Not a supreme athlete
  • Spindly frame likely destined for a slot-only role in NFL
  • Lacks length and power

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 6.57 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 3.93 seconds

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
3 5 43 8.6 0
13 Broderick Jones
Georgia, Soph
OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Broderick Jones

The Jets added depth along the interior offensive line with Wes Schweitzer and Trystan Colon-Castillo, but questions remain about former first-rounder Mekhi Becton. It's a matter of if, not when, Aaron Rodgers arrives, and protecting him will be priority No. 1 given how good this defense was in 2022. Broderick Jones, meanwhile, had a strong '22 campaign for the Bulldogs, where he has faced some of the best defensive players in the country every day at practice for the last two years. He's not yet a finished product but he has the athleticism and strength to be a difference-maker when he puts it all together.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.85 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Ikem Ekwonu

Summary:

Broderick Jones is a young, but physically gifted offensive tackle with great strength and good quickness. His technique has improved from 2021, but he needs to continue on that path. NFL opponents have more play strength, so Jones will not be able to solely rely on his natural strength.

Strengths:

  • Gets out of his stance quickly
  • Great natural strength
  • Good lateral agility
  • Good size for the tackle position

Weaknesses:

  • Relies too much on natural strength, needs to drop his hips more against bull rush
  • Inconsistent footwork when engaged
  • Has improved hand fighting when engaged from 2021 but can continue that growth

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.97 seconds
  • Vertical: 30 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet
14 Devon Witherspoon CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Devon Witherspoon

The Patriots were busy the first week of free agency, beefing up the offense for Mac Jones. The team added tackle Riley Reiff, tight end Mike Gesicki, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Robinson. And even though the team re-upped cornerback Jonathan Jones, there isn't much depth at the position. Witherspoon had a great season for the Illini and while there will be questions about his 180-pound frame, you wouldn't know it to watch him play.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.90 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Marcus Peters

Summary:

Devon Witherspoon is neither the biggest nor the twitchiest prospect at his position. However, he makes up for it with his preparation and anticipation. Witherspoon is a great leader and a fiery competitor who is willing to play downhill and tackle in the flat.

Strengths:

  • Elite competitor, fiery personality
  • Will play downhill and attack the flat
  • Competitve at the catch point
  • High football IQ
  • Will jam and stab to re-route wide receivers

Weaknesses:

  • Needs to pack more weight on his 6-foot frame
  • Average top-end and recovery speed
  • Plays through the wide receiver's back too often

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
11 3
15 Jordan Addison
USC, Jr
WR
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Jordan Addison

Wide receiver Allen Lazard signed with the Jets and Randall Cobb might not be far behind, and the same could be true for tight end Marcedes Lewis. The other tight end, Robert Tonyan, already signed with the Bears. Put another way: even though the Packers have not historically used first-round picks on wide receivers, this might be the year. And with this tight end class being so deep, Green Bay can address that need with their 45th selection. Addison isn't a big target, but he's one of the most dynamic players in the country who can line up anywhere. He "only" managed a 4.49 40 at the combine but the tape is the tape -- and it consistently showed that he was regularly the best player on the field who can win at all three levels, playing either outside or in the slot.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.3 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: DeVonta Smith

Summary:

Jordan Addison is an advanced, dynamic wideout with outside and inside experience and a complete game. He's smaller and skinnier in stature and not a super twitched up, hyper athlete, but he gets the most out of his athletic gifts with sharp breaks in his routes. He battles through contact in the route and gets North-South in a hurry. His speed looks like a clear positive to his game, and he will threaten most CBs in the NFL. Not a true burner, though, and not a contested-catch guy because of his smaller frame/catch radius, but his hands are rock solid. His ball-tracking is very good, and he can run a variety of routes. Overall, he's a high-floor, somewhat-high-upside WR who should move the needle early in his NFL career.

Strengths:

  • Sharp, sudden routes at all levels
  • Good explosion/lean while running routes and after the catch
  • Catches everything, rock-solid hands
  • Speedy type down the field

Weaknesses:

  • Smaller, unintimidating frame
  • Not a monster athlete
  • Tiny catch radius

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.49 seconds
  • Vertical: 34 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 2 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
11 59 875 14.8 8
16 Joey Porter Jr. CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Joey Porter Jr.

Washington added guard Nick Gates and tackle Andrew Wylie in free agency so the urgency to upgrade the offensive line early in the draft is no longer what it once was. Instead, the team targets cornerback; Kendall Fuller is entering the final year of his contract and Benjamin St-Juste has been replacement level. Joey Porter Jr. is the prototypical big, physical cornerback who looks like he belongs in the NFL. He can sometimes get a little too handsy downfield but that doesn't mean he can't be dominant at the next level.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.93 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Dre Kirkpatrick

Summary:

The son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter is a competitive, man-coverage cornerback with great length. Despite his limited ball production, Porter does a good job of staying in-phase up the boundary and is physical at the catch point.

Strengths:

  • Very competitive
  • Great length to play on the boundary
  • Does a good job staying in-phase up the boundary
  • Competitive at the catch point

Weaknesses:

  • Just one interception in four seasons
  • Tackling in space needs to improve
  • Physical with wide receivers downfield, which could result in penalties

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10
17 Brian Branch
Alabama, Jr
S
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Brian Branch

The Steelers got interior offensive line help with Nate Herbig, Isaac Seumalo and others, and made some defensive moves with linebackers Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Still, offensive tackle and edge rusher could be the play here, but with a run on both positions in the first half of the round, Pittsburgh instead targets S1, especially after losing Terrell Edmunds to the Eagles. Brian Branch is special; he can play in the slot, near the line of scrimmage or deep centerfield. And if Nick Saban trusted him at Alabama, that's all you need to know about his NFL prospects. He ran a 4.58 at the combine but he plays much faster than that.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.50 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Daxton Hill

Summary:

Brian Branch is a versatile, intelligent player who has been asked to do a lot for Nick Saban's team. He has fulfilled a leadership role with flying colors. Branch is effective as a spot pass-rusher and playing down hill to fit the run. One has to nitpick to find many flaws in his game, but Branch could add a bit more mass to his frame. He had just a 3.2% missed tackle rate in 2022.

Strengths:

  • Versatilility allows him to play safety, nickel and boundary in a pinch
  • High football IQ
  • Fluid hips to transition across the field
  • Effective on blitzes
  • Does a good job getting off blocks

Weaknesses:

  • Average in man coverage
  • Played a flexible role at Alabama, will a team get good return value in a more refined role?
  • Would like to see him add a bit more mass to his frame

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Vertical: 34.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 2
18 Will Levis
Kentucky, SrMOCK TRADE from DET
QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Will Levis

Mock Trade from: DET

We rounded out last week's pro day travels with a stop in Lexington, Kentucky to see Will Levis in person. He's built like a linebacker and watching him throw the ball in person is something to behold -- you can actually hear the passes whistle -- but questions remain about his ability to layer the ball to all three levels, and some inconsistencies when he rolls to his left. There's talk that he could slip on draft day and depending on how long he lasts, maybe a team like the Rams would make a move to get him. Because if anyone can get the most out of Levis' ability, it's Sean McVay. (In this mock trade, the Rams get pick No. 18 and the Lions get picks 36, 77, and a 2024 2nd-rounder.)

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.58 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Wyoming Josh Allen

Summary:

Will Levis is a tall quarterback with good mass to take on contact. The Penn State transfer has good mobility and does not shy away from contact. Levis has elite arm strength but often gets stuck on his first read and does not complete full-field progressions. Talent evaluators will have to determine how much of his struggles were related to a weak supporting cast, injury, etc., and what is fixable. He is an intelligent player who will compete through injury.

Strengths:

  • Great mobility relative to his size
  • Elite arm strength
  • Great size for the position
  • Exposure to a pro-style offense
  • Tough, will play through injury

Weaknesses:

  • Battled injury through the 2022 season
  • Gets stuck on his first read occasionally
  • Subpar production as a senior, did not elevate his team
  • Needs to get through full-field reads quicker

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 34 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 4 inches

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
11 2406 65.4 19 10
19 Anton Harrison OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Anton Harrison

There was some thought that Harrison might return to Oklahoma for an NIL deal that was too good to pass up but he's instead opted for the NFL. He's one of the top tackles in the class and now the question is whether he finds his way into Round 1 or goes early on Day 2.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 88.00 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Lucas Niang

Summary:

Anton Harrison is a young player with great strength. His technique has improved over the past year, showing an ability to adjust his feet when engaged and good independent hand usage. He plays too high occasionally and yet is still able to create torque through his core.

Strengths:

  • Comfortable through his arc, does not abandon technique
  • Drives his feet on contact in the run game
  • Does some pulling and blocking in space
  • Does a good job of adjusting his feet to stay engaged

Weaknesses:

  • Average-to-below average recovery speed
  • Below-average top-end speed
  • Plays too high occasionally

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.98 seconds
  • Vertical: 28.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 8 feet, 9 inches
20 O'Cyrus Torrence
Florida, Jr
IOL
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: O'Cyrus Torrence

The Seahawks re-upped guard Phil Haynes on a one-year deal, but he and Damien Lewis will be out of contract after the '24 season, and while there's a need at center too, the team has the 37th (thanks, Denver!) and 52nd picks in Round 2 and there will be starting centers available in that range. Instead, the team goes with O'Cyrus Torrence, who transferred from Louisiana and didn't miss a beat in the SEC. He was dominant for Florida last fall, he was dominant during Senior Bowl practices, and if history is any guide, he'll be dominant in the NFL, too.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.13 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Kevin Dotson

Summary:

O'Cyrus Torrence is a huge, wide-bodied guard with plus athleticism for a blocker his size. His athleticism allows him to be of utility at the second level and on any type of blocks that involve lateral quickness. He has quality second-level accuracy, too. He needs to play with a tick more patience, but his body type, strength, and athleticism make him a very appealing guard prospect.

Strengths:

  • Intimidating, big-bodied frame
  • Serious point-of-attack power
  • Deceptively quick with high-end athleticism for a guard of his size
  • Calm nature in pass protection

Weaknesses:

  • Not always the most balanced in pass pro, clearly has more development to go in that phase of the game
  • More of a hugger than a bench-press type, would like to see him utilize his immense length to his advantage more frequently

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.31 seconds
  • Vertical: 23.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 8 feet, 5 inches
  • Shuttle Run: 4.81 seconds
  • Bench Press: 23 reps
21 Bijan Robinson
Texas, Jr
RB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Bijan Robinson

Robinson is special, and while he is probably one of the best players in this class, he could still be around late in Round 1 because he's a running back.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.63 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Saquon Barkley

Summary:

Bijan Robinson is a well-rounded running back with ideal size to be an every-down contributor in the NFL. He excels as a runner, pass-catcher and blocker but has received the lion's share of touches in Austin over the past two seasons.

Strengths:

  • Does a good job of breaking his feet down in space and re-directing
  • Great size to be an every-down back
  • Good pass-catcher
  • Good top-end speed
  • Holds up well in pass protection

Weaknesses:

  • Has averaged 226.5 carries each of the past two seasons
  • Short-yardage situations
  • Running with power

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical: 37 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 4 inches

2022 College Stats

GP ATT YDS AVG TDS
12 258 1580 6.1 18
22 Quentin Johnston
TCU, Jr
WR
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Quentin Johnston

This is all contingent on Lamar Jackson returning to Baltimore, of course. But assuming this happens, the team has to get him some downfield weapons and they've been quiet in free agency through the first week. Here they get player who could end up WR1 on draft night. Johnston's an above-the-rim playmaker whose athleticism and contested-catch abilities were all over his tape at TCU.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.15 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Braylon Edwards

Summary:

Quentin Johnston is a big-time downfield playmaker whose physicality, speed and athleticism easily translate to the NFL. He's a high-point-catch machine who can make any young QB's job immeasurably easier because he's such a reliable -- and enormous -- downfield target.

Strengths:

  • Plays above the rim, has high-point-catch ability for days
  • Enormous frame, and an enormous catch radius, with plus athleticism
  • Creates separation at top of route, regularly stacks DBs
  • Thick frame allows him to run through arm tackles on quick screens
  • Can win on vertical routes and intermediate crossing routes with YAC ability
  • Threat on end-arounds
  • Uses body well to shield DB type; will make contested catches look easy at times because of size.
  • Can make defenders miss in short areas, then gets YAC with open-field speed
  • Tracks ball as well as anyone on deep throws; can contort body to make awkward catches

Weaknesses:

  • Can struggle with focus drops at times
  • Needs to be consistently tough going over middle
  • Can improve as a blocker
  • Will need to improve route-running precision at the next level

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 40.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 2 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 60 1069 17.8 6
23 Bryan Bresee
Clemson, Soph
DL
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Bryan Bresee

The Vikings have four defensive tackles on the roster who will be free agents after the '23 season. And while Bresee's tape was uneven in '22, he suffered a family tragedy and was sick for much of the season. And the year before, he suffered an ACL injury. When he's healthy and locked in, Bresee is a special talent whose best football is ahead of him.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.5 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Chris Wormley

Summary:

Bryan Bresee is an interior defender who carries his weight really well and moves well for his size. He has overcome a lot of adversity in his life and playing career, so that should prepare him for the hardships that come with NFL life. Bresee does a good job of stacking blockers while keeping his eyes in the backfield but needs to improve his first-step quickness. An NFL team is likely to take a chance on him earlier than production warrants because of his athletic potential.

Strengths:

  • Natural athlete who moves well for his size
  • Does a good job of stacking blockers and keeping his eyes in the backfield
  • Long arms to dictate action at the point of attack

Weaknesses:

  • Average-to-below-average first-step quickness
  • Would like to see more urgency in his pass-rush plan
  • Limited pass-rush production

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.86 seconds
  • Vertical: 29 inches
  • Bench Press: 22 reps

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
8
24 Darnell Wright OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Darnell Wright

The Jags lost Jawaan Taylor in free agency and while Walker Little would seem to be next man up, the 2021 second-round pick wasn't able to beat out Taylor for the job last August. He fared well in fill-in duty at left tackle late last season but as Jacksonville looks to take the next step, protecting Trevor Lawrence is job No. 1. Wright is a first-round talent all day long and don't be surprised if he's RT1 -- and maybe even one of the first offensive linemen off the board.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.82 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Joe Barksdale

Summary:

Darnell Wright showed improvement from 2021 to 2022 but remains a work in progress. He has a strong upper body that allows him to absorb contact but needs to play with better balance. Lateral quickness and speed to run the arc are concerns, but he has a relentless attitude to finish plays. Wright has long arms to shock and re-direct rushers.

Strengths:

  • Strong upper body that allows him to absorb contact
  • Long arms to shock and re-direct rushers
  • Relentless attitude to finish plays
  • Showed improved handle of inside counters from 2021 to 2022

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Balance is a work in progress
  • Speed to run the arc is a concern

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical: 29 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 6 inches
25 Deonte Banks CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Deonte Banks

Maryland teammate and fellow cornerback Jakorian Bennett got much of the buzz in the fall but Banks put together the type of season that will land him in the first-round conversation. He's a fluid athlete who is also a big, physical corner who can match up with NFL wide receivers.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.97 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Antonio Cromartie

Summary:

Deonte Banks has good length and top-end speed to fulfill a man coverage role in the NFL. He is capable of staying in-phase up the boundary but does not get his eyes back to the ball. Banks is not afraid to be physical, but that can lead to him being too handsy downfield.

Strengths:

  • One missed tackle all of 2022
  • Good top-end speed to stay in-phase up the boundary
  • Great length to play man coverage role

Weaknesses:

  • Handsy in coverage downfield
  • Limited ball production as a result of not getting his eyes back
  • Missed all but two games during the 2022 season due to injury

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.35 seconds
  • Vertical: 42 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 1
26 Luke Musgrave TE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Luke Musgrave

Dalton Schultz signed with the Texans, and now the Cowboys have Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon at tight end, a group that combined for 32 receptions a season ago. Perhaps Dallas feels good about this group; Ferguson was a '22 fourth-rounder, and Hendershot and McKeon were both undrafted free agents. But none were as athletic as Schultz ... and that's where Musgrave comes in. He was getting some late-first/early Day-2 buzz down in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, and while he didn't have a great week, it was certainly easy to see why teams like him. Musgrave missed most of '22 with an injury but he's well built, long, and has the athleticism to consistently separate from both safeties and linebackers. His blocking is a work in progress but he'll be a contributor in the passing game from Day 1.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 84.82 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Dallas Goedert

Summary:

Luke Musgrave is a well-sized, dynamic vertical TE with room to grow into his frame. He doesn't provide much after the catch in terms of wiggle but is plenty athletic enough to get open, particularly on the vertical route tree. He's quick and fast down the field. His blocking leaves a fair amount to be desired, but he has the size and athleticism to mature into a decent blocker in the NFL. For teams looking for serious downfield, seam-stretching juice at the TE position, this is the guy in this class.

Strengths:

  • Looks like an oversized but sleek WR. And plays like one
  • Serious juice to threaten the seam
  • Large catch radius
  • Knack to make the difficult grab, even if he has to contort his body

Weaknesses:

  • Not a majorly agile, YAC type
  • Only played two games in 2022 before suffering season-ending injury
  • Some drops on film on what should've been easy catches
  • Minimal blocking expertise

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.61 seconds
  • Vertical: 36 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
2 11 169 15.4 1
27 Drew Sanders LB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Drew Sanders

Sanders is a former five-star who transferred from Alabama after the 2021 season and all he did was show out for the Razorbacks. He was an edge rusher for the Crimson Tide but he lined up all over the defense for Arkansas and he's been a one-man wrecking crew when he's on the field.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 85.88 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Julian Peterson

Summary:

Drew Sanders is a former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama because he wasn't getting consistent playing time behind Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner. At Arkansas, he was used all over the field as a defensive chess piece. He's a long, rangy rare athlete who has a nose for the football. At the next level, the task will be finding the right fit for Sanders' skillset instead of trying to shoehorn him into a scheme.

Strengths:

  • Has some pass-rush juice as a stand-up 5-technique
  • Can play in space on zone drops in the middle of the field; understands underneath routes and will drive on the ball
  • Wrap-up tackler
  • Can get off blocks in space and bring down ball carrier; tenacious getting to the football
  • Has sideline-to-sideline range
  • Explodes downhill, finds target and tackles with purpose
  • College RBs aren't beating him to the edge; long-strider with speed/acceleration and high-level tackler
  • Has the twitch to cover RBs/TEs in space
  • Has backside track-down ability

Weaknesses:

  • Will need to put on some weight if he's to be used as a situational pass rusher off the edge
  • Needs to expand pass-rush moves; flashes a long-arm and is extremely quick but needs to expand the arsenal of moves
  • Not a pure interior pass rusher though Arkansas used him a lot in that role during the season

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 1
28 Michael Mayer TE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Michael Mayer

The Notre Dame standout told us at the combine that he loves the way Travis Kelce plays the position, and while he may not be quite that athletic, Mayer is already a better blocker. He's also a legit downfield threat who it's easy to imagine quickly becoming another one of Joe Burrow's favorite targets.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.52 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Jason Witten

Summary:

Michael Mayer is a consistent performer who does a great job of making contested catches out of his frame. He lacks top-end athleticism and struggles to create separation as a result. Mayer is solid as a run blocker and in pass protection. He turns upfield quickly but does not have the breakaway speed to churn yards after the catch. Mayer is a bear for a defensive back to bring down in open space.

Strengths:

  • Consistent producer dating back to his freshman season
  • Great size to make contested catches and sustain blocks
  • No wasted movement
  • Blocks with good leverage and drives his feet on contact in the run game
  • Soft hands to snatch passes away from his frame

Weaknesses:

  • Average-to-below average quickness and athleticism
  • Can get off the ball faster
  • Does not create much separation
  • Turns upfield quicky post-catch but does not have breakaway speed

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.7 seconds
  • Vertical: 32.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 10 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 809 12.1 9
29 Keion White DL

White was another player who had a great week at the Senior Bowl, and NFL teams love his size (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) and his motor. He consistently wins at the line of scrimmage and is good against both the run and getting after the quarterback. He may eventually end up going early on Day 2 but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him slip into the first round.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 84.00 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: L.J. Collier

Summary:

Keion White, the former Old Dominion transfer, had a dominant season for Georgia Tech in 2022. Huge by traditional edge rush standards -- he was 6-foot-4, 280 pounds at the Senior Bowl -- White plays with heavy hands, a high motor, and consistently shows the ability to collapse the pocket.

Strengths:

  • Strong as an ox; will consistently push the OT into the QB's lap
  • Not the bendiest in the class but still shows ability to dip around the edge and force QB to step up in pocket
  • Above-average lateral quickness with good burst allows him to run with athletic QBs in space
  • Consistently shows ability to make plays behind LOS in open field
  • Can walk OT back into pocket when he gets too high in pass set
  • Can't block him with TE
  • High-motor player who uses hands well to disengage from OT
  • Tenacious from first snap to last
  • At 280, can line up as traditional edge rusher or in reduced role

Weaknesses:

  • Doesn't have an array of pass-rush moves
  • Turned 24 in January 2022

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 34 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 9 inches
  • Bench Press: 30 reps

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
30 Nolan Smith
Georgia, Sr
EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith missed part of the 2022 season with a pectoral injury but he's is an electric pass rusher when healthy. He's also a freakish athlete -- he ripped off a 4.39 40 at the combine (and was mad about running too slow!). That motor is all over his tape and he'd fill a huge need in Philly.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.10 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Zack Baun

Summary:

Nolan Smith is the latest in a long line of dominant Georgia defenders destined for the early rounds. He's an undersized, quick-twitch athlete who plays much bigger than his size. He has the frame to add weight at the next level, but he'll also need to improve in pass coverage, something he was rarely asked to do for the Bulldogs.

Strengths:

  • Elite change of direction, athleticism, twitchiness and quickness
  • Despite lack of size, shows ability to hold ground vs. offensive tackles; can set the edge vs. the run
  • Plus athlete who can play the flat in coverage
  • Has open-field athleticism to make plays in space
  • Can shoot gaps in zone stretch and be disruptive in backfield
  • Can navigate through trash/down LOS to get to ball carrier, wrap-up tackler
  • Plays much bigger than his size

Weaknesses:

  • Undersized; will struggle to consistently generate pressure vs. bigger/stronger/quicker OT
  • Not asked to do much in coverage
  • Missed part of 2022 season with a pectoral injury

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
  • Vertical: 41.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
8
31 Dawand Jones OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Dawand Jones

The Chiefs lost left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency and signed Jawaan Taylor, the former Jaguars right tackle. The plan is to move Taylor to the left side, which means there's a need on the right, even if Lucas Niang is currently penciled in there on the depth chart. Dawand Jones had a great season and it was hard to overlook just how dominant he was in one day of practice at the Senior Bowl. Yes, his footwork needs some fine-tuning but his huge frame, long arms and enormous wingspan more than make up for what he lacks in quickness. He's block-out-the-sun big, even when standing next to his offensive linemates.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 84.53 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Orlando Brown Jr.

Summary:

Opposing Big Ten defenses were often more concerned with Dawand Jones than his linemate, Paris Johnson Jr., who will be one of the first OTs drafted. Jones only participated in one practice at the Senior Bowl in January, but he was the best player on the field and it may not have been particularly close. If he can control his weight and remain focused on football, he could be a special player because of his size and athleticism.

Strengths:

  • Enormous, even by Power 5 offensive tackle standards (6-8, 375 and 36.5-inch arms)
  • Moves surprisingly well laterally on stretch plays; once he gets hands on defensive ends, it's over
  • Strong hands, powerful punch
  • He's difficult to get around because of size but consistently locks up DEs on stretch runs eliminating them from the play
  • Patient in pass sets, can win by grip strength alone in passpro
  • Strong hands show up consistently on tape in passpro -- can throw DEs to ground
  • Good reset when DE goes from outside speed rush to inside counter

Weaknesses:

  • Can play in space but it's not his strong suit -- looks more lumbering than comfortable at second level; can lock up second-, third-level defenders, but it's not his game
  • Rare but can sometimes get over toes vs. passpro speed rush and lose inside on push-pull
  • Can have his work cut out for him vs. smaller/low center-of-gravity pass-rushers who can duck under him -- but he still shows ability to redirect them with long arms

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.35 seconds
# Team Player Pos
1 C.J. Stroud QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: CJ Stroud

Traded from: CHI

While I still like Anthony Richardson going No. 1 overall more than anything else, it's time to explore a different avenue to observe the ripple effect on the first round. Stroud would also be a fantastic selection for the Panthers here.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 93.75 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Geno Smith

Summary:

C.J. Stroud is a better all-around QB coming out of Ohio State than Justin Fields, and he showed that he has the athleticism to win with his legs in the Georgia game. He will be in the conversation for QB1.

Strengths:

  • Will get through same-side progressions, and ball comes out quickly
  • Proved vs. Georgia that he can win with his legs if he needs to
  • Can throw off-platform with rushers in his face; will drop it in the bucket off-platform
  • Doesn't throw with a lot of anticipation but does throw accurately
  • Understands where hot reads are vs. CB blitz
  • When he's locked in, can drop into the bucket on deep throws; shows good touch to all three levels

Weaknesses:

  • While generally accurate, can miss by small amounts on short throws
  • Tries to get through reads but can hurry through them when pressured, then can panic in clean pocket
  • Won't pull trigger on anticipation throws into tight windows
  • Sometimes late seeing targets come open

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
13 3688 66.3 41 6
2 Bryce Young
Alabama, Jr
QB
2023 NFL Draft Player Prospect Breakdown: Bryce Young

The Texans upgrade the quarterback position in a big way with Young, who has all the improvisational brilliance to succeed in today's NFL. This feels like it's becoming more and more accepted as to where Young will land if he's not the first pick.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 94.30 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Tony Romo

Summary:

Bryce Young is a short, spindly framed passer with a rapid release. He is patient in the pocket and a sudden athlete, allowing him to bounce away from pressure regularly. Creativity as an athlete is borderline elite, although he won't run away from many defenders in the NFL. He looks to create off-structure too often with too many theatrics, and style is a bit frenetic when things break down. Arm strength and deep ball accuracy are good, not great, and he tends to make too many throws from an unbalanced based -- simply because he's a very natural thrower -- that may not have enough juice to get to the intended target in the NFL. He's experienced reading the entire field and clicks through his reads in a hurry. He's very accurate but not absolutely elite, and he's quick to spot open receivers in scramble drill. Noticeably tough, though he did take a lot of sacks in college. He has poise beyond his years.

Strengths:

  • Incredibly poised, chaos doesn't faze him in the pocket
  • Super creative to avoid pressure, and can release the ball from any arm angle or platform
  • Tough as nails, willing to take hits behind the line or in space
  • Anticipatory thrower who also reads the entire field in a hurry

Weaknesses:

  • At times tries to do too much as an improviser
  • Arm talent and speed are good, not outstanding
  • Unprecedented tiny frame and takes plenty of hits

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 3328 64.5 32 5
3 Will Anderson Jr.
Alabama, Jr
EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Will Anderson Jr.

Maybe the Cardinals don't trade down at all, instead giving their young defensive-minded head coach a blue chip edge-rushing prospect in Anderson.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 94.40 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Von Miller

Summary:

A five-star from outside Atlanta, Will Anderson Jr. has been as good as -- and maybe better than -- advertised since arriving in Tuscaloosa. In the last two seasons for the Crimson Tide, he had 98 hurries and 29 sacks, and those numbers underscore how dominant he was, at times. He's the best Alabama defender in the Nick Saban era and possibly the best Alabama defender in school history not named Derrick Thomas.

Strengths:

  • First-step quickness and bend around the edge flashes play after play
  • Surprising power and the ability to win consistently with hands on his way to the QB
  • Comparable to Von Miller in size and twitch; both are around 6-3, 245, which is undersized by NFL edge rusher standards, but they play much bigger than that
  • Great teammate, even better person

Weaknesses:

  • Made some business decisions in 2022, though it's hard to blame him -- he still played through Alabama's bowl game
  • Can sometimes whiff on arm tackles in space
  • Sometimes there doesn't have to be something wrong with a player -- with Anderson it feels like you're searching for issues that don't really exist

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.6 seconds

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 1
4 Anthony Richardson
Florida, Soph
QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Anthony Richardson

Glorious development for the Colts. They don't have to move up to land Richardson and get a big, ultra-athletic quarterback for Shane Steichen.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.52 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Cam Newton

Summary:

Anthony Richardson has off-the-charts athleticism both in the pocket and outside of it, but he is so incredibly raw that he has a long ways to go to be a starting NFL quarterback. He will leave the pocket too early and too often miss open reads to attempt more difficult throws, but when he's locked in he has the potential to be a franchise-altering talent.

Strengths:

  • Big-bodied athlete who is a threat in the run game
  • Elusive in the open field despite his size; incredibly quick lateral movements to shake defenders in small area*
  • Next-level athleticism for QB in pocket
  • Smooth, ball explodes out of hand and gets on WR in a hurry, accurately
  • Rhythm thrower when he sees coverage
  • Will leave pocket early at times but incredibly elusive inside pocket; ability to buy time with movements and then find open target downfield*
  • Consistently quick release, puts ball on WR's face on quick throws/screens/rollouts
  • Strong arm allows him to make off-platform/off-balance throws almost look easy at times
  • Will look off DB, get through read and rip seam throw on time, on the face.
  • Consistently keeps eyes downfield when outside the pocket

Weaknesses:

  • Can get antsy in pocket when there is no real pressure; needs to do a better job of standing tall
  • Will sometimes drift into pressure on drop
  • Footwork will need to be tightened up at the next level
  • Doesn't consistently throw with anticipation
  • Doesn't happen often but will sometimes try to play hero ball outside pocket; leads to turnover chances for the defense
  • Can also be slow at times to get to second read, leading to turnover opportunities for the defense
  • Will struggle at times to layer throws

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
  • Vertical: 40.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
12 2549 53.8 17 9
5 Tyree Wilson EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Tyree Wilson

The Seahawks landed stud interior pass-rusher Dre'Mont Jones in free agency and pair him with the long, bendy, athletic edge-rusher Wilson at No. 5 overall.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.27 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Matthew Judon

Summary:

Tyree Wilson is a length and strength edge-rusher with a tall, angular frame. His patented straight-arm is effective. He is smoother than he is dynamic, although he's not slow off the line. Chips don't faze him, and he battles through contact like it's nothing. He works hard against the run on a consistent basis. At times, he gets stuck to blocks, and while his hand work isn't super polished, he constantly works. Leverage isn't great because he's tall, but there's plenty of power to his game. Quality bend to his game, but it's a not a true specialty, and he has limited ability to dip. He has experience inside and was effective there. Overall, he's a long, high-motor, decently refined three-down EDGE with some suddenness limitations but big-time ability.

Strengths:

  • Tall, sleek frame; seriously intimidating on the edge
  • Super-long and utilizes his length to his advantage as a rusher
  • Balance is good, chips don't knock him off his spot often
  • Hard-worker against the run
  • Motor hums all game

Weaknesses:

  • Can get stuck to blocks without the ability to quickly counter
  • Because he's so tall, his center of gravity is high, which leaves him susceptible to squattier blockers who can get under him and control him
  • Dipping around the corner far from a forte

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10
6 Will Levis
Kentucky, SrMOCK TRADE from DET
QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Will Levis

Mock Trade from: DET

The Commanders see a Levis fall materializing and trade with the Lions. Current Washington GM Martin Mayhew was the Lions GM from 2008 to 2015.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.58 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Wyoming Josh Allen

Summary:

Will Levis is a tall quarterback with good mass to take on contact. The Penn State transfer has good mobility and does not shy away from contact. Levis has elite arm strength but often gets stuck on his first read and does not complete full-field progressions. Talent evaluators will have to determine how much of his struggles were related to a weak supporting cast, injury, etc., and what is fixable. He is an intelligent player who will compete through injury.

Strengths:

  • Great mobility relative to his size
  • Elite arm strength
  • Great size for the position
  • Exposure to a pro-style offense
  • Tough, will play through injury

Weaknesses:

  • Battled injury through the 2022 season
  • Gets stuck on his first read occasionally
  • Subpar production as a senior, did not elevate his team
  • Needs to get through full-field reads quicker

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 34 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 4 inches

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
11 2406 65.4 19 10
7 Christian Gonzalez
Oregon, Soph
CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Christian Gonzalez

The Raiders still have to add pieces to the secondary and Gonzalez has the length, burst and speed to be the first corner off the board.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.13 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Summary:

Christian Gonzalez has great length and good top-end speed to be a man coverage cornerback in the NFL. He can improve as a press man coverage cornerback by landing his jams more consistently. Despite improved ball production, Gonzalez can do a better job of getting his head back to the ball and breaking down his feet to tackle in space.

Strengths:

  • Great length
  • Does an excellent job of using the sideline as an extra defender
  • Flips his hips and gets up to speed quickly
  • Good timed speed

Weaknesses:

  • Improved ball production in 2022, but needs to get eyes back to the ball more consistently
  • Inconsistent landing jams in press man coverage
  • Can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a balanced tackle

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
  • Vertical: 41.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 1 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 4
8 Devon Witherspoon CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Devon Witherspoon

Witherspoon is ultra feisty at the line and plays the ball fantastically in the air. The Falcons have to tighten things up in their defensive backfield.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.90 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Marcus Peters

Summary:

Devon Witherspoon is neither the biggest nor the twitchiest prospect at his position. However, he makes up for it with his preparation and anticipation. Witherspoon is a great leader and a fiery competitor who is willing to play downhill and tackle in the flat.

Strengths:

  • Elite competitor, fiery personality
  • Will play downhill and attack the flat
  • Competitve at the catch point
  • High football IQ
  • Will jam and stab to re-route wide receivers

Weaknesses:

  • Needs to pack more weight on his 6-foot frame
  • Average top-end and recovery speed
  • Plays through the wide receiver's back too often

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
11 3
9 Lukas Van Ness
Iowa, Soph
EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Lukas Van Ness

Traded from: ARI

Van Ness is a young, long and athletic outside pass rusher with plenty of size. Perfect addition to the Bears defense.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.22 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Jaelan Phillips

Summary:

Long, dynamic pass-rusher with advanced game. He loves the two-arm bench press and is very effective with it because of his burst, sheer power, and length to keep blockers off his frame. He counters off that patented start to his rushes with arm over, inside crossover, and rip move to the outside. He's very polished with his hand work and can win with first-step quickness and sustained speed to the football. He often squeezed through gaps with athleticism alone. He has to get stronger, and he's not overly twitchy. When utilized inside, his length presents problems for blockers. He's a big-time prospect.

Strengths:

  • Long with athletic physical profile
  • Bench press is good, and routinely counters off it
  • Can win on the interior with first-step quickness

Weaknesses:

  • Bend is lacking
  • At times spends too much time grappling with blockers
  • Wasn't a full-time player in 2022

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds
  • Vertical: 31 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 4.32 seconds
  • Bench Press: 17 reps

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13
10 Jalen Carter
Georgia, Jr
DL
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Jalen Carter

This isn't a massive need for the Eagles -- or one at all. But with Carter's teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean already on the roster, they could feel more comfortable with picking Carter at the tail end of the top 10.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 94.23 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Jeffery Simmons

Summary:

Jalen Carter has elite quickness for a player of his size. His value increases as a result of a shortage of pass rush-capable interior defenders. A relatively young prospect, Carter has had limited pass-rush production and is still developing in that area. The Georgia defense has primarily relied on the athleticism of its players to run games and create chaos. He has great strength to play the run.

Strengths:

  • Uses strength and leverage to gain ground
  • Great quickness to attack gaps
  • Plays with great balance

Weaknesses:

  • Limited pass-rush production
  • Plays too high at times
  • Displays a variety of pass-rush moves but needs to string them together for a refined pass-rush plan

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
11 Broderick Jones
Georgia, Soph
OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Broderick Jones

Jones is super strong and athletic with his best football in front of him. After his combine workout, he probably solidified himself as OT1 in this class.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.85 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Ikem Ekwonu

Summary:

Broderick Jones is a young, but physically gifted offensive tackle with great strength and good quickness. His technique has improved from 2021, but he needs to continue on that path. NFL opponents have more play strength, so Jones will not be able to solely rely on his natural strength.

Strengths:

  • Gets out of his stance quickly
  • Great natural strength
  • Good lateral agility
  • Good size for the tackle position

Weaknesses:

  • Relies too much on natural strength, needs to drop his hips more against bull rush
  • Inconsistent footwork when engaged
  • Has improved hand fighting when engaged from 2021 but can continue that growth

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.97 seconds
  • Vertical: 30 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet
12 Nolan Smith
Georgia, Sr
EDGE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Nolan Smith

The Texans go with Smith here because of the immense upside he possesses due to his ridiculous athletic profile.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.10 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Zack Baun

Summary:

Nolan Smith is the latest in a long line of dominant Georgia defenders destined for the early rounds. He's an undersized, quick-twitch athlete who plays much bigger than his size. He has the frame to add weight at the next level, but he'll also need to improve in pass coverage, something he was rarely asked to do for the Bulldogs.

Strengths:

  • Elite change of direction, athleticism, twitchiness and quickness
  • Despite lack of size, shows ability to hold ground vs. offensive tackles; can set the edge vs. the run
  • Plus athlete who can play the flat in coverage
  • Has open-field athleticism to make plays in space
  • Can shoot gaps in zone stretch and be disruptive in backfield
  • Can navigate through trash/down LOS to get to ball carrier, wrap-up tackler
  • Plays much bigger than his size

Weaknesses:

  • Undersized; will struggle to consistently generate pressure vs. bigger/stronger/quicker OT
  • Not asked to do much in coverage
  • Missed part of 2022 season with a pectoral injury

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
  • Vertical: 41.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 8 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
8
13 Paris Johnson Jr.
Ohio State, JrMOCK TRADE from NYJ
OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Paris Johnson Jr.

Mock Trade from: NYJ

Kincaid can instantly connect with Jordan Love as a trusty, YAC specialist over the middle.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.63 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Andrus Peat

Summary:

Paris Johnson Jr. is a consistently good run blocker when he doesn't get too upright, and he uses leverage well. His passpro needs refinement, and his footwork can be sloppy at times. He does offer position flexibility on game days -- he was the Buckeyes' starting right guard in 2021 before moving to left tackle for the 2022 season. He's one of the best offensive linemen in this draft class.

Strengths:

  • Will sit in passpro set with good anchor, staying in-balance
  • Ability to re-anchor but sometimes struggles against strong, edge rushers who play with a low center of gravity
  • Plus athlete. but it's important to remember that he is still raw
  • Moves well laterally, can get out in space
  • Quick feet; when he's in balance it allows him to mirror well
  • Consistently shows ability to sustain run blocks and if the opportunity presents itself, will pancake the defensive end into the turf
  • When feet and hands are in concert, he can stonewall pass rushers

Weaknesses:

Can sometimes get too high in pass sets and lose leverage

  • Can be susceptible to long-arm, particularly since he has tendency to play more upright
  • Sometimes will overset and get beaten by inside pass rush move, then has to rely on athleticism to make up for it
  • Extremely raw, relying on athleticism to win; will need to become a technician to be trusted at LT in NFL

Combine Results:

  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
  • Bench Press: 29 reps
14 Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Patriots have to get more dynamic at receiver and Smith-Njigba is exactly that type of wideout, particularly in space. Bill Belichick will love his short-area quickness and how well he tested in the agility drills at the combine.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 87.17 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Christian Kirk

Summary:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a smaller, spindly WR with quality fluidity on the field. He's not an elite athlete and doesn't have much power through contact in his routes or after the catch. He creates space with some wiggle and how quicky he flips into top gear once the ball is in his hands. He glides around the field and away from defenders. He also had a knack for reeling in the difficult grab but is not a high-leaping, contested-catch monster; more of a tremendous ball-tracker. He has savvy YAC skills, deceptive speed, and ultra-reliable hands to be a big-time playmaker in the NFL despite not possessing supreme athletic gifts.

Strengths:

  • Savvy YAC specialty
  • Glides around the field
  • Uncanny ability to flip it into top gear in an instant
  • Ball-tracking downfield is elite

Weaknesses:

  • Not a supreme athlete
  • Spindly frame likely destined for a slot-only role in NFL
  • Lacks length and power

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 6.57 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 3.93 seconds

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
3 5 43 8.6 0
15 Peter Skoronski OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Peter Skoronski

Skoronski's likely positional versatility at the next level makes him a priority for the Packers, who like to move their blockers all around the line.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.1 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Jonah Williams

Summary:

Peter Skoronski is a pass-blocking specialist with an athletic skill set. He needs to add more weight and power to his lower half. He works hard to anchor. He's noticeably more effective as a pass-blocker than a run-blocker. He has plus recovery skill, big-time grip strength, and knows how to reset his hands in pass pro. At times, his hands are late, and that's when he loses, although he rarely lost on passing plays in college. Overall, he's a decently high-floor, high-upside tackle.

Strengths:

  • Balance and overall pass-pro talent stand out
  • Awesome ability to recover when beaten
  • Very athletic, smooth movements in all areas
  • Outstanding production across multiple seasons

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks normal franchise tackle length
  • Somewhat susceptible to swims
  • Not a dominant run blocker today

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.16 seconds
  • Vertical: 34.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 7 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.8 seconds
  • Bench Press: 30 reps
16 Quentin Johnston
TCU, JrMOCK TRADE from WAS
WR
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Quentin Johnston

Mock Trade from: WAS

The Lions get their outside, go-up-and-get-it receiver after a trade back and net Washington's third-round pick (No. 97) plus a 2024 first-round selection in the move. Win!

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.15 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Braylon Edwards

Summary:

Quentin Johnston is a big-time downfield playmaker whose physicality, speed and athleticism easily translate to the NFL. He's a high-point-catch machine who can make any young QB's job immeasurably easier because he's such a reliable -- and enormous -- downfield target.

Strengths:

  • Plays above the rim, has high-point-catch ability for days
  • Enormous frame, and an enormous catch radius, with plus athleticism
  • Creates separation at top of route, regularly stacks DBs
  • Thick frame allows him to run through arm tackles on quick screens
  • Can win on vertical routes and intermediate crossing routes with YAC ability
  • Threat on end-arounds
  • Uses body well to shield DB type; will make contested catches look easy at times because of size.
  • Can make defenders miss in short areas, then gets YAC with open-field speed
  • Tracks ball as well as anyone on deep throws; can contort body to make awkward catches

Weaknesses:

  • Can struggle with focus drops at times
  • Needs to be consistently tough going over middle
  • Can improve as a blocker
  • Will need to improve route-running precision at the next level

Combine Results:

  • Vertical: 40.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 2 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
13 60 1069 17.8 6
17 Calijah Kancey DL

Kancey is the Javon Hargrave replacement the Steelers have missed for the past few seasons.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.15 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Aaron Donald

Summary:

Calijah Kancey is a short, undersized, electric upfield rusher. If he has any space, look out. He's ultra twitchy and Can sustain speed once he's in the backfield. His arm over, swipe, and rip are locked and loaded in the pass-rush move arsenal. He can lean on first-step eruption to win against half a blocker. At times, his style takes him out of a play and can even open a big rushing lane. Losses are mostly to bigger maulers and can be ugly. He constantly battles. Even if he loses initially, he'll fight to make the most of the rep. Length is a clear issue, but his Power is deceptive because of a low center of gravity. Counters are super-quick. For teams looking for a pure one-gap penetrator and is not too concerned with size deficiency, this is the premier prospect to target in this class.

Strengths:

  • Exemplifies explosiveness
  • Loaded pass-rush move arsenal
  • Motor is revving every play
  • Battles against bigger blockers
  • Loads of productivity in college

Weaknesses:

  • Size and especially length are major deficiencies
  • At times his ultra-aggressive style takes him out of a play
  • Losses in the run game can be ugly

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.67 seconds

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
11
18 Bijan Robinson
Texas, Jr
RB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Bijan Robinson

The Lions are the club that snags Robinson in Round 1, and they can accentuate his early prime years with the awesome blocking unit they have in Detroit.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 91.63 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Saquon Barkley

Summary:

Bijan Robinson is a well-rounded running back with ideal size to be an every-down contributor in the NFL. He excels as a runner, pass-catcher and blocker but has received the lion's share of touches in Austin over the past two seasons.

Strengths:

  • Does a good job of breaking his feet down in space and re-directing
  • Great size to be an every-down back
  • Good pass-catcher
  • Good top-end speed
  • Holds up well in pass protection

Weaknesses:

  • Has averaged 226.5 carries each of the past two seasons
  • Short-yardage situations
  • Running with power

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical: 37 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 4 inches

2022 College Stats

GP ATT YDS AVG TDS
12 258 1580 6.1 18
19 Darnell Wright OT
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Darnell Wright

With this selection, the Buccaneers can flip Tristan Wirfs to left tackle and stay very good at the right tackle spot with the strong and advanced Wright.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.82 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Joe Barksdale

Summary:

Darnell Wright showed improvement from 2021 to 2022 but remains a work in progress. He has a strong upper body that allows him to absorb contact but needs to play with better balance. Lateral quickness and speed to run the arc are concerns, but he has a relentless attitude to finish plays. Wright has long arms to shock and re-direct rushers.

Strengths:

  • Strong upper body that allows him to absorb contact
  • Long arms to shock and re-direct rushers
  • Relentless attitude to finish plays
  • Showed improved handle of inside counters from 2021 to 2022

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average job of adjusting his hands when engaged
  • Balance is a work in progress
  • Speed to run the arc is a concern

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.01 seconds
  • Vertical: 29 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 6 inches
20 Zay Flowers WR
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Zay Flowers

How about a Tyler Lockett-type wideout to learn from ... Tyler Lockett in Seattle?

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 85.52 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Elijah Moore

Summary:

Zay Flowers is short but not small, twitched-up inside and out wideout. His short-area explosiveness is special, and it doesn't take long for him to reach top speed. He runs super-sharp, no-nonsense routes. He has a tiny catch radius but fights in every contested-catch situation. He has lateral quicks and tenacity to work through press coverage with good regularity, and his athleticism allows him to be weapon after the catch. He has adequate power to his game due to a thicker lower half and shows sheer will through contact. He doesn't have the most reliable hands, but drops aren't concerning issue. He has great speed. He was held back production-wise by blah QB play. Height will hinder him at times, but he's a pro-ready wideout made for the modern-day game.

Strengths:

  • Super-twitched up
  • Gets to top gear in a flash
  • Awesome route runner
  • Supreme YAC skills
  • Plays bigger than his size

Weaknesses:

  • Short with tiny frame
  • Little catch radius
  • Some easy drops on film

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
  • Vertical: 35.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 7 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 78 1077 13.8 12
21 Deonte Banks CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Deonte Banks

The Chargers add a long, springy, ultra-athletic cornerback to the secondary in Banks. Good value here, too.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 86.97 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Antonio Cromartie

Summary:

Deonte Banks has good length and top-end speed to fulfill a man coverage role in the NFL. He is capable of staying in-phase up the boundary but does not get his eyes back to the ball. Banks is not afraid to be physical, but that can lead to him being too handsy downfield.

Strengths:

  • One missed tackle all of 2022
  • Good top-end speed to stay in-phase up the boundary
  • Great length to play man coverage role

Weaknesses:

  • Handsy in coverage downfield
  • Limited ball production as a result of not getting his eyes back
  • Missed all but two games during the 2022 season due to injury

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.35 seconds
  • Vertical: 42 inches
  • Broad Jump: 11 feet, 4 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12 1
22 Joey Porter Jr. CB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Joey Porter Jr.

Porter's length and man-coverage capabilities are too tantalizing for the Ravens to pass on the Penn State product at this juncture of Round 1.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.93 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Dre Kirkpatrick

Summary:

The son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter is a competitive, man-coverage cornerback with great length. Despite his limited ball production, Porter does a good job of staying in-phase up the boundary and is physical at the catch point.

Strengths:

  • Very competitive
  • Great length to play on the boundary
  • Does a good job staying in-phase up the boundary
  • Competitive at the catch point

Weaknesses:

  • Just one interception in four seasons
  • Tackling in space needs to improve
  • Physical with wide receivers downfield, which could result in penalties

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
10
23 Hendon Hooker QB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Hendon Hooker

The Vikings have other needs, but instead of hoping to bottom out or attempt to a glut of extra picks to move up in next year's draft to pick a quarterback, they pick Hooker and get him with the fifth-year option.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 80.30 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Geno Smith

Summary:

Hendon Hooker is an older QB prospect who rose to the occasion at Tennessee after transferring there. He has good arm talent overall. He operatedly efficiently in a vertical-based passing offense and throws with great downfield touch. He has a spindly frame but is a quality athlete, although he won't elude many NFL defenders. Still, he has deceptive speed. He gets through his reads quickly and is developed moving inside the pocket.

Strengths:

  • Pushes the ball vertically with ease
  • Gets through progressions like a veteran
  • Athletic twitch to his game
  • Deceptively fast when he's in the open field
  • Loads of experience

Weaknesses:

  • Older prospect
  • Coming off torn ACL late in the season
  • Operated in a wide-open offense in 2022 with loads of talent
  • Accuracy is good, not surgical
  • Athleticism isn't a liability, yet not a major weapon as a runner

2022 College Stats

GP PYDS PCT TDS INT
11 3135 69.6 27 2
24 Adetomiwa Adebawore DL

More supreme athleticism up front for the Jaguars with Adebawore, who ran 4.49 at 282 pounds in Indianapolis. He can win as an edge rusher or inside.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 80.68 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Osa Odighizuwa

Summary:

Adetomiwa Adebawore is a compact, hyper-twitchy inside-out rusher. Most likely he'll predominantly be deployed as a defensive tackle in the NFL. He will beat many interior blockers with first-step quickness and sustained speed to the football; his explosiveness is that good. He has good, not spectacular hand work and his motor runs very hot. He gets washed out against the run more than you'd like, and he's not overly powerful right now. although there are some jolting pops to his game on film. He could get some edge-rusher reps in the pros, but has major upside as an inside pass-rushing specialist in the NFL.

Strengths:

  • Unique size/length combination
  • Big-time explosiveness and twitch
  • Developed pass-rush move arsenal, knows how to attack blockers with his hands
  • Won on the edge and inside in college

Weaknesses:

  • Not a bendy, flexible type
  • Lighter weight hurts him against the run

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.49 seconds
  • Vertical: 37.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
  • Bench Press: 27 reps

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
12
25 Joe Tippmann IOL

The Giants are figuratively thin on the interior of their offensive line, and Tippmann is a highly athletic blocker from Wisconsin with big-time upside.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 73.51 (Chance to start)

Pro Comparison: Mitch Morse

Summary:

Wisconsin has been a factory for producing NFL offensive linemen, and Joe Tippmann is hoping to state his claim as the next. He is more of a power/gap scheme blocker who needs to do a better job of moving his feet when engaed. Tippman spends a lot of time on the ground but does have active eyes and does a great job of absorbing contact.

Strengths:

  • Does a great job of absorbing contact
  • Does a good job of working angles and sealing run lanes
  • Active eyes to pick up blitzes

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average later agility
  • Spends a lot of time on the ground
  • Needs to do a better job of moving his feet to stay engaged
26 Darnell Washington
Georgia, Jr
TE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Darnell Washington

Washington is a sixth offensive lineman every time he's on the field and has monster upside as a receiver at this size and with his athleticism.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 83.62 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Marcedes Lewis

Summary:

Darnell Washington is a jumbo tight end who excels as an in-line blocker and a chain mover. His size and catch radius make him a difficult matchup in contested situations, but his production has been limited. His value lies with his ability to block on the edge, and that could make him more enticing to a team that runs more outside zone.

Strengths:

  • Sheer size makes him an additional in-line blocker
  • Big, strong hands to make contested catches
  • Improved as a blocker
  • Wide range to make receptions

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average explosion
  • Limited production as a pass-catcher
  • Tracking the ball downfield

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
  • Vertical: 31 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 2 inches
  • Shuttle Run: 4.08 seconds
  • Bench Press: 21 reps

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
15 28 454 16.2 2
27 Jack Campbell
Iowa, Sr
LB

Campbell has Tremaine Edmunds size and awesome coverage chops. Immediate Edmunds replacement for Buffalo.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 75.90 (Chance to start)

Pro Comparison: Logan Wilson

Summary:

Jack Campbell is a smart, savvy LB who IDs plays in an instant. He stays square to the line so that he's not susceptible to cutback lanes. He is solid defeating blocks. He has limited athleticism. He has no major twitch or explosiveness to the football. He has impressive sinking/flipping his hips in coverage. He has an outstanding feel of route concepts that will occur behind him and will make plays on the football at the intermediate level. His huge, lengthy frame makes him more rangy than athleticism indicates. Sure tackler. Speed/athleticism will limit his ceiling in the NFL, but this is an ultra-experienced, ready-to-go three-down LB.

Strengths:

  • Savvy and technically sound
  • Stays square to the line to avoid cutback lane susceptibility
  • Block-shedding game is good
  • Plenty of ball production in college
  • Coverage feel and instincts are awesome
  • Size and length for days

Weaknesses:

  • Average-to-slightly-above-average athlete, not much twitch or explosion to his game
  • Overall speed to the football is lacking
  • Not as efficient of a blitzer as his size would indicate

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
  • Vertical: 37.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 8 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 6.74 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 4.24 seconds

2022 College Stats

GP TKL SACKS INT
13 2
28 Michael Mayer TE
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Michael Mayer

Another well-rounded weapon for Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. Targeting this position early came into focus after the loss of Hayden Hurst in free agency.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 89.52 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Jason Witten

Summary:

Michael Mayer is a consistent performer who does a great job of making contested catches out of his frame. He lacks top-end athleticism and struggles to create separation as a result. Mayer is solid as a run blocker and in pass protection. He turns upfield quickly but does not have the breakaway speed to churn yards after the catch. Mayer is a bear for a defensive back to bring down in open space.

Strengths:

  • Consistent producer dating back to his freshman season
  • Great size to make contested catches and sustain blocks
  • No wasted movement
  • Blocks with good leverage and drives his feet on contact in the run game
  • Soft hands to snatch passes away from his frame

Weaknesses:

  • Average-to-below average quickness and athleticism
  • Can get off the ball faster
  • Does not create much separation
  • Turns upfield quicky post-catch but does not have breakaway speed

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.7 seconds
  • Vertical: 32.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9 feet, 10 inches

2022 College Stats

GP REC YDS AVG TDS
12 67 809 12.1 9
29 Jahmyr Gibbs
Alabama, Jr
RB
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs has Alvin Kamara-like explosiveness and receiving capabilities, and while maybe not the best allocation of a first-round draft pick from a long-term perspective, it helps the Saints offense right now.

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 90.88 (All-Pro)

Pro Comparison: Christian McCaffrey

Summary:

Jahmyr Gibbs does not have the weight to hold up in pass protection, and receiving a featured back's workload is a concern. He is an elite pass-catcher who gets up to speed and changes directions quickly. The Georgia Tech transfer best fits in a scheme that utilizes its running backs in the pass game.

Strengths:

  • Elite pass-catcher
  • Gets up to speed quickly
  • Great top-end speed
  • Plays with good balance and is willing to fight through contact
  • Shifty player who can re-direct quickly

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average mass for short-yardage situations
  • Does not have the mass to wear defenses down
  • Willing blocker but giving up a lot of mass in pass protection

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.36 seconds
  • Vertical: 33.5 inches

2022 College Stats

GP ATT YDS AVG TDS
12 151 926 6.1 7
30 Brian Branch
Alabama, Jr
S