DRAFT TRACKER 2023

Orji plays a frenetic brand of football that helps get him to the football but also creates consistency issues. When the ball is snapped, he’s in attack mode whether he’s a run blitzer or an urgent linebacker. He makes up for what he lacks in timed speed with aggressive angles and an ability to slip climbing blocks to meet the ball-carrier near the line. He sees too many tackles slip from his grasp, but he’s also going to be in position to sniff a tackle when other linebackers are stuck to blocks. The traits, instincts and coverage are below average, but his play demeanor and special teams potential could give a chance to find a home.

Space-eating nose tackle for consideration in both odd and even fronts. Martin’s size and length will be coveted by NFL teams, but his impact on games can be blunted at times due to a lack of leverage to hold his anchor. If he can play with a little better bend and quicker hands, he has the awareness and ability to handle two-gapping duties. He can take on double teams with better technique and more work. Martin’s traits and talent create Day 3 draft value as a rotational interior lineman.

Energy-driven hybrid player who will need to make a full-time conversion to a 4-3 linebacker role. Graham plays faster than he’s likely to test thanks to his football instincts and desire to get to where the ball is going. He needs to get a little bigger and improve his technique when fitting the run, but he’s very willing to take on blocks and play with the aggression needed for the position. He’s limited in man coverage, but he’s an instinctive ballhawk when dropping into zone. Graham has the potential to compete as a backup Will linebacker and has upside still left to mine.

Lewan’s measurables, athletic testing and flashes on tape should earn him consideration from NFL teams. He’s a former tight end who has packed on close to 60 pounds at Illinois State, but he still displays good athleticism and movement. He’s tough enough to play in an odd front but needs to be more proactive to establish advantages. Stat scouting won’t offer enough insight into his pass rush potential, with power and athleticism both coming into play. Lewan might go undrafted, but he has the makeup to become an NFL backup.

Manning’s athletic limitations will be frowned upon by some teams, but he’s huge, long and powerful. Even without the knee bend and lateral quickness, he can still do enough for consideration as a backup guard. He will need to play in a downhill scheme full of gap plays and inside zone. His reps could be hit or miss, but his power is obvious when he connects and runs his feet. He lacks range but can swallow bull rushers without much concern. Manning might be a late-round or undrafted consideration, but players with his traits tend to find their way onto rosters.

Diaby plays with strong hands and clear eyes at the point of attack. He can strike and separate as a two-gapping five-technique or pursue and tackle as a 4-3 base end. He’s a power rusher lacking an instinctive approach to beat better NFL tackles, but his lateral quickness and short-area burst make Diaby perfect for a twisting/gaming front. His frame and skill set could attract attention as an odd- or even-front end with his ceiling being defined by how much he’s able to improve his creativity as a rusher.

Aggressive down safety with above-average cover traits but below-average instincts and consistency in run support. Hill is an equal opportunity hitter regardless of position or size of the opponent, but he needs to balance forceful striking with more wrap-up tackling. He is twitchy and plays with closing speed, which might make him a better fit for man coverage than zone, where he struggles to play with awareness and discipline. Hill has the demeanor and skill level to compete for a backup spot and should find special teams snaps early in his NFL career.

Taylor offers well-defined strengths and obvious areas of concern that should allow for teams to deploy him in the best manner possible if they are honest in their assessments. He boasts an NFL frame and is a powerful tackler who can stop rushers and pass-catchers in their tracks. Though his speed and agility are below par, he’s highly instinctive and possesses the skills to make plays on the ball as a deep safety. Figuring out when to play him low and when to play him high will be the challenge for defensive coordinators, but even as a backup, he brings four-phase special teams talent to the table immediately.

Move-blocking guard whose athleticism doesn’t guarantee consistent body control or balance in his play. Gaines is highly intelligent with a clear understanding of his duties on every snap. His hand placement can be a little sloppy, which diminishes his block sustain in the run game. While Gaines moves well as a run blocker, he struggles to stay under control and in front of opponents while mirroring. Gaines has the mental makeup coaches will like, but he needs to upgrade his protection technique and improve his core strength. He has backup guard/center potential.

Tight end prospect who plays his position with the physicality teams will be looking for. Hill has average hands and short-area quickness. He can catch through contact, but he will drop some very catchable ones. He can play in the slot or attached as a wing. He comes off the ball ready to hit and drive until the whistle sounds. Hill’s athletic testing and willingness as a blocker help his chances of making a team.

Clark is small but fast. He plays with twitchy feet and a competitive demeanor when challenging the throw. He’s capable of stalking short and intermediate routes with a feel for the passing lane, but his lack of size and length shows up down the field. While the ball skills and athletic traits work in his favor, trouble with run support and big slot targets could be difficult obstacles to overcome in the NFL.

Power back with bruising frame who fits the football cliche of “tough, smart and dependable.” Johnson isn’t overly creative and lacks the juice to hit quick-closing NFL holes. He needs it blocked up so he can get downhill and uncork his power on the second level. While his lack of suddenness makes him somewhat limited as a runner, he will be better at stuffing blitzers than many of the No. 3 backs currently in the league. Johnson might be fighting off competition every year in camp, but his toughness and four-phase special teams value could give him an advantage.

Mullen comes from NFL bloodlines, which shows in his athletic ability and talent as a cover man. He was out of position as a perimeter cornerback and should fit in nicely with a move to the slot. He has quick feet and smooth hips to shade the route, but he needs to play with better discipline to prevent early hip commitment that receivers can use against him. Mullen is very tough as a run defender and takes excellent angles to the action on the move. His lack of length could hurt him in the draft, but he has the talent to play the pro game.

Fehoko’s body type will require teams to decide whether they want him to play base end in a 4-3 defense or ask him to add weight so they can use him as a hybrid end/tackle in a 3-4. He plays with a nose for the football and a chippy attitude. He’s been productive in both phases over the last two seasons, but we will see if that translates against better competition. While he’s not as anchor-based as teams might like due to his lack of leverage, he has a nasty spin counter that could be effective as a sub-package rusher. He’s strong, tough and active with the talent to become an NFL backup.

The highly competitive Luther showed off his vertical chops on a regular basis at Wofford and Gardner-Webb. He possesses NFL-caliber athleticism and ball skills to develop. He can overwhelm opponents with his speed but might not have the skill set to beat NFL press coverage at this time. He’s fluid getting through route breaks but will need to expand his tree as a pro. Luther has a chance to be drafted on Day 3.

Power punter able to flip the field with his great, big leg. He's currently more like a power pitcher who can hit a high number on the radar gun but is unable to control where it goes. He has the talent to kick on the next level but might need to dial it back and kick with better hang-time and short-field touch to truly impress NFL teams.

Slot receiver with adequate size who finds ways to get open thanks to tempo variance over route acumen. Moreno-Cropper’s ball skills shine when he’s elevating and making adjustments mid-flight, but he struggles when attempting to play through contact and make contested catches. His versatility to throw, run jet sweeps and operate outside of the norm for his position could be intriguing for creative play-callers and teams looking to add competition at receiver on Day 3.

Jones is a ball-hawking cornerback with the short-area quickness to be a factor in zone coverage. While he can press and play forms of man coverage, he’s much more effective in zone, where he allows his instincts to guide him. Jones’ ball skills come naturally and should follow him to the next level provided he can handle the step up in competition and finds a quality scheme fit.

Merriweather has the size and toughness of an NFL safety but needs to improve his consistency to finish tackles near the box. He could struggle to keep up with wide receivers who get matched with him in space. He might have the tools necessary to cover tight ends, but he could be at his best playing short zone as a dime safety. Overall, Merriweather has physical traits that give him a chance to find a home as a backup safety.

McIntosh is best suited for a complementary role that allows him to explore the flanks of the offense instead of trying to pound and create between the tackles. He lacks the vision to recognize and exploit opportunities quickly and the elusiveness to dart in and out of developing run lanes. He’s more than capable of finding big runs over the tackles and becomes a more physical finisher as the run progresses. McIntosh has excellent hands and the potential to mismatch coverages when isolated out of the backfield. He could become a RB2 with full-time third-down reps.

Durable and dependable, Gouraige has logged 42 career starts splitting time between tackle and guard. While he has started at left tackle over the last two seasons, teams might be more inclined to bump him inside due to a lack of desired length. He’s instinctive and plays with sound technique, but he could struggle when matched with size and power across from him. Gouraige’s pass protection experience at tackle should benefit him, but athletic limitations might ultimately cap his draft value and career ceiling.

Two-year starter at left tackle for a unit that won consecutive Joe Moore Awards (best offensive line in college football). He’s tall and plays with good technique and strong hands, but Hayes is missing functional length as a tackle. He tough at the point of attack and gets into space with athletic movements but he plays with a slightly elevated pad level that could slow a transition inside to guard. He’s solid in pass protection, but he plays with an average anchor and might not have the range to keep speed rushers from tormenting the pocket. He could become an average player at tackle or guard in the pros.

Kuntz is expected to light up the NFL Scouting Combine with his speed and athleticism, but he’s not as fluid on tape as you might expect. He needs to keep filling out his extremely long frame, as he plays more like a big receiver than a tight end. His hands are subpar and he’s not strong enough to outwork grabby coverage or win contested catches right now. A team could view him as a Day 3 pick and stash him on the practice squad while he continues to develop.

Johnson’s physical traits and natural footwork in phasing routes in space is very appealing, but certain athletic limitations could cause evaluators to pump the brakes when grading him. He can block a release from press or squeeze route breaks from his pedal or a side shuffle but will struggle to keep pace with deep targets from man. Sticky hips make flat-footed transitions and open-field tackling challenging tasks for him, so teams will need to have a plan for optimizing his strengths while minimizing his limitations.

High-cut wideout with NFL size, elite arm length and soft hands. Demus will struggle to beat press coverage and lacks the athletic ability to shake man coverage underneath. He’s a long-strider who can build up speed as the route progresses and is best-suited for a layered passing scheme where he can stretch his legs and stride to some separation across the field. He’s an explosive leaper with the potential to become a jump-ball winner down the field, but he’s a niche prospect with a modest ceiling.

Wicks proved in 2021 that he has a set of skills to threaten defenses with big-play potential, but he’s coming off a disappointing 2022 season. Focus drops have been an issue for him over the last two seasons, but they seemed to impact his overall confidence in 2022. He lacks attention to detail as a route runner but it is worth noting that he finds ways to separate with instincts and pure athleticism. Wicks has talent to cultivate, but gaining the confidence of a GM, head coach or quarterback must start with catching the football more consistently.

Andrews might lack length and be viewed as only a center at the next level, but he plays with strong hands, a wide frame and exceptional strength at the point of attack. His inability to trigger his feet quickly and make fluid redirections in space show up in run blocking and pass protection, but his ability to square up and hold his own against a true nose tackle over the top of him is a valuable talent. Players with Andrews’ thickness and drive-blocking talent tend to find their way onto rosters and often end up sticking around.

Nose tackle whose size is a double-edged sword. Clark lacks the build and body type of a true NFL nose, so additional weight limits his natural athleticism inside. He needs to make better use of his length to begin stacking blocks and controlling the point of attack. Clark is a former high school tight end with decent feet, so improved quickness could help him become a more disruptive interior talent.

College tackle with the build and skill set that would make him a better fit at guard in the NFL. Ojukwu has played a tremendous amount of college football and has a solid understanding of fundamentals. He uses big hands and long arms to jar and displace opponents at the point of attack, but it can break down quickly for him when he’s forced to operate in space as a run blocker or in pass protection. Ojukwu’s athletic limitations are balanced out by his size and power. He should compete for a roster spot as a late Day 3 selection.

Defensive lineman with old-school vibes, from his burly frame to his four-point stance. Anderson simply hasn’t played enough football to be technically proficient or to have the football IQ that will be necessary on the next level, but that doesn’t mean he can’t develop both with time. He’s naturally powerful and does a nice job of using force to attack and play around blocks in both the run game and as a reduced rusher on passing downs. He lacks range as a 4-3 end, so teams might need to decide where and how to play him, but he has the upside to become a solid rotational player.

Whiteheart has below-average size and mass for a blocking tight end, but he makes up for it with above-average grit and technique to sustain. He’s a better pass-catcher than the production might indicate. Also, he shows impressive concentration and soft hands when the ball comes his way. He’s tough but will need to get bigger and stronger to block NFL defenders, as he’s unlikely to earn a living as just a pass-catcher. Whiteheart has solid tape and could become a backup as a Day 3 draft pick.

Maxwell possesses slightly below-average measurables relative to NFL interior defenders, but he’s quick and strong for his size, and is fairly skilled as a rusher. He doesn’t play with the anchor or hand control to muddy gaps as a run defender, but he can disrupt the blocking scheme on the move. He’s an instinctive pass rusher who sets up his counters and has the athleticism to threaten an NFL pocket with more work. Maxwell could find a roster spot in a one-gapping scheme.

A perimeter man corner with good size and instincts, Brooks will need to prove he can continue his on-ball production against better competition. He will need to tighten up his technique, but he has the feet and feel to play press. Also, he does a nice job of competing against the route and fighting for positioning when the ball goes up. He has plus ball skills and innate timing to make plays on the throw but might need to prove his top-end speed in testing. He will have occasional issues with downfield penalties and is a below-average run defender, but he has the talent to work his way onto an NFL roster.

Mathis’ 2020 season put him on the map as an edge defender to look out for in the future, but he’s failed to hit those production markers since then. He has good size and outstanding length but needs more time in the weight room. He struggles against downhill running attacks but is a slippery tackler who can cast a wide net near his gaps. Mathis’ pressure and sack counts aren’t as high as they should be with his athletic ability and traits. If a team can get him to become a more skilled and attack-oriented rusher, it might find a prospect who outplays his draft slotting as a 3-4 rush linebacker.

Two-year starter with NFL size but lacking functional change of direction as an open-field tackler. Hickman is at his best as a down safety or big nickel, where he doesn’t have to close as much distance on the runner or pass-catcher. He can make plays as a run defender and in coverage when he’s in position, but issues redirecting in small spaces create uncertainty that he can play consistently enough to move beyond backup status.

Inside linebacker with a lean but athletic build. Jones will get stuck on blocks from time to time, but generally finds his way to the football in position to make a play. He has the experience necessary to recognize play design and turn on the acceleration quickly against wide-flowing runs. He lacks ideal size, length and speed but has the demeanor and feel needed to become a solid backup and core special teams performer.

A team captain with size, tools and six seasons of collegiate experience, Scott will turn 25 during the 2023 season. His age could hurt his chances with some teams, but his athleticism and four-phase special teams background will help him with others. He’s more confident and capable as a field-reading center fielder than he is sifting through bunch formations and matching in man coverage. He was a teammate to four Cal defensive backs who were drafted in recent years, and he could be next up thanks to his football character and special teams talent.

Athletic tackle who currently offers more in pass protection than he does as a run blocker. Bostic has quick feet and good length, but he lacks play strength in his upper half. He’s quick to the spot as a lateral blocker and is smooth when asked to pull. He has trouble neutralizing and sustaining base blocks in front of him and doesn’t play with enough grit at the point of attack. His pass protection features a quality mirror and good redirection against athletic rushers, but he’ll need to sit and anchor more consistently to earn a role as an NFL swing tackle.

Bernard-Converse has spent a majority of his snaps as either an off-man or press-man cornerback, but he’ll likely have to make a switch to safety in order to compete for a roster spot in the future. He’s big and strong, but he needs to become more of a run-through finisher than drag-down tackler. Sticky hips in transitions are a major concern relative to coverage tasks in space, and he fails to show the desired level of instincts he might need to range over the top as a pro.

Small but speedy, Mitchell amassed over 2,900 scrimmage yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He mashes the gas pedal and gets to top speed quickly. He can outflank defenses and chalk up a long run if defenses aren’t ready for him. However, he needs a clear point of entry inside and isn’t built to withstand the punishment that goes along with interior running in the NFL. Teams will need to have a plan for him, but he’s electric with the ball in his hands. His big-play potential could be hard to pass up for teams needing more juice.

Beal has been missed out on snaps to more talented players and doesn’t have a history of production that will excite teams, but his size, length and athletic ability are all moldable elements that could attract a team on Day 3. He lacks awareness as a run defender and possesses just average range as a tackler, but he can hold his ground against power. As a rusher, the tape can be a little uneven, but he flashes moves and counters that appear to be instinctive and potential fuel for development. Beal is a developmental edge defender who needs to prove himself on special teams while he continues learning the position.

Perimeter wideout whose catch production has been bolstered by a heavy target rate and a variety of short, catch-and-run throws. Hutchinson has good size, but average speed and ball skills force him into a lot of contested catch situations. He has the track record of a late bloomer, showing improvement in his play from year to year and even month to month. He plays with a competitive demeanor and has the tools to keep improving as a route runner, but he needs to upgrade his hands and overall skill set in order to fight for more than a back-end roster spot.

Austin’s size, length and football IQ work in his favor, but there is a lack of consistency with his man coverage that could limit the way NFL teams use him. He’s decent at mirroring the release from press but struggles to stay in-phase with quality route runners. He plays with below-average top-end speed and recovery burst in man coverage, but his instincts and awareness take him where he needs to go from off-man and zone coverage. Austin can play some press and a variety of zones and offers backup potential as a Day 3 option.

Conner’s size and versatility could buy him time on a roster, but he might need to keep fighting for his spot. He misses too many tackles due to risky angles and struggles coming to balance in the open field. The speed and pattern matching aren’t great, but the ball skills are above average. Conner has late Day 3 value as a potential backup.

Resilient in the face of adversity, Tune has proven that he can come back from slow starts and finish seasons strong. He’s more of a snap-taker than playmaker. He’s a full-field reader who needs plays to stay on time, as he lacks improvisational talent. Without a plus physical or athletic profile to lean on, Tune must learn to speed up his eyes, quiet his feet and improve his post-snap process to beat NFL defenses with timing and accuracy.

Vaughn’s playing style is similar to that of former NFL running back Jacquizz Rodgers, but Rodgers was much heavier than Vaughn at a similar height. Despite the versatility, production and durability, teams might focus on his lack of size. However, he sees the field clearly, is fearless between the tackles, possesses quality contact balance and finds his way into the end zone as a runner and receiver. Vaughn has an uphill climb ahead of him, but his history of consistent, high-end production makes the climb to success seem achievable.

Kirkland is likely to ply his trade as a guard, but he might be able to step in at tackle in a pinch. His barrel-chested, high-cut frame looks out of place at guard. He is unable to generate the leverage or power needed as a downhill blocker but does a decent job on positional blocks on the move. In protection, bull rushers can get under him and drive him into the pocket, but he’s quick with his hands and can get on top of rushers quickly when he needs to. His pass protection background could bolster his chances as a Day 3 pick and future backup.

Ford-Wheaton is a big, long wideout specializing in downfield jump-ball victories. He’s a high-riser with an above-average wingspan, but he rarely slips past press coverage easily and fails to separate like he should relative to the blazing speed he showed at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s a raw route runner with tight hips and a lack of attention to detail that allows defenders to anticipate breaks and contest his catches on a regular basis. Ford-Wheaton has the size and hand strength to post victories on 50-50 throws, but he will need to prove he can consistently play to his athletic ability.

Rodriguez is a powerful runner, but he lacks the burst and creativity to become anything more than a downhill grinder. He has the size and mentality to do the dirty work between the tackles, but it could be a challenge for him to get to and through the hole quickly in the NFL. He’s a physical blitz protector, so teams might envision a role for him as a second-half battering ram and third-down quarterback protector.

There is a lot to like about Braswell’s game. He’s a little short for perimeter coverage and his lack of length makes recovery challenging when allowing separation at the break. However, he’s strong and twitchy. He plays with good make-up burst and reaction quickness to routes from off-man and zone. He’s not only a willing tackler on the flanks, but a difficult target to block for receivers. Braswell will likely be scheme-dependent as a nickel corner best suited for short zone coverage, but he has the tools to make a run at a backup role.