DRAFT TRACKER 2023

Hayes has adequate physical and athletic measurables to play slot cornerback, but he might need to bulk up to play safety. He is active against the run and the pass, but his inconsistency as a tackler could make it challenging for him to stick on a roster.

Pierre’s special teams production and explosive pro day testing could grab a team’s attention when searching for a potential special teams ace. He doesn’t make tackles consistently enough to trust as an NFL linebacker right now, but he does have pass-rush ability. He’s unlikely to be drafted but could get a look in camp as a free agent signee.

Possession receiver lacking top-end speed and separation quickness but possessing quality ball skills. Tinsley’s lack of suddenness shows up quickly in press release and when trying to separate early in the route, but he’s very willing in the middle of the field and has terrific ball skills. He has the focus to make challenging catches at any spot on the field. He has good size and is a gamer, but a lack of athletic features might require him to play the role of zone-beater from the slot.

Diabate is a physical tackler with a pretty good feel for sifting through the trash to find the ball between the tackles. However, when plays flow wide or he needs to play with agility and pursuit speed, the level of play consistency can take a tumble. The instincts and recognition are just average and he's a better rusher than cover man against the pass. Diabate has an outside shot of competing for a roster spot.

Long-limbed 3-4 edge defender lacking the necessary play strength and anchor to take on NFL tackles right now. Taylor will struggle to set the edges consistently and hasn’t proven he can beat a quality Y tight end at the point of attack. He’s quick off the ball and has some juice/bend getting to the edge, but he will need to upgrade his hand skills and inside counters to threaten the pocket.

Developmental project with good size and length. Barrow will require a tear down and rebuild from a technique standpoint. He is light on his feet, but he plays with a lack of bend and a base that is often too narrow. He won’t be much of a drive blocker due to his lack of leverage, but he does show the ability to get into outside space or up to the second level with some success. His pass protection isn’t good enough for pro ball yet, but he might get a chance to hang around on a practice squad for additional development.

College tackle who’s likely to move inside to guard in the NFL. O’Neal is a much smoother pass protector than run blocker. He has inconsistent body control and sloppy hand usage as a run blocker, but he’s confident in pass sets, showing consistent punch timing. He plays with a desire to win on every snap but doesn’t appear to have the skill set to do so as a pro.

Valladay runs a little bigger than his measured size, thanks to his decisive mindset and his acceleration into contact. He will get what is blocked and keep the play on the designed track, but he doesn’t have the change of direction or instincts to create for himself when it’s not blocked up. Valladay is competitive and productive, but he fails to stand out in any single area.

As a cover man, Green is fairly patient and accurate in matching the release from press and can run with deep routes all day long. However, he struggles to stay connected to routes that feature change of direction. His run-support tape will work against him, too. Given his size, strength and athletic profile, a team could decide to take a chance on his traits late in the draft.

A tackle prospect with NFL measurables, Wilson lacks the agility and short-area quickness needed to play outside as a pro. He dominated against inferior competition at times, but he failed to bulldoze opponents due his upright posture in the run game. He will need to become more limber to improve his pass slides and run-blocking consistency, but he faces an uphill battle to make a team even if he becomes a better performer in those areas.

If Williams were 20 pounds heavier, he would be in consideration for a linebacker role in the NFL thanks to his nose for the football and style of play. He’s at his best near the line of scrimmage and playing the run, but his athletic deficiencies are hard to ignore as it pertains to his ability to hold up in coverage at the next level. Williams needs a very specific role as a box safety and will need to prove he can be a star on special teams.

Instinctive inside linebacker with a nose for the football to help counter a below-average athletic profile. Pool is an early down linebacker who does his best work inside the tackle box. He has the eyes to play faster than his top-end speed, but the play can get away from him if it flows out into space. He won’t offer third-down value and will need to really step up on special teams if he’s going to convince a team to make him a backup.

Sorsdal spent his college days at tackle but will need to prepare for life as an interior lineman due to his lack of length. He is athletic with good lateral movement and fits a zone-scheme rushing attack. He lacks power and natural core strength, though. Sorsdal will need to get bigger and stronger as bull-rushers had some success bouncing him back into the pocket at times.

Joiner has adequate size and toughness, along with a good nose for angles to the football. He moves around the field with fluidity, but he lacks the twitch and top-end speed needed to make plays on the throw in the NFL. He has the play recognition that will be needed on the next level. His measurables and athletic testing were solid. Joiner is a quality run defender, but he has below-average speed and might not offer much versatility as a pro prospect.

Nelson is a burly, try-hard edge defender with good power in his hands and an aggressive demeanor on the field. A lack of twitch and short-area quickness limit his effectiveness. Nelson is certainly tough enough to play on the edge, he lacks the ideal athletic profile for the position in the NFL. He might be best suited to play inside linebacker, where he can accentuate his strengths.

Guard-only prospect with NFL-caliber measurables but enough inconsistencies to cause concern. Bainivalu’s power is good enough and he’s fairly adept at using his length, but athletic limitations make it difficult for him to recover and block if it isn’t right in front of him. He’s assignment-oriented and plays with adequate technique but could be a long-shot to make a roster.

Sutherland played a hybrid safety/linebacker spot for Penn State, with duties ranging from slot coverage to run fits. He posted impressive numbers at his pro day and has above-average special teams production during his career. While he was asked to handle a versatile role, the tape doesn’t show him shining in any one area. Sutherland will need to find a positional home -- possibly as a nickel/dime linebacker -- to complement his special teams potential at the next level.

Compact slot receiver with a lack of impressive production but flashes of talent as a zone-beater on intermediate routes. Jackson doesn’t have early explosiveness into the route, but he builds up speed cruising through open spaces. He’s not a natural hands-catcher but didn’t drop many balls and showed an ability to catch through contact in 2022. Jackson needs an accurate passer due to his limited catch radius and jump-ball potential. Given his kick return ability and willingness to get after it as a blocker, he has avenues to a roster spot.

The size and length are appealing, as is the potential to improve his contested-catch success rate, but Heath lacks the burst to back coverages off or separate consistently against press-man. The ball skills show up on tape, but he must become a consistent ball-winner and play to his size. Heath has Day 3 draft potential.

Scrappy quarterback possessing the attitude, toughness and leadership that teams love. Duggan has proven himself to be capable of overcoming adversity and finding ways to help his team win with his arm or legs. However, he has limited arm strength and frequently forces receivers to break stride on deep balls and crossing routes. Duggan’s intangibles give him a chance to become an NFL backup but his limitations as a passer cap his ceiling.

Former wideout who is continuing to grow into his frame as a tight end. Ezeike lacks poise and body control getting into his blocks, but once’s he there, he displays some fight and hand strength to maintain the battle. He’s not very elusive as a route runner, but he does show decent talent after the catch. He’s a developmental prospect, but he could find his way onto a practice squad.

Adkins offers good play strength and tenacity as a point-of-attack blocker. He will need to improve his hand usage and play with better consistency to adjust on the move as a lead blocker. He will catch what is thrown to him and should be able to handle every phase of special teams. Adkins might go undrafted, but he has the toughness, frame and demeanor to warrant camp consideration as an NFL fullback.

Benson has plenty of play strength and toughness. He has no problem handling things when the action stays between the tackles. However, his lack of fluidity and pursuit burst are likely to limit his overall effectiveness as a pro. Benson can play on special teams but doesn't have the tools needed to thrive on third downs. While there is no doubting his ability to take on blocks, teams might see his limited playmaking range as a non-starter.

Bell is an interior defender with decent lateral quickness and power at the point of attack. He lacks the overall mass and anchor to eat up blocks inside, though. He has enough foot quickness and hand usage to work his way around blockers but might find his success rate plummet against NFL-caliber competition. Bell has traits to get a look as a one-gapping, even-front nose tackle but might need to fight for a spot as an undrafted free agent.

Kipper has played plenty of football and was well-coached at Oregon State. He has the measurables of an NFL prospect. However, he falls below the mark when getting to his landmarks as a move blocker or adjusting to movement as both a run blocker and pass protector. Kipper’s experience as a right tackle could intrigue teams looking for roster flexibility, but he appears to be a guard-only projection with a below-average ceiling.

Highly experienced guard prospect who is more effective protecting the passer than opening run lanes. Chandler plays too straight-legged and with excessive waist-bending, which means he falls forward and ends up on the ground too often. Chandler will struggle to stay ahead of opponents as a move blocker and doesn’t have the leverage to block with power. In pass protection, he plays with recognition and accurate, quick hands but could struggle to anchor against NFL bull rushers.

The size and athletic markers are in place to garner some excitement from NFL evaluators, but the tape simply doesn’t sparkle enough. Brooks is at his best playing downhill for an inside/outside zone concept. He has enough vision and burst to get what is blocked and will run through arm tackles, but he’s not a physical back by nature and doesn’t create enough with power. Brooks is capable as a receiver out of the backfield but needs to prove to teams that he can take on pass protection duties to compete for third-down reps. He should find a camp opportunity as an undrafted free agent.

Winn has decent size, a quality arm and impressive touch when needed, but teams will not be excited by his career production. Despite facing loads of pressure, he was sacked just 27 times during his career, per PFF. He has improvisational arm talent to make the challenging completion from time to time. He’s a pocket passer with below-average escapability and needs to prove that he can perform more consistently from the pocket. Winn offers passing traits that could intrigue a team enough to give him a look as an undrafted free agent.

Developmental project with intriguing athletic traits and flashes of upside. There is clearly room for additional muscle on Johnson's long, leggy frame, and he figures to become a more skilled player with further coaching. However, he seems to be too willing to stand and watch rather than force his way into the action. Johnson’s range and potential versatility are alluring features that could serve him well if the play strength and aggression eventually check out.

Wilson’s size and burst are NFL-caliber and worth keeping an eye on if he makes it into camp as a priority free agent. He was a productive Division II running back, but he will need to run with better decisiveness and be more aggressive as a run-finisher.

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

Bobo is a big slot receiver with below-average speed and agility to separate from coverage. His route running is very patchy, but he’s fairly tough and competitive when catching around traffic. He has decent hands but a relatively average catch radius. He has some potential as a run blocker in space and might be better suited to add weight and rebrand as a pass-catching tight end.

Stephens, who played wide receiver in college, has the size and timed speed of a pass-catching tight end. His routes aren’t very refined but he’s loose-limbed and agile enough to make improvements in that area. Stephens flashes ball skills but the consistency of his hands is in question. Making a team early on could be tough, but he might find himself stashed on a practice squad if a team believes he has the toughness to improve as a blocker and play on special teams.

Riley is a rotational nose tackle with a proportional frame carrying good thickness. He’s capable of battling against double teams and absorbing contact, but he needs to improve his technique and work on taking control of the action. He’s primarily a block-eater and is unlikely to make many plays, but his size will be appealing.

The size and length are appealing, and the ball production is nice, but Finley’s lack of short-area burst and top-end speed becomes an issue in coverage as well as in pursuit. He can challenge the throw when in position but has trouble getting there on time and creating contested throws. As a run defender, he lacks agility and reactive athleticism in the open field and can be too passive as a tackler. Finley needs to shine on special teams and tighten up the tackling to make it in the league.

Safety prospect with decent size and below average top-end speed. Cook has enough quickness to stay connected to routes, but he fails to play with the route recognition and instincts needed in coverage. He was a more consistent, physical tackler in 2021 and will need to get back to that style of play to give himself a chance to make a roster.

As a cornerback, Hearn does not offer the ball skills or anticipation necessary to handle zone or man duties in the NFL. However, as a safety, his size and athletic testing could create some interest from teams looking for him to make that position change. He’s a wrap-up tackler and does a nice job of taking on blocks. Hearn might be worth a peek for teams interested in developing him into a big nickel back or box safety.

Izien is a shorter prospect, but he’s well-muscled with quick-twitch athleticism and good top-end speed. He’s been used as both a free safety and a nickel back. On paper, he should have above-average range as a safety over the top, but he’s slow to read and respond to the quarterback, so his ball production is fairly low for a player with his explosiveness. He’s willing as a run defender and his hustle brings him to a high number of tackle opportunities, but he has a hard time dismissing blockers quickly enough. Izien’s path to the pros might have to come at cornerback, where he might not have the necessary cover skills.

Long perimeter target who has proven he can make the most of his opportunities. Sample is light on his feet, with the ability to make breaks and turns with consistent quickness. However, he needs to improve his play strength to ward off clingy coverage at the top of his routes. Sample has soft, natural hands and good overall ball skills, but his lack of top-end speed might create too many contested-catch tries for him to make it in the league.

Wilson doesn’t have the play strength or technique of a Y tight end and might not have the speed to threaten the seam as a pass-catching option, but it is still easy to like his game. He’s clever as a route-runner and shows an ability to create separation with decent success underneath, but he must become even more competitive on contested catches. Wilson’s run blocking needs work, but he’s willing and will have potential in that area if he can get much stronger.

On paper, Marshall has size, speed and an explosive vertical leap. When the tape is turned on, it is easy to see the size and leaping talent, but the play speed can be harder to find in the context of the offense. The build-up speed is fine for vertical routes, but Marshall is sluggish getting off press and lacks the fluidity/quickness to run routes that will create throwing windows for quarterbacks. His high contested-targets total figures to follow him to the next level, which will make it hard for him to stick on a roster.

Williamson offers good measurables and testing numbers, but he’s lacking in production and consistency. He plays with good route recognition when hovering in off-man coverage, but he might not have the range needed to handle expanded areas of responsibility. He’s willing in run support but overestimates his pursuit speed and misses tackles.

Mustipher was a high-character leader for the Nittany Lions and brings good thickness to the position. He’s a little too gradual off the snap to create stress for blockers and fails to control the action with force or hand usage. Mustipher’s below-average athletic profile and limited impact on games will make it difficult for him to work his way onto an NFL roster.

Davis’ size, wingspan and high-point ability are alluring. However, the tape shows a player who fails to play to his best speed and too often struggles to hang onto the football. He has play traits that could be developed, but if he doesn’t become more urgent and reliable as a pass-catcher, he might not get that opportunity.

Perimeter receiver with the measurables and pro-day testing to garner late round or priority free agent looks. Pitts has the ball skills teams are seeking at the position. He will need extensive route work to become a more elusive target and needs to play to the speed/quickness he showed at his pro day.

Vokolek always seems to be in a big hurry, which causes him to play without the technique and body control he needs to maintain consistency at the point of attack. He has great size but lacks the wingspan and hand strength to impose that size as a block-sustainer. Vokolek is a below-average receiving threat, so he will need to improve his technique and his performance as a run blocker to win a spot as an in-line option off the bench or on a practice squad.

Borguet is compactly built with a powerful base and an ability to power through arm tackles. While he displays pretty good vision and can get to his cuts once he’s past the line of scrimmage, a lack of suddenness and excessive dancing is likely to work against him versus NFL speed.

Rhodes has five-star physical traits. He flashes power at the point of attack, but he lacks the functional athleticism to play laterally or in space and will struggle to mirror NFL competition.

Slot receiver with below-average traits but solid production over the last two seasons. Harris benefitted from the level of competition and doesn’t appear to have the elusiveness or elevated ball skills needed to continue producing at the pro level. His experience as a kickoff returner helps him.

Team leader who plays bigger than his listed size. Jones has plenty of toughness and thump behind his pads, but getting off of blocks and making plays against NFL quickness could be too much for Jones to handle. He lacks fluidity and twitch. The game will get tougher for him when it’s not played inside the tackle box.