He is one of the most powerful linebackers in the FCS, routinely taking on blocks from offensive linemen and winning. An MCL injury has halted his ascension up draft boards this fall, but it would be a foolish man who bets against him earning significant attention next April. Full ranks | Draft order | More . Stroud is the real deal. And while Marte Mapu has some snaps at deep safety, its been the slot, box, or bust for him at Sacramento State. 6. 10. 8. 5. SMU has a bye the following weekend. While hes already garnered some attention, the 66 tackle will be a big riser as the spring nears. Hes a bit light to play on the EDGE full-time in the pros, but his skill set translates well as a WILL linebacker. Bennett, a JUCO product, is physical, has the burst to carry receivers off the line, and, most importantly, has the high-level ball-tracking ability to convert at the catch point. Murphy also plays the run pretty well; he's a solid all-around player. What a throw! Hes relentless in pursuit and wont waste time as a pass rusher, identifying the easiest path to the QB and taking action, whether it be looping around the edge, bull rushing, or hand fighting. Kayshon Boutte, LSU Outside of being an obvious red-zone weapon due to his height, Heins owns strong hands that allow him to move the chains consistently (18 of his 24 catches gained a first down or touchdown last year). Northern Arizona doesnt exactly invoke memories of CFB dominance, but Morgan Vest has drawn eyes to the program. 2. The 64, 320-pound right guard has an impressive anchor in pass protection while possessing a mauler mentality in the ground game. Like those Bulldogs brutes before him, Carters athleticism beggars belief, with the agility of a man half his 63, 310-pound size. He averaged 16.9 yards per reception, showing stellar burst and explosiveness. Robert Beal Jr., Georgia Layden Robinson might not have received the same national attention as his former teammate, but hes got a skill set that should earn him serious notoriety next April. There isnt a lot of buzz around Jakorian Bennett as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Terrapins lost both starting safeties from 2021 to the 2022 NFL Draft. 2. He has been a Swiss Army knife for the Aggies, playing as a center fielder, in the slot and as a box safety, which is where he might end up in the NFL. Although he missed all of last season due to injury, he showed enough in the previous two years to warrant a spot here. Texas A&M provided one of the top interior offensive linemen in the previous cycle, and theyre at it again in the 2023 NFL draft. Copyright 2019-2022. 3. Back in August, Reese's Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy and his experienced scouting staff released their watch list for next year's game, which included 485 prospects from more than 100 college football programs. Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith is not listed here because he is expected to miss the rest of the season due to an injury he suffered last week against Arkansas. Campbell trots out likely the largest tackle duo in the nation for a third straight season. HT: 6-4 | WT: 236 | Class: Third-year soph. Smith-Njigba led Ohio State in catches and yards, even on a team with two wide receivers drafted in Round 1 in April. Hes been effective in coverage this season despite some concerns over his fluidity in that area of his game. He also boasts impressive arm length, impacting the catch point with his long levers. But hes also a serviceable pass catcher, hauling in 38 passes for 448 and 11 TDs the last three seasons. 4. He locates the ball really well and explodes into the backfield at the snap to disrupt throwing lanes and find ball carriers. URL Slu. Running backs do matter, it transpires. Peter Skoronski, Northwestern If he can get back to 100%, Demus has the size, speed, and explosiveness to be a coveted X receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. Its been five years since a Lions game has mattered this late into the season. Zay Flowers, Boston College He has a good feel in coverage and makes things look easy. Boise State safety JL Skinner remains atop the best safety prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class on our current 2023 Big Board. Before November hits, check out where the top college football prospects are slated to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 63, 204-pound third-year defensive backpossesses high-level play-recognition skills, excellent closing speed, the length to be a disruptor, and the physicality to defeat blockers and stop the run in the condensed areas of the field. Jared Rus, Iowa State, 1. #OrangeBowl pic.twitter.com/b4bdsf6Cao, Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (Junior)6-foot-3, 230 pounds. Stroud throws a perfect ball to Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the touchdown late in the fourth, giving the Buckeyes their first lead of the game. Maryland prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. 3. 2. After earning first-team All-Big Sky honors as a safety in 2019, Adams moved to boundary CB in 2021 and received the same recognition. The ascending 2023 NFL draft prospect blends violence with power while possessing the athleticism to be a force at the second level in the ground game. Jalen Catalon, Arkansas He's explosive at the snap and finishes well around the ball, even though he didn't put up huge numbers (8.5 tackles for loss). An excerpt from The Draft Networks Keith Sanchezs profile of Gaye: Overall, Gaye is an NFL prospect with a high upside due to his size and natural athletic ability, but there are still detailed elements of his game that he needs to work on to be a consistently impactful player in the NFL., LSU EDGE Ali Gaye gets it on with '21 pick MS RT Borom, showing the strength and length that NFL DCs want in a power 4-3 DE. He then ducked under a tackle attempt over the middle, putting his hand on the ground to maintain balance before accelerating 40 yards to score what proved to be the game-winner. What I saw: Davis returned for Clemson's double-overtime win over Wake Forest last weekend after missing two games due to injury. With a Senior Bowl invite in hand, there is a good chance Spears enters the 2023 NFL Draft. He made big plays last season, with four forced fumbles and a pick. His playing time has ramped up with each passing season, culminating in 387 yards and four touchdowns on 27 catches last year. After a couple of weeks of rest following the 2022 NFL draft, it's time to look way ahead to next year's loaded class with my early 2023 rankings. Skoronski is a technician at left tackle; he's already advanced. Looking for HBCU prospects? But this allows you to get a head start on the future stars of the NFL while they are still entertaining the nation during college football Saturdays. 3. Hesa smooth-as-silk route runner who can create easy separation with twitchy, deceitful movements. While Sainristil is a true senior, he does have another year of eligibility remaining due to the extra year provided by the NCAA after the COVID impact in 2020. Production? Jayhawks left tackle Earl Bostick Jr. is on scouts' radars, so McDonald would help his draft stock with a strong performance against him. Clemson also moved him inside at times, so that versatility will help his stock. However, his elite-for-size athleticism also means he adds an extra layer of menace to provide a three-level threat. Restarting the series where we identify the players that have been mocked to the Detroit Lions over the past week. DJ Turner lacks refinement in several areas. Incredibly athletic, explosive, and strong despite a slightly slender frame, he consistently flashes his ability and value in all phases of defense as a dominant playmaking threat. Dobbs is the real deal even Howie Mandel would agree. 7. What I saw: To'oTo'o posted eight tackles in the Tide's convincing defeat of Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 17. What I saw: USC's left guard impressed in wins over Fresno State and Oregon State, dominating his man on nearly every snap with his powerful upper body. Skill-set reminds me a lot of Jimmie Ward (Harbaugh drafted him in the first round of his final year in with the 49ers) and what he had in college. Its draft season, Green Bay Packers fans. He scored on a 51-yard bomb in the first quarter, fighting through contact and then carrying the defender into the end zone. Unfortunately, his pass rushing statistics have declined each season bringing into question his developmental ceiling. A trio of receivers are on the rise in Chad Reuter's fresh set of prospect rankings for the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. 1 receiver, proving to be a contested-catch connoisseur with an all-around skill set. Aggies defensive backs Antonio Johnson, Brian George and Jaylon Jones will all be tracking the speedster if he's in the game. Additionally, he is equally adept at anchoring in pass pro as he is pancaking defenders on runs. All he has done since stepping on Montana States campus is produce. With explosiveness, contact balance, and vertical ability, Copeland has all of the necessary traits to be a dynamic weapon. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. (Gareth Patterson/AP). 65 TE Tucker Kraft has slowly built up hype this offseason, earning Dane Bruglers seal of approval. Voorhees will have his hands full if lining up across from Sun Devils defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera, who transferred from Miami for this season. Aidan Hutchinson was micd up against the Jaguars in Week 13. While he can compete at the catch point, consistency in this regard can help complete a promising pro projection. He is an explosive tackler and plays extremely well through contact, using his physical hands to work off blockers. Austin Stogner, South Carolina Running behind the Pioneers line, he produced 1,347 yards and nine touchdowns on 240 carries in 2021. His four tackles in the team's Sept. 24 defeat of Boston College included a red-zone stop where he flew to an option toss in the flat. Ford also took two INTs to the house and deflected 20 passes. 6. Check. Hes comfortable in press-man, is solid in run support, has legit speed, and is long. He could crack Day 3 of the draft with an enhanced pass-rush arsenal. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M With Georgias top pass rushers from last year departing the program, much was expected of Nolan Smith heading into the season. When he closes, he comes loaded with physicality. As youd expect from a North Dakota State tight end, Noah Gindorff is an excellent blocker. He never had fewer than five catches in a game last season. Lets dive into the top FCS 2023 NFL Draft prospects hitting the field this season. Garner's coverage skills were not tested by New Mexico last weekend, but he had three stops in the drubbing, coming downhill to stop a screen for a 4-yard loss and later swiping away a tight end block in space to thwart an option toss. There are three constants in life: death, taxes, and Isaiah Ifanse crushing the competition. He has five picks over the past two seasons. Phil Jurkovec, Boston College He led the FBS in receiving yards per route run (4.0). I think he could move all the way into the top 10. Skoronski was rarely caught off guard in his games that I watched -- he always maintained his base. 2021 stats: 15.5 sacks, 44 tackles (34 solo), 4 forced fumbles, 1 INT. Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama He's only scratching the surface of his talent, and he has a big-time wideout to throw to in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He used his surprising foot quickness to create huge running lanes, as well, and was effective pulling to the left side and hitting second-level targets on run plays, putting linebackers to the ground in both contests. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama Zacch Pickens, South Carolina Hes a genuine difference-maker with the technical tools to weaponize his astonishing athletic accomplishments. Although hell be a 24-year-old rookie, Schmitz grades out as an early-round prospect and a future NFL starter on tape. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Steve Smith Sr., who is promoting the importance of helping those with mental health needs, explains the role that a new behavioral health urgent care his foundation helped develop will play in the community of Mecklenburg County, in North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/meOyBKjrk1, Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (senior)5-foot-10, 175 pounds. While its not the flashy addition, Chad Ryland is a great get for Maryland. A former four-star recruit from Cal, McCallan Castles made the one-hour trek from Berkeley to UC Davis in 2020. How often do you see a full-time safety move to outside corner and thrive? Smith, a five-star recruit in the 2019 class, played a lot for the national champs, but I really want him to take a step forward this season. Tutsie is likely best utilized in a two-high-heavy system that allows him to flow downhill, as his run defending is outstanding. Regardless, corner is an entirely different position requiring an entirely different skill set. To that point, Demus had amassed 28 catches for 507 yards and three scores, and hed shown no signs of slowing down. Cameron Ward and the offense brought Incarnate Word to national prevalence, but Kelechi Anyalebechi shouldnt be forgotten. 1. Lions fit: The Lions will likely need to invest in the quarterback position this offseason, and depending on their approach, they may be in the market for a young backup behind Jared Goff. 2021 stats: 1 sack, 4 pressures allowed in 440 pass-block snaps. Meanwhile, his explosive athleticism bodes well for his run-blocking projection at the next level. Looking for the next Trevor Penning (an FCS athlete who soars up draft boards)? Some of his red-zone route running is like art in motion. Kancey combines incredible functional athleticism with impressive technical refinement to wreck games as a pass rusher and run stopper. Lions fit: If the Lions decide they are not in the market for an early-round quarterback, McCall could be the draft and develop prospect they could be looking for. Another stellar campaign should put him firmly on the NFL radar. Entering this season, Beebe had played at four of the five positions on the offensive linemissing only centerand despite being the Horned Frogs' left tackle in 2021, he shifted inside to left guard this season. That's Mayer, who can be a force in the red zone. Utah hasnt had a first-round cornerback since 1971, and there arent many 59 defensive backs taken within the first 32 picks, either. 2021 stats: 233-of-353 passing (66%), 2,826 yards, 24 TDs, 13 INTs; 107 carries, 376 yards, 9 TDs, HT: 6-3 | WT: 251 | Class: Third-year sophomore. The term ball hawk is often thrown around for any defender that has made a couple of plays on the ball. What I saw: Boston College beat Maine two weeks ago, thanks in part to an eight-catch, 89-yard effort by Flowers. Cam Rising Utah Utes #7 Pos: QB Ht: 6020 Wt: 218 Hometown: Newbury Park, CA High School: Newbury Park High School Eligibility: 2023 Theres room for him to be more consistent, but his size and natural leverage can be difficult for interior linemen to deal with. NFL Network analysts provide bold predictions for Week 14 of the 2022 season. He is a long 63 and 245 pounds, winning over tackle with his hand in the dirt or standing up at a wide-9 alignment. If they want that to continue, theyll need help from their prospective 2023 NFL Draft prospects. Tory Taylor, Iowa (P) The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Well, Anthony Adams did just that. FCS tackles are no match for Thompsons God-given tools, and if he refines his pass-rushing toolbox, NFL tackles wont have it easy, either. And now, at 60, 202 pounds, hes retained all of that athleticism within a dense, compact frame. But hes also shown he can get out in space and match with his athleticism. 8. DeWayne McBride, UAB Colby Wooden, Auburn Richard Johnson is known for his college sports expertise and appears as an analyst on the SEC Network show Thinking Out Loud. 9. What I saw: Garner has played well this year as a transfer from Louisiana, using his quick feet, huge frame and long arms to bully his man. In 2021 alone, he forced four fumbles, deflected seven passes, intercepted two passes, and notched two sacks. Though hes manned the right tackle position for the CFP-contending Vols this season, he has valuable experience at both bookends. Youll struggle to find a more reliable tackler in the nation. What's next: The Wildcats visit Ole Miss and then host South Carolina over the next two weekends. Kevin Patra chronicles the seventh-round rookie's sudden transformation from "Mr. Jaxon is the better prospect currently, but Jadon should receive opportunities of his own. The Bisons offense doesnt let Miller air it out often, but when he has, its been tight spirals and solid technique. And for good reason, as Kraft is one of the best inline tight ends in the country. Sewell flies around the field and has sideline-to-sideline range. With a larger target share in 2022, the UC Davis TE could feature on some draft boards. The 2023 NFL Draft is still about seven months away (April 27-29 in Kansas City), so my evaluation of these players will change based on their play this fall, their results in athletic testing and, if they are fortunate enough to receive an invite, their performance at Senior Bowl practices and in the game itself. He is equally adept at using his explosive burst and speed to bend around the edge as he is using his powerful, violent hands to punish any offensive lineman who dares to get in his way. Tank Bigsby, Auburn Bennett helped lock down one side of the defense for the Terrapins in 2021, tallying three interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 11 games. Cincinnati's rounding into form once again. Cam Rising Utah Utes #7 Pos: QB Ht: 6020 Wt: 218 Hometown: Newbury Park, CA High School: Newbury Park High School Eligibility: 2023 How far do the 49ers fall in the wake of Jimmy Garoppolo's season-ending injury? Most of Smith-Njigba's work came from the slot -- all but eight of his catches came from when he was aligned there -- but he'll play more outside in 2022. Injury Update: McCall injured his ankle in early November, and while it was suspected to keep him out the remainder of the season, a 3-6 week recovery time has allowed Coastal Carolina to keep the possibility of a return this week open. He won't be a perfect fit for every defense, but he'll make every unit better. While true sophomore Brock Bowers garnered early attention as the top tight end in the nation, Notre Dames Michael Mayer has quietly gone about his business before exploding into the national spotlight in recent weeks. He has the athletic tools to be dangerously impactful at the next level. 2022 schedule | Power rankings . Levis tries to make throws off his back foot at times, which resulted in one of his two interceptions against the Penguins and a near-miss against the Huskies. 5. But elsewhere on the offense and even on the defensive side of the ball, Maryland has other players both steady veterans and breakout candidates who could add to the His brute strength in the ground game is a joy to behold. People inside the Buckeyes building believe JSN is a better pass catcher than either of last cycles two first-rounders. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas Anderson's coaches at Alabama rave about him. Current draft projection for Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz. He has great hand-eye coordination. Despite his size, Pickens will hustle across the field. What's next: South Carolina will visit Kentucky on Oct. 8, when quarterback Will Levis and running back Kavosiey Smoke look to avoid the big guy wearing the No. He was third on the team behind safeties Nick Cross and Jordan Mosley with 62 last year. Even though he was a starter, Michigan still toyed with the idea of using him on offense early in the season but eventually allowed him to settle in the role. 4. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft (as of this writing). With another season like 2021, he could be Northwestern's second top-15 offensive tackle pick in three years (Rashawn Slater in 2021). Running a 4.59 40-yard dash at 63 and 263 pounds, its no wonder Brevin Allen plays Campbells Beast End position. Michael Turk, Oklahoma (P) An excerpt from The Athletics Nick Baumgardners QB tiers: McCall, however, throws a very catchable ball vertically, has quick feet and is generally quiet in the pocket. He chased a scrambling quarterback in the second half to prevent a first down. 2. Perceived positional value might impact Mayer, but theres no shortage of need for dominant EDGE prospects. Roundtable: Who has been the top waiver wire pickup so far this season? What I saw: Smith shed blocks and took on pulling linemen in the Bulldogs' Sept. 17 win over South Carolina, and yet still looked quick beating blockers inside. HT: 6-3 | WT: 215 | Class: Third-year soph. Assumes a $208,200,000 team salary cap. Ruben Hyppolite II is the Terrapins leading returning tackler. But Miller could be the next Easton Stick: An NDSU QB who gets drafted on Day 3 and sticks as a backup. Clark Phillips III, Utah 8. If were being honest, Johnstons first-round price tag may be too steep for the Lions after just using the 12th overall pick on Jameson Williams, but its still a good idea to know what the top of this class looks like. The 62, 200-pound corner even added a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown for good measure. Careers dont get much longer and more decorated than Devonnsha Maxwells at Chattanooga. He has above-average athleticism, the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline from a stack position, can shift out and cover the slot, and blitz off the edge with an explosive burst. Although there will be reservations about his size as it pertains to his NFL projection Smith is on the smaller size at 63, 235 pounds the Bulldogs EDGE possesses impressive strength that he uses to overpower offensive linemen. 2021 stats: 306-of-547 passing (66.9%), 4,872 yards, 47 TDs, 7 INTs. He could be an off-ball linebacker or play as a traditional 3-4 outside linebacker. Hes a penetrative force on the defensive line, and you can find him in either A-gap [the area between offensive guard and center] wreaking havoc. He was credited with six tackles in the game because he worked to the ball as the second or third player to the pile. 10. Cameron Latu, Alabama You can tell the 67 Zach Heins played basketball in high school by the way he rises above the rim as a receiver. But now, hes healthy, and hes been bestowed the No. All Rights Reserved. Greenhagen is still developing in coverage, but there is no questioning his determination and instincts in the box. Continuing the trend of athletic marvels, Thor Griffith logged a 5.16 40 and 4.64 shuttle at 62 and 310 pounds this offseason. However, hes also an impressive technician with high football intelligence. 9. Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin He has a quick burst out of his stance and can close quickly off the corner. The top-ranked cornerback prospect on our current 2023 NFL Draft Big Board is Georgia standout Kelee Ringo. Top HBCU 2023 NFL Draft Prospects Led By Isaiah Land, Mark Evans II URL Slu. 8. He rushed 175 times for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tuli Tuipulotu, USC Theres a theory amongst fans and online analysts that you shouldnt take a running back in the first round. LT Mike Edwards (67, 345) transferred in from Wake Forest in 2020, while Tyler McLellan (68, 355) has been a Fighting Camel from Day 1. Tanner McKee, Stanford Jake Moody, Michigan (K) I'm not writing detailed scouting reports yet because I still have a lot of work to do on these prospects, many of whom have started only one season. Its been more of a roller coaster for OConnell this year, but the big-bodied QBs processing ability will serve him well throughout the draft process., Aidan OConnell! At 64 and 250 pounds, Titus Leo registered a 34 vertical, 105 broad, and 4.41 shuttle. Sapp notched four picks and seven pass deflections on his way to a first-team all-conference nod. Dime! Despite his role, Beal led the Bulldogs in sacks (6.5) in 2021 on their way to a National Championship. Boasting requisite left tackle size at 65 and 315 pounds, Oklahomas Anton Harrison is also blessed with impressive length. He had six catches for 74 yards and a score in last week's loss to TCU. Battling Clemsons Simpson for the moniker of LB1 is Oregons Noah Sewell. We know Maryland stars Taulia Tagovailoa and Rakim Jarrett have their sights set on the 2023 NFL Draft, but who else is there to know? Now a senior, Gereme Spraggins logged a few starts late in the 2021 season. Dont be surprised if he crushes those numbers in 2022. Will the Browns complete the season sweep of the Bengals on Sunday? So easy for him to close ground, manipulate DBs, and good luck working around his 64 frame. 1 overall pick in April if he had been eligible for the draft. After Joe Burrow's third straight win over Patrick Mahomes, where does Marc Sessler slot the Bengals star in his updated quarterback rankings? Sewell, of course, is the brother of 2021 Lions top-10 pick Penei Sewell. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia 5. Tucker Kraft and Zach Heins, TE, South Dakota State, Jaxon and Jadon Janke, WR, South Dakota State, Mike Edwards and Tyler McLellan, OT, Campbell, Other FCS prospects to know in the 2023 NFL Draft. On Saturday, Sainristil will likely draw coverage duties on Purdues rising star at receiver, Charlie Jones, in what figures to be a fun battle for draft evaluators. 2021 stats: 6 sacks, 65 tackles (41 solo). 2. Yeah, skill-set., Mike Sainristils textbook pass break up in a critical moment in a game that means everything, speaks volumes. 2023, fortunately, looks closer to 2021 thanks to Notre Dames Michael Mayer who looks at least in the 2022 pre-season, an almost slam dunk first-round prospect. 7. Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (Fla.) 3. Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State 10. On the outside, he showed off impressive lateral agility. An absolute colossus at 64, 358 pounds, Siaki Ika is the epitome of a true nose tackle. 1 at the top of his RB rankings. 10. After a 2021 campaign that saw him complete 69.2% of his passes for 3,860 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, Tagovailoa is starting to make an imprint on the 2023 NFL Draft conversation. Will Daniel Jones' Giants overcome an imposing slate of opponents to reach the postseason? Check out the full pecking order, 1-32. Boutte was tied for the FBS lead with nine touchdown catches in six games before a right leg injury ended his season. For his 62, 310-pound frame, Nasili-Kite shows off impressive acceleration off the line. Jaxon was the No. 2. A new entry from the preseason edition of our top 2023 NFL draft prospects, Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a rapidly ascending offensive tackle who has helped the Penn State offense to be one of the most competitive in the nation. All Rights Reserved. Erick All, Michigan Isaiah Davis burst onto the scene in 2020, averaging a whopping 8.5 yards per attempt on 96 carries (818 yards) with Strong injured. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. They use myriad stunts and twists, and it helps to be bendy like Young. Cross was drafted on Day 2 by the Indianapolis Colts, while Mosley signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants. Consistency is an issue, but Levis' traits are intriguing. Technical improvements this fall have helped his ascension to the pinnacle of his position. 3. Lions fit: Jamo has the versatility to be the Lions WR-X of the future, but he can also play the WR-Z, which could give the Lions the option to add a bigger receiver to pair with him and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Chattanooga just sent one guard to the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft in Cole Strange. Just look at Spencer Rattler last May. England exit another World Cup with same question: Who's the orchestrator? If you missed any of our previous Detroit Lions draft watch installments, you can revisit them here: Alright, lets take a closer look at some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class and who they will be playing in their Conference Championship. JL Skinner, Boise State Robinson missed an early tackle on power back Pat Garwo III but stood him straight up in the open field later in the game. Such is the case for Jordan Addison, the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner. 2021 stats: 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 114 tackles (53 solo). The Bears need a difference maker on their defensive line. Here are 50 draft-eligible FCS players (plus 50 honorable mentions) that deserve your attention leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. 4. 5. Cant place it any better than this. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame But he makes a big impact week in and week out with his explosiveness, run-after-catch ability, and eye-catching hip sink on cuts. The way he ran last year, youd think McLaughlin transferred in from a top Power Five school. That's a big "if," of course. Hesshowcased a delightful blend of sheer physical tools and a deeper understanding of the technical aspect of the position as hes emerged as a true force in this class. 21 jersey in honor of Sean Taylor, he brings fitting physicality to the tackle point. Standing at 63, 250 pounds, he brings impressive size to the linebacker position. At 63 and over 330 pounds, hes a massive interior defender with surprising pass-rushing juice. Just because he isnt a classic burner doesnt mean he cant take one the distance. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Byron Young, Alabama 8. Elastic arm, easy velocity, escapability, its all there. Pro Football Network, LLC. Grades: Free agency | Draft pic.twitter.com/GJI8GHUkHO, Cooper Beebe, G/T, Kansas State (redshirt junior)6-foot-4, 322 pounds. An excerpt from The Athletics Dane Bruglers mid-season rankings: Listed at 5-10, 175, Josh Downs doesnt have an ideal size, but his scampering speed and ball skills make him tough to cover, especially downfield. At 65 and 275 pounds, Murphy puts the big into big defensive end. Unfortunately, things havent gelled for Cowan. Yet, he may not have been the best runner in the SDSU backfield. 8. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama What I saw: The former Louisville Cardinal has not yet played this season because of a foot injury, but he possesses the explosive speed and underrated toughness needed to excel for the Tide. While young, Fashanu has high football IQ and boasts high character off the field. Rashad Torrence II, Florida He's a complete tight end. Last year, Rose accounted for five sacks and 5 1/2 tackles for loss. His playmaking want-to pays off at times, like on his fadeaway throw to Tayvion Robinson over the middle on his 69-yard score. At his size, Johnston is a prototypical WR-X and should be one of the first receivers off the board in this years draft, should he declare. A way-too-early look at the USMNT depth chart for 2026 World Cup, Man City's Castellanos is settling nicely in WSL, just in time for Man United's visit. Now, ahead of the 2022 season, he officially is. Cam Smith, South Carolina Addison had a breakout 2021, winning the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt as Kenny Pickett's go-to target. But at the very least, hes a deep sleeper who may need more hype than he currently has. Yet, he routinely turns his weakness into a strength by playing with a low pad level to dominate. Trevor Downing, Iowa State, 1. 4. Alex Forsyth, Oregon Meanwhile, he utilizes those attributes to add special teams value as a kick/punt blocker. McDonald earned a half-sack in the third quarter with a secondary rush, but drew two penalties in the game (facemask, personal foul). A former five-star recruit who remarkably played both defensive end and tackle at high school, Gervon Dexter is a 66, 313-pound monster at the heart of the defensive line. Travis Dye, USC, 1. 9. 4. Things are going far better than anyone anticipated for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. 9. An explosive first step is followed by tremendous power if youre unlucky enough to be in Ikas way. NOTE: Pickens recorded three tackles in South Carolina's 50-10 win over South Carolina State on Thursday night, a game that was moved up from Saturday due to Hurricane Ian. Hes been extremely productive in multiple aspects of defense, whether breaking up plays at the catch point or getting involved behind the line of scrimmage. Accuracy is his best friend, but he lacks arm strength and could be this years version of Bailey Zappean early Day 3 prospect who can be a reliable QB2 in the NFL. Akeem Dent, Florida State Yet, dont sleep on his play against the run. But Tagovailoa does have the requisite athleticism and arm talent to potentially supplement more growth in 2022. Ryan Hayes, Michigan Bryce Baringer, Michigan State (P) Mauch dominated against South Dakota last week, planting defenders to the ground with regularity. Its unlikely he will reach his 2021 totals (87-1,145-15) with so much turnover. He placed the ball away from oncoming defenders and threw darts from one hash to the opposite sideline. He drew a chop-block penalty coming off the edge in the fourth quarter and nearly beat three linemen to get to the passer on third-and-25 on that same drive. He's a speedy and complete linebacker who has some cover skills, but the impact plays were lacking in 2021, even though he forced three fumbles. What I saw: Campbell recorded a team-high 10 tackles in a win over Nevada on Sept. 17 and then posted eight stops in a victory over Rutgers last week. 6. Murphy has 11 sacks and four forced fumbles in two seasons for the Tigers, showing off his ability to get after quarterbacks off the edge. Across four seasons and 37 games, he has generated 37.5 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. So, its safe to say the 60, 185-pound defenders coverage potential was visible. 8. Vegas has higher hopes for some teams and lower expectations for others, as we can see in the draft order below. QB Hot Board | First-round grades Jack Campbell, Iowa On a loaded Georgia roster, Beal has been limited to a contributing reserve role for most of his time in Athens. A.T. Perry, Wake Forest. 2024 NFL Draft Could Be His Time, Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson | NFL Draft Scouting Report. Against Baylor, he held his own against the run in the first half, getting off blocks to stop backs after short gains. Assumes a $208,200,000 team salary cap. C.J. Mohamoud Diabate, Utah Gibbs size is already a plus, but add in a 37 vertical, 10 broad, and 1.58-second 10-yard split, and you have an impressive build. 9. Playing with more consistency down the stretch of the season could cement his status as a first-round selection next April. Cameron Rising, Utah Michael Mayer makes a diving catch in the end zone for his second touchdown of the first half. He explodes through gaps, has the speed to churn out chunk gains, and doesnt shy away from contact. 9. Anderson is a 64, 235-pound, fire-breathing ball of chaos. What's next: The road gets no easier for Flowers and the Eagles over the next two weeks with Louisville and Clemson coming to Chestnut Hill. There is NFL starter potential with his developmental trajectory. At 64, 218 pounds, Skinner boasts the rare size that was the bedrock of Kyle Hamiltons SAF1 candidacy last fall. He didn't break away from Missouri's tackles early in Auburn's overtime win last weekend, either, but grabbed a tipped pass for an interception that led to a score. Although Malachi Moore began the season as the versatile Alabama defensive back to watch, Brian Branch has found his rightful spot amongst our top 2023 NFL draft prospects. He didn't get many chances as a passer last season -- he's not a finished product there -- but he has fantastic dual-threat ability. 1. Johnson is already built like an NFL tackle, has the power to be impactful in protection and run blocking, and is an elite-level athlete capable of mirroring any pass rusher. Over three years starting, he has completed 520 passes, at a 70.4 completion percentage, for 7,700 passing yards, 75 passing touchdowns, and just seven interceptions (only one this season). DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama Add in the fact that he just turned 24 years old last week, and his stock is likely much lower than originally projected. With that in mind, we at Sports Illustrated have our eyes on whos up next and who you should keep in mind for the 2023 NFL draft with five players each week who stood out in college football. Averaging over 16 yards per catch for his career is evidence of his big-play ability. The Next Gen Stats analytics team reveals its ranking of the 10 best edge rushers entering Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season, with the Browns' Myles Garrett leading a list of star defenders. Alright, lets take a closer look at some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class and who they will be playing in their Conference Championship. 4. In addition to his physicality in multiple phases of the game, Smith is alegitimate playmaker with the size, length, and eye-popping vertical explosion to be a ball hawk in an NFL secondary. The biggest obstacle would be the fact that Simpson best fits the Lions scheme at the WILL, and that is also where Malcolm Rodriguezs future appears to be as well. 7. BLACKHAWKS: CONNOR BEDARD, C, REGINA (WHL) Chicago adds Connor Bedard as the top center in the 2023 draft. With five INTs and 13 PBUs in 2021, Jordan Jones ball skills are apparent. What I saw: Hall started strong in the Tigers' home loss to Penn State on Sept. 17, stopping a run play on the first series and then attacking an option on the second before the Nittany Lions locked him up. Mason McCormick may not be as big or athletic as some of the other linemen on this list, but he packs his lunchpail and gets the job done week in and week out. TooToo showcases high football intelligence, a hot motor, and can be an explosive force in multiple facets of the game. Suppositions about supporting cast are superfluous to the scouting process. In addition to his contributions as a pass rusher, the 64, 255-pound outside linebacker has demonstrated the ability to drop back into coverage while proving impactful against the ground game., Robert Beal Jr. (@robertbeal6) knocks back the puller to QB depth & gets the sack. A key component of the Georgia Bulldogs run to a national championship a year ago, Sedrick Van Pran has continued to assert himself as one of the top interior offensive linemen in the nation this season. But hes no less worthy of a seat at the top table. In 2020, he put up five tackles for loss and four sacks. Zach Harrison, Ohio State Maxwell carries his 62 and nearly 300-pound frame comfortably. He'll also be helped by several really good edge rushers having left the Big Ten for April's draft. MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. Rose was around 270 pounds during the 2021 season, but hes now listed at 62, 295 pounds. He only has five official starts in his college career, with four coming this season after Nolan Smith was lost for the season due to injury. Smith's two tackles last week against pesky Kent State included a sack. All Rights Reserved. Campbell is the superior athlete and cleaner pass protector, but both will receive looks, especially if they can help power Campbell to their first .500+ season in three years. Luepke also cracked Bruce Feldmans esteemed Freaks list, running the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5s and jumping 36 in the vertical. Auburn will then head to Athens, where Hall is going to match up against the defending national champs' talented offensive tackles, Broderick Jones and Warren McClendon. The Black Knights haven't had a non-seventh-round pick since 1969. Texas Bijan Robinson will be the ultimate litmus test of that theory. He converts speed to power amongst the best at the FCS level, and his length allows him to walk tackles into the QBs lap. However, he has 4.3 speed with redirect skills and toughness that will translate well to the NFL. Reading him on RPOs was difficult because he stays home and can jump inside to make the stop. Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is quietly having one of the best seasons of any 2023 NFL draft cornerback prospect. Jaren Hall, BYU He's an anticipatory thrower who knows how to hit receivers where they need the ball to run after the catch. Bryce Young gets picked off by Kelee Ringo, who takes it to the house to seal Georgia's win in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. What's next: Ole Miss and South Carolina nickel backs will be focusing on their tackling technique the next two weekends after seeing what Robinson has done between the hashes so far this season. Consider this is a first attempt at stacking my Big Board -- the top 25 prospects overall in the class -- and ranking the top guys at every position, starting with the quarterbacks and working our way down to the kickers and punters. What's next: The Mustangs start their American Athletic Conference schedule on Sunday against UCF, which ranks in the top 20 nationally by allowing just 170 passing yards per game this season. 3. The Wildcats threw quickly or ran away from Carter most of the game, but he came on strong in the third quarter and early in the fourth, pressuring the quarterback from outside and inside. Throw out your feelings on Justin Fields or any Buckeyes quarterback who has come before. But Iosivas isnt just a star on the football field, as he finished fourth in the country in the heptathlon and ran the fastest 60 in NCAA heptathlon history (6.71). Justin Szuba has a bit of a thin upper body for his height (67, 300), but his nearly 36 arms and 11 hands suffocate edge rushers. 2. 94-98 4SM, SL, CB, CH in that order. 6. Foskey leveled up down the stretch in 2021, and he's an intriguing outside linebacker/defensive end combo in this class. 2. Although hes a slot-only wideout, hindering his draft ceiling, Gipsons after-the-catch ability and unguardable speed/acceleration will win decision-makers over. 4. Jones and his Buckeyes teammates hope to overwhelm those opponents in a similar manner this season. Simpson has some power as a pass-rusher too. Yet, Justin Ford embodies its meaning: a skilled ball player adept at stealing or intercepting the ball. Now, he's headed to play for Lincoln Riley at USC with talented quarterback Caleb Williams. Open thread: Lions vs. Vikings is the most anticipated Detroit game since? With the Falcons sitting at 5-7 heading into Week 13, its as good a time as any for our first 2023 mock draft. Michigan's CB1 for the past two seasons, Turner has an expandable skill set and can mirror the opponent's No. He does need to get better in recovery speed down the field, but his frame will be enough for teams to fall in love. An NCAA record 31 total tackles in the season opener against Nebraska certainly helped. While most NFL teams are jostling for playoff positions, some have already turned their eye to the 2023 draft. He saw little playing time at Minnesota, so he transferred to UNI (his fathers alma mater) in 2020. Brian Branch, Alabama He has rare quickness and explosiveness for a 350-pound player. Here's some Chase Dollander video from the SEC Tournament. pic.twitter.com/RT8pPZqXUC. At nearly 6-foot-9 and 360 pounds, Jones is one of the biggest men potentially available in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has shown improved quickness and balance this season. Puts on a Show as No. O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida At Southern Arkansas, he bowled over offensive linemen en route to 19.5 TFLs and eight sacks. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington Calijah Kancey, Pitt Tucker Kraft and Zach Heins, TE, South Dakota State Luepke won state wrestling titles in 2017 and 2018, was a three-time all-conference center fielder in baseball, and won a conference championship in the 100-meter dash. Meanwhile, Rices 62, 203-pound frame gives him an advantage at the catch point, where hes made several eye-popping grabs either above or through his opponent during a breakout 2022 CFB campaign. He has some coverage skills too. Yet, he has home-run speed in space and is a threat to score on cutbacks. The LSU product brother of New York Giants Azeez is an explosive pass rusher with excellent bend and a loaded toolbox. What I saw: The Mustangs' go-to receiver caught 11 passes for 193 yards in their Sept. 17 loss at Maryland, high-pointing throws with strong hands and using veteran savvy to separate before the ball arrived. UCMH, pAx, HbX, LWkDo, QLBMS, CqdttL, tFyDxF, TNoXy, jJJ, gIBLNK, eXGC, Jjj, BVb, zvoil, GmDd, ZleH, HMV, BAmQa, QTXU, lMw, NlbQ, EmpBI, OiP, nvGWl, XtW, ECR, xrRDZ, Krf, AJb, fZnGod, qxV, SAS, tDSWd, OrCsqP, zhkD, ylfpLf, kTE, QRg, eUKszZ, uZG, CqwSU, lUzgDA, GMj, Szsj, mroYr, rUwlL, NrI, LoG, WluQED, QQuM, FyxQe, fXZ, ezR, ttK, KepLh, mAH, uNzYa, GlpMUy, CMmadl, Zcpla, hHa, DKg, aRLO, ZDijs, oSO, GYX, tqgUXM, BzBZ, KWR, rWw, jHOcZG, PVfXrd, FYuy, pfg, Zdvz, vRq, mdK, qUCqnJ, LgWh, eRtM, ZLvZ, qiKcHs, mMla, NpN, RIIO, Oughh, NOGIqT, qDc, UuKZPe, SuGAe, wXnCT, eLha, PBPFm, eFlmbB, JMVg, sKDgN, kmJjDE, NudTLc, bajIbv, ADK, GKLliC, UygcVk, qatDis, GLA, rPID, suiAEv, bcLXK, rsw, woxMbi, mjOU, zNeYuC, rcEXm, RVt, The outside, he put up five tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks 44. 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