With the NFL Scouting Combine in our rearview, my evaluation process is about 95 percent complete.
I’ve been watching these players since high school for the most part. What I’ve seen on the field makes up the bulk of my analysis, but the draft process usually illuminates some useful pearls of wisdom.
So it’s probably a good time to update the ol’ big board.
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Key dates remaining before we get to the draft in Kansas City, Mo. (April 27-29):
March 15: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
Part of my weekly mock draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the draft order. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I tied for the most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I was also tied for ninth overall (out of 158) for 2022. I’m fourth overall (out of 159) over the past five years.
My big board is an attempt to discern who the best players in this draft class actually are.
Here’s my updated 2023 NFL Draft Big Board:
1. Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama, Jr.
Some scouts will say Anderson is a bit undersized for an NFL edge rusher, but there are shades of Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas and future Hall of Famer Von Miller in his pass-rush approach. He was a five-star recruit who produced as soon as he set foot in Tuscaloosa — 34.5 sacks in three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Plus, he is equally adept at defending the run so he never needs to leave the field. I’d have no qualms with him going first overall.
2. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia, Jr.
What if I told you the most talented player on a historically-great Bulldogs defense that saw five prospects selected in the first round wasn’t even eligible for the draft after last season? Carter is a scheme-wrecker and forces an offensive attack to focus its attention on him, making it substantially easier for his teammates to make plays. There were rumblings about some maturity issues with Carter before an arrest on misdemeanors for his alleged involvement in a deadly car accident involving his teammate and a Georgia staff member. Of course, most college kids are dealing with maturity issues and nothing I’ve come across would warrant the dreaded “character concern” label.
3. CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio St., Jr.
Despite dealing with several injuries at wide receiver, Stroud didn’t miss a beat this season — he was second in touchdown passes (41) and QBR (88.9) in 2022 — and nearly beat the defending national champions with 348 yards and four TDs, while showcasing his scrambling ability (he’s a traditional pocket passer). He put on a throwing clinic after not participating in the athletic testing in Indianapolis.
4. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama, Jr.
Young has showcased an elite level skillset for two straight seasons — featuring special athleticism and intangibles with a dash of improv — this last year with fewer playmakers surrounding him. Of course, Young’s size (5-foot-10, 204 pounds) will be debated, and that will determine where he lands in the NFL. Young will need an impressive pro day to stave off the momentum created by other top QB prospects at the combine.
5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas, Jr.
Few things are certain at this point, but I’m fairly positive the Doak Walker Award-winning Robinson will be the first running back selected in late April (positional bias will likely keep him from going inside the top-10). He’s an all-around threat who is light on his feet considering his size (6-foot, 215 pounds) and features home-run ability.
6. Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson, So.
Bresee was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. He showed flashes of dominance as a true freshman in 2020, but only played 152 snaps in 2021 before tearing his ACL. Bresee was limited to 10 games and just 330 snaps this past year by a “non-football medical issue” and an off-the-field tragedy (sister Ella died from brain cancer). His performance in Indy — he produced a 4.86-second 40-yard dash — and continued health will go a long way in cementing him as the second defensive tackle taken off of the board, behind Georgia’s Carter.
7. Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern, Jr.
Skoronski took over for Rashawn Slater as a true freshman in 2020 and the offense didn’t miss a beat. Some scouts may say his size better suits him to play guard, but they also said that about Slater. Regardless, there’s Pro Bowl potential here.
8. Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.
Wilson was one of nine players in the FBS to produce 60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks before suffering a season-ending broken foot against Kansas. He’s a physically gifted, ascending pass rusher who is explosive off the ball and powerful enough to make an immediate impact at the next level.
9. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida, So.
Richardson is the wild-card in this QB class. His range is anywhere from first overall pick to a day two selection. He oozes athletic upside — his combine performance set the standard going forward for the position — but his footwork and post-snap recognition leave a lot to be desired. The team that drafts him will need a quarterback whisperer like the Bills had in Brian Daboll when they drafted Josh Allen.
10. Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia, So.
Jones doesn’t have the experience other prospects possess in this class — he’s only started 19 games for the Bulldogs — but his athleticism, intelligence and footwork pops when you watch him. It was all on clear display in Indy, where he ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.97) for an offensive lineman and glided across the field during on-field workouts, changing directions effortlessly.
11. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, So.
Gonzalez has the size (6-1, 197) and physical traits that make most scouts salivate, and the Colorado transfer answered all questions regarding his ball production (four interceptions) in his only season in Eugene. I figured he’d receive a bump in his draft stock post-combine, and early indications are he has.
12. Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia, Sr.
Smith, a former five-star recruit, is athletic enough to make plays from sideline to sideline. A refined approach to rushing the passer is needed to unlock his unlimited potential. It remains to be seen how his season-ending pectoral tear will affect his draft stock, but he looked plenty healthy (and explosive) at the combine and is drawing many comparisons to one of the NFL’s best pure pass rushers, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick.
13. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio St., Jr.
The Buckeyes had two receivers drafted in the first 11 picks last April and Smith-Njigba out-produced both as a sophomore. An injury-riddled season has dampened his draft stock, but if he checks out during the draft process, he likely won’t have to wait too long to hear his name called.
14. Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson, Jr.
Murphy features very similar dimensions/traits to 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick Travon Walker and will need to impress at the Tigers’ Pro Day in order to reassert himself as a potential top-10 overall player in this class.
15. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU, Jr.
Johnston has drawn comparisons to Cincy’s Tee Higgins and the Chargers’ Mike Williams, but he does Deebo Samuel-like things, forcing missed tackles when he has the ball in his hands — he’s 6-foot-3, 208 pounds (Samuel is three inches shorter). His hands are a concern to some scouts, but I feel he will benefit from a more accurate QB at the next level.
16. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame, Jr.
The Irish pipeline at tight end to the NFL continues to flourish. Mayer isn’t as explosive as Kyle Pitts, but his receiving acumen, size (6-foot-4, 249 pounds) and toughness put him just a tick below Pitts as a prospect.
17. Brian Branch, S, Alabama, Jr.
Branch isn’t a “freakish” athlete, but can play anywhere in the secondary and is one of the surest tacklers you will find in a defensive backfield. Searching for a weakness here is a little like trying to find Waldo.
18. Jordan Addison, WR, USC, Jr.
The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner (with Pittsburgh) wasn’t as dominant for the Trojans last season, but he’s a silky smooth route runner with enough speed to challenge a defense at every level and features inside/outside versatility.
19. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio St., Jr.
Johnson could very well end up in the top-15 depending on how the draft order shakes out. He was the nation’s top-ranked offensive tackle prospect in the 2020 recruiting class and has thrived at both left tackle and right guard for the Buckeyes.
20. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn St., Jr.
The son of former All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter checks the size (6-2, 193) and physicality boxes. Plus, Junior’s athleticism and talent pops when you watch him, but he’ll need to refine his technique and develop more consistency to pay off his potential — his aggressive nature is a gift and a curse.
21. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois, Sr.
Witherspoon finished with the highest coverage grade (92.5) in the FBS, according to Pro Football Focus. The ball skills and impressive route recognition is obvious — three interceptions and 14 passes defensed (tied-for-8th in FBS) — and will likely be best utilized in a more-zone oriented scheme in the pros.
22. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama, Jr.
There’s bell-cow, dual-threat potential with Gibbs — there’s shades of Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Charles in his game. He features electric speed with pass-catching ability and an advanced route tree.
23. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky, Sr.
Levis’ senior season was a mixed bag compared to his impressive 2021 campaign — he lost his top receiver (Wan’Dale Robinson) and offensive coordinator to the NFL while dealing with nagging injuries — but he features the combination of arm talent, size (6-foot-4, 229 pounds) and mobility that usually sparks the imagination of an offensive coordinator.
24. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland, Jr.
Banks’ impressive athleticism was on full-display in Indy with a 4.35 40-yard dash, a 42-inch vertical and 11-foot-4 broad jump. You’re looking at a potential first-rounder after we add a solid blend of size (6-foot, 197 pounds), strength and versatility to the mix.
25. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah, Sr.
Kincaid has been highly productive at two levels (he previously played at the University of San Diego), with at least eight TDs in each of his four full seasons of play between two schools. He’s a liability as a blocker, but he’s a fluid athlete, smooth route runner (something he’s worked on) with great hands and is a clear and present danger in the red zone.
26. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College, Sr.
Flowers won’t be for everyone with his smallish frame (5-9, 182), but he checks most boxes for a No. 1 receiver at the next level. He’s a good route runner with excellent hands who is extremely dangerous in the open field thanks to elite speed, agility and vision.
27. Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa, So.
The hype train is in full effect for Van Ness. He reportedly received a first-round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee before declaring early for the draft despite not starting a single game for the Hawkeyes. “Hercules” clearly has the functional strength needed at the next level, features a dominant bull rush with an NFL-caliber spin move and was very impressive at the NFL Combine.
28. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia, Jr.
Washington put on a show at the combine, running the 40 in 4.64 seconds, a great time for someone who is 6-foot-7, 264 pounds and absolutely abused the blocking sled. He’s essentially an extra offensive lineman who can create mismatches in the passing game.
29. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia, So.
As a red-shirt sophomore, Ringo’s size/speed combination is still developing, but the former five-star recruit will compete to be the first cornerback selected solely based on his talent and potential.
30. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma, Jr.
Harrison features the prototypical size and movement skills of starting left tackle in the NFL. He’ll need to polish his technique (but he’s already very good in pass protection) and buy-in to an NFL strength program in order to unlock the next level.
31. Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh, Jr.
Something about Panthers’ undersized defensive linemen who can get to the quarterback — Aaron Donald turned out alright, I guess. Kancey is almost a physical clone of Donald and led all interior defenders with a 92.4 pass-rushing grade this past fall, according to Pro Football Focus. He also just ran the fastest time (4.67) in the 40-yard dash by a defensive tackle at the combine since 2006.
32. Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee, Jr.
Hyatt emerged as the premier deep threat in college football after exploding for 207 yards and five TDs (!) against Alabama in October. The 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner is track and field fast. I only have two questions. Why didn’t he produce at this level his previous two seasons with the Volunteers, and Can he produce on the perimeter — where he will face press coverage much more often — since he’s primarily ran most of his routes out of the slot?
33. Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern, Sr.
Adebawore’s natural power, speed and strength were on display in Mobile and it all carried over to Indy, where he ran 4.49 at 282 pounds, believed to be the fastest 40 time for any player electronically timed at the combine who weighed in at 280 or more pounds. His versatility — he dominated from both the edge and inside — makes him a borderline first-rounder for me.
34. O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida, Sr.
Torrence caught my attention when he played for Louisiana, and he didn’t miss a beat after transferring into the SEC, becoming a consensus All-American.
35. Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa St., Sr.
McDonald has been highly productive for the Cyclones — he has at least five sacks in four straight seasons and double-digit sacks in two of the last three — despite playing out of position for most of his collegiate career. He’s an explosive, instinctive pass rusher, who is riding a waive of momentum after impressive performances during Senior Bowl week and at the combine.
36. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina, Jr.
Smith was Jaycee Horn’s successor and maintained Horn’s excellence for the Gamecocks. So much so, quarterbacks essentially avoided him in 2022. He can be overaggressive, which leads to a lot of laundry on the field.
37. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee, Sr.
Wright’s a four-year starter who has improved every season in Knoxville. Wright only allowed one pressure when he faced off against Alabama’s Anderson in a 52-49 Volunteers’ victory and was consistently dominant throughout Senior Bowl practices.
38. Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan, Sr.
Smith is an impressive athlete for his size (6-3, 323) and an immovable object in the run game. Consistency is needed to unlock Pro Bowl potential.
39. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio St., Sr.
Jones is a massive (6-8, 374) man with nimble feet who dominated at right tackle for the Buckeyes his senior season — he allowed only five QB hurries, no hits and zero sacks in almost 800 snaps. He measured in with the longest wingspan (89 1/2 inches) in Senior Bowl history.
40. Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati, Jr.
Scott is smallish (5-10, 177) and still learning the position, but the T.Y. Hilton and Tyler Lockett comparisons are apt. He’s a former high school running back and Junior Olympic sprinter who offers dynamic versatility and big-play ability — 10 of his 14 career TDs went for 30-plus yards.
41. Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn, Sr.
Hall is a team captain and explosive athlete (he was a state finalist in the 200-meter dash in high school). He’s a bit undersized (6-3, 254), but he’s tenacious and tough as nails coming off the edge. He’ll need to develop a counter-attack in the pros to deal with more sophisticated offensive linemen.
42. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon St., Jr.
Musgrave is a work-in-progress as a blocker and he only played two games this season, although we caught a glimpse of his potential with him making 11 receptions for 169 yards (15.4 yards per catch) and a TD. He’s an elite athlete, who runs precise routes, has soft hands and can create separation with his speed.
43. Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech, Sr.
A former tight end at Old Dominion, White’s still developing his defensive chops, but his combination of size (6-5, 285) and speed doesn’t come along every year.
44. Sydney Brown, S, Illinois, Sr.
Brown showcased his ball-hawk skills with six interceptions last season. He’s an impact player around the line of scrimmage as well. There’s some footwork issues in zone coverage that needs to be coached up, but Brown features all the tools to be a star at the next level and he likely made himself some money with his performance in Indy.
45. Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU, Sr.
Hodges-Tomlinson makes up for his size (5-8, 178) deficiency with tenacity and explosive athleticism. According to Pro Football Focus, he only allowed a 34.5 percent completion rate when targeted in 2022 and had 41 passes defensed in four seasons with the Horned Frogs.
46. Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame, Jr.
Foskey’s versatile skill set, size and power would have likely made him a day two selection at least had he entered the draft last season. A successful draft process will likely land him in the first round next month. He’s an effective, playmaking pass rusher who also blocked four punts in his collegiate career with the Irish.
47. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama, Sr.
Battle was considered a potential first-rounder last year had he left school early, but he used his senior season to become a better tackler and more reliable run supporter (he was already dynamic in coverage). Whether it’s innate or the product of film study, he’s one of the more instinctively gifted players you’re going to find at the position.
48. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas, Jr.
This Alabama transfer (and former five-star recruit) has hybrid potential with the closing speed to get to the quarterback, the intensity to roam the middle of the field and athleticism to develop in coverage.
49. Andre Carter, Edge, Army, Sr.
Carter is a relentless, athletic pass rusher with prototypical size (6-6, 256) who was highly productive as a junior (15.5 sacks), and found himself being triple-teamed for most of his senior year at West Point. The NFL will add some thickness and strength to his frame, which could take his game to another level.
50. Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah, So.
Phillips features a smaller frame, but his ability to mirror and match routes — he’s a student of the game — plus his ball skills (nine career interceptions with four pick-sixes) more than make up for it.
51. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa, Sr.
Campbell is a big (6-foot-5), highly-productive inside linebacker from one of college football’s top programs. He also had one of the best combines of any prospect in attendance. He put up elite explosive numbers — a 1.59-second 10-yard split, 37.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad — at a hefty 249 pounds.
52. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi St., Jr.
Forbes is a three-year starter in the SEC and has improved every season for the Bulldogs. He will need to bulk up if he can — he weighed in at 166 pounds in Indy — but his instincts and ball production have been phenomenal with 14 interceptions in his collegiate career — including a FBS-record six returned for a TD.
53. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA, Sr.
Charbonnet features the size (6-0, 214), power, vision and instincts to thrive in a zone-based run scheme at the next level. He’s progressed as a receiver out of the backfield since transferring from Michigan and will need to continue his development in pass protection — there’s three-down potential here. He answered all relevant questions surrounding his athleticism at the combine.
54. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas St., Jr.
Anudike-Uzomah carries a substantial toolbox as a pass rusher despite lacking much starting experience. He’ll need to develop as an edge setter in the pros to truly become an asset against the run, but it’s clear he’s going to be a problem for quarterbacks early in his career.
55. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami, Jr.
Stevenson aced Senior Bowl week and the combine. He’s a big (6-0, 198), strong corner capable of bullying smaller receivers and matching up with the big guys due to his elite athleticism. He’ll need to improve his consistency against the run, but he has all the attributes to do so in the pros.
56. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M, Jr.
Achane is small (5-8, 188), but fearless between the tackles and features sprinter speed. He’s far from a gadget guy.
57. Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn St., Sr.
Brown’s size (5-11, 203) and athletic ability checked out in Indy. He’s a versatile defensive back who can cover the slot, play in the box or patrol center field as a safety. He was highly productive for the Nittany Lions in 2022 with a team-high 74 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. Brown was the Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl in Penn State’s victory over Utah.
58. Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio St., Sr.
Harrison was a five-star recruit with a lot of hype who didn’t quite meet expectations in Columbus, but there’s still a lot to like. He’s in the 99th percentile for both arm length and wingspan (NFL teams covet length at the position). A minor hamstring injury kept him from doing any on-field drills at the combine, but it’s universally accepted he would’ve likely impressed. There’s still a chance we haven’t seen the best version of Harrison, which could be enough to land him in the second round.
59. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina, Jr.
Downs’ size (5-9, 171) will cause some consternation, but he’s skilled and athletic enough to overcome it. His explosiveness will stress defensive backs at every level of the route tree and he’s slippery after the catch.
60. Christopher Smith, S, Georgia, Sr.
Smith is a bit undersized (5-11, 192) for a free safety, but he flys around the field with reckless abandon, and proved more effective attacking downhill — he had five tackles for a loss in 2022. He also produced six interceptions his last two seasons in Athens and was one of the leaders of a star-studded defense that led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships.
61. Daiyon Henley, LB, Washington St., Sr.
Henley was a high school quarterback who originally played wide receiver at Nevada before flipping to the defensive side of the ball as a junior. He transferred to Pullman last season and was highly productive. Henley is a downhill player who is capable in coverage and features a lot of growth potential going forward. An absolute worst-case scenario in the pros: Pro Bowl potential as a core special-teamer.
62. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU, Jr.
Freeland is a skyscraper (6-8, 302) who can afford to add some weight and muscle to his frame. His 37-inch vertical was the best ever for an offensive lineman at the combine and he features all-around athleticism while being a four-year starter and team captain.
63. John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota, Sr.
Michael Schmitz has been one of the best offensive lineman in the nation since he became a starter way back in 2019. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 92.4 overall grade to lead the country this season. The other centers who have played at that level have seen their talent translate well to the NFL (Frank Ragnow and Tyler Linderbaum).
64. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson, Jr.
Simpson is everything you are looking for in a modern coverage linebacker — super athletic and a varied skillset — plus he’s capable of playing inside or outside, but there’s still a bit of refinement needed to help him reach his full potential.
65. Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M, Jr.
Johnson is a rangy, versatile impact tackler whose size (6-2,198) and athleticism will allow defensive coordinators to get creative.
66. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa, Sr.
The Hawkeyes continue to churn out great tight end prospects — George Kittle, TJ Hockenson and Noah Fant are all doing well in the NFL. LaPorta’s measurables are almost identical to Kittle, but his ball skills and elusiveness falls a little short.
67. Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor, Jr.
Any team struggling to stop the run will be in on the 6-foot-3, 335 pound Ika. Of course, he plugs up the middle of the field, but he’s also athletic enough to pressure the quarterback.
68. Jammie Robinson, S, Florida St., Jr.
Big receivers and tight ends can challenge him over the top, but Robinson is a sure tackler, who is an asset against the run and features the versatility to play free safety or nickel back.
69. Steve Avila, OL, TCU, Sr.
Avila is a team captain who has been dominant at both center (2020-2021) and guard (2022) for the Horned Frogs. He didn’t allow a single sack his final season in Fort Worth and was a second-team AP All-American.
70. Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston, Jr.
“Tank” produced back-to-back seasons with 1,300-plus yards and had 29 TD receptions the last two seasons with the Cougars. Dell ran “just” a 4.49 40-yard dash in Indy, which was a bit surprising if you’ve seen him play. He moves with the suddenness of a pinball, but he’s small (5-8, 165) — no receiver under 170 pounds is currently starting in the NFL — and drops a lot of easy passes. Still, he possesses game-changing ability as a receiver or punt returner.
71. Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee, Sr.
Young is an All-SEC first-team selection who has only helped his cause during the draft process with standout performances in Mobile at the Senior Bowl and in Indy at the combine, where he ran a blistering 4.43 40-yard dash (electrifying for someone weighing in around 250 pounds).
72. A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest, Jr.
Perry will need to overcome some drop issues, but he’s big (6-3, 198), fast (4.47 40-yard dash) and top tier field-stretcher in this draft class.
73. Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina, Sr.
Rush likely made himself a lot of money in Mobile. He was impressive in all three practices, often running better routes than the wide receivers, disrupting them all week long. He features an impressive size/speed combo, measuring in at 6-foot-2, 198 pounds while the on-field radar clocked him at 21.65 miles per hour — the only corners who were faster in the last five years were Tariq Woolen and Joshua Williams. He backed all of that up with a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine. Rush is one of my biggest “sleepers” in this draft class.
74. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota St., Jr.
Kraft is a well-rounded prospect who features elite size (6-5, 254), ball skills, is capable of making something happen after the catch and can be trusted as a blocker in the run game.
75. Joe Tippman, OL, Wisconsin, Jr.
Tippman is big (6-6, 313) for a center, but he looks like a tight end on the move. He’s the best pulling center in this draft class and he consistently terrorizes defenders at the second level. There’s no doubt he’d be an asset at guard in the NFL as well.
76. Kobie Turner, DL, Wake Forest, Sr.
Turner was another top combine snub. He walked on at Richmond producing 16 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss in four seasons before transferring to Winston-Salem, where he received the highest run-defense grade of any Power Five interior defender in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.
77. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon, So.
The younger brother of Penei — the No. 7 pick overall in 2021 — and a former five-star recruit himself, has a knack for finding the ball, and the ability to punish a ball-carrier at the point of attack while possessing a throwback demeanor, but average athleticism leaves him little room for error. His elite size (6-1, 246) and strength allows him to do his best work between the tackles.
78. Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford, Jr.
McKee is a pure pocket passer with prototypical size (6-6, 231), arm talent and touch. He could be overlooked because of the Cardinal’s lack of success the past two seasons. According to Pro Football Focus, Stanford’s offensive line posted the eighth-lowest pass-blocking grade in the Power Five and over half of his throws 10-plus yards downfield were charted as tight window passes. So he wasn’t working with a lot in Palo Alto.
79. Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse, Jr.
The Quebec native features prototypical size (6-5, 318) and starting experience at both tackle spots. Bergeron is a proven dynamic run blocker at every level, but his feet betray him at times in pass protection. This might necessitate a move inside at the next level.
80. Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU, Jr.
Boutte bombed at the combine and has already had two surgeries on his right ankle, so don’t be surprised if he falls further than you’d expect at the draft. He’s a former top-100 recruit who has shown flashes of superstar potential, can play inside or outside and can turn short throws into chunk plays. There’s real “steal” potential here if everything comes together in the pros.
81. Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin, Sr.
Benton was dominant throughout Senior Bowl week and looked explosive in Indy. The 6-4, 309-pounder uses his powerful hands to destabilize offensive linemen and is starting to look like a day two lock in Kansas City.
82. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane, Jr.
Spears bounced back from a torn ACL in 2020 to score 21 TDs last season for the Green Wave, including four against USC in the Cotton Bowl, where he was clearly the most dominant player in a game that featured Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Spears is capable of making defenders miss or creating yards after contact and has seen his draft stock rise significantly after an impressive week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.
83. Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green, Sr.
If I had to pick one player who I felt should have been invited to the combine, but wasn’t, it would be Brooks. He was impressive in Mobile, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed for a player his size (6-4, 300). He was highly productive for the Falcons, contributing 12 sacks and 49 QB hurries while playing on the edge — something he won’t do much in the pros, but it’s nice to know he can.
84. Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota St., Sr.
Mauch is an impressive athlete who began his collegiate career as a 220-plus pound tight end and has developed into a 302-pound offensive tackle who is an impact player in the run and pass game. Less than ideal arm length might necessitate a move to guard in the NFL.
85. Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin, Jr.
Herbig’s size (6-2, 240) says he would be better suited as a hybrid defender in the pros than solely focusing on being an edge rusher. His instincts and athleticism back that up as well. Over a quarter of his career tackles were for a loss.
86. Julius Brents, CB, Kansas St., Sr.
Brents’ technique is still a bit raw, because he could rely on his elite athleticism and size (6-3, 198) to dominate in the Big 12. If he can smooth out those edges in the pros, he’s capable of disrupting every aspect of an offense.
87. DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB, Jr.
McBride appears to be a scheme-diverse back who was highly productive his junior season — he ran for 120-plus yards in 10 of 11 games in 2022. However, he hasn’t been utilized as a receiver much and he needs to eliminate ball security issues.
88. Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC, Jr.
Tuipulotu was a revelation this season for the Trojans with 13.5 sacks, after producing 7.5 his first two seasons in Los Angeles. His size (6-3, 266) makes him a bit of a tweener, but he’s strong, athletic and features a NFL-caliber spin move.
89. Luke Wypler, OL, Ohio St., Jr.
Wypler is a bit undersized (6-3, 303), but he’s a technician who features the necessary athleticism to become a solid starter in the right scheme that utilizes his fluid movement ability.
90. BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU, Jr.
Ojulari’s brother, Azeez, was drafted by the Giants in the second round in 2021. Like his older sibling, he’s a technically sound pass rusher who will need to adjust to the power-oriented aspects of the NFL game.
91. Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse, So.
Tucker doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s quick enough to do damage and works best in space with the vision of a return specialist, although he can be too indecisive at the line of scrimmage sometimes. He’s also a quality receiver with soft hands.
92. Moro Ojomo, DL, Texas, Sr.
Ojomo is a powerful, disruptive end who is still scratching the surface of his potential. He’s already an NFL-ready run defender, but will need to develop his pass rush plan in the pros.
93. Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati, Sr.
Pace has been a heat-seeking missile the last two seasons — 262 tackles with 34.5 for a loss — despise his size (5-10). The unanimous All-American may need to be protected by his defensive line in the pros in order to produce, but he could prove to be one of the better playmakers in this draft class.
94. Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse, So.
A torn ACL ended Williams’ 2022 season in October. There’s a good chance he slips during the draft because this cornerback class is loaded and he’s not participating in any pre-draft testing as he continues to rehab, but if he hadn’t suffered the injury, we’d be talking about a borderline first-rounder based on his mirroring ability alone.
95. JL Skinner, S, Boise St., Sr.
The San Diego native (Point Loma High) suffered a torn pectoral muscle during his training before the combine and wasn’t able to participate in on-field drills in Indy, but his versatility, size (6-4, 209), ball skills and athleticism will keep him in the running to be drafted on day two.
96. Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford, Sr.
Wilson has been plagued by injuries while playing for a terrible Cardinal squad and is technically raw after only playing in 14 games over the last three years. However, he was a four-star recruit, features prototypical size (6-2, 213) and has proven dangerous in catch-and-run situations. Wilson is also a talented run blocker and could play gunner on special teams while he’s earning his sea legs in the pros. He was also the best receiver during Senior Bowl week.
97. Rashee Rice, WR, SMU, Sr.
Rice features a good combination of size (6-1, 204) and speed with impressive ball skills, but there’s been a frustrating lack of consistency in his game.
98. Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida, So.
Dexter features NFL-ready size (6-6, 310), strength and elite athleticism that will be hard for teams to ignore, but his technique against the run and pass can be sloppy at times. Coaching will be key in the pros to help him develop a skill set to go with his rare physical traits.
99. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee, Sr.
Hooker was the early Heisman Trophy favorite in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL in November. His age could be an issue as well — he’ll be a 25-year-old rookie — but he mixes pocket passer size (6-3, 217) with dual-threat athleticism when healthy.
100. Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland, Sr.
Duncan is a former four-star recruit and four-year starter at left tackle with impressive movement skills. With this much experience at the position though, I expect a more polished technique. A good O-line coach will have a lot to work with here, and should be able to make the necessary fixes.
Also: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama, Jr.; Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane, Sr.; Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn, Jr.; Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri, Sr.; Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M, Jr.; Kendra Miller, RB, TCU, Jr.; Parker Washington, WR, Penn State, So.; DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas, Sr.; Mike Morris, Edge, Michigan, Sr.; Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU, Jr.; Yasir Abdullah, Edge, Louisville, Sr.; Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee, Sr.; Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma, Jr.; Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio St., Sr.; Byron Young, DL, Alabama, Sr.; Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama, Sr.; Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford, Sr.; Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois, Sr.; Andrew Vorhees, OL, USC, Sr.; DJ Turner, CB, Michigan, Sr.; Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia, Jr.; Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn, Sr.; Riley Moss, CB, Iowa, Sr.; Jarrett Patterson, OL, Notre Dame, Sr.; Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa St., Sr.; Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame, Jr.; Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama, Sr.; Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA, Sr.