Yearbook Scouting Reports – NFL Draft 2023

Defensive Yearbook Scouting Reports – NFL Draft 2023
Edge defender Will Anderson & Corners Witherspoon & Banks Head Defensive Class

Here are a few of our Yearbook Defensive scouting reports for the NFL Draft 2023. Our highest rated prospect entering the NFL Draft 2023 was edge defender Will Anderson. He never moved him, seeing him as a major NFL impact edge rusher. Landing in Houston and working with rookie coach DeMeco Ryans was an outstanding fit for this rookie and he responded with an excellent overall performance. He is expected to be a cornerstone starter on this young changing defense.

Corners, Devon Witherspoon and Deonte Banks are two rookie starters who have produced well playing on the island vs NFL receivers. They were two prospects we scouted extensively last year in the Big Ten and gave both high grades vs some of the best receivers in the nation. Witherspoon has earned Pro Bowl honors with an excellent initial season showing well rounded talent to be a fixture in the Seattle secondary. Banks had a strong final season at Maryland, including a strong performance vs Marvin Harrison at home that I scouted live. That convinced me he was NFL ready to play on the outside early in his career. Harrison is a generational receiver and he struggled facing the aggressive Banks over the game. Banks has earned our All-Rookie team coming out in a few weeks.

This year we will have 250+ expanded scouting reports for the NFL Draft 2024. Order Special Deluxe package today!!

Edge Defender

Will Anderson #31 – 6-4, 255 – Alabama – Sp. 4.55
NFL Comparison: Von Miller                                         Rating 95

Explosive edge rusher has been a dominant performer since his true freshman season, making a difference in most games. Elite burst off the edge to pressure a blocker with the ability to convert speed to power very well. Long arms (33 7/8”) and strong athletic frame give him the components of Pro Bowl players like, Von Miller and Khalil Mack. Produced vs SEC blockers in the nation and completed his three seasons with 34.5 sacks and 62 TFL despite facing double team blocking since his initial season. Production fell in his final season as he learned finer points of play to handle that special attention. Shows the ability to strike with a strong punch, dip his shoulder and make the edge to finish. Shows developed inside move to hit an opening. Strong frame allows him to hold the point in run defense along with the speed to pursue and make plays from the backside. Best player in the draft here from day one. Never a reason to move him back, though QB hungry teams will roll the dice.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top Three Selection

Cornerbacks

Devon Witherspoon #31 – 5-11, 181 – Illinois – Sp. 4.45
NFL Comparison: Denzel Ward                                              Rating 92

Aggressive explosive athlete with blue chip skills for the demanding pro corner position. Adequate height and wiry frame for the corner spot with 31 1/4” arms and good muscle development. Excellent initial quickness with the ability to flip his hips easily and shadow receivers. Fast footwork that allows him to mirror through the transition stage in both the underneath or deeper routes. Instant accelerator who reaches top speed quickly to ride a receiver’s hip. Exceptional range and fine closing speed. Uses his fine short-area quickness and lateral movement skills to mirror receivers and maintains speed. Keen instincts and smooth COD and able to gather and break down in space, displaying fine quickness and flexibility. Natural cover man and uses the sidelines and can track well downfield. Explosive cobra-like to plant and drive aggressively and BU passes. Challenges throws looking to create a turnover. In run support, attacks aggressively with secure tackling to finish. Top 10 pick and starter with Pro Bowl skills.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Deonte Banks #3 – 6-0, 197 –        Maryland – Sp. 4.35
NFL Comparison: Marshon Lattimore                           Rating 89

Fast athletic junior finished with an impressive 2022 and declared for the NFL Draft. Finished an excellent NFL Combine with a 4.35 time and 1.49 ten-yard split with a 42” VL and an 11’4” BJ. That followed a breakout performance where he stayed healthy and played full schedule vs top flight receivers. Good size and length with the footwork to change directions quickly and retain coverage. Fast improving instincts to read routes and the AA to matchup and make plays on the ball. Top coverage grades with 38 tackles, 1 interception and 9 PBUs in 2022. Solid grades vs Marvin Harrison and Rashee Rice in 2022. Proved NFL ready off those matchups. Fast rising prospect with top ball skills to press for early playing time. Makeup of a shutdown corner and rank with any prospect in this class with reps and technique work. Athlete with the complete makeup of a top flight cover man. Top 30 prospect and defender on the come.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.

He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL Draft and Free agency insight and news with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Offensive Yearbook Scouting Reports – NFL Draft  2023

Here are two of our Yearbook scouting reports for the NFL Draft 2023. Tight end Sam LaPorta and wide receiver Zay Flowers were prospect we scouted extensively and felt they were immediate starters in the NFL. They have been impact playmakers in their offenses.

This year we will have 250+ expanded scouting reports for the NFL Draft 2024. Order Special Deluxe package today!!

Tight End Prospect

 Sam LaPorta #44 – 6-3, 245 – Iowa – Sp. 4.60           
     NFL Comparison: Dawson Knox        Rating 85

NFL Combine
      6032    245       32 1/8    4.59 speed     1.59  ten    35.0″   10’3″    4.25      6.91 three cone
 2022 Stats
       12 games         58 receptions        657 yards        11.3 average       1 TD            

Mobile sure handed receiver comes from a program that has produced many high-quality TE starters. Very developed receiving and movement skills to help a pro-offense immediately. Runs precise routes with excellent footwork to separate from coverage and provide a consistently open target. Adequate size, though developed blocking technique from a program proficient in that role. Soft natural hands with excellent body control and agility to adjust to the ball. Tough runner after the catch with tackle breaking ability and good speed to make plays. Proficient at crossing patterns and able to find holes and read coverage. Excellent in a few roles – inline, H-back and flex roles creating fine mismatches for his offense sets. Developed 2nd day selection and immediate piece for the pro game. NFL ready and day one starter with upside. Underrated blocker.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Wide Receiver Prospect

Zay Flowers #4 – 5-9, 182 – Boston College – Sp. 4.45 
           NFL Comparison: Jaylen Waddle        Rating 88

NFL Combine
          5092       182         29 ½       4.42       1.53        DNP       35.5″        10’7″     
2022 Stats
          12  games       78 receptions       1077 yards      13.8 average       12 TDs

Explosive short receiver finished with an outstanding final performance where he polished his talent significantly for the pro game. Produced a 1000 yard receiving 2022 season. Finished with over 3000 career receiving yards and 29 TDs in an offense where he was keyed on consistently over his final few seasons. Fluid athlete with exceptional quickness to create space and find soft spots in coverage. Easy mover in his routes who separates consistently and the speed to run away from tacklers. Best suited for the slot, though was also productive from the outside. Natural running skills allow to Jet sweeps and bubble screens where he is very dangerous in space. Undersized playmaker can provide impact for a passing game, though his effectiveness may be limited to the slot role, though a high-level pro. First round bubble prospect and early performer in multiple sets with impact ability.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Wolverines & Huskies Win Thrilling Semi-final Games

No. 1 Michigan (14-0) vs. No. 2 Washington (14-0)
CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T

When: Monday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
ESPN

The #1 Wolverines (14-0) will face the #2 Huskies (14-0) in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston. This year’s semi-final matchps were the best in CFP history. Big Ten champion Michigan won a thrilling overtime first game over the SEC champ, Alabama 27-20. The second game in the semi-finals was just as exciting with Washington outslugging Texas 37-31 setting up the title game of unbeatens. Both Michigan and Washington will be making their first appearance in the BCS title game. This championship game will be the last in a four-team playoff before the field expands to 12 in 2024.

We will have a CFP title matchup preview later this week @ draftinsiders.com
Frank Coyle

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 18
Ravens and 49ers Gain #1 Conference Byes for Postseason

Teams of the Week 
Ravens Drill Dolphins
Cowboys Edge Lions
Chiefs Outlast Bengals
  
Players of the Week
  NFC
   Offense – WR CeeDee Lamb – Cowboys
   Defense – Edge Aidan Hutchinson – Lions
 
 AFC
   Offense – QB Joe Flacco – Browns
  Defense – Edge George Karlaftis – Chiefs
  
Rookies of the Week
   Offense – WR Puka Nacua – Rams
   Defense – DT Kobie Turner – Rams
 
Games of Week 18

Saturday
Steelers @ Ravens
Texans @ Colts – 8:15 pm

Sunday
Falcons @ Saints – 1 pm
Rams @ 49ers – 4:30 pm
Bills @ Dolphins – 8:20 pm

Bye weeks are over for the season
 

NFL Team Power Poll

Draft Insiders’ Staff – Frank Coyle/Publisher

Ranking / Team / Record
#1 – Ravens – 13-3
#2 – 49ers – 12-4
#3 – Dolphins – 11-5
#4 – Cowboys – 11-5
#5 – Lions – 11-5
#6 – Eagles – 11-5
#7 – Bills – 10-6
#8 – Browns – 11-5
#9 – Chiefs – 10-6
#10 – Jaguars – 9-7
#11 – Colts – 9-7
#12 – Rams – 9-7
#13 – Bucs – 8-8
#14 – Steelers – 9-7
#15 – Bengals – 8-8
#16 – Texans – 8-8
#17 – Saints – 8-8
#18 – Packers – 8-8
#19 – Seahawks – 8-8
#20 – Raiders – 7-9
#21 – Bears – 7-9
#22 – Vikings – 7-9
#23 – Broncos – 8-8
#24 – Falcons – 7-9
#25 – Giants – 5-11
#26 – Chargers – 5-11
#27 – Jets – 6-10
#28 – Titans – 5-11
#29 – Commanders – 4-12
#30 – Cardinals – 4-12
#31 – Patriots – 4-12
#32 – Panthers – 2-14
 
Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.
 
He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL Draft and Free agency insight and news with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Selection Order – Jan. 1,2024

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Here is the updated first round draft order with one game remaining in the NFL schedule. The Chicago Bears are guaranteed the first overall pick from the Carolina Panthers as a result of the trade last spring.

There are a few interesting matchups for playoff positions this week, in addition to a few games involving top ten selections which can have a bearing on the selection order in the top ten.

The NFL Draft selection order is based on the 2024 NFL standings plus the NFL Draft tiebreaking procedures. Picks 1-18 are the non-playoff teams, with the order decided by the draft tiebreakers. Tied positions rotate up in the succeeding rounds. Positions 19 through 32 are based on playoff game results and tiebreakers are used if necessary.

Currently Carolina and Cleveland do not have 2024 first round selections

Jan. 15 – Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. They will have until Jan 18th to rescind their decision and retain their college eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft 2024 – Detroit, Michigan

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order – Dec. 26

1 Chicago (Carolina – 2-14)
2 Washington (4-12)
3 New England (4-12)
4 Arizona (4-12)
5 New York Giants (5-11)
6 Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
7 Tennessee (5-11)
8 New York Jets (6-10)
9 Atlanta (7-9)
10 Chicago (7-9)
11 Las Vegas (7-9)
12 Minnesota (7-9)
13 New Orleans (8-8)
14 Denver (8-8)
15 Seattle (8-0)
16 Cincinnati (8-8)
17 Arizona (Houston – 8-8)
18 Pittsburgh (9-7)

Current Playoff Clubs below bracketed based on current record and SOS

19 Green Bay (8-8)
20 Tampa Bay (8-8)
21 Indianapolis (9-7)
22 Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
23 Jacksonville (9-7)
24 Buffalo (10-6)
25 Kansas City (10-6)
26 Miami (11-5)
27 Dallas (11-5)
28 Detroit (11-5)
29 Philadelphia (11-5)
30 Houston (Cleveland – 11-5)
31 San Francisco (12-4)
32 Baltimore (13-3)

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL Draft and Free agency with unique content during December through May.

He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites