Top 50 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2023

February, 2023 – * underclassmen eligible declared by Jan 16, 2023

Photo – LB Will Anderson – Alabama
photographer – Evan Pilat

February Newsletter will have New Top 150, Three Round Mock Draft and extensive evaluation of Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine and NFLPA All-star games – Out next week

 Frank Coyle/ Head scout

#  Pro Prospect                   Pos      Ht / Wt       School 
1 Will Anderson                    Edge    6-4, 245      Alabama
2 Bryce Young                        QB       5-11, 195          Alabama
3 Jalen Carter                         DT        6-3, 310            Georgia
4 Will Levis                             QB       6-3, 232            Kentucky
5 Myles Murphy                     Edge    6-5, 275            Clemson
6 CJ Stroud                            QB       6-3, 215            Ohio State
7 Quentin Johnston               WR       6-3, 215            TCU
8 Paris Johnson                    OT        6-6, 315            Ohio State
9 Peter Skoronski                 OT        6-4, 315            Northwestern
10 Tyree Wilson                     DE       6-5, 275            Texas Tech
11 Jordan Addison                    WR       5-11, 175          Southern Cal
12 Joey Porter                          CB        6-1, 200            Penn State
13 Broderick Jones                   OT        6-4, 315            Georgia
14 Michael Mayer                      TE        6-5, 255            Notre Dame
15 Cam Smith                           CB        6-1, 190            South Carolina
16 Bryan Bresee                        DT        6-4, 300            Clemson
17 Bijan Robinson                     RB        5-11, 225          Texas
18 Christian Gonzalez                CB        6-1. 205            Oregon
19 Isaiah Foskey                       Edge    6-4, 260            Notre Dame
20 Nolan Smith                         Edge    6-3, 235            Georgia
21 Kelee Ringo                         CB        6-2, 205            Georgia
22 Jalin Hyatt                            WR       6-0, 180            Tennessee
23 Keion White                          DE       6-4, 280            Georgia Tech
24 Clark Phillips                        CB        5-10 185           Utah
25 Brian Branch                         S          6-0, 195            Alabama
26 Trent Simpson                      LB        6-3, 230            Clemson
27 Anthony Richardson              QB       6-4, 235            Florida
28 Jaxon Smith-Njigba               WR       5-11, 200          Ohio State
29 O’Cyrus Torrence                  OG       6-5, 345            Florida
30 Devon Witherspoon              CB        6-1, 180            Illinois
31 Lukas Van Ness                   Edge    6-4, 255            Iowa
32 Rashee Rice                         WR       6-1, 210            SMU
33 John Michael Schmitz           C          6-3, 310            Minnesota
34 Jaelyn Duncan                      OT        6-5, 300            Maryland
35 Siaki Ika                               NT        6-3, 350            Baylor
36 Tuli Tuipulotu                        DT        6-4, 290            Southern Cal
37 Dalton Kincaid                      TE        6-6, 245            Utah
38 Drew Sanders                       LB        6-4, 245            Arkansas
39 Kayshon Boutte                    WR       6-0, 205            LSU
40 Antonio Johnson                  S          6-2, 200            Texas A&M
41 Noah Sewell                         LB        6-3, 250            Oregon
42 Cedric Tillman                       WR       6-3, 210            Tennessee
43 Derick Hall                            Edge    6-3, 260            Auburn
44 Daiyan Henley                      LB        6-2, 235            Washington State
45 JL Skinner                            S          6-3, 220            Boise State
46 Jack Campbell                      LB        6-3, 250            Iowa
47 Cody Mauch                         OG       6-5, 310            North Dakota State
48 Zay Flowers                          WR       5-10, 175          Boston College
49 Dawand Jones                     OT        6-7, 360            Ohio State
50 Darnell Washington               TE        6-6, 265            Georgia

East-West Shrine Bowl 2023

The annual East-West Shrine All-Star Classic kicks off later tonight in Las Vegas at 8:30 PM ET on the NFL Network. Since 1925, the East-West Shrine Bowl has benefited Shriners Children’s and its mission while showcasing the next generation of NFL legends. An invitation to take part in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the best senior collegiate football all-stars in the country to showcase their talents in front of top representatives of NFL teams. A strong performance in the game greatly impacts a player’s chances of a career in the NFL. Many of professional football’s most recognized and decorated players, including Tom Brady, Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, John Elway, Gale Sayers and Jimmy Garoppolo, played in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Feb. 2 – East-West Shrine Bowl – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
 NFL Network – 8:30 pm est

East-West Prospects to Watch
Frank Coyle/ Head scout

https://shrinebowl.com/west-roster/

Offensive Players

QB Tim DeMorat, 6-3, 221 – Fordham U
RB Mohamed Ibrahim, 5-8, 203 – Minnesota
WR Zay Flowers, 5-9, 182 – Boston College
WR Jalen Cropper, 5-11, 171 –  Fresno State
WR Justin Shorter, 6-4, 224 – Florida
WR Jake Bobo, 6-4, 216 – UCLA
TE Travis Vokolek, 6-6, 259 – Nebraska
TE Thomas Greaney, 6-6, 253 – Albany State (N.Y.)
TE Luke Schoonmaker, 6-5, 249 – Michigan
OG Jaxson Kirkland, 6-6, 322 – Washington
OG Mark Evans II, 6-2, 293 – Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Defensive Players

DE BJ Thompson, 6-5, 240 – Stephen F Austin
DE Jose Ramirez, 6-2, 249 – Eastern Michigan
DE Tyrus Wheat, 6-2, 269 – Mississippi State
DT PJ Mustipher, 6-4, 315 – Penn State
DT Keondre Coburn, 6-1, 344 – Texas
LB Isaiah Moore, 6-2, 234 – N. C. State
LB Jack Colletto, 6-3, 239 – Oregon State
CB Tre’visu Hodges-Tomlinson, 5-8, 175 – Texas Christian
CB Mekhi Garner, 6-2, 220 LSU
CB KeiI’Trel Clark, 5-10, 179 – Louisville
S Trey Dean, 6-3, 211 – Florida

NFL Draft 2023 – First Round Mock Draft – 2.0

Chiefs and Eagles will decide final positions in Super Bowl  LVII

 Selection order prior to Super Bowl         

All underclassmen had until Jan. 16th to declare for the NFL Draft 2023. Players had three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility. No underclassmen rescinded their decision.

Photo – LB Will Anderson – Alabama
photographer – Evan Pilat

1st Round

#           Team                           W/L      Player                       Pos      Ht/WT         School

1          Chicago                        3-14      Will Anderson                Edge    6-4. 245            Alabama
2          Houston                        3-13-1   Bryce Young                 QB       5-11, 195          Alabama
3          Arizona                         4-13      Jalen Carter                  DT        6-3, 310            Georgia
4          Indianapolis                  4-12-1   Will Levis                      QB       6-3, 230            Kentucky
5          Seattle (Denver)            5-12      CJ Stroud                     QB       6-3, 215            Ohio State
6          Detroit (LA Rams)          5-12      Myles Murphy               DE       6-5, 275            Clemson
7          Las Vegas                    6-11      Kelee Ringo                  CB        6-2, 205            Georgia
8          Atlanta                          7-10      Joey Porter                   CB        6-1, 200            Penn State
9          Carolina                        7-10      Bijan Robinson              RB        5-11, 225          Texas
10         Phil (New Orleans)         7-10      Tyree Wilson                 DE       6-5, 275            Texas Tech
11         Tennessee                    7-10      Paris Johnson               OT        6-6, 315            Ohio State
12         Houston (Cleveland)      7-10      Quentin Johnston          WR       6-3, 215            TCU
13         NY Jets                        7-10      Peter Skoronski             OT        6-4, 315            Northwestern
14         New England                8-9        Broderick Jones             OT        6-4, 310            Georgia
15         Green Bay                    8-9        Michael Mayer               TE        6-4, 255            Notre Dame
16         Washington                   8-8-1     Anthony Richardson      QB       6-4, 230            Florida
17         Pittsburgh                     9-8        Bryan Bresee                DT        6-4, 300            Clemson
18         Detroit                           9-8        Cam Smith                  CB        6-1, 190         South Carolina
19         Tampa Bay                   8-9        O’Cyrus Torrence           OG       6-5, 340            Florida
20         Seattle                          9-8        Jaxon Smith-Njigba       WR       5-11, 200          Ohio State
Miami (pick forfeited)                 9-8
21         LA Chargers                10-7      Jordan Addison             WR       5-11, 175          Southern Cal
22         Baltimore                      10-7      Nolan Smith                  Edge    6-3, 235            Georgia
23         Minnesota                     12-4      Brian Branch                 FS        6-0, 195            Alabama
24         Jacksonville                  9-8        Christian Gonzalez         CB        6-1. 205            Oregon
25         NY Giants                     9-7-1     Jalin Hyatt                     WR       6-0, 180            Tennessee
26         Dallas                           12-5      Noah Sewell                  LB        6-2, 250            Oregon
27         Cincinnati                      12-4      Jaelyn Duncan              OT        6-5, 320            Maryland
28         Denver (San Fran-Miami)13-4     Isaiah Foskey               DE       6-4, 250            Notre Dame
29         Buffalo                         13-3      Antonio Johnson           FS        6-2, 200            Texas A&M
30         x Kansas City                14-3      Trent Simpson              LB        6-3, 230            Clemson
31         x Philadelphia                14-3      Devon Witherspoon       CB        6-1, 180            Illinois

NFL Divisional Playoffs 

   Frank Coyle/ NFL Scout

 Saturday, January 21st

Jaguars (9-8) @ Chiefs (14-3)
   4:30 PM est – NBC
 
Giants (10-7-1) @ Eagles (14-3)
    8:15 PM est – FOX
 
Sunday, January 22nd

Bengals (13-4) @ Bills (14-3)
    3:00 PM est – CBS

Cowboys (13-5) @ 49ers (13-4)
    6:30 PM est – FOX
 
The best weekend in sports is the final eight teams in the NFL divisional playoffs. This year we get great matchups again including teams, the Giants and Jaguars who are back in the postseason for the first time in years. Both play on Saturday on the road facing tough assignments with the Giants traveling to Philadelphia and the Jaguars in Kansas City to face the mighty Chiefs. Sunday features two classic matchups with the Cowboys playing at San Francisco in another in a long history between the two NFC rivals. The Bengals face the Bills in Buffalo with two of the best young passers in the game, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen in an expected shootout.

The winners will advance to the Conference Championship games on Jan. 29th with the winners meeting in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12th in Glendale, Arizona.

NFL Divisional Playoff Matchups – 1/21 and 1/22

Giants (10-7-1) @ Eagles (14-3)

Giants are peaking at the right time. They have had huge problems with Eagles in recent years and must continue their recent strong play behind a hot Danny Jones and tough Saquon Barkley. Their aggressive defense has been very opportunistic and will need to be at the top of their game vs the potent Eagles attack directed by QB Jalen Hurts. Eagle receivers Smith and Brown are a dangerous tandem that will test the GMens’ secondary which is finally healthy. Gmen continue to surprise as road warriors and find a way to beat their divisional rival.
   Giants 27 – Eagles 24

 
Jaguars (9-8) @ Chiefs (14-3)

The student meets the master in the Trevor Lawrence vs Patrick Mahomes confrontation. The Chiefs hold the #1 seat and well rested to take on the upstart Jaguars. Mahomes is magical and is dangerous in any situation. He will test the young Jax defense which must be composed early to create a game. Lawrence is a rare talent in his own right despite only completing his 2^nd season. He will need a healthy guard Brandon Scherff to help neutralize sack artist DT Chris Jones.
  Chiefs 38 – Jaguars 21

 
Sunday, January 22nd

Bengals (13-4) @ Bills (14-3)

Great matchup with elite young passers Joe Burrow and Josh Allen and between divisional winners. Burrow looks to return to the SB, though will be under heavy pressure from an aggressive Bills defense. Buffalo HC Sean McDermott will pressure the weak injured Bengals line and harass Burrow coming out of the locker room. The Bills’ Allen has responded with huge postseason performances and looks to get their offense back on track after several unnerving weeks due to the serious Damar Hamlin injury.
Bill 31 – Bengals 24
 
Cowboys (13-5) @ 49ers (13-4)

   Long history of playoff games between these two NFC clubs, including the 49ers’ 23-17 postseason victory last January. 49ers’ offense has new leaders in rookie QB Brock Purdy and Pro Bowl runner Christian McCaffrey joining TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel. Purdy is the Cinderella story of the year as ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ directing this potent attack like a seasoned veteran. 49ers defense ranks with any unit in the league and will pressure Boys’ QB Dak Prescott who is coming off his best performance of the year. That matchup may hold the key to the outcome here. Boys defense must step up and harass the rookie Purdy with defenders, Parson and Lawrence being key performers for any positive Dallas outcome.
49ers 27- Cowboys 17

Draft Insiders’ – NFL All-Rookie 2022 Teams

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 Photo – DE Aidan Hutchinson – Lions
                Yahoo Sports

Rookie Offensive Player of Year
WR Garrett Wilson – Jets
Rookie Defensive Player of Year
CB Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner – Jets

All-Rookie Teams

1st Team Offense

QB Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh Steelers
RB Dameon Pierce – Houston Texans
RB Kenneth Walker III – Seattle Seahawks
WR Garrett Wilson – New York Jets
WR Chris Olave – New Orleans Saints
WR Christian Watson – Green Bay Packers
TE Daniel Bellinger – New York Giants
OT Charles Cross – Seattle Seahawks
G Cole Strange, New England Patriots
C Tyler Linderbaum – Baltimore Ravens
G Zion Johnson – Los Angeles Chargers
OT Abraham Lucas – Seattle Seahawks
 
1st Team Defense

Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux – New York Giants
DL Jordan Davis – Philadelphia Eagles
DL Matt Henningsen – Denver Broncos
Edge Aidan Hutchinson – Detroit Lions
LB Devin Lloyd – Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Malcolm Rodriguez – Detroit Lions
LB Quay Walker – Green Bay Packers
CB Sauce ‘Sauce’ Gardner – New York Jets
CB Tariq Woolen – Seattle Seahawks
CB Jack Jones – New England Patriots
S Jalen Pitre – Houston Texans
S Kyle Hamilton – Baltimore Ravens
 
2nd Team Offense

QB Brock Purdy – San Francisco 49ers
RB Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City Chiefs
RB Rachard White – Tampa Bay Bucs
WR Drake London – Atlanta Falcons
WR George Pickens – Pittsburgh Steelers
WR Jahan Dotson – Washington Commanders
TE Cade Otton – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OT Tyler Smith – Dallas Cowboys
G Jamaree Salyer – Los Angeles Chargers
C Luke Fortner – Jacksonville Jaguars
G Zach Tom – Green Bay Packers
OT Braxton Jones – Chicago Bears
 
2nd Team Defense

Edge George Karlaftis – Kansas City Chiefs
DL Travis Jones – Baltimore Ravens
DL Devonte Wyatt – Green Bay Packers
Edge Travon Walker – Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Troy Andersen – Atlanta Falcons
LB Jack Sanborn – Chicago Bears
LB Micah McFadden – New York Giants
CB Emerson Martin – Cleveland Browns
CB Derek Stingley – Houston Texans
CB Kader Kohou – Miami Dolphins
S Kerby Joseph – Detroit Lions
S Jaquan Brisker – Chicago Bears

Draft Insiders’ 2022 All-Pro Teams

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

* Rookie

Offense

Position       First-Team        Second-Team

QB               Patrick Mahomes      Joe Burrow
RB                    Saquon Barkley           Josh Jacobs
RB                    Nick Chubb                  Derrick Henry
WR                   Tyreek Hill                   A.J. Brown
WR                   Justin Jefferson          Jaylen Waddle
WR                   Stefon Diggs               Davante Adams
TE                    Travis Kelce                 George Kittle
LT                    Andrew Thomas          Laremy Tunsil
LG                    Joel Bitonio                 Quenton Nelson
C                      Creed Humphrey          Jason Kelce
RG                   Wyatt Teller                 Zack Martin
RT                    Tristan Wirfs                Lane Johnson
 
All-Pro Defense

Position           First-Team            Second-Team
End                  Nick Bosa                    Brian Burns
DT                    Chris Jones                 Quinnen Williams
DT                    Dexter Lawrence          Christian Wilkins
End                  Myles Garrett               Maxx Crosby
LB                    Micah Parsons             Haason Reddick
LB                    Fred Warner                 Demario Davis
LB                    Matt Judon                  Bobby Wagner
CB                    Patrick Surtain             * Tariq Woolen
CB                    * Sauce Gardner           Jaycee Horn
CB                    Darius Slay                  Jaire Alexander
S                      Derwin James              Minkah Fitzpatrick
S                      Talanoa Hufanga          Budda Baker

Special Teams

Position           First-Team            Second-Team

Placekicker      Justin Tucker               Graham Gano
Punter              Ryan Stonehouse         Tommy Townsend
Longsnapper    Morgan Cox                 Andrew DePaola
Kickoff Returner   Nyheim Hines         Kalif Raymond
Punt Returner   Kalsean Nixon             Avery Williams
Special Teamer Jeremy Reaves           Josh Metellus

Rookie Dameon Pierce Looks to Top the 1000 yard Mark

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2022

Three Rookie Runners Push for 1000-yard Campaigns in 2022 Season Finale

Three rookie running backs this season, Dameon Pierce, Kenneth Walker and Tyler Allgeier all have a chance to earn the 1000 yard                         USA Today Photo
rushing mark this season with a strong closing game.

Pierce has had an outstanding rookie campaign with 220 carries for 939 yards, a 4.27 yard average and 4TDs. He also adds 30 receptions for 165 yards and 1 TD entering his final game at Indianapolis. It is even more amazing that he has accomplished this with the team with the worst record in the league at this point of the season. He was one of the few shining performers for the Texans who once again with select in the top five draft choices and possibly the first overall selection with a loss at Indianapolis this Sunday.

Pierce’s scouting report from March 2022 is below and listed as one of our most underrated offensive players in the draft class.

Walker has been instrumental in the Seahawks run for the playoffs this season, becoming their feature back with game breaking speed to change games. He enters his final contest with 936 yards on 199 carries for a 4.7 yard average and 7 TDs. He faces the Rams this week at home, hoping to pass the 1000 yard. Allgeier has 900 yards on 186 carries for a 4.8 yard average and 3 TDs. He faces the Bucs at home this week and it will take a 100 yard performance to hit the coveted mark.

The last time three rookie running backs topped the 1000-yard rushing mark was the NFL 2008 season. That year runners, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton all topped the 1200-yard rushing mark.

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Scouting Report – March 2022

Dameon Pierce #27 – 5-9, 220                Florida – Sp. 4.60
NFL Comparison: Mark Ingram                     Rating 72

Short compact two-year starter has been a consistent performer in the Gators’ pro-style offense. Low based back with good initial quickness, the speed to hit a hole and get outside. Fine vision and knows how to read and follow his blocks with sound decision making. Quickness to jump cut and string a few moves together. Good lower body power to break tackles with the speed through the hole to make plays and move the pile. Rarely goes down at first contact. Finishes with good body lean to make extra yardage. Displays reliable hands as a receiver and improved throughout his career. Runs the route tree with good patterns and initial coverage reads. Effective on screen passes and moves decisively up field after securing the catch. Needs to find soft spots in zones better and become a primary outlet receiver. Maxed out frame and probably at a good weight to run inside. Adept at seeing even a small crease and slipping through it quickly. Capable of handling a lot of touches. Size may be a liability when it comes to pass protection in the NFL, though definitely tough enough to make the step up and face a backer. At the NFL Combine, he came in at under 5’10” and 218 lbs. Ran a 4.59 time and did 21 reps. Added a 34.5” VL and a 9’11” BJ. Marginal career production. Shows adequate top end speed with the quick acceleration to get to the 2nd level with the creativity to hit openings and running lanes. As a receiver, shows developing skills to press in time for 3rd down role. Tough blocker with makeup to face up with backers after further technique work. Probably top 150–200 prospect and capable of being a quality starter, 1A or 3rd down back. Obscure well rounded prospect with the talent to fill a key, though limited role early in an offense. Talent to become solid surprise. Honest runner whose best football is ahead of him and a bargain on the 3rd day of the process.

NFL Draft 2023 – First Round Mock Draft 1.0

January, 2023
         All underclassmen have until Jan. 16^th to declare for the NFL Draft 2023. Players then have three days to rescind their decision and return to school and retain their college eligibility.

Exact draft order to be determined at close of the postseason. Top overall selections will change after the final games over the Jan 7-8 weekend of the non-playoff clubs.
   Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

1st Round

#           Team                           W/L      Player                          Pos      Ht/WT               School

1          Houston                        2-13-1   Bryce Young                 QB       5-11, 195          Alabama
2          Chicago                        3-13      Will Anderson                Edge    6-4. 245            Alabama
3          Seattle (Denver)            4-12      CJ Stroud                     QB       6-3, 215           Ohio State
4          Arizona                         4-12      Jalen Carter                  DT        6-3, 310        Georgia
5          Indianapolis                  4-11-1   Will Levis                      QB       6-3, 230         Kentucky
6          Detroit (LA Rams)          5-11      Bijan Robinson              RB        5-11, 225          Texas
7          Atlanta                          6-10      Myles Murphy               DE       6-5, 275            Clemson
8          Carolina                        6-10      Quentin Johnston          WR       6-3, 215            TCU
9          Las Vegas                    6-10      Joey Porter                     CB        6-1, 200        Penn State
10         Phil (New Orleans)         7-9        Kelee Ringo                  CB        6-2, 205            Georgia
11         Houston (Cleveland)      7-9        Paris Johnson               OT        6-6, 315            Ohio State
12         Tennessee                    7-9        Peter Skoronski           OT      6-4, 315            Northwestern
13         NY Jets                        7-9        Broderick Jones             OT        6-4, 315          Georgia
14         Washington                   7-8-1     Anthony Richardson      QB       6-4, 230            Florida
15         Seattle                          8-8        Michael Mayer              TE        6-4, 255            Notre Dame
16         New England                8-8        Bryan Bresee                DT        6-4, 300            Clemson
17         Pittsburgh                     8-8        Drew Sanders               LB        6-4, 245         Arkansas
18         Green Bay                    8-8        Jaxon Smith-Njigba       WR       5-11, 200          Ohio State
19         Detroit                      8-8        Tyree Wilson                   DE       6-5, 275            Texas Tech
20         Jacksonville                  8-8        Cam Smith                  CB        6-1, 190          South Carolina
21         Tampa Bay                   8-8        Isaiah Foskey               DE       6-4, 250            Notre Dame
Miami (pick forfeited)     8-8
22         NY Giants                   9-6-1     Jordan Addison               WR       5-11, 175          Southern Cal
23         LA Chargers                  10-6      Nolan Smith                  Edge    6-3, 235            Georgia
24         Baltimore                      10-6      Christian Gonzalez         CB        6-1. 205            Oregon
25         Cincinnati                      11-4      Clark Phillips                 CB        5-10 185           Utah
26         Denver (San Fran-Miami) 12-4     O’Cyrus Torrence        OG       6-5, 340            Florida
27         Dallas                         12-4      Brian Branch                   FS        6-0, 195            Alabama
28         Minnesota                     12-4      Kayshon Boutte           WR       6-0, 205            LSU
29         Buffalo                      12-3      Noah Sewell                    LB        6-2, 250            Oregon
30         Kansas City                  13-3      Jalin Hyatt                   WR       6-0, 180            Tennessee
31         Philadelphia                  13-3      Dawand Jones              OT        6-7, 360            Ohio State

NFL Draft 2023 – First Round Order
Texans & Seahawks Hold Two #1 Picks in the Top 12 Choices

  Frank Coyle / NFL Analyst

With the NFL campaign entering the final two regular season weeks with several playoff positions still open, teams will determine the early selections possibly as this weekend.

With just two games remaining, four NFL divisional titles are still unsettled.  Both the NFC South and AFC South divisions are wide open with every club alive for a playoff spot and all holding sub .500 records going into week 16.

Currently, the Houston Texans hold the #1 position at 2-12-1, though only a half a lead over the Bears who sit at 3-12. The Texans upset the Titans last week which delayed any claim of the first overall selection in the NFL Draft 2023.

Last year’s Super Bowl champion, the LA Rams are already eliminated with a dismal 5-10 record.

In the AFC, the Kansas City claimed their 7^th consecutive West title while the Bills earned their 2nd East title in a row. In the NFC, both the Vikings and 49ers earned divisional titles for the first time in several seasons.

The Rams do not have a #1 pick, due to the trade to the Lions for QB Mitchell Stafford. Four other clubs do not hold #1 picks, the Browns, 49ers, Dolphins and Saints. Four clubs have two #1 selections, the Texans, Lions, Seahawks and Eagles.

Currently, there are 9 teams with 7-8 records and holding the 12^th through the 20^th positions with a few divisional races decided over the final weeks in the overcomes. The final order for picks #19 through #32 will be decided by NFL playoff results. The strength of schedule percentage is for each club’s current season. There will be only 31 selections in the first round with Miami forfeiting their top draft choice.

NFL Draft 2023 – April 27-29 – Kansas City, Mo

 #          Team                                        W-L      Strength of schedule
1          Houston                                    2-12-1   .494
2          Chicago                                    3-12      .567
3          Seattle (Denver)                        4-11      .492
4          Arizona                                     4-11      .522
5          Indianapolis                              4-10-1   .510
6          Atlanta                                      5-10      .465
7          Detroit (LA Rams)                      5-10      .506
8          Carolina                                    6-9        .457
9          Las Vegas                                6-9        .465
10         Philadelphia (New Orleans)        6-9        .502
11         Houston (Cleveland)                  6-9        .522
12         Seattle                                      7-8        .473
13         Tennessee                                7-8        .506
14         New England                            7-8        .516
15         NY Jets                                    7-8        .529
16         Pittsburgh                                 7-8        .531
17         Green Bay                                7-8        .537
18         Detroit                                      7-8        .541
19         Jacksonville                              7-8        .482
20         Tampa Bay                               7-8        .490
21         Washington                               7-7-1     .537
22         Miami (pick forfeited)                 8-7        .539
23         NY Giants                                 8-6-1     .533
24         LA Chargers                              9-6        .435
25         Baltimore                                  10-5      .492
26         Denver (San Fran-Miami)           11-4      .414
27         Dallas                                       11-4      .514
28         Cincinnati                                  11-4      .525
29         Kansas City                              12-3      .455
30         Minnesota                                 12-3      .480
31         Buffalo                                     12-3      .514
32         Philadelphia                              13-2      .475

Seahawks’ Rookie Tariq Woolen

Cornerback Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report
  Frank Coyle / Head scout – March, 2022

     Photo – Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images

 Here is our Scouting Report of defender Tariq Woolen from last spring when we ranked him as the #7 cornerback in the class and projected him to be a 2nd-3rd round pick on talent and value. Incredibly, he fell to the Seattle in the 5th round, the 153rd overall selection. He has been one of the premier defenders in this rookie class which has featured several outstanding first year starters like Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and Derek Stingley.

 After 14 games this season, Woolen has registered 51 tackles with 39 of them solo stops along with 6 interceptions and 13 pass breakups with one returned for a TD. He fits the Seahawks tradition and mold for long athletic cover men and has been arguably the best value of the entire NFL Draft 2022. He has started since training camp and has established himself as a fixture in the Seahawks secondary.

         Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report – March, 2022

 Tariq Woolen #20 – 6-4, 205 Texas-San Antonio – Sp. 4.25                          
             NFL Comparison: Greedy Williams                 Rating 85

Long athlete made a successful conversion to cornerback after starting his career as a wide receiver. Made incredible progress especially over his final season, showing natural skills and the tough demeanor to be a top flight pro. Freakish prototypical skill set for the position and really responded to coaching on the basics of the corner spot.  Strong athletic frame with very good movement skills for the position. Over his short career, he gained experience in several techniques especially man situations and has made quick improvement raising his LOD. Rare combination of length, speed, fluidity and physicality to be a top pro corner with further development. Shows outstanding length and leaping skills combined with blazing speed gives him the traits of a top flight shutdown cover man. Currently he is still developing on basics and needs work on his pedal which can be too high, in addition to a hesitation in his reads which allows separation early on the route. Reliable open-field tackling ability with sound technique and hand use to get off blockers. Good at the line when coming up to take on blockers and finish. Willing to stick his nose in the middle of the action and fights off blocks to aggressively make tackles. Able to effectively handle press coverage and adept at bump-and-run using his strong hands to deliver a powerful punch. Uses his length and strength to reroute receivers off the jam. Opens his hips smoothly with the ability to retain fine speed and tight coverage. Shows the ability to turn, run and blanket his man while maintaining good speed down the field. Displays the good vision, balance, timing and ball skills to break up passes. Finished with 2 career interceptions and 9 PBUs. Developing instincts and awareness to adjust to plays outside his zone. Needs to be more decisive in his initial reads and learn to trust his eyes. At times, he gets too physical and can grab receivers and needs to be more disciplined. Usually stays on top of deep routes, though can give up too much separation at times vs top route runners through the intermediate zones. Most effective when asked to play man coverage, though grades out high in zones. Needs work on route recognition to be NFL ready. Faced average talent and graded out highly, but must prove ready for NFL air attacks. Displays a short memory and the tough mentality the position demands. In 2021, he started 9 games and made 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 pick and 5 PBU, earning first team CUSA honors. Over his two seasons at corner, he started 20 games and made 60 tackles, 2 picks, 2 sacks and 9 PBUs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’4” and 205 lbs. with 33 5/8” arms and 9 1/8” hands. Ran a blazing 4.26 time and added a 42” vertical leap. Performed fairly well in big game situations, though struggled early in 2021 when he was beat for a few TDs when looking into the backfield. With more technique development and consistency, has the talent to be among the class’s best corners. Though still raw in basics, he is a talented prospect who is making real strides at the position. At the Senior Bowl, made progress in his pedal and reads, areas which must improve to get reps in the NFL. Similar to Greedy Williams/Jimmy Smith in natural skills, AA, development and hitting power. Similar not only in size but raw skill set, which needs time and refinement. Fast riser off a quick learning curve, though still raw and a work in progress on finer points of coverage. Hitter with ability to intimidate receivers and durable at a demanding position. Top 60 pick with incredible ceiling.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round