List of Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2023

Underclassmen granted eligibility for 2023 NFL Draft. The list of 69 players granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft was released by the NFL on Friday. Thirteen underclassmen who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining are also eligible for selection.

Each of the 69 players granted special eligibility has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and has submitted to a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility. The deadline for receiving applications was Jan. 16. Players had three days to rescind their declaration. This year no players rescinded their announcement.

    The 69 players granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to be held April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri:

NFL Official List of Players Declared

Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
M.J. Anderson, DE, Iowa State
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
Alex Austin, DB, Oregon State
Deonte Banks, DB, Maryland
Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi
Emmanuel Forbes, DB, Mississippi State
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Christian Gonzalez, DB, Oregon
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
Brandon Hill, DB, Pittsburgh
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Jaylon Jones, DB, Texas A&M
Brandon Joseph, DB, Notre Dame
Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Cameron Mitchell, DB, Northwestern
Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan
B.J. Ojulari, DE, LSU
J-Min Pelley, DT, Calgary (Canada)
Clark Phillips, DB, Utah
Joey Porter, DB, Penn State
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Eli Ricks, DB, Alabama
Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU
Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Cam Smith, DB, South Carolina
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Joseph Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Rashad Torrence, DB, Florida
Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC
Carrington Valentine, DB, Kentucky
Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
Garrett Williams, DB, Syracuse
Colby Wooden, DE, Auburn
Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State

The following 13 underclassmen have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. They are eligible for selection:

Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty
Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
Ronnie Hickman, DB, Ohio State
Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
Mike Morris, DE, Michigan
Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
DJ Turner, DB, Michigan
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The following players inquired about their draft status and are eligible for selection without the need for special eligibility; however, such players may be eligible to remove their name from consideration on or before the Feb. 3, 2023 deadline to opt out of the draft:

Hank Bachmeier, QB, Boise State
Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Texas
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M

Senior Bowl Announces 2023 Coaching Staffs
New ‘Coach Up’ Format Elevates Experience

Bears Offensive Coordinator Getsy and Raiders Defensive Coordinator Graham to Coach Senior Bowl Squads
Coaches from teams selecting Nos. 1 and 7 in 2023 NFL Draft to lead teams for top pre-draft All-Star event.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl today announced that Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy (American team) and Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham (National team) will serve as head coaches for the 74th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl to be played on Saturday February 4, 2023, at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama.  All three days of practice will be televised on both NFL Network and ESPN and the game itself will be aired live on the NFL Network at 1:30 CT.  The Bears have the top overall pick, and the Raiders own the No. 7 selection in the 2023 NFL draft.

Senior Bowl 2023 Invitations – https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites/

This year marks the first time in the Senior Bowl’s rich history that two full staffs from NFL clubs will not be coaching the game. Under a new arrangement to promote professional development, NFL Football Operations has implemented a “coach up” format where coordinators and assistant coaches are placed into elevated or different roles from the ones they currently hold with their respective clubs.  Head coaches and general managers from all non-playoff teams had the opportunity to nominate assistant coaches and those candidates were then selected by a group comprised of league office executives, representatives from the General Managers Advisory Committee, and Senior Bowl leadership.  In total, at least one coach from all 16 teams that submitted nominations were chosen and six clubs had multiple coaches appointed to this year’s American and National rosters (New Orleans Saints 4, Washington Commanders 4, Chicago Bears 4, Las Vegas Raiders 3, Cleveland Browns 2, and Pittsburgh Steelers 2).

In addition to the head coach appointees, the following individuals were selected as coordinators for the American and National squads:

American
Offensive Coordinator – Atlanta Falcons Quarterbacks Coach Charles London
Defensive Coordinator – New England Patriots Defensive Line Coach DeMarcus Covington

National
Offensive Coordinator – New Orleans Saints QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Ronald Curry
Defensive Coordinator – Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Backs Coach Grady Brown

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is coming off consecutive record-breaking drafts with 106 players selected each of the past two years, which has represented over 40 percent of the entire past two draft classes. Over the past four drafts (2019-2022), 87.2% of the players wound up making an active 53-man NFL roster at some point during their rookie season. Those four rosters have included many of the NFL’s brightest young stars, such as: QB Justin Herbert (Chargers), QB Daniel Jones (Giants), QB Mac Jones (Patriots), DS Jeremy Chinn (Panthers), WR Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), QB Jalen Hurts (Eagles), DB Kyle Dugger (Patriots), WR Terry McLaurin (Commanders), OL Chris Lindstrom (Falcons), WR Deebo Samuel (49ers), OL Elgton Jenkins (Packers), RB Tony Pollard (Cowboys), DL Montez Sweat (Commanders), LB Logan Wilson (Bengals), RB Najee Harris (Steelers), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots), WR Devonta Smith (Eagles), OL Creed Humphrey (Chiefs), RB Dameon Pierce (Texans), WR Christian Watson, OL Zion Johnson (Chargers), QB Kenny Pickett (Steelers), DS Jalen Pitre (Texans), and CB Tariq Woolen (Seahawks).

Statement from Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy:
“Everyone at the Senior Bowl is excited about this new coaching format since it connects our players to half the league’s teams behind the scenes during the week.  Both Luke Getsy and Patrick Graham have tremendous reputations around the league and the young men in our game will undoubtedly leave Mobile as better football players after spending the week with these excellent staffs.”
 
Statement from Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy:
“I am extremely honored to be selected as the head coach for the American Team in the 74th Senior Bowl.  It is a privilege to be able to work alongside my peers from around the league and to be able to lead this special group of men that are the future of the NFL.  Thank you to everyone at the Senior Bowl for this awesome opportunity and I look forward to a great week in Mobile.”

Statement from Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham:
“It is a true honor to be selected as head coach of the National Team for the Senior Bowl.  I look forward to meeting and working with these talented young players and getting to know them on an individual and collective basis during Senior Bowl festivities.  To be able to evaluate and cultivate relationships with these young men as they begin their professional journeys is an invaluable experience and I sincerely thank Jim Nagy and the Senior Bowl for this tremendous opportunity”.
 

NFL Draft 2023 Prospects

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2023

Current list of underclassmen expected to be available for the NFL Draft 2023. We will have complete list and breakdowns in the January Newsletter available later this month.

Declared before Jan. 16th. Players made announcements, mostly after their Bowl game. Many opted out of their teams’ bowl game making this offseason the worst overall postseason bowl games in recent years. The National championship series was the exception with incredible semi-finalist games.

NFL List of Official Underclassmen by Year

 Year/ Players – Granted Special Eligibility past 13 years

2022 – 100
2021 – 98        
2020 – 99        
2019 – 103       
2018 – 106       
2017 – 95         
2016 – 96        
 

Ranked alphabetically by position 

Quarterbacks

1. Jaren Hall, BYU
2. Tanner McKee, Stanford
3. Anthony Richardson, Florida
4. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
5. Bryce Young, Alabama

Running Backs

Israel Abanikanda          Pittsburgh
Devon Achane              Texas A&M
Tank Bigsby                  Auburn
Ronnie Brown               Shepherd
Zach Charbonnet          UCLA
Tiyon Evans                  Louisville
Zach Evans                  Mississippi
Jahmyr Gibbs               Alabama
Evan Hull                      Northwestern
DeWayne McBride        Alabama-Birm
Kendre Miller                 TCU
Keaton Mitchell            East Carolina
Lew Nichols                  Central Michigan
Bijan Robinson              Texas
Tyjae Spears                 Tulane
Titus Swen                    Wyoming
Tavion Thomas             Utah
Sean Tucker                 Syracuse
Deuce Vaughn              Kansas State

Wide Receivers

Jordan Addison              USC
Kayshon Boutte              LSU
Demario Douglas          Liberty
Josh Downs                    North Carolina
Zay Flowers                    Boston College
Bryce Ford-Wheaton   West Virginia
Jadon Haselwood         Arkansas
Jalin Hyatt                     Tennessee
Sam James                     West Virginia
Rakim Jarrett                Maryland
Quentin Johnston         TCU
Marvin Mims                 Oklahoma
Trey Palmer                   Nebraska
Rashee Rice                   SMU
Tyler Scott                      Cincinnati
Justin Shorter                Florida
Jaxon Smith-Njigba      Ohio State
Cedric Tillman               Tennessee
Parker Washington       Penn State
Dontayvion Wicks          Virginia

Tight Ends

1 Marshon Ford             Louisville
2 Tucker Kraft               South Dakota State
3 Michael Mayer            Notre Dame
4 Luke Schoonmaker     Michigan
5 Brenton Strange         Penn State
6 Darnell Washington    Georgia

Offensive linemen
Tackles

Matthew Bergeron         Syracuse
Anthony Bradford          LSU
Jaelyn Duncan              Maryland
Blake Freeland              BYU
Jovaughn Gwyn             South Carolina
Paris Johnson Jr.          Ohio State
Broderick Jones            Georgia
Dawand Jones              Ohio State
Anton Harrison              Oklahoma
Peter Skoronski            Northwestern
Carter Warren                Pitt
Darnell Wright               Tennessee

Guards

1. Jon Gaines                    UCLA
2. Warren McClendon        Georgia
3. O’Cyrus Torrence          Florida
4. Andrew Vorhees            USC

Centers

1. Joe Tippmann             Wisconsin
2. Luke Wypler             Ohio State

Edge Rushers 

1. Mitchell Agude                Miami
2. J. Anderson                      Iowa State
3. Will Anderson Jr.            Alabama
4. Felix Anudike-Uzomah   Kansas State
5. Andre Carter II               Army
6. Isaiah Foskey                  Notre Dame
7. Derick Hall                      Auburn
8. Zach Harrison                 Ohio State
9. Myles Murphy               Clemson
10. B.J. Ojulari                     LSU
11. Nolan Smith                   Georgia
12. Lukas Van Ness             Iowa
13. Tuli Tuipolatu                Southern Cal
14. Tyree Wilson                 Texas Tech
15. Colby Wooden                Auburn

Defensive Tackles 

1. Bryan Bresee                Clemson
2. Jalen Carter                  Georgia
3. Gervon Dexter               Florida
4. Siaki Ika                        Baylor
5. Calijah Kancey             Pittsburgh
6. Jaquelin Roy                LSU

Linebackers 

1. Nick Herbig                Wisconsin
2. Drew Sanders              Arkansas
3. Noah Sewell                  Oregon
4. Trent Simpson              Clemson
5. Drake Thomas             NC State
6. Henry To’o To’o             Alabama

Cornerbacks

1. Alex Austin                                Oregon State
2. Deonte Banks                            Maryland
3. Emmanuel Forbes                     Mississippi State
4. Christian Gonzalez                    Oregon
5. Kyu Blu Kelly                             Stanford
6. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson      TCU
7. Jaylon Jones                               Texas A&M
8. Cameron Mitchell                      Northwestern
9. Clark Phillips III                         Utah
10. Joey Porter Jr.                           Penn State
11. Eli Ricks                                      Alabama
12. Kelee Ringo                                Georgia
13. Cam Smith                                  South Carolina
14. Tyrique Stevenson                    Miami
15. DJ Turner                                   Michigan
16. Carrington Valentine                Kentucky
17. Garrett Williams                        Syracuse
18. Devon Witherspoon                   Illinois

Safeties

Brian Branch                 Alabama
Ronnie Hickman            Ohio State
Brandon Hill                  Pittsburgh
Antonio Johnson           Texas A&M
Brandon Joseph            Notre Dame
Jammie Robinson         Florida State
Rashad Torrence           Florida

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

All-Star Game Schedule Begins This Weekend

The upcoming postseason All-Star season is here with the schedule posted below. We will have scouts at these events attending – weigh-ins, practices, interviews and games. These games will be the final chance to see prospects in game action prior to the NFL Combine and vital Pro day workouts. We will have extensive coverage on web page at  www.draftinsiders.com along with player evaluation in our Feb. Newsletter and Yearbook 2023. 

 All-Star Game Schedule – January- February 2023      

January 8 – CGS Small School Invitational – Fort Worth, Texas
1/8 – Podyum Bowl – Miami, Florida
1/11 – College Gridiron Showcase – Fort Worth, Texas
 
1/14 – Hula Bowl – Orlando, Florida – CBSSN
1/21 – Tropical Bowl – Orlando, Florida
1/28 – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – Pasadena, Ca – NFLN
 
2/2 – East-West Shrine Bowl – Las Vegas, Nv – NFLN
2/4 *** Senior Bowl Game – Feb. 4, 2023 Mobile, Alabama ***
– Hancock Whitney Stadium – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network –
                             Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 30th thru Thursday Feb. 3rd

For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/
 
February 28 -March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN)

 Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 30 years. He was a 20-year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

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

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

Giants’ Rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux Dominates Sunday Night Game 

Rookie Defensive Player of the Week – 12/19/22

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report
Kayvon Thibodeaux Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Giants’ rookie edge defender put on a dominant performance vs the Commanders on Sunday night earning defensive rookie of the week for the 3^rd time this season. Thibodeaux is a well- developed defender with big play ability off the edge plus good run support talent to hold the edge and pursue down the line.

In a strong rookie defensive group, he has the skill set to be one of the special players in this draft class. He took over the game Sunday night vs the Commanders and changed the outcome in the balance. He has filled the much needed impact edge defender the Giants have sought in recent years.

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report

March 2022
NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 – 250 In-depth Scouting Reports – Top 300+ Rankings

Defensive End – Positional Overview:

This year’s defensive end class is a very strong group which could produce as many as six #1 picks. There are several blue-chip prospects at the top and probably 5 should go in the top 15 selections. There could be as many as 10-12 in the top three rounds with as many as 15 thru the middle rounds. Aidan Hutchinson is the best defender in this draft class and could be a top two overall pick. He is NFL ready and a three-down starter. Kayvon Thibodeaux is an explosive edge defender and among the best of this special class of edge defenders. He figures in the top few selections.

Kayvon Thibodeaux – Scouting Report

* Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 – 6-4, 255                Oregon – Sp. 4.60                        
                NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware               Rating 93

Physically gifted true junior declared for the NFL Draft after an injury marred 2021 season limited by an ankle injury. Freakish athlete with rare combination of length, agility, speed and power to play in both NFL fronts. Long angular frame with long arms (33 1/8”) and quick feet to play both outside positions in either pro scheme. Shows explosiveness off the snap to be an impact speed pass rusher with the size, length and natural strength to also win as a power rusher. The ideal defender as a weak side end in a 4-3 scheme, as well as the agility and foot quickness to play outside in a 3-4 front. His versatility and upside potential make him attractive to all defenses and should land among the top overall selections. Despite facing double team blocking, he continued to make impact plays along the talented Ducks’ front. Rare physical traits for the position with the agility of a linebacker and power of a lineman. Chiseled physique and well distributed with the room to add muscle to fit the prototypical measurables for an elite pro edge rusher. Shows fine functional strength to stack and shed blockers, though can be engulfed at the point at times. Uses his good height to his advantage and uses his long arm to get blockers off his body and follow with technique to separate and burst to the ball. Very good movement skills and footwork for his size and when called upon to drop into coverage on zone blitzes, showed good agility and coordination. Displays a very good spin move to disengage blockers with a great closing burst. Special quick-twitch athleticism and comes off the snap quickly and shows rare flexibility to bend the edge. Consistent with his knee bend and use of leverage. Currently his pass rush is a nice combination of speed and power, though he needs to refine and add new moves to become a premier pro edge defender. Shows the speed to be very effective in pursuit to the opposite sidelines or downfield. Fine length to effectively disrupt passing lanes and be a factor deflecting passes. Shows a strong jarring hand punch, though needs further development to gain a consistent early advantage. Shows deceptive strength to hold the POA and win most individual battles, though his narrow frame makes him vulnerable at the point. Relies mainly on his initial burst and swim move to beat blockers and needs to develop moves like a rip and using his long arm better especially facing the double team. Must play with good pad level to maintain leverage. Sound awareness with agility and balance to move down the LOS to finish. Fine short area burst to win early on the down and penetrate the backfield. Over the 2021 season, he started 11 games and finished with 50 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF and 7 sacks and earned 1st team Pac-12 honors. His production slipped late in the season when he received special attention weekly with double team blocking. Over his three-year career, he played in 31 games with 123 tackles, 35.5 TFL, 3 FF, 7 PBU and 19 sacks. In three Pac-12 championship games, he combined for 21 QB hurries, 13 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’4” and 254 lbs. with 33 1/8” arms and 9 3/4” hands. Ran a 4.58 time with a 1.59 ten-yard split. Added 27 reps in the lifting. Excellent fit for weakside end in a 4-3 set or the attack backer role in a 3-4 scheme. Talented defender with the complete skill set, though must dispel the somewhat hot and cold label. Blue chip #1 prospect with the skills similar to Demarcus Ware in AA, body type and Pro Bowl potential. Must adapt to facing double teams to be an elite NFL defender. Dedication to football has been questioned, though his production disputes that. Top 5 pick with incredible upside and scheme diversity to become a difference maker. Special elite edge rusher.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5 Selection

Draft Insiders’ 2022 All-American Teams

Frank Coyle
DraftInsiders.com – Annual All-American Teams

First Team
Offense

QB Caleb Williams – USC
RB Bijan Robinson – Texas
RB Blake Corum – Michigan
WR Jalin Hyatt – Tennessee
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
WR Xavier Hutchinson – Iowa State
TE Michael Mayer – Notre Dame
LT Peter Skoronski – Northwestern
G Andrew Vorhees – USC
C John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota
G O’Cyrus Torrence – Florida
RT Dawand Jones – Ohio State
All-Purpose – Deuce Vaughn – Kansas State

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long-time member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards plus All-American teams annually for 30 years.

Defense

Edge Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama
Edge Isaiah Foskey – Notre Dame
DL Jalen Carter – Georgia
DL Calijah Kancey – Pittsburgh
LB Ivan Pace Jr. – Cincinnati
LB Jack Campbell – Iowa
LB Tommy Eichenberg – Ohio State
CB Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson – TCU
CB Clark Phillips – Utah
S Kaevon Merriweather – Iowa
S Brian Branch – Alabama

Special Teams

PK Joshua Karty – Stanford
P Adam Korsak – Rutgers
KR Jaylin Lucas – Indiana
PR Anthony Gould – Oregon State

Second Team
Offense

QB C.J. Stroud – Ohio State
RB Mohamed Ibrahim – Minnesota
RB Zach Charbonnet – UCLA
WR Josh Downs – North Carolina
WR Tank Dell – Houston
WR Rashee Rice – SMU
TE Dalton Kincaid – Utah
LT Joe Alt – Notre Dame
G Jarrett Patterson – Notre Dame
C Olusegun Oluwatimi – Michigan
G Cooper Beebe – Kansas State
RT Alex Palczewski – Illinois
All-Purpose – Sean Tucker – Syracuse

Defense

Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Kansas State
Edge Karl Brooks – Bowling Green
DL Tuli Tuipulotu – USC
DL Tyree Wilson – Texas Christian
LB Drew Sanders – Arkansas
LB Nick Herbig – Wisconsin
LB Cedric Gray – North Carolina
CB Emmanuel Forbes – Mississippi State
CB Devon Witherspoon – Illinois
S Kamren Kinchens – Miami (FL)
S Ronnie Hickman – Ohio State

Special Teams

PK Christopher Dunn – NC State
P Tory Taylor – Iowa
KR Johnnie Lang – Arkansas State
PR Eric Garror – Louisiana