Bears Deal #1 Overall Pick to the Panthers

 Bears Land Two #1 & #2 Picks Plus Wideout D.J. Moore Over Next Three Drafts

Frank Coyle/ Head scout – DraftInsiders.com

The Bears have a major trade in line for their No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft when the league year starts on March 15^th. The Panthers paid a huge price for the #1 overall pick in exchange for a compensation package that includes two 1st-round picks, two #2 picks and receiver D.J. Moore.

The full package of assets sent to Chicago can be the bonanza the Bears need to land several blue-chip prospects to their young roster. They received the ninth-overall pick this year, a 2nd-round selection in 2023 (# 61 overall originally from the 49ers), a 1st-round pick in 2024, a 2nd-round pick in 2025 plus the veteran wideout DJ Moore. He completed the first year of a three-year, $61M million contract with the Panthers. The Bears now have four of the top 64 selections.

Panthers are now in the position to land their #1 QB after several seasons of a revolving door at the position. Owner David Tepper has lost patience on the QB carousel in his short time in Carolina and realizes that Super Bowl contenders almost always ride the arm of a top flight passer. The payment of draft capital seems enormous and most likely earmarked for QB Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. The Panthers were competitive last season within a weak division that they feel they can challenge for the division title this season with a better playmaker at the controls. They also watch divisional rival, the Saints signed Derek Carr last week making them the favorite for the NFC South almost immediately.

NFL Awards 37 Compensatory Selections
49ers and Rams Receive Multiple Picks

NFL announced it has awarded 37 compensatory picks to 16 teams for the NFL Draft 2023, which will be held April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Two NFC West teams led the way, with the 49ers receiving a league-high seven selections and the Rams gaining four draft choices. The 37 compensatory picks include five special selections that were awarded at the end of the third round to teams that have had a minority employee hired as a head coach or primary football executive by another club. Three of those picks were awarded to San Francisco. The special compensatory picks were instituted as an amendment to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement to promote equal employment opportunities within NFL teams.

As for the compensatory picks awarded that were not based on coaching or executive hires, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. The compensatory picks are positioned from Round 3 to Round 7 based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost. The formula that determines compensatory free agents is based on salary, playing time and postseason honors.

In addition, the league penalized the Houston Texans their original 5th round selection this year for a salary cap violation. They determined the Texans provided QB Deshaun Watson an undisclosed compensation in the form of a membership at an alternative athletic facility in 2020. Texans have two #1 picks the 2nd and 12th overall selections.

List of Compensatory Picks awarded to teams for the NFL Draft
   * special compensatory picks for coaching and team personnel lost

Round 3
96 – Arizona Cardinals
97 – Washington Commanders
* 98 – Cleveland Browns
* 99 – San Francisco 49ers
* 100 – Kansas City Chiefs
* 101 – San Francisco 49ers
* 102 – San Francisco 49ers

Round 4
135 – New England Patriots

Round 5
167 – Los Angeles Rams
168 – Arizona Cardinals
169 – Dallas Cowboys
170 – Green Bay Packers
171 – Los Angeles Rams
172 – New York Giants
173 – San Francisco 49ers
174 – Las Vegas Raiders
175 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
176 – Dallas Cowboys
177 – Los Angeles Rams

Round 6
210 – New England Patriots
211 – Minnesota Vikings
212 – Dallas Cowboys
213 – Arizona Cardinals
214 – Las Vegas Raiders
215 – Washington Commanders
216 – San Francisco 49ers
217 – Kansas City Chiefs

Round 7
250 – Kansas City Chiefs
251 – Los Angeles Rams
252 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
253 – San Francisco 49ers
254 – New York Giants
255 – San Francisco 49ers
256 – Green Bay Packers
257 – New Orleans Saints
258 – Chicago Bears
259 – Houston Texans

Total 2023 Compensatory Picks by Team

Team                                # of Picks
San Francisco 49ers               7
Los Angeles Rams                 4
Arizona Cardinals                   3
Dallas Cowboys                      3
Kansas City Chiefs                 3
Green Bay Packers                2
Las Vegas Raiders                 2
New England Patriots             2
New York Giants                     2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers         2
Washington Commanders      2
Chicago Bears                        1
Cleveland Browns                   1
Houston Texans                     1
Minnesota Vikings                  1
New Orleans Saints                1

NFL Franchise Tag Deadline
Giants Close Deal on Daniel Jones, Tag Saquon Barkley

Photo – QB Daniel Jones – Giants
Photo – Ben Solomon – NY Giants

The NFL franchise tag deadline created several huge changes in the makeup of playoff teams and the QB position in particular. The Ravens tagged QB Lamar Jackson after extended contract talks failed to close a deal. Teams have until July to negotiate Other potential free agent QBs, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith and Derek Carr closed huge deals on the final days prior to the deadline. Jones signed a 4-year deal for $160M plus incentives after an excellent 2022 performance which led to the playoffs. Carr ended his NFL caravan with a four-year deal with the Saints. He looks like a perfect fit for the declining Saints who have the team makeup to make a fast turnaround and win the weak NFC South. Smith may be the best story of the year after a checkered NFL career with more failures as a starter. He led the Seahawks to a postseason in 2022 after Seattle traded star QB Russell Wilson last offseason.

Tuesday marked the official deadline for NFL teams to use a tag on players whose contracts are set to expire.

After the signing of Daniel Jones, the Giants GM Joe Schoen was able to tag Saquon Barkley and retain their two star free agents. Giants brass and Barkley will work to close a deal over the next few weeks to create more salary cap room for the upcoming Free Agency market.

Previously, the NFL announced the 2023 salary cap will be a record $224.8 million per club. That’s an increase of 8% from the $208.2 million in 2022. Prior years were $182.5M in 2021 (Covid adjustment), 198.2M in 2020 and $188.2M in 2019.

NFL teams have until 4 pm est on March 15th to get under the salary cap before the free agency period officially opens.

Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag Players (6) – deadline March 7, 2023

Quarterback – $32.42M – tag average for position
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens. Age 26

Running back – $10.1M – tag average for position
  Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants. Age: 26
Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys. Age: 26
Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders. Age: 26

Tight end – $11.36M – tag average
Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars. Age: 28

Defensive tackle – $18.94M – tag for tackles
Da’Ron Payne, NT, Redskins. Age: 26.

2023 Franchise/Transition tag figures
Position                       Franchise #
Quarterback:               $32.42M
Running back:             $10.1M
Wide receiver:             $19.74M
Tight end:                    $11.36M
Offensive linemen:      $18.24M
Defensive end:            $19.73M
Defensive tackle:         $18.94M
Linebacker:                 $20.93M
Cornerback:                 $18.14M
Safety:                         $14.46M
Kicker/punter:              $5.39M

Transition #
Quarterback:               $29.5M
Running back:             $8.43M
Wide receiver:             $17.99M
Tight end:                    $9.72M
Offensive linemen:      $16.66M
Defensive end:            $17.45M
Defensive tackle:        $16.1M
Linebacker:                 $17.48M
Cornerback:                $15.79M
Safety:                        $11.87M
Kicker/punter:             $4.87M
 
There are three tender options: 1) Non-exclusive franchise tag; 2) Exclusive franchise tag; 3) Transition tag.
 
Non-exclusive franchise tag – This is a one-year tender of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position over the last five years, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The player can negotiate with other teams. The player’s current team has the right to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs with another club.

Exclusive franchise tag: Unlike the non-exclusive version, the tagging team retains the sole right to negotiate with the player. The exclusivity comes with a bump in pay scale (current average salary versus averaging of the previous five years). This one-year tender offer of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position for the current year, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The rise in pay scale means only a select few get this tag. Usually, players for whom other teams would gladly give up two first-round picks receive this version of the tag — generally, quarterbacks.

Transition tag: The transition tag is a one-year tender offer for the average of the top 10 salaries at the position — as opposed to the top five for the franchise tag. It guarantees the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer the player might receive from another club. The tagging team is awarded no compensation if it chooses not to match a deal.

Offensive Players Shine Over Final Two Days at the NFL Combine

 Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 Photo – RB Bijan Robinson – Texas
 Photo – Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire/AP
 
The 2023 NFL Combine concluded with a larger group of offensive players finishing the week long event for over 300 prospects. The combine featured many fragmented workouts plus non participants which makes the Pro day schedule the next important phase of scouting evaluation.

Draft Insiders’ will have all workouts covered through April and factored into our Yearbook and Update Report before the NFL Draft 2023.

 Top NFL Combine Offensive Players

Quarterbacks

Anthony Richardson, Florida had an amazing workout. He ran a 4.45 time and put up elite numbers. He displayed a strong arm and excellent mobility to rank as the fastest rising prospect  at the NFL Combine. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State threw the ball easily and looked polish in his throws and footwork. Will Levis, Kentucky displayed a big arm and nice touch especially on his deep throws. He moved easily and got the ball out quickly. Stetson Bennett, Georgia was impressive throwing the ball and displayed an above average arm with fine accuracy.

 Running Backs

 Bijan Robinson, Texas had a solid performance with a 4.46 time with a 1.52 ten yard split. He is quick in drills at 215 lbs. He leaped well which translated to explosiveness to the hole in positional drills. He also caught the ball easily and is a complete feature back. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama was outstanding, showing explosiveness and long speed. He ran a 4.32 time with a blazing 1.52 split. He moved quickly in drills and looked naturally catching the ball. Evan Hull, Northwestern was impressive and performed a full workout. He looked sharp in drills and caught the ball well to improve his stock significantly. Deneric Prince, Tulsa was explosive and ran a 4.41 time with a 1.53 ten at 216 lbs. He did well in positional drills.

 Wide Receivers

Trey Palmer, Nebraska ran a blazing 4.33 time with a 1.51 ten-yard split. He moved easily in positional drills and helped his cause. Jalen Cropper, Fresno State ran a 4.40 time and was very polished in passing drills with fine hands, leaping and body control. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee had the best all around workout for the position with a 4.40 time plus a 40” VL and an 11’3” BJ. He finished with fine positional drills. Andrei Iosivas, Princeton had a complete workout and shined in every event. He ran a 4.44 time with a 39” VL and a fast 6.85 three cone time.  Charlie Jones, Purdue had a solid overall performance including a 4.44 time and fine positional drills. He moves efficiently and creates separation to provide a dependable target. He is a polished pass catcher. Matt Landers, Arkansas was very impressive with a 4.37 sprint and fine leaping drills. He moved easy for a 6’4” and 200 lbs. prospect and has scouts back tracking his film. Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia ranked with any receiving prospect with an outstanding performance. He ran a 4.38 time at over 6’4” 220 lbs., in addition a 41” VL and 6.97 three cone. He needs some route running development, though possesses a rare physical athletic skill set.

Tight Ends

Darnell Washington, Georgia is a massive imposing athlete who tested well. He moves well for a huge athlete who is a dominant inline blocker.  Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion had an exceptional overall workout and is a fast-rising prospect. He ran and leap among the best in recent memory at the position and looked sharp in positional drills.  Sam LaPorta, Iowa was impressive and was smooth in events. He catches the ball well and runs precise routes.

Offensive Linemen

Blake Freeland, BYU was outstanding and ran a 4.98 time at almost 6’8” and 302 lbs. He leaped very well and moved easily in drills to improve his status significantly. Anton Harrison, Oklahoma had a strong workout with a 4.99 time and good positional drills. Cody Mauch, North Dakota State made a strong impression with a fine workout. He moves easy for over 6’5” and 302 lbs. and ran a 5.08 time. His versatility and well-developed skill set elevated his status. Peter Skoronski, Northwestern had a solid performance and moved exceptionally easy in positional drills. Darnell Wright, Tennessee ran a 5.01 time at over 6’5” and 333 lbs. He moves well and has the developed skills to a right tackle prospect. Luke Wypler, Ohio State had a good full workout and ran a 5.14 time and good positional drills to improve his stock.

Defensive Players Shine Over First Two Days at the NFL Combine

 Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 Photo – Lukas Van Ness – Iowa
         Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA Today Network

 At the NFL Combine, the complete group of defensive players have finished two days of extensive workouts and exams. We will not comment on players who opted out of the workouts after an offseason of endless deflections from first the team Bowl games in Dec and Jan followed by the weakest All-star venue ever. Several All-Star games did not have a Top 150 Prospects at the event on Draft Insiders’ rankings. Many NFL personnel have privately complained at this development and are discussed with how this has complicated and extended the scouting process unnecessarily.

 Top NFL Combine Defensive Players

  Edge Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern was an impressive athlete who excelled in most drills and improved his stock significantly. DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson had a strong workout and his versatility to fit either front line including lining up inside and outside will help his cause. Edge Lukas Van Ness, Iowa continues to make an amazing raise up the charts. He moved easily and displayed power and explosiveness.  DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh ran the best forty time at 4.67 and moved quickly in drills.

 LB Nolan Smith, Georgia blew up the first day of the workout and solidified at mid first round selection. Edge Byron Young, Tennessee continued his incredible rise up the charts with a strong performance. He is explosive and fast and moved well in drills. LB Jack Campbell, Iowa had a well rounded workout and is highly developed to be a plug and play backer next fall. LB Owen Pappoe, Auburn ran a blazing sub. 4.4 sprint and added solid numbers in drills.

 CB Deonte Banks, Maryland had an excellent workout including a sub 4.4 time and quick drills at almost 200 lbs. DB Brian Branch, Alabama was smooth in all drills. He was highly efficient in his movement and had fine numbers in drills. CB Julius Brents, Kansas State has unique size and leaping talent. He put up impressive numbers and fits all schemes. CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon checked all the boxes and might have earned the #1 corner ranking. He ran well and changed directions easily to impress many DCs.

 CB Riley Moss, Iowa was prepared for the event and responded with a well rounded performance. He combines the versatility and talent to play any position in the secondary, increasing his value tremendously. CB DJ Turner II, Michigan had the fastest forty time with a 4.27 sprint. He also did well in the leaping drills and helped his draft stock nicely.

 Safety Sydney Brown, Illinois had a strong workout and displayed quickness, speed and power to help his cause. Safety Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh ran a fast 4.44 time and moved easily in drills to leave an impression. DB Jartavius Martin, Illinois was outstanding and improved his stock as much as anyone on the defensive side of the ball. He ran well and moved smoothly in drills plus leaped out of the building.

Bulldogs’ Nolan Smith Shines in Day One of NFL Combine
NFL Combine Workouts Begin

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

Edge defender Nolan Smith of Georgia set the pace for Day one of the workout phase of the NFL Combine with an outstanding overall performance. The former 5-star athlete completed an excellent workout which probably guarantees him an early to mid-first round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.     Photo – Nolan Smith – Dawg Report
He checked in at a lean 6’2” and 238 lbs. with  average 32 5/8” arms. He put up an eye-popping 40 time with an official time of 4.39 seconds with a 1.52 ten-yard split. He also added 41.5” in the vertical leap and 10’8” in the broad jump. He set the pace for this year’s NFL Combine following last year when Georgia dominated the event especially on defense both at the combine and ultimately the early rounds of the NFL Draft.

Smith is a twitchy blue-chip athlete with an explosive burst on the snap which gives him an immediate advantage. He has blazing sideline-to-sideline speed and quickness to beat blocking angles and get to the ball consistently. His speed and quickness overcome his adequate size while attacking the line of scrimmage or space. He uses developed technique and sound leverage very well to consistently separate in traffic. His quick hands allow him to create space to use his amazing speed to be effective at the point of attack. His length and speed should allow him to develop and matchup with tight ends in coverage with further reps and refinement of his reads.

Smith played four seasons at Georgia, and totaled 110 tackles, 20 TFLs and 12.5 sacks. His biggest season came during the 2021 season when he finished the season with 4.5 sacks and 8 TFLs playing in all fifteen games that season in their first of two consecutive national championships. He was a part of amazing Georgia 2019 recruiting class as a five-star prospect and the number-one player in the nation during his recruitment process.

NFL Combine 2023
  Feb. 27- March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In)

 The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine begins on Monday, February 27^th with team interviews, physicals, medical exams and media interviews. The athletic testing and field drills get underway on Thursday, March 2nd. The events will once again take place at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Television coverage can be found on the NFL Network. DraftInsiders.com will have scouts at the NFL Combine and provide scouting insights for the 2023 Draft Yearbook and exclusive emails to Full subscribers.

 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Workout Schedule

 Thursday – 3/2/23: Edge Rushers, Defensive Line and Linebackers
3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Friday – 3/3/23: Cornerbacks and Safeties
3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Saturday – 3/4/23: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
1 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Sunday – 3/5/23: Running Backs, Offensive Tackles and Interior Offensive Line
1 pm – 7 pm – NFL Network
 
On Field Positional Drills
March 2 at 3:30 p.m.
March 3 at 4 p.m.
March 4 at 2 p.m.
March 5 at 1:30 p.m.

Top 50 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2023
       February 28th, 2023 – Pre-NFL Combine

 Frank Coyle/ Head scout

  Free NFL Combine Newsletter – available now
  March Free Agency Newsletter – Top 100 Free Agents Plus Top 100 Pro Prospects

Top 50 Pro Prospects

#  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 CJ Stroud                            QB       6-3, 215            Ohio State
5 Peter Skoronski                    OT        6-4, 315            Northwestern
6 Will Levis                             QB       6-3, 232            Kentucky
7 Myles Murphy                       Edge    6-5, 275            Clemson
8 Tyree Wilson                        DE       6-5, 275            Texas Tech
9 Jordan Addison                    WR       5-11, 175          Southern Cal
10 Anthony Richardson              QB       6-4, 235            Florida
11 Michael Mayer                      TE        6-5, 255            Notre Dame
12 Devon Witherspoon              CB        6-1, 180            Illinois
13 Quentin Johnston                 WR       6-3, 215            TCU
14 Bijan Robinson                     RB        5-11, 225          Texas
15 Paris Johnson                      OT        6-6, 315            Ohio State
16 Christian Gonzalez                CB        6-1. 205            Oregon
17 Broderick Jones                   OT        6-4, 315            Georgia
18 Bryan Bresee                        DT        6-4, 300            Clemson
19 Jaxon Smith-Njigba               WR       5-11, 200          Ohio State
20 Joey Porter                          CB        6-1, 200            Penn State
21 Dalton Kincaid                      TE        6-6, 245            Utah
22 O’Cyrus Torrence                  OG       6-5, 340            Florida
23 Isaiah Foskey                       Edge    6-5, 260            Notre Dame
24 Kelee Ringo                         CB        6-2, 205            Georgia
25 Lukas Van Ness                   Edge    6-4, 255            Iowa
26 Nolan Smith                         Edge    6-3, 235            Georgia
27 Cam Smith                           CB        6-1, 190            South Carolina
28 Brian Branch                         S          6-0, 195            Alabama
29 Trent Simpson                      LB        6-3, 230            Clemson
30 Keion White                          DE       6-4, 280            Georgia Tech
31 Luke Musgrave                     TE        6-5, 255            Oregon State
32 Jalin Hyatt                            WR       6-0, 180            Tennessee
33 Clark Phillips                        CB        5-10 185           Utah
34 John Michael Schmitz           C          6-3, 310            Minnesota
35 Rashee Rice                         WR       6-1, 210            SMU
36 Daiyan Henley                      LB        6-2, 235            Washington State
37 Zay Flowers                          WR       5-10, 175          Boston College
38 Drew Sanders                       LB        6-4, 245            Arkansas
39 Cody Mauch                         OG       6-5, 310            North Dakota State
40 Siaki Ika                               NT        6-3, 350            Baylor
41 Noah Sewell                         LB        6-3, 250            Oregon
42 BJ Ojulari                             Edge    6-3, 245            LSU
43 Jahmyr Gibbs                       RB        5-11, 200          Alabama
44 Derick Hall                            Edge    6-3, 260            Auburn
45 Jack Campbell                      LB        6-3, 250            Iowa
46 Cedric Tillman                       WR       6-3, 210            Tennessee
47 Dawand Jones                     OT        6-7, 360            Ohio State
48 Tuli Tuipulotu                        DT        6-4, 290            Southern Cal
49 Darnell Washington               TE        6-6, 265            Georgia
50 Darnell Wright                      OT        6-5, 340            Tennessee

NFL Combine 2023

February 27 – March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In)

Draft Insiders’ will have a Free NFL Combine Report for Subscribers this week

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine begins on Monday, February 27^th with team interviews, physicals, medical exams and media interviews. The athletic testing and field drills get underway on Thursday, March 2nd. The events will once again take place at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Television coverage can be found on the NFL Network. DraftInsiders.com will have scouts at the NFL Combine and provide scouting insights for the Draft Yearbook and exclusive emails to Full subscribers.

Quarterbacks is a projected strong class and will be a focus of the week, though top prospect Bryce Young will only participate in exams and interviews. He has stated he is fully recovered from his AC joint injury and will do a full workout at the Alabama Pro Day this spring. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson will throw at the combine on Saturday March 4th. Most QBs usually participate in their Pro days from a throwing perspective which leaves a lasting and sometimes deceptive view of a players’ pro potential.

The workout part of the NFL Combines begins Thursday with the defensive front seven players on center stage. The defense completes the workout portion on Friday with the deep defensive back class the participants. On Saturday, the wide receivers and tight ends join the QBs for a long day on drills and many of the top selections on display. The workouts conclude on Sunday with the running backs and the huge offensive line group completing the week-long events.

2023 NFL Scouting Combine Workout Schedule

Thursday – 3/2/23: Edge Rushers, Defensive Line and Linebackers
Friday – 3/3/23: Cornerbacks and Safeties
Saturday – 3/4/23: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Sunday – 3/5/23: Running Backs, Offensive Tackles and Interior Offensive Line
 

HBCU Legacy Bowl Game

Feb. 25, Saturday, 4 pm est – NFL Network
   Yulman Stadium, Tulane University, New Orleans, La

The HBCU Legacy Bowl is a postseason HBCU football All-Star game, highlighting the top draft-eligible prospects from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The HBCU Legacy Bowl began in 2022 and is presented yearly by the Black College Football Hall of Fame. In 2023, the HBCU Legacy Bowl partnered with the NFL to host the HBCU Combine ahead of the game. The Combine occurred earlier this week with many of the players in this game.

The two HBCU Legacy Bowl teams are Team Gaither and Team Robinson, named after legendary HBCU head coaches Jake Gaither (Florida A&M) and Eddie Robinson (Grambling St.). Team Gaither will be led by co-head coaches Richard Hayes Jr. (Fayetteville St.) and Trei Oliver (North Carolina Central). Team Robinson will be led by co-head coaches Chennis Berry (Benedict College) and Eric Dooley (Southern University).

The HBCU Legacy Bowl selected Saints quarterback Jameis Winston and former Saints left tackle Terron Armstead as Honorary Captains for this year’s event.

Winston and Armstead are founding partners with the HBCU Legacy Bowl and other NFL players, such as NFL MVP and Super Bowl LVII champion Patrick Mahomes, who was the event’s inaugural honorary captain.

The second HBCU Legacy Bowl will showcase prospects hoping to earn a roster spot in the NFL, CFL, USFL, XFL, or other professional leagues. The event will be held at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium at 3:00 pm CT on Feb. 25. The NFL Network will broadcast the contest with Steve Wyche (play-by-play) and Charles Davis (color analyst) in the booth.

2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl Rosters and Breakdown

# Players     Conference

34                      SWAC
20                      CIAA
16                       SIAC
12                      MEAC
5                        Big South
4                        OVC, NAIA
2                        CAA
 
2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl rosters

Team Gaither has 50 players in the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl and Team Robinson has 47 players. Here’s a complete list of the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl rosters.

Team Gaither

#          Prospect                      Position           School
Offense           

1          Dion “DJ” Gollat Jr.        QB                   Bowie State
2          Alfonzo Graham            RB                    Morgan State
4          Edward Hicks II             WR                   North Carolina Central
5          Jahkari Grant                QB                   Virginia Union
6          Morgan Scroggins         WR                   Bowie State
8          Antoine Murray              WR                   Howard
9          Darius Hagans              RB                    Virginia State
11         Jalen Fowler                 QB                   North Carolina A&T
12         Jerrish Halsey               WR                   Delaware State
13         Jeremiah Holloman       WR                   Tennessee State
19         Zach Leslie                   WR                   North Carolina A&T
20         Taurean Taylor              RB                    Tuskegee
28         Tyler King                     RB                    Edward Waters
40         Elton Andrew Jr.            K                      Fayetteville State
53         Quinton Bobo Jr.           OL                    Bowie State
54         Robert Mitchell              OL                    North Carolina Central
55         Dacquari Wilson Jr.       OL                    North Carolina A&T
58         Tyrese Bobbit               OL                    Shaw
62         Christopher Georgia      OL                    Tennessee State
70         Robert Lacey III             OL                    Tennessee State
72         Christopher Simon        OL                    South Carolina State
74         Colby Byrd                    OL                    Norfolk State
75         Christopher Anthony      OL                    Morgan State
76         Darian Bryant                OL                    Virginia Union
81         Tyler Barnes                  TE                    North Carolina Central
86         Myles Wright                 TE/LS               Morgan State
90         Jacob Young                P                      Fayetteville State

Defense                                    
0          Joshua Pryor                DL                    Bowie State
3          Malik Johnson               CB                    Central State
4          Derrick Tucker               S                      Texas Southern
5          Kai Gray                       S                      Lincoln (PA)
6          Jermaine McDaniel        DL                    North Carolina A&T
7          Demetrius Mann            S                      Virginia Union
8          Isaiah Williams              DL                    Delaware State
9          Jaleel Scroggins           CB                    Shaw
10         Brandon Barnes-Brown  CB                    Fayetteville State
11         Jahsun Bryant               LB                    Tennessee State
15         Keshaun Moore             DL                    Hampton
16         Damontay Rhem            LB                    Virginia Union
17         Julius Ali Shocklay        CB                    Hampton
18         Brandon Gaddy             DL                    Alabama State
21         Raymond Boone           S                      Bowie State
27         Jai Nunn-Liddell             CB                    Kentucky State
33         Woodly Appolon           LB                    Tuskegee
42         Zion Johnson                LB                    Virginia State
48         Brooks Parker III            LB                    Delaware State
50         Devin Harrell                 DL                    North Carolina A&T
54         Juanya’ Majette             LB                    Elizabeth City State
98         Ronald Johnson Jr.       DL                    Virginia Union
99         Ellison Jordan               DL                    Bowie State
 
Team Robinson

#          Prospect                      Position           School
Offense                                    
0          Emanuel Wilson            RB                    Fort Valley State
1          Larry Harrington            QB                   Langston
3          Jacory Rankin               WR                   Mississippi Valley State
5          Que’shaun Byrd             RB                    Bethune-Cookman
6          Isiah Cox                      WR                   Alabama A&M
11         Skyler Perry                  QB                   Arkansas-Pine Bluff
12         Glendon McDaniel         QB                   Southern
13         Cornelius “CJ” Bolar      WR                   Alcorn State
17         DeVon McCoy               TE                    Clark Atlanta
19         Xavier Smith                 WR                   Florida A&M
21         Anthony “AJ” Davis       RB                    Florida A&M
23         Markel Scott                 RB                    Langston
42         Jose Romo-Martinez      K                      Florida A&M
43         Christopher Faddoul      P                      Florida A&M
44         Aarion Hartman             LS                    Jackson State
54         Drake Centers               OL                    Texas Southern
55         Henry Mitchell               OL                    Benedict
57         Tyler Pritchett                OL                    Benedict
63         Brian Williams               OL                    Southern
70         Cortez Herrin                 OL                    Alabama A&M
71         Emanuel Boone             OL                    Fort Valley State
72         Jeremiah Stafford         OL                    Southern
74         Tony Gray                     OL                    Jackson State
77         Maurice Campbell         OL                    Benedict
78         Jordan Johnson             OL                    Prairie View A&M

Defense                                    
1          Jason Dumas                DL                    Southern
3          Corione Harris               S                      Southern
4          De’Jahn “Nugget” Warren  CB                Jackson State
5          Keyron Kinsler Jr.          S                      Alcorn State
6          Reyondous Estes          CB                    Grambling State
9          Nelson Jordan II            DL                    Alabama State
10         Keenan Issac                CB                    Alabama State
12         Jamal Dorsey                DL                    Langston
20         Olajuwone Smith           S                      Benedict
21         Claudin Cherelus           LB                    Alcorn State
22         James Hawkins             CB                    Albany State
26         Devin Dourisseau          LB                    Langston
30         Stephen Pierre              LB                    Albany State
32         Jordan Lewis                 LB                    Southern
33         Tyler Moore                  CB                    Fort Valley State
35         Dre’Shuwn Terry            LB                    Alabama A&M
44         Andrew Farmer II           DL                    Lane
50         Ronnie Thomas             DL                    Mississippi Valley State
51         Tarik Cooper                 LB                    Texas Southern
92         Justin Ragin                  DL                    Jackson State
94         Cameron Peterson        DL                    Southern
99         Kevin Victorian              DL                    Prairie View A&M