Other Positions: QB | RB | WR | TE | DT | Edge | LB | CB | SAF
Leading up to the NFL Combine week, I go through 20-30 minutes of scouting preview work on each prospect set to attend -- I watch a couple game tapes and look over some of their career performance data, etc., and then I give each prospect a pre-event scouting grade for the NFL based on that brief look. For some attendees, I’ve spent an extended scouting time on them already from preview scouting them and then observing them at the Senior Bowl week.
After we get all the official Combine measurables and times, etc., I will complete a post-Combine grade for all attendees and then start to run our scouting analytics (from statistical grading) on those who did all the workouts at the Combine, for the others we have to wait for their Pro Day data.
The Combine (and Pro Days) are key data points to know which prospects to study deeper and file full scouting reports on pre-and-post Draft. Our computer scouting models will give analytic grades on approx. 100 RB prospects for this draft (and, ultimately, we’ll run grades on approx. 600+ overall prospects for this draft).
This pre-and-post Combine preview is a very brief look for me, as a scout, to continue to build my database and scouting notes for the weeks and months ahead, and to then focus in on certain prospects that are jumping at me from the early preview. The Combine previews are a first, sometimes second or third look (for me) at a prospect attending -- but my impressions/grading can and will change as we go through the year-long process of scouting these guys right up through the NFL preseason.
After a January-February preview study, here are my impressions, grades, and ranking of each position going into the 2023 NFL Combine (except O-Line, we’ll look at OLs after the Combine).
The Wide Receivers…(but first, a preamble/state of the 2023 WR Union)
WR 2023 preamble…
Weird year for WRs… From my perspective there is not an obvious ‘A’ grade prospect…but there are a lot of Bs and Cs…the Bs and Cs could become As in the right NFL offense/situation, I guess.
The 2023 WR class mostly a collection of small-to-mid-sized possession receivers…and where they land, and with what QB/head coach…and what WRs are already there on the roster will take any of these B/Cs to A/Bs…or to disappointing C/Ds…or they stay stuck in the B/C range.
There is likely a breakout star ‘A’ grade guy in this batch…but I don’t see the obvious ‘one’. For Fantasy Football, the ‘A’ grade star is likely the ‘B’ talent that fell into a great situation.
To give an example of what my gut senses right now, the 2023 WR class has a lot of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s and Skyy Moore’s -- St. Brown didn’t stand out as an ‘A’ or a ‘B’ heading to Detroit, but their lack of any stud WRs got ARSB in close with Jared Goff, and they developed a relationship and BOOM. Skyy Moore is just as good, I’d say more gifted…he landed with KC, which seemed great, but they didn’t feel the need to push him and he’s now drifting away in our hearts and minds. Moore goes to Detroit in 2021 (I know he came out in 2022) and maybe he’s a PPR stud. Amon-Ra goes to KC 2022…he’s a little used, hopeful but unsure WR asset for the future. There’s a lot of 5’10”, 5’11”, 6’0” WRs like them flooding the marketplace/NFL.
To me, in no particular order, Jameson Williams, George Pickens, and Christian Watson are all better, more talented/impressive WRs than any rookie WR coming in 2023. Drake London, Alec Pierce, and Treylon Burks are also unlike any WRs in this 2023 NFL Draft. Those five WRs from the 2022 NFL Draft, to me, are all more talented than the WRs from 2023…but look at those five names and what’s your perception of them today? I could also argue Skyy Moore, Khalil Shakir, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, John Metchie and Kyle Philips would be highly rated in the 2023 class.
There are probably 7-8-9+ WRs from the 2022 class that I would debate as the top WR prospect for the 2023 class, if they were in the 2023 class. That’s not to say that the 2023 class is a dud, per se…there’s a lot of talent but by-and-large it’s nowhere near 2022…BUT depending upon where these 2023 guys land, for Fantasy Football or NFL purposes, 5-6-7-8+ of them could become a quick ‘star’ (in output). Think back to the top names of the 2022 class, now…Watson-Pickens-Jameson-London-G.Wilson, etc. Is Amon-Ra St. Brown in a better place for production than all of them?
BUT…
Is Amon-Ra going to fall away with Jameson Williams fully healthy in 2023? I use that example, because the flood of talented WRs hitting the NFL…there’s not many places the 2023 rookies can go and just be the clear #1 guy right away. ..partly because the 2021 and 2022 groups were also a flood into the system as well.
Who is really the best WR prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft class? I really can’t confidently tell you until I see the situations they fall into in the NFL. If I did this preview a week from now, watching more college tape…the top 5-10 might be radically rearranged. A month from now…even more so changed, potentially. After I get the Combine data this week…it will for sure get rearranged/re-ranked. After the actual NFL Draft, it will definitely be radically rearranged in our Dynasty Rookie Draft rankings.
So, with that being said -- here’s my best scouting projection on the 2023 NFL Combine WRs. The top 5 or so, all have a claim to be called ‘the best’.
WR Zay Flowers, Boston College (pre-Combine grade: B+)
2022: 78-1,077-12 (12g)
5’10”/177
Projected 40-time: 4.3-4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.7+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 30
Pre-Combine Comments:
I wasn’t super high on Flowers a year ago, but I see ‘it’ now with a little more time spent. He’s the modern NFL weapon WR…smaller, but big enough…fast+, agile+, with great hands/tracking ability. He’s a legit solid WR across the board.
He may be the best WR in the draft (a weak WR class) because he has no flaws. He’s just good/a weapon short-medium-long.
NFL Comp? = Brandin Cooks + Amon Ra-St. Brown + a little Tyreek Hill juice, just a pinch…thrown into a blender to make Flowers.
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/wXgfDn6V-p0
WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee (pre-Combine grade: B/B+)
2022: 67-1,267-15 (12g)
6’0”/180
Projected 40-time: 4.3-4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 30
Pre-Combine Comments:
Full scouting report on FFM. Contender for top WR prospect in the draft.
Great downfield speed WR…gets open and makes plays medium and deep but can play some short game as well.
NFL Comp? = Garrett Wilson-Jameson Williams-Jahan Dotson blend
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/Imfl_N9WgKo
WR Nathaniel Dell, Houston (pre-Combine grade: B+/B)
(Post-SB Grade: A-, Pre-SB Grade: A-)
2022: 109-1,398-17 (13 games)
5’8”/163
Projected 40-time: 4.3+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.5+
*Full scouting report on FFM
Post-SB comments:
Did his thing to all the CBs in the 1-on-1 drills day one…beat them all off the snap, at will. No one could keep up with him unless they pre-guessed the route…and if they didn’t, the CB got scorched twice as bad. Dell came in, proved himself and left early. Smart.
Dell came in 8 pounds bigger than initial list, which was needed. Two inches smaller isn’t great but his game is speed, not reach.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Wow.
‘Wow’ on the tape I just watched. ‘Wow’, I cannot believe I’m giving an ‘A’ grade to a 155-pound WR…but it’s 2023, and the NFL is a glorified 7-on-7 now, so these guys can work at the next level. Plus, Dell is so fast no one can touch him hardly anyway.
Not only fast but he’s a good receiver too. Good hands. Aggressive. Catches the ball all over the field. And he’s so agile that he gets open on any coverage. How agile? You’ll see with the comp…
NFL Comp? = Honey, I shrunk the Kadarius Toney.
See for yourself: https://youtu.be/LJdnKPTgpzQ
WR Jordan Addison, USC (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 59-875-8 (11g)
6’0”/175
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 25
Pre-Combine Comments:
Solid WR prospect…is another of the flood of 6’0” +/- highly trained, good athlete WRs. He’s not the most special of the current crop in 2023…but he’ll be fine for the NFL.
Full scouting report on FFM.
NFL Comp? = Not as good Garrett Wilson
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/3q7Xf145mMU
WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: B-/C+, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 55-636-5 (11g)
5’11”/191
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.8+
Post-SB comments:
Moves a lot better, in all phases, than I expected to see. Very graceful off the snap to get open on CBs. Was the big winner according to the TV analysts, and he did ‘win’/increase his draft stock this week. Came in a little smaller than expected, but a solid/OK size. Everything he did was fine/good, but I didn’t see ‘wow’ or great…but there were some flashes of potentially really good.
Full scouting report on FFM
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Pre-SB Comments:
A speedster WR…a weapon WR for bubble screens and deep balls, and the return game (3 PR TDs in his college career). He can fly but he also has good hands/tracking of the ball. He didn’t show much in the intermediate game, but they didn’t work him that way much either…because he was such a threat deep.
NFL Comp? = A mix of K.J. Hamler and Darnell Mooney (contested catching ability).
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/6ZhCz2IlINg
WR Antoine Green, North Carolina (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 43-798-7 (9g)
6’2”/205
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
One of the nice sleepers of this WR class -- size, good+ feet, beats corners deep, hands, with good+ route runners. I’m really impressed. Has battled some minor injuries causing some missed games throughout his career.
NFL Comp? = Possible Amari Cooper-like WR?
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/WTcs32kAl8M
WR Michael Wilson, Stanford (pre-Combine grade: B/C)
(Post-SB Grade: B/C, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 26-418-4 (6g)
6’2”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-SB comments:
The biggest surprise upside talent, compared to my initial preview. I thought he was good/solid in my preview…hurt by a weak offense. But in Mobile, it was he, not Jayden Reed, who reminded me of a young Davante Adams. He really played well all week, and in the game. Wilson really improved his draft stock here.
The one thing that will haunt him is an injury bug history. Outside of that…dude can play, dude can move with a nice sturdy body.
NFL Comp? = Davante Adams hopes?
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Pre-SB Comments:
Solid enough WR prospect…good size, nice movement skills. Wasn’t a star in college but also didn’t play on a high-flying offense. His big issue: games played in each season from 2020-2022…4-4-6. Wilson has a lot to prove at Mobile, but also his medical checks, etc.
NFL Comp? = Byron Pringle
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2021: 95-1,606-9
6’0”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 30
Pre-Combine Comments:
Full scouting report on FFM.
There’s a bevy of these 6’0” +/- tall, 200 +/- pound WRs…and JSN is one of the ones considered at the top of the heap among them. Maybe. I’m not so sure. I see tape where it looks like he’ll be an instant splash Olave-Wilson type OSU WR hitting the NFL…and then I see some issues with drops and him making hay in 2021 off lesser coverage in a talented trio with an ‘A’ grade QB.
Could be a strong ‘B’, could be a low ‘C’. We’ll see if the Combine helps or hurts…I think it might hurt due to so many others just like him in this draft, but JSN might not be as fast as the other top 3-4-5+ guys in his size/style range.
NFL Comp? = DaeSean Hamilton/Sterling Shepard
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/KP2PphmOzlk
WR Josh Downs, North Carolina (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 94-1,029-11 (11g)
5’10”/180
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.8+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 50
Pre-Combine Comments:
I did not like Downs in my 2022 summer series preview. I didn’t get it. Small guy catching passes…great, there’s a million of them in college. But looking at him some more, I can see the extra gear…the NFL gear…built for today’s NFL -- good for those quick hitter passes and he’s a reliable pass catcher, and he’s swift/shifty after the catch on an NFL level…not just for college. I’m more on board now…late to the party from 2022.
NFL Comp? = Smaller, less muscular, but faster/quicker Amon-Ra St. Brown
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/63Vdta2KJos
WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU (pre-Combine grade: B/C/D)
2022: 48-538-2 (11g)
6’0”/205
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 60
Pre-Combine Comments:
A Ja’Marr Chase looking, beat-you-with-speed WR…but he’s a bit soft/struggles with physical coverage and the worst issue is…a lot of (allegedly) immature/poor character issues off the field are swirling around. Could be the best WR in the class…or a high-profile bust.
NFL Comp? = An inferior version of Ja’Marr Chase.
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/LaxFTNo3phs
WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: B/B-, Pre-SB Grade: B/B-)
2022: 51-861-5 (13g)
6’1”/2226
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Post-SB comments:
Looked as expected…a little subdued at times. He didn’t hurt his draft stock here.
Came in an inch shorter than listed, but 10 pounds thicker. He’ll likely lose that weight to run fast at the Combine. 10.25” hands helped on the measurement side of things.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Looks fantastic on tape. Is in the argument for best WR hands in the 2023 draft class. Has the dominant, alpha WR presence about him. Good speed. Nice build/frame (looks like AJ Brown/Deebo physically). Flashes good feet on routes and other times too reliant on ‘go deep and try and high point over the WR’, which usually works so I get why he does it.
He’s an intriguing watch at the Senior Bowl…will he dominate DBs or will he get exposed for being a tweener WR destined to get stuck running deep on the outside and is more decoy than desired for production.
NFL Comp? = A.J. Brown/Deebo/Larry Fitzgerald/Darius Slayton/Courtland Sutton in a blender.
WR Parker Washington, Penn State (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 46-611-2 (10g)
5’10”/212
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
A nice underneath WR -- very sturdy, good-to-great hands…and is so thick framed that he tends to bounce off solid tackles, and just keeps going for more yards. He’s going to be an interesting NFL WR…maybe never a star, but just a key/reliable piece of the offense….dependent upon what offense/QB he lands with.
NFL Comp? = Slower Devin Duvernay/Skyy Moore
WR Grant DuBose, Charlotte (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 64-792-9 (12g)
6’2”/205
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
I like this guy. My apologies. He was a late add to the Senior Bowl and he made a few plays, but I kinda wrote him off a little because he was a late add and he didn’t super-standout at the Senior Bowl week…but he kinda got treated with my same public perceptions -- not taking him seriously.
But he can really move for his size…he looks like a 6’2”+/210+ guy but is only listed at 6’2”/200. I bet he comes in bigger at the Combine…if he does, his grade may rise for me. He is quick off the snap…can get open short or medium or long. Looks like very soft/nice hands. I was really impressed when I expected to be put to sleep.
NFL Comp? = Darrius Slayton…and there’s been several chunks of time where Slayton has been an effective/promising #1 WR for NYG, but they never stick with it.
WR Charlie Jones, Purdue (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 110-1,361-12 (13g)
6’0”/188
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Post-SB comments:
Was banged up in-season, and I think that’s why he didn’t participate/go to the Senior Bowl.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Jones is going to shock some people at the Senior Bowl.
Straight-line speed = very good, NFL worthy. Hands = golden. Excellent hands and catch ability. Route running/cutting/agility = not great, below average for the NFL. A team will have to commit to using him in a certain way, and that’s not as a slot/underneath WR right away…he needs to work on his feet off the snap. If he can improve his cut-ability, he’s going to be a very solid NFL WR.
NFL Comp? = Khalil Shakir…a Cooper Kupp wannabe?
WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 54-1,083-6 (13g)
5’10”/177
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.95+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
I did not like Mims AT ALL in my 2021 summer series preview, but I’m not sure if he got better in 2022…or if I was just an idiot in 2021 -- but he really looked good on the 2023 tape I watched. He has great hands and a nice set of technical skills. He’s not an ‘A’ athlete, but he’s got enough juice to work in the NFL.
NFL Comp? = Not as good Brandin Cooks
WR Puka Nacua, BYU (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 48-625-5 (9g)
6’1”/206
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
One of the bigger surprises for me, compared to my preview scouting. Moved really well and acted like an alpha WR day one. Looked like a possible NFL starting WR. Did well right off the bat, then ‘dropped the mic’/left early…which is smart.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Another cookie cutter good/great college WR that is hard to project a huge upside for the NFL. Not overly fast, or big/tough, but has good hands and is a confident receiver -- there’s a million of them hitting the NFL. He’s generically good…it will come down to his work ethic and pre-draft measurables. Mobile can make or break him for getting drafted top 200 or not.
NFL Comp? = faster Romeo Doubs
WR Quentin Johnston, TCU (pre-Combine grade: C)
2022: 60-1,069-6 (14g)
6’4”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 40
Pre-Combine Comments:
Full report on FFM.
Solid ‘big guy’ college WR and will have a spot in the NFL, but he’s not a #1 alpha WR…he’s just a big, tall, moderately fast downfield deep ball big target. He’s not close to a 1st-round NFL WR, in my book.
NFL Comp? = Equanimeous St. Brown + Mack Hollins hybrid
WR Tre Tucker, Cincinnati (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: B-/C+, Pre-SB Grade: B-/C+)
2022: 52-672-3 (12g)
5’9”/187
Projected 40-time: 4.35+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.7+
Post-SB comments:
Really impressive day one of drills. Was a nonfactor in 11-on-11s, but so were most of the WRs/passing games (a cluster in 11-on-11). Good size/thickness for a small/speedy WR game. He more helped than hurt his NFL cause with his week in Mobile. 8.5” hands didn’t help his cause on the measurements side.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Usually these small/speedy college WRs who don’t have eye popping numbers are just ‘college fast’ guys who make a few ‘fast’ plays in their careers and are on a ‘watch list’ to be drafted, everyone waiting to see their 40 times and three-cones, which are usually average ‘fast’ for the NFL. Tucker, however, might break that pattern/not be one to look past too fast.
Tucker looked better/faster than most of the small/speedy guys I look at each year, year after year. The tape speed pops off the screen. He’s a nice route runner with super quick feet to get open on any coverage. He showed pretty good hands.
NFL Comp? = Deonte Harty (Harris)
WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee (pre-Combine grade: C-)
2022: 37-417-3 (6g)
6’3”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
Big body, good hands…not NFL ‘fast’ but has NFL-worthy speed. He’s a nice WR to have as part of a trio, but he’s not the breakout star type…just a good member of the group…a la former Tennessee WR Josh Palmer.
NFL Comp? = Josh Palmer
WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
(Post-SB Grade: C-/D+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 107-1,171-6 (12g)
6’2”/207
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB comments:
Came in a bit smaller than expectations/hopes. Was generically OK for the week…he just doesn’t have the speed to impress in an environment like this. Didn’t help his draft stock here. Slightly hurt it.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Liked what I saw last year when we previewed him, but I detected an NFL flaw this year…
Hutchinson is a good college WR…a ‘go get it’ WR. Good hands, aggressive, tracks the ball well. He’ll work in the NFL, but he doesn’t have all the star attributes you want…especially a very flat route runner, not a sharp ‘get open on anyone’ type.
Iowa State QBs would force it to him, and he’d make some highlight catches on some…but he’s not dominating coverage, he’s just really good at tracking down passes…in college…he’ll have more competition for those in the pros.
NFL Comp? = A smaller Courtland Sutton…the way Dallas uses Michael Gallup in 2022.
WR Justin Shorter, Florida (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 29-577-2 (9g)
6’5”/228
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
The most ‘this guy needs to move to TE’ prospect among the 2023 WR Combine attendees. Not the fastest WR but isn’t bad off the snap…but he’d be considered quicker/faster among the TEs. So-so hands. Frame that could add +10 pounds of muscle. There’s some hope in a transition to TE.
NFL Comp? = Lawrence Cager
WR Jalen Wayne, South Alabama (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
(Post-SB Grade: C-/D+, Pre-SB Grade: D+…with upside)
2022: 58-816-9 (13g)
6’1”/211
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Post-SB comments:
Accounted for himself well in mobile. Has size/is thick/sturdy with decent feet off the snap. Shown to be mostly a reliable target. Led the game itself in catches/targets. He helped himself here this week.
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Pre-SB Comments:
NFL body. Looks really promising at times, but also plays kinda lax…and is a loudmouth always chirping about a 3-yard catch, etc. He’s gonna be more project and work ethic concerns than a plug-and-play.
NFL Comp? = Nowhere near as hard-working version of Josh Palmer.
WR Rashee Rice, SMU (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
(Post-SB Grade: C-, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 96-1,355-10 (12g)
6’0”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB comments:
Rice was scrappy all week. Always seemed to pop up from time-to-time with a good route and/or quality catch. He wasn’t a ‘wow’ worker…just solid/capable.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A really good college WR -- great hands, great tracking skills, confident, decent size and good speed. But for the NFL, he may project more as a solid, unexciting, reliable WR…which is still good but not ‘wow’. But in the right offense at the right time, he could be a solid starter who has decent numbers.
NFL Comp? = Michael Gallup (NFL version), Romeo Doubs
WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 54-899-9 (12g)
5’11”/180
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Pre-Combine Comments:
Small, speedy, good hands WR. He has NFL skills but the size frame is a minor concern.
NFL Comp? = Steven Sims with better hands but not a factor on the return game.
WR C.J. Johnson, East Carolina (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 67-1,016-10 (13g)
6’2”/222
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Big frame which helps him be a bit of a bully after the catch. Good hands and tracking skills. Not a great bust but gets moving when he gets up to speed going downfield. There’s raw material to work with here, but it’s not high-end right now and may never be.
NFL Comp? = Lesser athletic Dareke Young/SEA
WR Michael Jefferson, Louisiana (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 51-810-7 (12g)
6’3”/195
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Good body, solid frame with good movement skills. Showed some flashes of NFL ability. Promising prospect.
NFL Comp? = Cedrick Wilson
WR Matt Landers, Arkansas (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 47-901-8 (13g)
6’5”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Pre-Combine Comments:
Long and lanky, but wiry/muscular lanky…a frame that can be added onto with the 6’5” height. Not blazing speed, but really nimble/agile feet to cut away from tacklers/defenders. There’s something here to work with…I’m surprised he has like no draft heat. He might have off-field stuff I’m not aware of yet.
NFL Comp? = Taller Josh Reynolds?
WR Elijah Higgins, Stanford (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 59-704-2 (12g)
6’3”/228
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 225
Post-SB comments:
Needs to move to TE, where he might make a career for himself in the NFL. As a WR, he was a bit stiff all week. Not the most natural catcher of the ball. And showed a lot of poor body language. Impressive body/size, but it’s not the 1990s anymore -- the NFL needs ‘gets open’ and ‘catches the ball’ more than ‘really big’ in this era.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A very big/muscular WR, but he’s also smooth-running routes and after the catch. He looks like a solid WR prospect, but not an alpha dominant WR. His real upside might be a move to ‘move’ TE and then he might be a shock performer in the NFL.
NFL Comp? = Looks like he could have some Evan Engram in him…might be a touch too small to go that far with it.
WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: 62-889-4 (14g)
5’11”/192
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
Was OK, not a standout. Outshined by many others.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A better receiver than his stats indicate. A professional WR…great hands and concentration making catches. His weakness is route running…it’s not sharp. He’s going to struggle getting open/separation in the NFL, but he will catch the ball if it’s thrown to him. Likely a #4-5 WR for an NFL team.
NFL Comp? = Lesser Khalil Shakir.
WR Kearis Jackson, Georgia (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 21-350-0 (15g)
6’0”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 400
Pre-Combine Comments:
A really good-looking athlete but had very little output in college. Is a developmental WR not a plug-and-play
NFL Comp? = Tim Jones/JAX/So Miss
WR Joseph Ngata, Clemson (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 41-526-2 (14g)
6’3”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 400
Pre-Combine Comments:
‘A’ grade body, former 4-5 star high school prospect that was expected to do great things but never really broke out or had a decent season. He was always in the background and pop up every so often with a nice catch or play, but no consistency. He’s a physical WR, but not a technical one…he may be a hair too slow to really matter in the NFL (if he’s going to try to out physical everyone).
NFL Comp? = Quintez Cephus
WR Trey Palmer, Nebraska (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 71-1,043-9 (12g)
6’0”/193
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
Did about as well as he could. He’s not super talented, but he made a few decent plays here throughout the week. He just didn’t stand out at all.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Another generically competent college WR, who was his team’s best option in college…but will get lost in the shuffle in the pros. Palmer didn’t show me any ‘wow’ factor, in fact he showed me the opposite…he showed hints of a timid WR that could get wiped out in an NFL training camp.
Was a non-factor for three years at LSU. Transferred to Nebraska for a nice 2022 output. Not shining/playing at LSU tells you what you probably need to know here.
NFL Comp? = Slower Velus Jones
WR Jadon Haselwood, Arkansas (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 59-702-3 (12g)
6’3”/202
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Solid WR. Weak WR output. Has a legit NFL body but didn’t show me any ‘it’ factor. Could be a ‘C’ grade if he shines at the Combine.
NFL Comp? = Gabe Davis-ish
WR Rakim Jarrett, Maryland (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 40-471-3 (11g)
5’11”/195
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
A grinder WR…nothing special in speed or size or anything, just solid across the board as useful hand #3 or #4 WR in the NFL.
NFL Comp? = Jeff Smith
WR Mitchell Tinsley, Penn State (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 51-577-5 (13g)
6’1”/205
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Pre-Combine Comments:
A solid/generic good hands WR. He doesn’t have the spark/speed to be taken seriously for the draft. He can change all that at the Combine.
NFL Comp? = Zach Pascal
WR Jaray Jenkins, LSU (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 27-404-6 (13g)
6’4”/195
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 400
Pre-Combine Comments:
Tall, fluid but not explosive WR. Has a body the NFL might want to work with, develop. Needs a good Combine to get on the map.
NFL Comp? = Lesser athletic Samori Toure
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 62-675-7 (12g)
6’3”/220
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 225
Pre-Combine Comments:
There might be an NFL starter, someday, hiding here. Tall/wiry/rangy with nice burst after the catch. Has problems getting open on routes…but out-athletes CBs on occasion. There’s some raw material to work with here.
NFL Comp? = Not as-fast Breshad Perriman
WR Dontay Demus Jr., Maryland (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 22-233-1 (12g)
6’3”/217
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Decent looking ‘reach/length’ WR with perplexingly low output in college. Runs a solid medium and deep route. Has an NFL body with solid movement skills, but they are not ‘amazing’…just ‘plausible’.
NFL Comp? = Laquon Treadwell
WR Malik Knowles, Kansas State (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 48-725-2 (14g)
6’2”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 325
Pre-Combine Comments:
Solid enough college WR…not so hot for the pros. Decent receiver skills but doesn’t possess the frame or athleticism to be an NFL starter. Maybe he builds himself up and makes a roster someday.
NFL Comp? = KhaDarel Hodge
WR Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia (pre-Combine grade: D+/D )
(Post-SB Grade: D, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: (2021 season) 57-1,203-9 (12g)
6’2”/212
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB comments:
Really did not stand out here in any way. Outclassed by many other WRs. He’s gotta shine at the Combine or his draft stock is really going to fall.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A good college WR, killed off in the 2022 season by a new head coach that wrecked the offense and their passing game specifically, so Wicks’ numbers died in 2022 (thus, I put Wicks’ 2021 numbers above).
Wicks is fine college #1 WR but watching his tape this year (previewed him last summer too and had a higher first impression on him) I detected a ‘slowness’ I didn’t catch before. He catches passes solidly and was his team’s alpha #1, but he’s a bit slow in acceleration…fine for college but could be an issue in the pros (getting open, making yards after the catch). He might be just a generically good college WR but a backup level pro WR. Let’s see if Mobile changes my mind.
NFL Comp? = Thinner Josh Palmer.
WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton (pre-Combine grade: D)
(Post-SB Grade: D-, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 66-943-7 (10g)
6’3”/212
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.8+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Post-SB comments:
The one WR, that every time I watched him…he was doing something to disappoint. He has a body and some movement skills but looked timid and over his head a lot of the time. I expected/hoped for way more from him. He’ll probably still get drafted late, but if he clocks slow/mediocre in speed-agility…he might go undrafted.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Good hands. Slower straight-line speed. Excellent agility/cut ability. He has some tools, but he’s also a bit raw from playing just Ivy League competition. Let’s see what he does in Mobile…he could jump into the draft with a nice week.
NFL Comp? = Smaller/thinner framed Justin Watson
WR Jason Brownlee, Southern Mississippi (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 55-891-8 (13g)
6’3”/195
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Tall/long WR…a deep-ball, big catch radius guy -- not an all over WR. A limited ‘big guy’ (but thin framed) target. Not a speed burner or great route runner (not a quick cutter/agile).
NFL Comp? = Malik Turner
WR Derius Davis, TCU (pre-Combine grade: D)
(Post-SB Grade: D-, Pre-SB Grade: D-)
2022: 42-531-5 (14g)
5’8”/168
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Post-SB comments:
Too small…but also looked ‘too slow’ here. I don’t know if he was hurt or what. He was a great college return man, so maybe I just didn’t see him well this week/perhaps it’s my issue. Definitely didn’t stand out among all the talented WRs here.
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Pre-SB Comments:
One of those small, speedy college players who is faster than most all players on the field but is just regular ‘fast’ for the NFL…but then you have his size and he’s nothing but a return man hope for the NFL. 5 punt ret. TDs and 1 KR TD in his 5-year college career…that’s impressive.
NFL Comp? = KaVontae Turpin
WR Jake Bobo, UCLA (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 57-817-7 (13g)
6’5”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.75+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
Tall presence WR, but not great movement skills…looks more like a lumbering TE than a playmaking, alpha WR.
NFL Comp? = David Sills
WR Demario Douglas, Liberty (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 79-993-6
5’8”/165
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
Good hands, kinda shifty college WR…but not a speedster and is too diminutive to be taken too seriously for the NFL.
NFL Comp? = A much slower Britain Covey
WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 81-1,096-11 (13g)
6’5”/206
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Pre-Combine Comments:
Tall, lanky, gangly, thin-framed WR. Decent hands, below average speed/acceleration. Just looks too slow to maneuver in the NFL…and too thin-framed. He needs body work. ‘Tall’ is not the key attribute it used to be for WRs.
NFL Comp? = Binjimen Victor
WR Jalen Cropper, Fresno State (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 83-1,086-5 (14g)
5’11”/173
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
Good hands, but otherwise generically college-good. A little undersized, but has some WR skills…but those skills translation to the NFL is sketchy/weak.
NFL Comp? = Andre Baccellia
WR Malik Heath, Ole Miss (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 60-971-5 (13g)
6’2”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Pre-Combine Comments:
Big, thick, good NFL body but nothing special detected in him as a next-level WR. Mostly a go-deep and try to out-muscle/ out-reach the CB. If he measures taller and his Combine numbers are a shock…he will rise in grade here, potentially. Just not ‘grabbed’ by his preview.
NFL Comp? = Slower, better hands Racey McMath
WR Jalen Brooks, South Carolina (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 33-504-1 (12g)
6’2”/202
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Pre-Combine Comments:
Dreadful career (for a guy invited to this event)…22 career games, 2 TD catches, one career game over 70+ yards receiving. But, on tape, he does show an ability to catch the ball with some evidence of NFL size/movement. Likely is a forgettable WR who needs to grind his way to ever making an NFL roster and battling for relevancy from there.
NFL Comp? = Geronimo Allison
WR Jacob Copeland, Maryland (pre-Combine grade: D-)
2022: 26-376-2 (12g)
5’11”/195
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Nothing exciting on tape…not a speedster or a size/power guy. Nothing special about his route running. Just a generic-good college WR.
NFL Comp? = Josh Ali
