2023 NFL Draft Offensive Sleepers
Introduction
The 2023 NFL Draft class has been tagged to be a heavy First round talent class featuring a lengthy list of Quarterbacks, and Tight Ends. The rest of the draft is left a bit bland going into later rounds compared to years prior. After the first 31* picks (Miami lost their first-round pick in 2023 due to tampering) Round 2 and on have a somewhat complicated task for all 32 teams to complete this year, and that’s picking the players who can take their team in a positive direction and to a possible championship. Here’s some lesser-known publicized names that your team could be picking in rounds 2-7 and can contribute to your team’s offense in 2023.
QB
1. Jake Haener, 6’1” 195 lbs., Fresno State
- Haener was a 3-year starter from Derek Carr’s alma mater Fresno State. After transferring from Washington State in 2020, Haener took over the starting QB role for the Bulldogs, breaking both Derek and his brother David’s passing records in the 3 years as starter with 9,013 Passing Yards, and 67 Career Passing Touchdowns. An ankle injury shortened his 2022 season but didn’t stop Haener from coming back and leading the Bulldogs to a Mountain West Championship and Bowl Game Appearance which Fresno won against the team Haener transferred from: Washington State. Size issues due to lack of Height and inconsistent mid to deep throws will be an issue for Haener in the NFL, but his decision-making ability, and accuracy on short to mid throws can lead him to a backup role, and as a starter due to injury.
2. Max Duggan, 6’2” 214 lbs., TCU
- Duggan led TCU to a National Championship appearance in 2022, as well as being a Heisman Finalist throwing for 3698 yards, and 41 Touchdowns after coming in for the injured starter in Week 2. Duggan excels at RPO, single read type pass plays, and is a threat in the run game making defenses have to account for him on any given play. Duggan’s arm strength, play-making ability, and willingness to throw the ball up for his receivers to go and make a play will be what makes Duggan ‘stick’ in the league, but his inconsistent accuracy/ ball placement, and lesser ability to read coverages post first read will be what leaves him on the bench or on the practice squad. Duggan’s competitive toughness shined in a loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship last year after taking a beating trying to lead the Horned Frogs back in the game. This could catch the coaches’ eyes as he competes for a spot on an NFL Roster this coming offseason. With the right coaching and mentoring from a more experienced signal caller, Duggan has a chance to be a starter in the NFL or can be solid backup for the team who picks him.
3. Clayton Tune, 6’2” 220 lbs., Houston
- Clayton Tune was a 3-year starter for the Cougars, 2022 being his best throwing a little over 4000 yards, and 40 Touchdowns. Tune shows great ability in scanning the field finding his second or third read, while getting the ball out with a quick release and good arm strength, he extends plays once the pocket collapses and comfortably deals with incoming blitzers. Tune also has good pocket presence, knowing when to step up in the pocket while progressing through his reads, and when to tuck the ball and run for first down, or bigger gains. Tune struggles with holding on to the ball too long at times which can lead to sacks or an unnecessary turnover and will need to be taught it’s okay to throw the ball away at the next level. Tune shows poise as the leader of the offense and has great playmaking ability once the pocket collapses and while the play develops always looking down field for a last second receiver that gets open, or taking things into his own hands, this will land him a spot as the safe backup in a league with QB injuries looming at any point in time.
4. Hendon Hooker, 6’4” 218 lbs., Tennessee
- Hooker would not be on this list had it not been for an ACL tear late in the ’22 season. Hooker was the Heisman front runner after an impressive season, and a program changing win over longtime rival Alabama. Without the injury, Hooker shows he can take over as the leader of the offense by taking command of the huddle with maturity and experience. With a unique ability to throw the ball as well as he runs. He shows good accuracy, and arm strength and will be able to make throws at the next level and will add a good scrambling ability once the pocket breaks down. Hooker will struggle at the next level when it comes to reading the defensive coverages and where to get the ball due to the very QB friendly scheme he played at Tennessee that features A LOT of quick screens, and RPO plays, so sitting Hooker for the first two seasons is more than likely the plan for the team who drafts him. One reason being to teach him the nuances of the game, and two to assure the knee is completely healthy, when his time to play comes. To add to his ACL injury, Hooker is already 25 and will most likely be 26 or 27 by the time he gets significant playing time in the NFL, which is well seasoned when it comes to NFL age now adays with assumed top 3 pick Bryce Young being only 21 years old when he is selected. Time and health are the risk factor for this talented QB, and the risk versus reward factor could be very high for the team who takes a shot on him.
RB
1. Tyjae Spears, 5’10” 190 lbs., Tulane
- Spears shows great one cut ability at the start of the play and great physicality when making contact to be a running back in the NFL. His speed and elusiveness once the ball is in his hands gives Spears an edge against oncoming defenders and his ability to take hits head on with a lower center of gravity and balance gives him an advantage to his playmaking ability and possible yards after contact. Although his size will limit him to a more than likely backup role due to NFL linebackers being able to stop him at the point of attack, Spears could find some playing due to an untimely injury to the starter, and could take over a starting role for a team that drafts him with his toughness, and ability to contribute in the pass game.
2. Devon Achane, 5’9” 185lbs., Texas A&M
- Achane is a small but stout back that’s speed and elusiveness can be a contributing factor to an NFL team’s offense. Achane was a 3-year contributor to Texas A&M’s offense with 2022 being his first year as the starter racking up 1,102 Rushing yards and 8 TDs averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He’s smaller than Spears listed above, so size and durability are red flags when looking at Achane as a prospect, but his thicker frame, and elusiveness can land him on a team in a rotational role or in a running back by committee kind of team.
3. Roschon Johnson, 6’2” 223 lbs., Texas
- Johnson is a tall, big bodied back, that was outshined in his time as a Longhorn by projected first round pick and Longhorn star Bijan Robinson. Johnson is a physical back who needs more than one defender to bring him down at contact and is willing to lower his shoulder and churn his legs to fight for extra yardage. Johnson can also be used in the pass game as a receiver creating mismatches to a defense and can pick up blitzers while in pass protection. A low workload while at Texas, and a power run scheme can make Johnson a contributor to a team’s offense, however, the team that drafts him may want to shy away from any zone schemes as Johnsons lateral agility, and ability to make people miss is the one hole in this overshadowed big back’s game.
4. Deuce Vaughn, 5’6” 172lbs., Kansas State
- Depending on who you ask, Vaughn can either be the next small back to take the league by storm or should not even be drafted. Vaughn is an elusive, slippery back, that uses his small stature to his advantage as much as he can. Vaughn can find smaller sized holes in the run scheme, as well as catch passes out of the backfield contributing to the pass game, and can make defenders miss once he is in the open field. But the glaring problem with Vaughn being only 5’6” is whether his body will be able to take the physical toll to be an NFL back. As willing as he is to take on blocks, lower his shoulder to gain that extra yard, and take on incoming blitzers, Vaughn’s size will ultimately be his greatest enemy in making an NFL roster having to take on the average 6’2” 240lb size of NFL linebackers on any given play.
WR
1. Zay Flowers, 5’10” 172lbs., Boston College
- Flowers MAY go in the first round depending on if a team likes him enough to go grab him that early, but Flowers has been a first round flirt/early second round prospect since the end of last season. Flowers can line up on the outsides as well as in the slot with good catching skills and playmaking ability after the catch. His quick feet, and route running ability make him a highly sought after pick in the later rounds and, to go with his said receiving skills Flowers also shows very capable ability as a run blocker for opening lanes in the run game, a trait not always looked at in some wide receiver prospects. Flowers will be a contributor to an offense from the start of training camp, it’s just a matter of getting the ball in his hands.
2. Kayshon Boutte, 6’ 185lbs., LSU
- An ankle injury in ’21, a new coaching staff, and a quarterback carousel led to a drop in production for Boutte in 2022. A once projected early first round pick, holds the record for most receiving yards in a game with 308, is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and is able to make contested catches with defenders blanketed on him. He, however, deals with random drops and the ankle injury has shown a slight drop in speed. Boutte was used in jet motions, screens in the short game as well as being a mid-deep threat. He can play on the outsides, and in the slot and was used in any motion to dictate the coverage of the defense. Even though Boutte has fallen in the prospect rankings, and expectations he will contribute to the team who picks him right away.
3. Josh Downs, 5’10” 171lbs., UNC
- Downs is an athletic receiver, who is coming off back-to-back 1000 plus receiving yard seasons, with 8 or more TDS to go along with it. Downs is primarily a slot receiver with the ability to contribute to special teams as a returner as well. Downs is a quick, and elusive receiver that can attack a defense whether it be in the short game, or as a deep threat. He can make contested catches and find soft spots in coverage which leads to more targets and play making opportunities. Downs is a smaller sized receiver that could struggle when it comes to helping in the run game, but shows a great route tree, route running ability and can be a ‘utility’ player for the team who drafts him.
4. Trey Palmer, 6’1” 190lbs., Nebraska
- Palmer is a tall, lanky receiver who can play on the outside and in the slot. While being a short game target with his big body on screens, quick slants and sit routes. Palmer can also be a significant deep threat in the passing game and be the trusted target to an NFL quarterback. The LSU transfer got his chance to be a full time contributor to an offense in Nebraska and hauled in 71 receptions for a little over 1000 yards in 2022, and shows the potential to be a late round star with an NFL coaching staff and quarterback getting him the ball. Palmers’ strength is his ability to read coverage and find soft spots in zones to take advantage and has the quickness to beat man coverage and gain separation from defenders. Also being a contributor to the special team’s unit, Palmer could be a late round steal with his catching ability and still developing route running ability and tree.
5. Andre Iosivas, 6’4” 200lbs., Princeton
- The possibility and prospect of Iosivas is the definition of a GEM. The big body track star can outmuscle you with his physical size and out run you at any moment with his gear turning speed. Iosivas has a lack of hype and tape due to his location of play, he has the big body style of Mike Evans with the mobility and utility of Christian Watson. Although competition level is a big red flag from a receiver coming out of the Ivy League, Iosivas has all the makings of an NFL caliber wide receiver with a moderately developed route tree to go with his ideal size and speed abilities.
TE
1. Payne Durham, 6’5” 255 lbs., Purdue
- Payne can contribute both in the passing and run game early to the team who drafts him. The willing and physical blocker can line up in the box and add to the run scheme as an additional blocker, and line up wide to produce as a short/mid field threat in the pass game. Durham was the reliable target of Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell in 2022, and could be the next reliable target to an NFL QB before preseason ends. He can be an excellent target in a zone scheme with play action involved and a key contributor as a blocker as more and more teams sway to the Shanahan/McVay system way of running offenses with 21, 22, and 11 personnel groupings.
2. Sam LaPorta, 6’4” 249lbs., Iowa
- A well respected athlete for the Hawkeyes, LaPorta will bring in a playmaking ability to the NFL. Although he is not the best run blocker, he makes up for it with smooth route running and catching ability. LaPorta can catch tight window and contested attempts while also being able to create separation from man defenders. LaPorta is more of the receiving type tight end and will benefit from an NFL offense that uses him as their ‘pass catching’ tight end, but LaPorta is more than willing to lower a shoulder to slow down a defender in the run game. Being able to line up on the outsides, slot, and in the box gives LaPorta a great utility aspect to teams who are looking to bring in a pass catching tight end this coming season.
3. Tucker Kraft, 6’5” 255lbs., SDSU
- A small school product, Kraft has the intangibles to make it as an NFL tight end, he can line up in the slot, outside, and in the box, and can be used both in the run and pass game. An ankle injury shortened his 2022 season but returned in time to help contribute to South Dakota State in an FCS Championship. Competition level can be a concern but Kraft should be able to produce in an NFL offense as a starting tight end, and reliable target. LaPorta deals with the occasional drop, and as a blocker will make contact right away, but shows inconsistency with sustaining contact as the play develops. Kraft will eventually be a key contributor to an offense, it’s just a matter of what team is ready to pull the trigger on him in the later rounds.
OT
1. Jaelyn Duncan, 6’6” 315lbs., Maryland
- Duncan has the prototypical measurements to be an anchor for an NFL team’s offense. The 4 year starter brings experience and athleticism to a team looking for a left tackle for the next 10 years. His technique can be inconsistent and can struggle at sustaining blocks throughout the duration of the play but will be an asset in both the run and pass game whether it be in Pro or Spread style offense. Duncan’s athleticism and size will be able to compete with the NFL pass rushers he will be facing at the next level and can compete for a starting spot within his first two years in the league. He has been mentioned in first round projections, but more than likely will fall into the second round.
2. Darnell Wright, 6’6” 335lbs., Tennessee
- Wright played and started both tackle spots while at Tennessee, stacking up against stiff competition since 2019 and proving to be another trusted tackle prospect in this year’s draft class. His run blocking skill needs to be sharpened as he tends to guess and lean his body weight trying to lay out defenders, but he is a consistent and competent pass blocker with quick feet and the ability to latch on to defenders taking them out of the play. His flexibility in being able to play both tackle positions will pique the interest for teams looking to add depth to their offensive line this coming season, and can be a starter if needed. Game speed might prove to be the learning curve for the longtime Volunteer standout, but a training camp and a backup role to start his career can bring Wright into a starting role in the future at the next level.
3. Matthew Bergeron, 6’5” 322lbs., Syracuse
- Another tackle who has played at both sides of the line, Bergeron started at Syracuse since he was a freshman. He’s physical at the point of attack, and athletic enough to pull and reach as a run blocker, the skills needed to be a productive lineman in the league. But his short choppy steps on his drop sets on pass plays, with a tendency to hug defenders, and being beat inside by edge rushers might land him inside as a guard, or as a career backup if he stays at tackle.
4. Blake Freeland, 6’8” 305lbs., BYU
- Freeland’s size and stature makes him a force as a run blocker and is the highlight of why NFL teams could be interested in drafting him. His athleticism gives him an edge when taking on NFL sized defenders pass rush and has the speed and quickness to pull and reach when needed as a run blocker. His pass protection is mostly good, but his size can be his enemy as he tends to fall off balance while trying to reach and make contact with quicker, smaller defenders. He fits best as Left Tackle and will need to work on his footwork when entering training camp to sustain his role as a backup or eventually a starting role.
G/C
1. Cody Mauch, 6’6” 301 lbs., NDSU
- Mauch was a fan favorite at NDSU, can play all positions on the line, and had a strong senior bowl week. Mauch can prove to be a utility player for a team looking for a starter and for depth on the line. His experience goes with good athleticism, and quickness to make blocks at the second level of the defense. Mauch lacks size to be the trademark tackle for a team so he will more than likely be playing inside. Mauch flirted with playing center at the Senior Bowl and will be another reason NFL teams will want to pick him with his capability and want to play at all positions. His smaller arm length knocks him out the playing a tackle role, but Mauch can flourish on the inside as both center and guard. Versatility and athletic ability in both the run and pass game will give him an eventual starting role in the league.
2. John Michael-Schmitz, 6’4” 320lbs., Minnesota
- One of the loan top center prospects in the class, Michael Schmitz was a well-known favorite to Senior Bowl officials, and will be a quality prospect for the team who picks him. Michael-Schmitz is a solid contributor in the run game, he was used as a puller which is rare for centers and excelled in zone-based run schemes. In pass blocking he shows knowledge of knowing who to block, and when to pass off or chip an incoming defender before taking on another. Michael Schmitz is a smart, physical player who has all the attributes to be a long-time contributor to an NFL offense.
3. Joe Tippman, 6’6” 317lbs., Wisconsin
- Another center, Tippman is a well decorated and appreciated lineman that can play all inside positions on the line. His size is slightly unorthodox when it comes to centers, leverage can be an issue for Tippman which can be solved by a move to guard. Tippman can pull and reach and is an effective blocker from the center position and is a solid contributor as a pass blocker being able to lock on to a defender and take them out of the play and helps out a guard in a double teams. Tippman will be able to set protections and lead the line group like he did at Wisconsin who had the #2 rushing offense in the nation last year.
4. Steve Avila, 6’4” 334lbs., TCU
- Avila is an aggressive, and strong interior offensive lineman, and was a consecutive all American during his time at TCU while also being a part of the playoff run to a National Championship game appearance in 2022. Avila is a freight train in the run game taking his defenders out of the play at the point of contact, opening run lanes. As a pass blocker Avila will find his defender and lock him down erasing him from the play or will help on double teams with his neighboring center or tackle. At times he struggles to pick up a stunt and twist defensive scheme which can lead to sacks and negative plays. His lateral speed and open field quickness is slower compared to those listed above, so he would produce more positively as a downhill run type lineman for the team who drafts him not having to worry about pulling and finding a defender in the open field. Avila can contribute right away to an offense as a depth player as well as compete for a starting role in years to come.
Conclusion:
Versatility, flexibility, and ability are what highlight the names listed above. All can contribute to an offense in different ways and don’t represent a solid one way of being able to play for a team. Whether it be a running back who can contribute in the pass game, a wide receiver who can line up in all positions, a tight end who can block just as well as he can catch, or a lineman willing and able to play all 5 position on the line. NFL teams and offenses are looking for guys willing to break out of their comfort zones and contribute in any way that is meant for the good of the team. Whether they are willing to do that, and JUST that and be successful, is up to the prospect himself.