We’re just a few days away from the 2023 NFL Draft, and if for some reason you’re a big fan of Mock Drafts, your head is spinning from all the potential 1st rounders’ names being thrown at you from all directions. From agents pulling for their clients via their media buddies, and hit jobs on some elite prospects like CJ Stroud, some well deserving prospects inevitably slip through the cracks and unfortunately land in the later rounds of the draft. Year in and year out, future All Pro players are drafted on Day 2 or later and given the depth of this year’s draft, there should be an abundance of gems to be found in the later rounds. After taking into consideration production profiles, efficiency, physical “measurables” and traits, here’s a rundown of some of the best prospects under the radar;

Jake Haener, QB – Fresno State

We thought that after our article tagging him as “This Year’s Brock Purdy” the whole Draft community would stop and listen, but unfortunately we were mistaken. Still going under the radar even though his production profile and efficiency of play warrant much more recognition . Were Bryce Young has received praise for his 98 percentile S2 Score, Jake Haener’s score of 96 percentile hasn’t moved the needle for his stock draft. A potential late round gem for some QB needy organisation like Kirk Cousins was to the then “Washington Racial Slurs”.

Malik Cunningham, QB – Louisville

An alternative version of Lamar Jackson, essentially. A dual threat prototype with a potent rushing profile. A career yards per carry average of over 5 yards, which is a high watermark that translates very well to the NFL. Also productive as a passer, not as highly efficient but meets the threshold that translates well to the NFL. Amidst all the contract disputes, he would be a plug and play replacement for Lamar Jackson in the run first Ravens scheme or similar schemes

Deuce Vaughn, RB – Kansas State

An impeccable collegiate resume as far as production is concerned. Great receiver out of the backfield and capable of doing some damage out of the slot as well. Squeezes as much juice as possible out of every touch, as he put up some high efficiency numbers both on the ground and in the air. Would have been one of the best Running Back prospects ever in our opinion if not for the one glaring red flag on his profile, his size, or lack thereof. NFL teams are made up of man giants who use their size very well, so a smaller man is susceptible to more damage when he collides with these giants consistently.

Lew Nichols, RB – Central Michigan

Led the nation in Rushing yards as a sophomore in 2022. Injuries affected his final collegiate season, which saw a decline in his production. When you analyse his career as a whole, it’s a solid body of work. Great physical “measurables” paired with a solid production profile which should translate well to the next level

Travis Dye, RB – USC

Possesses good contact balance and is explosive when running through gaps. His testing numbers weren’t at all impressive, but his work on the field is much more admirable. A back on the smaller side but still possesses the ability to run through tackles coupled with some good receiving ability (46 catches in 2021). Add to that the fact that he is a trustworthy pass blocker all combines into making him a very valuable backfield asset on crucial 3rd downs.

Xazavian Valladay, RB – Arizona State

Stepped in admirably to fill in the shoes of Rachaad White after he graduated to the NFL. He’s good in space and can play through contact. A dynamic player who is a weapon in catch and run situations and profiles as a solid Receiving Back at the next level just like Rachaad White.

Evan Hull, RB – Northwestern

Possesses a good combination of balance, agility, burst and short area quickness (acceleration). Long speed might be lacking , but before defenders catch up to him, he makes sure to inflict damage. Has a very good receiving profile as he ran the 2nd most routes by a Running Back in 2022 with 248. Such good numbers profile him as a Receiving Back architype who should be a very serviceable 3rd down back at the very least at the NFL level.

AT Perry – Wake Forest

A consistent deep threat with great ball tracking skills. Big bodied with a prototypical “X Receiver” figure that’s lacking in this draft . Solid production profile with back to back 1000 yard seasons in the ACC.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR – Virginia Tech

With a career average of over 18 yards per Reception, he profiles as a bona fide deep threat and field stretcher. Had a productive 1000 yard season from less than 55 receptions in his sophomore season, further highlighting his home run ability. He’ll be a welcome addition to an offense in need of a big body, explosive outside weapon.

Puka Nacua, WR – BYU

An explosive offensive weapon who’s equally threatening when going over the top of the defence on a vertical route or underneath on End-arounds, Jet sweeps and Wide Receiver screens. Put simply, just get the ball in his hands and let him do the rest. He’s an efficient weapon with a good physical profile and some good traits that can be developed. Not the best production profile, but has all the tools to turn into a very serviceable NFL Wide Receiver for years to come

Jacob Copeland , WR – Maryland

A competent route runner, reliable hands that make him a good possession receiver who can be trusted in contested catching situations. Not the most explosive when it comes to vertical threat, but excels in the short and intermediate areas of the field. A good efficiency profile showing that he doesn’t waste his touches and good size that will be useful against small defenders in the NFL. His production profile isn’t spectacular in any sense, but part of that blame has to be placed on the subpar and inconsistent QB play in Maryland. Contributes on Special Teams as a Kick Returner and a Gunner, which should tick the “Industrious” box for most player evaluators.

Henry Byrd, OT – Princeton.

The scouting term for nimble footed giants “Dancing Bear” was tailor made for this 6’5 Tap Dancer, actual Tap Dancer. This Ivy Leaguer finished 2022 with unanimous all-conference recognition for his play. Competent in pass blocking but excels in run blocking, which has seen him called in for workouts by run heavy scheme teams like the Titans and the 49ers. He may have not received an invite to the combine, but teams surely have him on their radars.

Jon Gaines II, G/C - UCL

An exceptional mover with the lower body strength to bully defenders off the ball at the point of attack. Very athletic and has a frame that can carry more upper body muscle to maximise his potential from a strength point of view. With over 30 collegiate starts, durability is not a concern.

Jose Ramirez, Edge – Eastern Michigan

It seems the league and it’s scouts have a very short memory because a few years ago, they let another Eastern Michigan Edge in Maxx Crosby slip down into the later rounds. History is unfortunately about to repeat itself. An underrated pass rusher (12 sacks in 2022) who also makes plays in space. Good quick lateral movement paired with great hand usage make him a headache for blockers as he consistently has leverage against them. A rough patch on his profile would be his lack of lack of size as he stands to benefit from bulking up and adding power to his arsenal.

Karl Brooks, Edge/DT – Bowling Green

He’s a very quick 300+ lbs menace who can line up inside and out. Very smart player at locating and attacking the ball carrier. His versatility stood out as he wreaked havoc across the entire line. Has enough explosion and agility to beat blockers on the edge, and enough power to bull rush his way through blockers down the middle of the line. His size is a skill by itself as it allows him to seamlessly switch positions without being mismatched by his blockers . After racking up 18TFLs and 10 Sacks in 2022, it’s safe to say Brooks is just as devastating rushing the passer as he is defending the run, which should bode out well for his professional career

Nick Herbig, OLB – Wisconsin

A player who received some late 1st Round buzz earlier on in the draft cycle but that has since simmered down, undeservedly so. Was very influential for Wisconsin especially as a pass rusher, racking up double digit sacks. His tasks weren’t limited to pass rushing as he spent snaps dropping back into coverage as well. Didn’t post the most athletic numbers when he tested but his good technical nuances help him shed blocks and make impact plays. His run defence is just a competent as his pass rushing, which makes him a force that constantly sets the edge of the defensive line. He’ll need to hit the game and add a bit more power and explosion to his game, but that shouldn’t be a hard feat, and he’ll soon be talked of in the same breath as other great NFL OLBs like fellow Badger TJ Watt.

Dorian Williams, LB – Tulane – A high motored kamikaze in the middle of the defence who craves contact and therefore seeks it. Great vision and tenacity allow him to shoot through gaps with no hesitation , making plays. Possesses great athleticism and a lengthy physique. The athleticism is evident in his great pursuit skills which allows him to cover/run with RBs, TEs and even WRs, which make him perfect for a LB/Safety combo role which has become prevalent and valuable in this pass happy NFL. Weighing in under 230lbs, he plays well above his size.

Khoury Bethley, SAF – Arizona State – VERSATILE.

He is a chess piece in the defensive secondary. He can make plays in various way essentially. He can cover, he can rush the passer, he can blitz the passer, and he’s like a heat seeking missile when hunting down ball carriers. He had all these skills on full display at Hawaii before transferring to Arizona for his senior year, where he had a slow start due to the lack of depth which saw him play a more conservative role. He’s a smaller Derwin James who should have his future defensive coordinator salivating at all the various ways he’ll be able to deploy his new Swiss army.

Junior Matsa

Diamonds in the rough - NFL Draft Special

CHECK OUT OUR SOCIALS DOWN BELOW:

@THEFRANCHISETAGPOD