With the 2023 NFL Draft upon us, we all know the top players who will be drafted. But there are players that we may not know of, or haven't watched them as much that aren't as high on the draft boards. I'm here to give you one player in each position that will get drafted in the later rounds but will surely have solid careers in the league:
Quarterback: Max Duggan (TCU): Max’s story from Iowa to the bright lights of TCU, nothing was given to him. While he's not high on the draft boards at the quarterback position, whatever team he goes to, he'll be a backup and get to learn the system. You don't throw for 32 TDs and over 3,600 yards if you don't have an arm and the right system. He will be motivated even more to be great by where he's drafted.
Running Back: Devon Achane (Texas A&M): This man is Darren Sproles 2.0 (for those who haven't seen Sproles in his heyday, go watch his clips). I'll admit, I watched Achane a lot over his college career and he has speed, agility, strength and the ability to make big plays. He will get his opportunities whatever team drafts him but his bread and butter will be on special teams. When he gets the ball in his hands, he's electric and he will surely have a solid career in the NFL.
Wide Receiver: Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee): There’s glimpses of greatness in this wide receiver and while scouts are hard on him with his route running and strength, Jalin has the ability to be a solid wide receiver in the league. His weaknesses now won't be in a year. Sometimes you have to take a chance on potential and not always a finished product. Hopefully he lands on a team of talented receivers where he can learn because I like Hyatt’s game and what he brings to the table.
Tight End: Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan): This young man is a brute force at the right end position. I hope he gets his opportunities in the NFL to show what he can do. At 6’5” and 250 lbs, he'll surely be able to block in the running game. Once he gets route running down, reading coverages and being with a solid quarterback, he will have a chance to flourish. He didn't get to show everything at Michigan due to the talent on the team but he's going to be a solid tight end in the league.
Defensive End: Ali Gaye (LSU): Ali isn't high on draft boards but he surely has potential. The games I got to watch him, he has the motor that's for sure. He finds ways to be involved in plays and defensive coordinators like that about young talent. He's 6’6” and 260 lbs so his height and arms can disrupt the pass game with good timing. He'll need to develop in pass rushing as the NFL game is faster and running backs are stronger but his potential is surely there.
Defensive Tackle: Colby Wooden (Auburn): This young man is going to be a force in the league. Colby will need time to develop as he's more of an interior pass rusher. He's not ready to line up on the edge yet and that'll take time but his strength is his speed as he's only 275 lbs. Most defensive tackles are in the 290-330 weight range so this will be an advantage against slower, not as mobile laterally in offensive lineman. Remember I mentioned his name, if he lands on a contender, he will be able to make plays.
Outside Linebacker: DJ Johnson (Oregon): DJ’s size and speed are amazing and from what I watched, he's going places. Wherever Johnson goes, he will make an impact because of his instincts on the field and his pass rushing ability. He will get to show more of his strengths at the pro level depending on who drafts him and the system they have in place.
Inside Linebacker: Dee Winters (TCU): Dee is a playmaker and while he's ranked 13th at his position, I feel like it's due to him being on the shorter side at 5’11”. But it's hard and will over height at the pro level. Dee has been great at TCU and can shoot gaps with his speed and uses that to his advantage to stop the run. Winters will be the sneaky playmaker in coverage as he likes to read the eyes of the quarterback on quick five step drops and slant plays with slot receivers. Wherever he goes, he will make an impact.
Safety: Ronnie Hickman (Ohio State): Ronnie is a talented safety who can match up with anyone which will help at the next level. He can guard tight ends and slot receivers with no problem. I like his agility and being able to adjust to different styles of play. His arm length is an asset with most teams passing more than running and I hope he lands on a team that is defensive minded so he can develop faster.
Cornerback: Cam Smith (South Carolina): Cam is ranked #11 in his position for the upcoming draft. It's a shame because Cam can ball and is very reliable on the field. He's got the height (6’0”), weight (180), agility, speed and all of the intangibles to be a great cornerback. He's going to surprise a lot of football fans who didn't get to watch him in college. He will be a game changer on a team for sure and his time is coming. Cam will be the guy studying film, quarterbacks, their mannerisms all so he is ready come Sunday.
These are my guys that I enjoyed watching in college and to lookout for at the next level. Every player’s dreams will come to reality on draft night and whatever teams draft these players, you'll be getting hard working men who want to succeed at the pro level.
