This new section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2023 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
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2023 NFL Draft Stock Up
Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama Steen was a 3-year starter at Vanderbilt before transferring to Alabama for his final season. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder has excellent size for left tackle in the NFL. He has been a rock-solid protector for Bryce Young while being a steady run blocker. Steen will enter the next level with a ton of experience having started 45 straight games while playing against the best competition in college football. Steen has the flexibility to start out his pro career at guard before moving to tackle.
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Rattler has flashed some big-time ability this year, but he has also showed that his decision-making is still a work in progress. He has completed 67 percent of his passes this season for 2,780 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rattler has also rushed for three touchdowns. Team sources say they see Rattler as a high upside pick. They like his big-time arm talent, instincts, athleticism, and irrational confidence. They love Rattler’s ability to ad lib and make plays off script. The big knock on Rattler is his erratic decision-making. He made huge improvements on accuracy issues at South Carolina, but his propensity to throw interceptions is still a problem. If Rattler enters the 2023 NFL Draft, he could be a second-day pick.
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee Hyatt did not produce much prior to 2022, but as a junior, he broke out as a deep-threat receiver for Hendon Hooker. On the year, Hyatt caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. He showed deep speed and playmaking ability with 18.9 yards per catch. However, Hyatt lacks size (6-0, 180), and some team sources think he is a one-trick pony who benefitted a lot from the Tennessee scheme. Still, Hyatt looks like an early-round prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson Simpson notched 73 tackles, two forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and three passes batted in 2022. He then decided to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Team sources say they like the size and speed with Simpson. The big, fast Simpson reminds some evaluators of Panthers linebacker/safety tweeter Jeremy Chinn. In 2021, Simpson recorded 65 tackles, six sacks and two passes broken up. Simpson played well in 2020, recording 28 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble.
Logan Bonner, QB, Utah State Bonner was superb in 2021 completing 61 percent of his passes for 3,628 yards with 36 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Bonner was injured for a lot of 2022, but he has some arm talent to be a late-round sleeper.
2023 NFL Draft Stock Down
Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue O’Connell has a nice arm, but team sources see a lot of problems for O’Connell in the NFL. They say that his accuracy is all over the place, and he throws into coverage constantly. O’Connell also is not a good athlete or gifted runner. Hence he might be more of a day three prospect.
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky Levis did not have the year that he or the NFL wanted for him to be considered a safe first-round pick. Multiple team sources say they were disappointed in his play as Levis showed no feel in the pocket and consistently ran into problems from holding the ball too long. In the pre-draft workouts Levis should look good with his cannon for an arm and athleticism. However, Levis has the potential to slide in the lead up to the draft because of his underwhelming tape.
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
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