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
J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State Over the past few seasons, Skinner (6-4, 220) was a solid safety for the Broncos. The senior totaled 65 tackles, four interceptions and five passes broken up in 2022. In 2021, he recorded 92 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and six passes broken up. Skinner accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. At his size, he is a big strong safety, so he may have to move to linebacker for the NFL.
Chris Smith, S, Georgia Smith was a solid backed defender for Georgia over the past few seasons. In 2022, he has 57 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and five pass breakups. In 2021, he recorded 34 tackles, three interceptions and four passes broken up. Smith is undersized and might be more of a backup and special teams contributor at the next level.
Richard Gouraige, OT, Florida Gouraige was a solid left tackle for the Gators in 2022. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection for the next level. He could start out his NFL career as a swing tackle backup and may have the upside to grow into a bigger roles. Gouraige’s size should provide him the versatility to be cross-trained at both guard and tackle.
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee Wright was Tennessee’s starting right tackle, and he had an excellent season, not allowing a sack of quarterback Hendon Hooker. Wright has good size to him and some strength as a run blocker. If he does well in the pass-rushing one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, he could be a riser for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Reizohn Wright, CB, Oregon State Wright was a solid cornerback for the Beavers over the past two seasons. In 2022, he recorded 38 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes broken up. During 2021, he totaled 44 tackles, two interceptions and eight passes broken up. Wright accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma In 2022, Willis recorded 39 catches for 514 yards and seven touchdowns. He is a touch undersized for the NFL, but could serve as a rotational player. The 6-foot-4, 239-pound Willis could stand to improve his blocking for the pros. If Willis has a strong week at the Senior Bowl, his draft stock could rise.
Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State Kraft totaled 27 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. His best season came in 2021 when he hauled in 65 catches for 773 yards and six touchdowns. Team sources say Kraft is really raw having come from nine-man high school football. They say he has a lot of talent to develop and could be a second-day pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern Hull ran hard for Northwestern in 2021 and 2022 while also showing receiving ability. In 2021, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns while catching 33 passes for 264 yards and two scores. The senior averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2022 for 913 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Hull is put together well and is sleeper prospect to keep an eye on for the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023 NFL Draft Stock Down
Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida At the start of the 2022 season and in the early going, Dexter looked like he had first-round potential thanks to an excellent skill set with size, speed and athleticism. Dexter, however, underachieved in 2022 and did not play up to his physical talent. He also did not show enough improvement as a pass rusher. As a result, teams are looking at Dexter as a second-day or mid-round pick who has real boom-or-bust potential.
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