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
Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa Campbell could be a second-day pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he played like it taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the early going, Campbell had some good run fills, taking on blocks and helping to stop big rushes. He also looked good dropping into coverage, moving well in space. On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Campbell made a fabulous play. He dropped into coverage and read Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud’s eyes. Campbell saw the ball coming in and made a superb one-handed interception.
Campbell has good size, quickness, athleticism and instincts. He looks like a future three-down starter in the NFL.
Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon Sewell had a quiet start to the year, especially in the season opener against Georgia, but he was more active and around the ball taking on UCLA. In the second quarter against the Bruins, Sewell showed speed, hustling to the perimeter to help get a tackle for a loss. He later raced to the sideline to join a tackle on a wide receiver screen. Midway through the fourth quarter, Sewell had a good rush that forced an incompletion with a receiver wide open in the end zone. On the very next play, Sewell had another rush that forced UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson throw off his back foot, and the pass fluttered short into the arms of a Ducks defender for an interception in the end zone. On the next drive, Sewell made a nice tackle after coming over in zone coverage.
Sewell needed this tape as his production is down from where it was last year. He has three-down starting potential in the NFL, and he could end up being a second-day pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee Entering the season, Hooker looked like a late-round pick, but he definitely has improved his draft stock this year. Hooker has impressed, leading the Volunteers to some huge wins, including an epic win for the program over Alabama. In 2022, he has completed 71 percent of his passes for 2,093 yards, 18 touchdowns and an interception. He also has 315 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. With the way that Hooker has played this season, he probably is a second-day prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa A few pro team sources really like LaPorta and think he could be a nice value pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound LaPorta is a touch undersized, but he definitely has the ability to contribute as a receiving tight end in the NFL. LaPorta has 21 receptions for 178 yards in 2022. He totaled 53 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 2021.
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Johnson has an excellent skill set with size, quickness and athleticism. In 2022, he has been superb for Buckeyes not allowing a sack and manning the blind side for C.J. Stroud. Johnson started at guard in 2021, but has moved to tackle as an upperclassmen. Johnson has lot of upside to improve as he gains experience, but he is putting himself on the map with a strong junior year.
2023 NFL Draft Stock Down
D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Clemson Uiagalelei had a meltdown performance versus Syracuse that shows why he is still a work in progress and would benefit from going back to school for next season. Before he was pulled against the Orange, he completed 13-of-21 passes for 138 yards and two interceptions. He also lost a fumble that was returned 90 yards for a touchdown. Uiagalelei really struggled with field vision on those interceptions.
Uiagalelei needs to improve his decision making, field vision, and timing for the next level. He should return to his senior year to improve rather than enter the 2023 NFL Draft. If Uiagalelei enters the 2023 NFL Draft, he could end up as a late-round pick.
Ereck All, TE, Michigan Some team sources think All is the best tight end prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft, when healthy. All (6-5, 255) impressed evaluators with his 2021 tape, when he turned 38 receptions for 437 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, he has just three catches for 36 yards, but he has been missing games with an undisclosed injury. The sources who like All say he is faster and a better blocker than Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer. However, the health issues could be a big detriment to All’s draft stock as he is said to have just had “life-changing” surgery.
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