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
Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford McKee has impressed a number of NFL evaluators this season despite his program struggling. The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder has excellent size and a strong arm capable of firing the ball downfield. Some team sources believe McKee end up as a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He could rise over the draft process by showing off his arm in workouts and doing a good job with interviews and visits.
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon Team sources have been impressed with Gonzalez (6-2, 201), both with his 2021 tape and with how he is playing in 2022. The junior is a big corner who is fast, athletic, and is able to run the route to prevent separation. Entering 2022, Gonzalez did not have an interception, so NFL evaluators wanted to see him show more ball skills, and he has shown improvement this year. Gonzalez could be a riser who ends up as one of the top corners for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State Evaluators like Brents as a potential value pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While Brents has some limitations, he is a big outside corner who plays tough and steady. Brents lacks the speed and fluidity to be an early-rounder, but sources think he could be a third- or fourth-round pick who ends up developing into a solid starter and exceeds his draft slot.
Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Cunningham is an intriguing quarterback prospect. In 2021, he had some rushing touchdowns that displayed speed and elusiveness that were reminiscent of former Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson. Cunningham also has a quality arm capable of airing it out deep. However, he needs refinement as a pocket passer. Cunningham needs to improve his field vision, and get better at working through his progressions and understanding coverage. This season, Cunningham has been held back by injuries and some young receivers. He might be a second-day or mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft who could be an intriguing backup with upside.
Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern Hull (5-11, 210) has been a tough runner this season despite going under the radar playing for the 1-9 Wildcats. Hull has averaged over four yards per carry for 755 yards and four touchdowns. He has been impressive as a receiver too, notching 50 catches for 509 yards and two touchdowns. Some sources think Hull is sleeper back who might be a steal and a similar pro to Jets running back James Robinson, who went undrafted.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton Iosivas has created a buzz in the scouting community, which is not an easy thing to while playing in the Ivy League. He has been productive this season while showing an impressive combination of size and speed. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder from Honolulu could rise with a strong Senior Bowl. Some pro team sources think Iosivas has second-day potential for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jayshon Jackson, WR, Ball State Jackson is having a nice senior year for Ball State, showing slot receiver ability for the NFL. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder is a shifty wideout with quickness and run-after-the-catch ability. He has 66 receptions for 755 yards and three touchdowns thus far this season. Jackson could end up being a third-day sleeper steal from the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023 NFL Draft Stock Down
K.J. Jefferson, QB, Arkansas Early in this season, there was buzz about Jefferson having the potential to become first-round picks for the 2023 NFL Draft, but that hasn’t happened this year. He has put together both good games and bad games, but he also has not demonstrated sufficient consistency as a passer to look like a sure-fire future NFL starter. Jefferson still could have second-day potential in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it isn’t out of the question for him to slide to the mid-rounds or Day 3.
Jaren Hall, QB, BYU Hall is in the same boat as Jefferson, as some were thinking he could have risen to first-round contention for the 2023 NFL Draft, but Hall hasn’t managed that. Hall has had a mix of good games and bad games, but he hasn’t done enough with his consistency to look like a lock as a future NFL starter. Hall could have the potential to end up as pick on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he could also slip into being mid-round or third-day prospects.
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
