Tag: draft

Jan 14, 2023; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran (63) and defensive back Christopher Smith (29) and quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) speak at the national championship celebration at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia QB Stetson Bennett on arrest: ‘I know better’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett apologized to his family and said he’s being honest in meetings with NFL teams this week about his public intoxication arrest on Jan. 29.

The former walk-on is viewed as an NFL longshot with limited athleticism, size and arm strength by pro standards and despite winning two national championships as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, his path to the NFL is off to a rocky start.

Bennett was arrested on public intoxication charges and turned down an invitation to the top pre-draft prospect showcase, the Senior Bowl, leaving NFL general managers to scratch their heads about the 25-year-old’s priorities.

“It was a mistake that everybody’s aware of,” Bennett said Friday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. “I understand why that can’t happen. I’ve talked to coaches about it, talked to GMs. Apologized to my family. That’s who I feel worst about. I felt like I let them down, because no matter where I go now — and even without all of this — I’ve got an obligation. I’m the fourth (Bennett named Stetson). Can’t do that if your last name is Bennett, and I know better.”

Bennett was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2022 and rose to prominence because of his humble beginnings as a walk-on in Athens who fled for junior college only to return and claim the starting role. Bennett is one of at least nine Georgia players arrested in the past 14 months, but said individual decisions and not a culture issue are the problem.

“Those were individual mistakes that those individuals are responsible for. Not a culture issue,” Bennett said Friday.

Maturity wasn’t one of the issues scouts anticipated with Bennett — he’ll be 26 in October, the same age as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson — and decision-making, at a position where each split-second call can be make-or-break, is one of the qualities Colts head coach Shane Steichen said was a must for quarterbacks.

Bennett isn’t flying solo in Indianapolis with 13 Georgia players in attendance. He’s also one of five Southeastern Conference quarterbacks invited to the combine, which offered spots to only 15 total quarterbacks.

Based on Field Level Media rankings, Bennett is projected to be picked in the final two rounds of the draft or become a priority free agent. Bryce Young (Alabama), Will Levis (Kentucky), Anthony Richardson (Florida) and Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) are projected as first- or second-round picks.

–Field Level Media

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top QB prospects Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud measure up at combine

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Bryce Young was the first quarterback to the lectern on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine, an appropriate anecdote that included hundreds of reporters gathered to hear from the prized Alabama passer and purported No. 1 overall pick in April.

While Young and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud are expected to entice another team to trade for the top pick and move the Chicago Bears down a peg, Young said he isn’t trying to read the tea leaves.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Young said of being drafted. “I obviously don’t get to choose. I’d be surprised either way. I’m just happy to be here.”

Young has been popular with teams at the top of the draft, meeting with the Bears, Houston Texans (who pick second and have the No. 12 pick), Indianapolis Colts (fourth) and Seattle Seahawks (fifth) and Las Vegas Raiders (seventh).

“Bryce is an outstanding leader, and an outstanding quarterback,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s no surprise the success that he’s had, just because of the makeup and the type of guy that he is.”

Young said he had a “great” meeting with the Texans, which might not be a surprise given Ryans also attended Alabama. Crimson Tide products John Metchie III and Christian Harris, former Young teammates, are also in Houston.

“It was a great environment, just being in that room, I got a lot of wisdom. I’m super-grateful for it,” Young said.

Stroud said his first meeting in Indianapolis was with the Raiders. He also met with the Texans and Colts and looks to get a leg up on Young by throwing and performing in on-field events during the combine. Young is holding out for Alabama’s pro day March 23.

“I want to be myself no matter what room I step in, let them know I control the room no matter what room I step in, that I’m a leader,” Stroud said Friday. “And show them the IQ I have, that I’m a student of the game. … I’m willing to go back to square one and learn it all over again.”

Former NFL personnel evaluators appear to be split on whether Young or Stroud is the right quarterback to build around. Louis Riddick said in an ESPN appearance that “sky is the absolute freaking limit” if Stroud gets in the right offense.

“This kid right here, look I love Bryce Young too, it’s like a video game watching the young man play. This guy right here, I think is the gem,” said Riddick, who previously worked in the Eagles’ scouting department.

Height and weight are questions for Young, who is nothing close to the physical prototype at the position. But his instincts, awareness and ability to execute at a high level when plays break down give him one of the highest “off script” grades from general managers since Kyler Murray was selected No. 1 overall.

“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” Young said Friday. “I know who I am. I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair, everyone can speculate and ask whatever questions are necessary. I’m going to continue to control what I’m going to control.”

Stroud will be measured with the other quarterbacks in the class on Saturday, when throwing sessions and other on-field workouts take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Like Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson plan to participate in all QB events.

The average height and weight of quarterbacks on NFL rosters in 2022 was 6-2 1/2, 219.8. Of course, there are notable exceptions.

Based on the tape at the combine, Murray was 5-10 1/8, Russell Wilson measured 5-10 5/8, Drew Brees was 6-0.

“You do want to pay attention to body type,” former Patriots GM Scott Pioli said on NFL Network. “But go back and watch the tape. Spend time with Bryce Young. I’ve spent time with Bryce Young, I’ve spent time with his parents. This guy is the real deal as a quarterback and human being. This is the guy you want leading your offense and leading your huddle.”

–Field Level Media

Bills Josh Allen pauses and looks off before the start of the play. Ty 012223 Josh Allen Pause Bills

Bills chasing explosive playmakers in 2023 draft

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The Buffalo Bills are prioritizing explosive playmakers in the offseason.

General manager Brandon Beane said there are only “a few high-graded guys at the top” in this draft. But he cited the continued growth of 7-on-7 for the depth of this class at defensive back, hybrid defensive back and wide receiver.

“We’re always looking for playmakers, guys that are weapons with the ball for mismatches,” Beane said. “We’ll look at various ways to add playmakers. We are always looking for guys (quarterback) Josh (Allen) can get the ball to, guys that can run after the catch. Those turn into home runs, the big chunk plays. It’s hard to always count on the 10- or 11-play drives.”

Beane said safety Damar Hamlin is “definitely planning to return” to the field in 2023, and Buffalo is counting on him while navigating free agency with Jordan Poyer.

The “premium” placed on game-changing playmakers makes them more difficult to add, Beane said, pointing to the team’s predicament at running back. Devin Singletary is a free agent, but the Bills are discussing retaining him and have confidence that 2022 second-rounder James Cook can handle 15-20 touches per game.

Beane said Allen was nowhere near 100 percent at the end of the season, citing his elbow injury against the New York Jets as a limiting factor down the stretch.

“He wasn’t perfect. He takes hits. But he’s a warrior,” Beane said. “He was able to remove the brace after a few weeks. He’ll be ready to go this offseason. That’s one of the things with Josh, he’s his own worst critic. He’s a competitor. He wants it badly. He wants it more than anyone else.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Bears GM heads to combine, where offers for No. 1 pick await

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A deal for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is likely to be in place before the end of the Scouting Combine, which gets underway this week in Indianapolis.

Hometown general manager Chris Ballard is among the known bidders for the first pick in the draft, which currently belongs to the Chicago Bears. General manager Ryan Poles and Ballard were co-workers and shared an office in the Kansas City Chiefs’ scouting department.

Poles and the Bears are unlikely to draft a quarterback with Justin Fields entering his third season, but two top-rated defensive linemen would make staying put at the top tempting. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr. are viewed as blue-chip players, but quarterback demand almost always raises prospects at that position in April.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud are expected targets of the Colts, who would like to move up from No. 4 to avoid losing out on an elite passer. The Houston Texans own the No. 2 pick and are also in the QB market, as are a number of teams with selections in the top 10 who could be willing trade matches when Poles begins comparing offers.

Poles said in January he would listen to any offer, not immediately rejecting the notion a team could trade for Fields instead of the No. 1 pick. The Bears also plan to meet with quarterback prospects during in-person interviews in Indianapolis this week.

General managers often spend countless hours meeting with agents of their own veteran players at the combine with free agency opening in two weeks.

They’ll also be in the company of their peers during and after player testing periods at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The No. 1 pick has been traded before draft day 12 times since 1967. This is the first time the Bears own the No. 1 pick entering the draft since selecting Bob Fenimore in 1947. The “Blonde Bomber” was a halfback at Oklahoma A&M.

–Field Level Media

8. Atlanta Falcons -- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida Syndication Ocala Starbanner

Florida QB Anthony Richardson is No. 1 bet in top draft pick futures

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Two months before the 2023 NFL Draft, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson has drawn more bets to go No. 1 overall than any prospect in the class.

Richardson opened at +10000 when BetMGM released top pick futures in January. By Tuesday, the polarizing prospect had jumped to +1000, and he climbed further to +700 on Thursday.

BetMGM data analyst John Ewing explained the rise of Richardson began Monday, when 13 percent of bettors had placed wagers on the quarterback going first in the draft. After multiple draft-focused sites began discussing Richardson as a serious option for the top pick — including NFL.com and Pro Football Focus — the public rode the flame to the window and Richardson currently leads all prospects at 22.6 percent of those bets.

Field Level Media rates Richardson as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2023 draft behind Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Kentucky’s Will Levis.

Quarterbacks are the top four in the No. 1 pick futures odds at DraftKings.

Young (-160) is ahead of Stroud (+380), Levis (+650) and Richardson (+750). Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is +850.

Richardson is drawing athletic comparisons to Cam Newton, who by way of Florida and then Auburn rose up draft boards after leading the Tigers to the national title and winning the Heisman Trophy. Newton was the No. 1 pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2011.

A word of caution when ingesting pre-draft buzz as gospel: The 2022 case of Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, the prohibitive favorite to be the first quarterback drafted who went closer to pick 100 than pick No. 1.

Willis was +4500 to be the No. 1 pick before the NFL Scouting Combine last February, then wowed in throwing sessions open to media and entered the top four in the top pick future.

Willis was productive in college — he threw for 5,117 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, rushing for 1,822 yards and 27 touchdowns — and in media interviews.

Willis was -200 to be the top quarterback drafted on the eve of the NFL draft. The over-under for his draft slot at pick 9.5 was -140.

But the Auburn transfer wound up falling all the way to No. 86 and the Tennessee Titans.

–Field Level Media

Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) celebrates after diving into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Lsu Tigers

Polarizing QB Anthony Richardson leaving oddsmakers nervous

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Alabama’s Bryce Young is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it’s another quarterback who has at least one sportsbook sweating a bit harder as the pre-draft process begins in earnest.

Anthony Richardson remains a +2500 longshot at BetMGM to go first overall, but the former Florida star is the sportsbook’s biggest liability a little more than two months out from the draft. Richardson has accounted for 13.4 percent of all money wagered on the top pick, third behind only fellow quarterbacks Will Levis of Kentucky (34.6 percent) and Young (22.9 percent).

Young is widely expected to be the first name called, whether the Chicago Bears keep or trade the pick. The former Heisman Trophy winner is the -120 favorite ahead of Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, who is listed at +275.

Defensive linemen Jalen Carter (Georgia) and Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) are both being offered at +600 — down from each opening at +750 — while Levis’ odds have shortened from +1000 to +750 at BetMGM.

Levis has also drawn the most total bets for the No. 1 overall pick at 22.2 percent, followed by Young (15.9 percent) and Carter (14.5 percent). That also makes Levis the sportsbook’s second-biggest liability at this time ahead of Carter.

Interestingly, Richardson has accounted for 13 percent of the total bets and 13.4 percent of the money since BetMGM opened the market on the No. 1 overall pick.

Quarterbacks have a lengthy history of rising through the pre-draft process, and Richardson’s name remains somewhat polarizing a little more than two weeks before the start of the NFL Scouting Combine.

Richardson is rated the fourth-ranked quarterback prospect in this year’s class by Lindy’s Draft Guide, which compares his skill set to that of former NFL MVP Cam Newton. While Richardson has “all-world tools,” according to the publication that is published in conjunction with Field Level Media, he also likely faces a long learning curve in the NFL.

After a red-hot start to his final season in Gainesville, Richardson finished it with a 53.8 completion percentage. He has the upside to intrigue teams with top-five picks. Whether his potential ceiling is enough to entice whichever team has the No. 1 pick come draft day remains to be see.

One thing is for sure: His pre-draft journey will be monitored extremely closely by oddsmakers along with NFL scouts.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields ‘would love honesty’ in Bears’ draft plans

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In an interview on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Super Bowl radio row Friday, Chicago quarterback Justin Fields addressed the possibility that the Bears might use the No. 1 overall draft pick on another quarterback and said he’d like the team to be transparent with him throughout the spring.

Fields was selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 2021 draft, with 2022 being his first full season as the Bears’ starter. He finished the year with 2,242 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions plus 1,143 yards on the ground with eight rushing scores.

The Bears went 3-14, losing their final 10 games (Fields missed two due to injury) and passing the Houston Texans on the final day of the regular season for the worst record and top overall pick.

Fields said he had not spoken with the Bears about their plans, only having a standard exit meeting at the end of the season. Eisen asked Fields if he would want the Bears to keep him in the know if they “do their due diligence” of working out top prospects like Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.

“Oh, yeah, for sure. I think everybody would love honesty in the process,” Fields said, “so I would definitely like to know that. And, you know, it’s a business. So totally understand, no hard feelings. But like I said, I control what I can control. Control my work ethic, control how I carry myself each and every day.”

Fields was then asked if he felt he already has “proven (his) worth” as the Bears’ franchise quarterback.

“I think I’ve shown a little bit, but I don’t think I’ve shown the world what I can do in terms of playing the full quarterback position and playing it consistently,” Fields said, pointing to his final game against Detroit, when he completed just 7 of 21 passes for 75 yards.

Chicago general manager Ryan Poles could go a number of directions with the No. 1 pick — replace Fields with an even younger high-quality prospect, select a defensive player to help a unit that ranked last in points allowed last year or trade out with a quarterback-needy team.

–Field Level Media

Jan 02, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Bryce Young speaks to reporters after announcing his intention to enter the NFL draft following a press conference for University of Alabama juniors to announce their intentions. Ncaa Football Ua Juniors Announce For Nfl

2023 NFL Draft: Projecting all 31 first-round picks

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Tom Brady retired and there’s a chance another titanic move could come of Green Bay, where Aaron Rodgers weighs dropping the curtain or embracing relocation.

The 2023 NFL Draft features multiple quarterback prospects viewed as potential franchise fixtures, but only a handful of teams are in position to add Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s CJ Stroud or Kentucky’s Will Levis.

Note: The Miami Dolphins forfeit their first-round pick following the NFL ruling the team violated league policies governing the integrity of the game.

Here’s a look at projections for the first round of the 2023 draft:

1) Chicago Bears (projected trade with Colts)
DE Will Anderson, Alabama
Anderson has traits for days and almost never rushed the passer against single blocking in the SEC.
Trade suitors offer general manager Ryan Poles great and greater options for pushing a rapid rebuild into hyperdrive. He hooks up with old Chiefs scouting department officemate Chris Ballard in a deal with the Colts that likely brings a first-rounder in 2024 just to slide down three spots. A Poles double-deal in the top 10 is entirely possible with QB-craving teams anxious to get to No. 4 (where the Bears move in this projected trade) and willing to overpay to keep Seattle from getting the third-ranked QB in this class.

2) Houston Texans
QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State
Stroud brings stability to the organization and gives new coach DeMeco Ryans a building block to compete in the sagging AFC South as soon as the 2023 season.

3) Arizona Cardinals
DL Jalen Carter, Georgia
If there’s a reason the Bears would balk at the Colts’ offer, it’s this man. A massive and dynamic athlete in the mold of Colts DT DeForest Buckner, the Cardinals get an anchor for the defensive line following J.J. Watt’s retirement.

4) Indianapolis Colts (projected trade with Bears)
QB Bryce Young, Alabama
In a move up to No. 1 with the Bears, the Colts take Young with the expectation he brings the franchise what Andrew Luck did before his premature retirement — a franchise quarterback capable of competing for the Lombardi Trophy.

5) Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)
QB Will Levis, Kentucky
Predicting how GM John Schneider might spend this pot-of-gold pick from the Broncos as part of the Russell Wilson trade is bound to be one of the biggest variables all the way up to the April draft. Trained by Ron Wolf in Green Bay, Schneider knows how to find a quarterback. He also knows this pick will hold.

6) Detroit Lions (via LAR)
TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
With the two premium defensive linemen gone, the Lions lean into another pick courtesy of the Rams to replace TJ Hockenson (traded to the Vikings) and give QB Jared Goff an inside option. Mayer had 18 career TDs and makes “wow” catches in traffic.

7) Las Vegas Raiders
DE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Quarterback and offensive line are needs, but value is on the edge and the Raiders get Maxx Crosby some help in the mission to beat Mahomes and Herbert.

8) Atlanta Falcons
OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
When the Falcons selected Jake Matthews with the sixth pick in the 2014 draft, pundits felt Matthews wouldn’t hold up at left tackle in the NFL and was destined to play inside at guard. Skoronski hears some of the same conjecture regarding arm length and his fit on the left side, but the Falcons continue their rebuild with a prospect would could start at any of the five OL positions.

9) Carolina Panthers
DE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
At 6-feet-6, 270, the Panthers have the makings of a menacing front pairing with DT Derrick Brown and pass rusher Brian Burns.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)
CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
James Bradberry figures to be a prominent free agent, which means he’ll fetch a prominent payday. The top corner in the class has the speed and length to check No. 1 receivers as a rookie.

11) Tennessee Titans
OT Paris Johnson, Ohio State
The future of Taylor Lewan, who turns 32 in June and ended his 2022 season on IR in September, is very much tenuous in Tennessee. A natural left tackle some view as a top-five caliber prospect, the Titans waste little time jumping for Johnson as a commitment to re-establish dominance in the trenches.

12) Houston Texans (via CLE)
WR Jordan Addison, USC
The Texans are tempted by the multiple matchup defensive backs on the board and pass-rush help before swinging for Addison, who becomes the lead receiver for CJ Stroud.

13) New York Jets
DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Health and durability questions top the list of negatives on Bresee’s scouting report. A green light on the medical evals puts him in the middle of the Jets’ defense next to Quinnen Williams.

14) New England Patriots
CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Porter plays a physical style that will endear him to Bill Belichick and give the Patriots better personnel in a division of top-end receivers.

15) Green Bay Packers
OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
GM Brian Gutekunst restocked the offensive line with middle-round picks in recent years and left guard Elgton Jenkins has played tackle, but knee injuries, age and salary indicate it’s time to move on from David Bakhtiari.

16) Washington Commanders
QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
Boom-or-bust based on raw skills but inconsistent results, Richardson’s ceiling as a potential-packed athlete is limited only by questions about whether he can evolve as a true passer.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers
TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
Secondary help and reinforcements on the defensive line are higher priorities. Washington’s size, willingness to block and potential as a passing-game target are enticing for coach Mike Tomlin and a slow-growing offense.

18) Detroit Lions
S Brian Branch, Alabama
A defense with few playmakers gets one. Cracking the Crimson Tide secondary as a freshman gets you on the NFL radar early, and Branch has the proven versatility to rise up draft boards in the coming weeks.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Cap constraints limit how far the Bucs can go in free agency and whether they can pull Lavonte David back in for another season. Sanders suits the Bucs’ scheme with speed and range.

20) Seattle Seahawks
CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
A size-speed prospect capable of helping inspire Legion of Boom comparisons.

21) Los Angeles Chargers
WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Mike Williams and Johnston (6-4, 213) would be a physically imposing tandem for Justin Herbert, even if Keenan Allen returns for his 11th season.

22) Baltimore Ravens
CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Marcus Peters, a free agent, will be difficult for the Ravens to afford while navigating negotiations with QB Lamar Jackson. Witherspoon represents a big value in this spot, continuing the Ravens’ tradition of catching higher-rated prospects late in the first round.

23) Minnesota Vikings
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
One spot later than the Vikings stole Justin Jefferson out of LSU in 2020, the Vikings jump at the explosive playmaker.

24) Jacksonville Jaguars
CB Cam Smith, South Carolina
Contending in the AFC requires points but also playmakers in the back half of the defense.

25) New York Giants
OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
Investing in QB Daniel Jones without addressing pass protection would be a miserable approach for the Giants, who know the depth of their skill-position needs entering free agency and could be a player in the trade bidding for Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins.

26) Dallas Cowboys
S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
A No. 2 cornerback tempts the Cowboys as do potential replacements for TE Dalton Schultz, one of whom went off the board earlier, pushing Dallas to a high-impact safety with coverage skills for a nickel role.

27) Buffalo Bills
RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
Robinson adds a playmaker to the Buffalo offense and getting him the ball regularly adds life to QB Josh Allen’s career while complicating scheme decisions for defenses.

28) Cincinnati Bengals
LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson
The latest versatile defender produced by the Tigers, Simpson played multiple positions in the Clemson front and the ability to change his stripes with the Bengals makes this the perfect fit.

29) New Orleans Saints (via DEN)
WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
A fine fit and complement to standout rookie Chris Olave, Flowers helps an offense in the midst of a hard reset. The Broncos trade this pick for the right to hire head coach Sean Payton.

30) Kansas City Chiefs
DE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Frank Clark and Chris Jones have weighty contracts and the Chiefs began to restock with left defensive end George Kalaftis with the 30th pick in 2022.

31) Philadelphia Eagles
TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
Size (6-5), speed (4.5s), power and athleticism are winning traits for Musgrave, whose stock will rise as he proves to be over the knee injury that ended his final season in September 2022. Luxury pick helps running game and gives Dallas Goedert a running mate in two-TE sets.

*Picks 30-31 will be determined by the outcome of Super Bowl LVII.

–Field Level Media

Nov 6, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) scrambles away from LSU Tigers linebacker Mike Jones Jr. (19) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

NFL grants draft eligibility to 82 underclassmen

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The NFL released the list of 82 underclassmen who will be eligible for the 2023 draft on Friday.

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft was Jan. 16.

The list of players includes 69 who have been granted “special eligibility” after meeting the three-year eligibility rule, and 13 underclassmen who have completed their degrees with playing eligibility remaining.

Several underclassmen who have declared for the draft are expected to be top 10 selections. Among them are quarterbacks Bryce Young (Alabama) and C.J. Stroud (Ohio State), linebacker Will Anderson (Alabama) and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (Georgia).

The 2023 NFL Draft will take place April 27-29 in Kansas City, Mo.

GRANTED SPECIAL ELIGIBILITY
1. Abanikanda, Israel, RB, Pittsburgh
2. Achane, Devon, RB, Texas A&M
3. Addison, Jordan, WR, Southern California
4. Anderson, M.J., DE, Iowa State
5. Anudike-Uzomah, Felix, DE, Kansas State
6. Austin, Alex, DB, Oregon State
7. Banks, Deonte, DB, Maryland
8. Bigsby, Tank, RB, Auburn
9. Boutte, Kayshon, WR, LSU
10. Bradford, Anthony, G, LSU
11. Branch, Brian, DB, Alabama
12. Bresee, Bryan, DT, Clemson
13. Carter, Jalen, DT, Georgia
14. Dexter, Gervon, DT, Florida
15. Downs, Josh, WR, North Carolina
16. Evans, Zach, RB, Mississippi
17. Forbes, Emmanuel, DB, Mississippi State
18. Gibbs, Jahmyr, RB, Alabama
19. Gonzalez, Christian, DB, Oregon
20. Harrison, Anton, T, Oklahoma
21. Herbig, Nick, LB, Wisconsin
22. Hill, Brandon, DB, Pittsburgh
23. Hyatt, Jalin, WR, Tennessee
24. Jarrett, Rakim, WR, Maryland
25. Johnson, Antonio, DB, Texas A&M
26. Johnston, Quentin, WR, TCU
27. Jones, Broderick, T, Georgia
28. Jones, Jaylon, DB, Texas A&M
29. Joseph, Brandon, DB, Notre Dame
30. Kancey, Calijah, DT, Pittsburgh
31. Kraft, Tucker, TE, South Dakota State
32. Mayer, Michael, TE, Notre Dame
33. McBride, DeWayne, RB, Alabama-Birmingham
34. McKee, Tanner, QB, Stanford
35. Miller, Kendre, RB, TCU
36. Mims, Marvin, WR, Oklahoma
37. Mitchell, Cameron, DB, Northwestern
38. Mitchell, Keaton, RB, East Carolina
39. Murphy, Myles, DE, Clemson
40. Nichols, Lew, RB, Central Michigan
41. Ojulari, B.J., DE, LSU
42. Pelley, J-Min, DT, Calgary (Canada)
43. Phillips, Clark, DB, Utah
44. Porter, Joey, DB, Penn State
45. Richardson, Anthony, QB, Florida
46. Ricks, Eli, DB, Alabama
47. Ringo, Kelee, DB, Georgia
48. Robinson, Bijan, RB, Texas
49. Roy, Jaquelin, DT, LSU
50. Sanders, Drew, LB, Arkansas
51. Scott, Tyler, WR, Cincinnati
52. Sewell, Noah, LB, Oregon
53. Skoronski, Peter, T, Northwestern
54. Smith, Cam, DB, South Carolina
55. Smith-Njigba, Jaxon, WR, Ohio State
56. Strange, Brenton, TE, Penn State
57. Stroud, C.J., QB, Ohio State
58. Tippmann, Joseph, C, Wisconsin
59. Torrence, Rashad, DB, Florida
60. Tucker, Sean, RB, Syracuse
61. Tuipulotu, Tuli, DE, Southern California
62. Valentine, Carrington, DB, Kentucky
63. Van Ness, Lukas, DE, Iowa
64. Vaughn, Deuce, RB, Kansas State
65. Washington, Darnell, TE, Georgia
66. Washington, Parker, WR, Penn State
67. Williams, Garrett, DB, Syracuse
68. Wooden, Colby, DE, Auburn
69. Wypler, Luke, C, Ohio State

UNDERCLASSMEN
1. Anderson, Will, LB, Alabama
2. Douglas, Demario, WR, Liberty
3. Foskey, Isaiah, DE, Notre Dame
4. Hickman, Ronnie, DB, Ohio State
5. Hull, Evan, RB, Northwestern
6. Johnson, Paris, T, Ohio State
7. McClendon, Warren, T, Georgia
8. Morris, Mike, DE, Michigan
9. Simpson, Trenton, LB, Clemson
10. Smith, Mazi, DT, Michigan
11. Spears, Tyjae, RB, Tulane
12. Turner, D.J., DB, Michigan
13. Young, Bryce, QB, Alabama

The NFL also released the names of four players who do not require special eligibility, but have until Feb. 3 to opt out of the draft.

1. Backmeier, Hank, QB, Boise State
2. Billingsley, Jahleel, TE, Texas
3. Musgrave, Luke, TE, Oregon State
4. Smith, Ainias, WR, Texas A&M

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) runs after a catch in the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

TCU WR Quentin Johnston, RB Kendre Miller declare for draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston and running back Kendre Miller, who helped Max Duggan lead the Horned Frogs to the national championship game, both declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Monday.

Johnston is considered among the top prospects at his position. Miller projects as a mid-to-late-round pick. Both were juniors in 2022.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Johnston caught 60 passes for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns in 2022, including a six-catch, 163-yard performance with a 76-yard touchdown against Michigan in the Horned Frogs’ semifinal win at the Fiesta Bowl.

In three seasons at TCU, Johnston had 115 receptions for 2,190 yards and 14 touchdowns. He added two rushing touchdowns.

Miller, a 6-foot, 220-pound back, was TCU’s starting running back in 2022 and racked up 1,399 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, ranking third and second in the Big 12, respectively. He was unable to play against Georgia in TCU’s national title game loss due to a knee injury.

“Our locker room was special and a big reason why this season was legendary,” Miller said in a video posted to Instagram. “We will forever be brothers and a team. We will be forever remembered as champions.”

–Field Level Media