2023 NFL Draft Watch: 15 prospects I hated leaving off my midseason top 50
By Dane Brugler
Nov 4, 2022
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Constructing a top-50 draft board at this point is an interesting and challenging process. At first, it can be daunting to identify that many prospects who are truly deserving a spot on the list. After compiling names for a while, though, it becomes tough to narrow down the rankings to only 50.
Here are 15 players I hated leaving off my midseason top-50 update:
(Note: An asterisk indicates a draft-eligible underclassman.)
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Although an ankle injury has hampered his senior season, Cedric Tillman is back on the field and ready to show why he belongs in the top 50. A big, physical target at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he won’t be bullied off his route and shows smooth body control in and out of his breaks. His catch radius and athleticism are why he could be the first senior receiver drafted.
Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida*
If you take his best 10 plays from this season, Gervon Dexter Sr. looks like the next Chris Jones. However, the body of work just isn’t there yet. He can uproot blockers with his power or slice through gaps with his body flexibility, but Dexter is consistently the last defensive lineman off the snap, and a lack of discipline takes away from his potential impact.
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Luke Musgrave was going to be a shoo-in for my top 50 until a knee injury in September clouded his immediate future. Nonetheless, he graded as the top senior tight end in this class, when healthy. Musgrave has outstanding route speed and receiving ability for his size (6-6, 250) and projects as an NFL starter.
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Mandel's Week 10 picks against the spread
DJ Turner, CB, Michigan*
DJ Turner lacks refinement in several areas. He needs to play with more control in downfield coverage and when firing downhill against the run. However, he has 4.3 speed with redirect skills and toughness that will translate well to the NFL. He is a top-100 prospect trying to break into the top 50.
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Tyler Nubin continues to be one of the more underrated senior prospects in the 2023 draft class. At 6-2, 210, he is a well-put-together athlete with a great feel in coverage and outstanding ball skills (team-high three interceptions in 2022). He’s also a dependable open-field tackler. He’ll drop his pads, extend his arms and drive through his target.
Layden Robinson, OG, Texas A&M*
Layden Robinson has been the first to acknowledge that he hasn’t played up to expectations this season. Still, although he’s been inconsistent, it is easy to see the talent that put him on the NFL radar. With his ability to anchor at shallow depth, Robinson is a hard guy to move at the point of attack and matches power with power.
Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse*
Garrett Williams made my initial draft for the most recent top 50 but, unfortunately, suffered a torn ACL last weekend against Notre Dame. Williams is a hyperaware player with above-average speed and the footwork to stay on top of routes. Time will tell how the knee injury will affect his decision to go pro or not.
Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State*
Although his heart might be on defense, Cade Stover is a damn talented offensive weapon. The former linebacker is a bully as a blocker (aside from his misses on wide receiver screens) and looks natural catching the football. Stover has sticky hands (zero drops in 2022) with playmaking athleticism after the catch.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, edge, Kansas State*
A relentless quarterback hunter, Felix Anudike-Uzomah can dip the corner or use his physical hands to attack and work off blockers. He is more average than above average in areas, but he has terrorized Big 12 offensive tackles the past two seasons (18.5 sacks since the start of 2021).
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina*
Listed at 5-10, 175, Josh Downs doesn’t have an ideal size, but his scampering speed and ball skills make him tough to cover, especially downfield. He won’t reach triple-digit receptions like he did last season (especially after he missed two games in September), but he is finding the end zone more in 2022. Downs has the talent to crack the top 50.
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan*
Blake Corum has destroyed Big Ten defenses this season, averaging 168.6 rushing yards in Michigan’s five conference games. He is built low to the ground with the agile footwork and toughness to bounce out of tackle attempts. What truly sets Corum apart is his line-of-scrimmage vision and decision-making.
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
An ascending prospect, Devon Witherspoon might not have elite size and speed, but he plays fast and much bigger than he looks. He does a nice job returning his eyes to the quarterback to find the football, and his coverage awareness has blossomed this season as he’s anticipating routes and understanding his help. Witherspoon’s aggressive style and versatility will make him a popular prospect among NFL defensive coordinators once they watch his film.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
As a blocker, Dalton Kincaid has been inconsistent this season. But NFL teams looking for an athletic pass catcher at tight end will love what he has to offer. Kincaid quickly enters his routes to create passing windows and shows outstanding focus and ball skills. His best trait might be how quickly he transitions from a receiver to a runner and picks up yards after the catch.
JL Skinner, SAF, Boise State
At 6-4, 210 with 33-inch arms, JL Skinner is a long-striding athlete with outstanding range. The big question will be: What is his best position and scheme fit? He plays more of an overhang role close to the line of scrimmage at Boise State, but he won’t be scheme-proof in the NFL.
Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M*
A king-sized corner at 6-2, 205, Jaylon Jones has enticing length and athleticism for the next level. However, his technique and awareness at the position are still in the development phase, and Jones remains unproven in several areas (just 10 targets in coverage this season).
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