So, while the real world is gearing up for another NFL and college football season, the cult of degenerate hardcore draft geeks are wrapping up summer scouting. During that summer scouting there are always the hot names that rise to the top. Lists are compiled, rankings are created, and before you know it everybody already knows how the 2023 NFL draft will go.
But then the ultimate reality series that is sports throws a monkey wrench into all the rankings. There is this kid, heading into his junior year in the gym working out right now because the starting job at his position is wide open now. There’s another kid going over his play book right now saying to himself “I finally get it now!” Then there is the kid that just transferred to his new school, looking at the new scheme he’s playing in saying to himself “This is perfect for me”. Nobody knows who these kids are……….Yet.
What I am going to do right now is make an attempt to highlight some young players not currently on all the radars but have the chance to be come next April. The high upside guys. The guy with new opportunity, new development, new scheme, new chance. Here are some defensive players to keep your Eyes On.
EDGE: Jordan Burch 6’6 275 South Carolina
“Jordan Burch knows that it is his time” – SC Head Coach Shane Beamer
Jordan Burch was a top 5 recruit in the country and the highest graded player to come to South Carolina since Jadeveon Clowney. He spent 2021 backing up Kingsley Enagbare. With Enagbare now in the NFL, Burch is now expected to supply the pass rush in SC. On tape, it’s easy to see the ridiculous blend of explosiveness, speed and strength. It’s all set up for Jordan Burch to make a huge leap in his junior season.
IDL: Fabien Lovett 6’4 318 Florida State
Fabien Lovett started his collegiate career at Mississippi State and then transferred to FSU. In 2021 Lovett started 9 games and had 28 tackles with 4.5 TFLs and 2 sacks. On film, Fabien shows the balance and upfield burst to greatly improve upon those numbers.
IDL: Alfred Collins 6’5 288 Texas
Alfred Collins lines up all over the Texas defensive front. He’s played out on the edge in a 7 or 9 technique, as well as lined up inside at the 3 tech or even as a 0 tech. Collins seems to be a Jack of all Trades but has the talent to master them all. The key will be gaining that consistency that the Texas coaching staff wants to see out of him.
EDGE: Tyler Baron 6”5 260 Tennessee
Tyler Baron came to Tennessee as a 4-star recruit and a top 5 rated strongside DE in the country. For 2 seasons Baron played as a reserve and waited for his turn to run with the first team. His time is now. In 2021 Baron managed 30 tackles 7 TFLs and 4 sacks in 13 games with 5 starts. On tape, Tyler Baron shows some hand usage to go along with strength and mobility.
LB: Anfernee Orji 6”2 230 Vanderbilt
Anfernee Orji came into Vanderbilt as a 4-star athlete with a background in track and wrestling. In 2021 Orji was 12th in the SEC in total tackles. He led his team with 93 tackles, 13 of those for loss. The film shows that Orji is a fluid athlete in space with the ability to cover in zones and a thickly built player that can stack and shed in the box.
LB: Jacquez Jones 6’0 233 Kentucky
Jacquez Jones played 3 seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Kentucky. In his first year with the program, Jones led the team in tackles with 86. Jones was a 4-star athlete coming out of high school and ranked a top 10 LB nationally. On tape Jones shows his awareness and range in coverage and a quick trigger downhill.
STAR: Jammie Robinson 5’11 203 Florida State
Jammie Robinson came out of high school as a 4-star athlete, spending his first 2 seasons at South Carolina. While there he played himself into Freshman All-SEC and All-American honors. In 2021 Robinson took his talents to Florida and led the team in tackles and interceptions. Fast, Physical and Smart are 3 words that come to mind when watching Robinson’s film. He can be seen covering in the slot, single high and split safety looks, and is effective in all 3 roles.
CB: DJ Turner 6’0 180 Michigan
DJ Turner earned 8 starts in his junior season in 2021 and looks to have many more as a senior. Turner’s high-end athletic traits earned him a 4-star rating by ESPN and a spot on Bruce Feldman’s 2022 Freaks List. On film the quickness in transition, sticky coverage and ball skills are apparent.
CB: Christian Gonzalez 6”2 200 Oregon
Christian Gonzalez will be playing his first season in Oregon after transferring from Colorado. He brings with him experience at DB and WR and a background in track & field as well. On film, it is painfully easy to see the athletic upside. Christian Gonzalez is a tall lengthy corner with speed and hip fluidity to play man coverage at a high level.
S: Kenny Logan Jr. 6’0 210 Kansas
Kenny Logan made the transition from High School 1200-yard RB, Track & Field basketball player to a heat-seeking missile as a Safety at Kansas. In 2021 Logan amassed an insane 113 tackles with 79 solo tackles. Not only did he lead the BIG 12 in tackles he set the record for most tackles in NCAA history. The tape backs it up as well. Logan shows good acceleration, recognition and play strength along with the coverage ability to create 6 PBUs on the season.
S: Trey Dean III 6’3 207 Florida
Trey Dean III will be entering his 5th season with the Florida Gators. Under a new coaching staff, Dean says there is more physicality and focus on detail, all of which bodes well for a long and rangy athlete such as Dean. The film shows Trey Dean’s speed and range to cover on the back end and his physical tackling ability.
Honorable Mention:
Durell Nchami Edge Maryland
DeShawn Pace LB Cincinnati
Mazi Smith DT Michigan
Mekhi Garner CB LSU