In my last article, I highlighted some 2023 NFL draft prospects on defense that may be under the radar for some. This time I’ll be showing you some offensive prospects that have a chance to insert themselves into the prospect conversation.
QB: DJ Uiagalelei 6’4 235 Clemson
DJU was a hot name for scouts and fans after the 2020 season where he looked very good filling in for Trevor Lawrence for 2 games. After a subpar 2021, the hype train derailed with DJ becoming a forgotten commodity. This season Uiagalelei has taken steps towards getting back on the right track. Down from 265 pounds to 235 pounds, DJU increased his mobility and quickness. “He’s made a lot of plays with his legs” Head Coach Dabo Swinney said during training camp. With an improved supporting cast, DJU can reclaim his spot among the top QBs in the 2023 class.
RB: Marshawn Lloyd 5’9 212 South Carolina
“He’s on a mission and has really stepped up his game this summer”
That’s what Head Coach Shane Beamer had to say about Marshawn Lloyd’s off-season progress. Lloyd came out of high school rated as a top 5 Running Back in the country. He has a track & field background as a sprinter. Lloyd’s college career has gotten off to a slow start due to a torn ACL. Last season while working his way back into form you can see the natural burst and acceleration coming back. A full season removed from injury can help Marshawn Lloyd make some serious noise as a prospect.
WR: Ladd McConkey 6’0 185 Georgia
Ladd McConkey got a chance to show his talent when Georgia’s other receivers were out with injury. Now with George Pickens in the NFL and Jermaine Burton in Alabama, McConkey has his chance to shine. McConkey played QB, RB and WR in high school along with running track. Ladd clocked a 10.85 100 meter and a 4.5 40-yard dash back then. Now on tape, you can see an excellent blend of speed, run after catch ability and route running in his game.
WR: Tre Tucker 5’9 185 Cincinnati
Speed. That is the first thing you see when watching Tre Tucker. He can blow the top off a defense with excellent acceleration and long speed. He also can do damage in the return game. Tucker competed in the high jump, 4×100 relay and 100-meter dash in high school and amassed nearly 2000 rushing and 2000 receiving yards on the football field.
WR: Jermaine Burton 6’0 200/ Tyler Harrell 6’0 194 Alabama
I put these two together because they are both in the same situation. That being two WR transferring in from other programs with an opportunity for more targets in the pass game. Tyler Harrel is a pure burner who only caught 18 passes last season as a rotational player. But the average of 29 yards per catch speaks to his big play ability. Jermaine Burton comes from a more conservative offense in Georgia but still averaged an impressive 19 yards per catch. With more opportunity, both players will make a larger name for themselves.
TE: Eric All 6’5 255 Michigan
Eric All has the upside to showcase a complete package at TE. He has standout ability running after the catch. He is also a target down the field as well as a solid blocker. Coaches will like his experience on special teams too. All came out of high school as a 4-star recruit and contributed right away on special teams in his freshman year. Eric All will definitely turn some heads in a talented TE class this year.
OT: Broderick Jones 6’4 310 Georgia
Broderick Jones is the latest 5-star to step into that UGA program. He saw action at RT in his freshman season and last year played 4 games at LT. Granted he’s got a small sample size of work, but what is on tape is very exciting. Jones shows excellent movement skills on his pass sets and natural strength when he drops his anchor. A full season could vault him to the top of the OT rankings.
IOL: Javion Cohen 6’4 305 Alabama
Javion Cohen went from 22 snaps as a freshman in 2020 to a 14-game starter in 2021. The 4-star recruit already shows technical ability with consistent hand placement and necessary play strength in the run and pass game. Another season like his last one and he won’t be under anyone’s radar anymore.
IOL: Kingsley Eguakun 6’3 301 Florida
Eguakun is going into his second season as the starting center at Florida. Last year he was part of an offensive line that only gave up 14 sacks. On tape I see good upper body torque and mobility to be effective in power or zone running schemes. Although being named to the Rimington Award watch list, Kingsley Eguakun still isn’t a prospect being talked about. Another season with further developed play strength and footwork will change that.
IOL: Braeden Daniels 6’4 297 Utah
Under 300 pounds seems light for an offensive lineman, but Braeden Daniels doesn’t show any lack of play strength on the field. Possibly due to his shot-put background which translates to upper body strength. Daniels also has versatility and experience with 18 starts at LG and 11 at RT. Braeden Daniels can make a name for himself with another year of showcasing his mobility, strength and versatility.
OT: Jaelyn Duncan 6’6 330 Maryland
Jaelyn Duncan has the talent to rise up to the top of the draft. The intrigue in him is based on the high-end athletic traits that show up on field. Duncan is an effortless mover in space at 330 pounds. With another season to refine his play strength, footwork and hand placement, Duncan will be a high-level prospect.
Honorable Mention
QB
Taulia Tagovailoa
Jeff Sims
KJ Jefferson
RB
Kenny McIntosh
WR
Isaiah Neyor (If not for injury, he would’ve been the first WR on this list)
Nathaniel Tank Dell
Jacob Copeland
TE
Theo Johnson
Josh Whyle
OL
Olusegun Oluwatimi
Mason Richman