2023 Pro Days: 3 Small School Risers
The helmet sticker bias has always been around but FCS players are being disrespected at an all-time high in the NFL. Just nine of the 319 players invited (2.8%) to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine hailed from the FCS ranks. Yet, 123 FCS players (6.2% of the league) earned 53-man roster spots in week one of the 2022 NFL regular season.
Since 2002, the NFL Draft Bible has been bringing you the names you need to know! While the players below are unlikely to hear their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft, they stand a strong shot to compete for a job in the league where they play for pay. Remember the names…
CONNOR DEGENHARDT, QB,NEW HAVEN [6052 | 227 | 0928 | 3068 | 7618]
The dual threat Degenhardt is one prospect that NFL evaluators missed out on this year, as nearly all the scouts polled along the trails said they were not familiar with him. They should be! He accounted for 62 touchdowns and just nine interceptions over the past two seasons. The Holy Cross transfer operates with great poise in the pocket, has a fluid throwing motion and is a silky runner for a big man. He timed 4.76 in the forty, with a 31.5” vertical jump, 9-foot-6 broad jump, 4.49 short shuttle and 7.50 three-cone. More importantly, Degenhardt brings vast experience (nearly 40 career starts) and smart decision making, along with the ability to beat you through the air or via the ground. This is one priority free agent that any organization will be lucky to have.
AIDAN BORGUET, RB,HARVARD [5082 | 205 | 0958 | 2948 | 7268]
You won’t find anything flashy about Borguet when you pop in the game film but when you study the hard-nosed, scrappy runner, you will see a relentless warrior who fights and claws for every additional yard he can possibly gain. That is the type of mentality and style that separates NFL-level runners. He certainly won’t be asked to play the bell-cow role at the next level but don’t be fooled by his short stature. Borguet exceeded the 100-yard barrier in seven-of-ten games this past season, including six games where he had 20-plus carries. Many will write him off due to a pedestrian forty-time (4.56). Hogwash! Evaluators need to take a further look. He flashed that tremendous strength that he possesses at pro day, doing 35 bench press reps of 225 pounds, along with a 36” vertical jump and 4.26 short shuttle. Known for his prestigious character, Borguet has had virtual interviews with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles thus far. Don’t be surprised to see the ‘Crimson Comet’ jettison himself right onto a practice squad next fall.
TIITUS LEO, EDGE,WAGNER [6033 | 243 | 0968 | 3368 | 8228]
Not listed by BLESTO or NFS (the two primary scouting services used by the NFL), many teams did not bother to make the trek out to Staten Island to get an up close look-see at Leo. Shame on them, as those who follow the Seahawks closely, know that Leo is one of the premier pass-rushers the NEC has ever seen! The fleet-footed end flashes a quick first step, along with the ability to convert speed to power. In addition, he has proven to set the edge versus the run, registering at least 65 tackles in each of his last three full seasons (he played just two games during the shortened 2020 COVID-19 pandemic season). Leo has spent so much time in the opponent's backfields he should be paying rent. With 40 career tackles for loss, 13 sacks, six forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries, all he does is show up around the football. What about special teams, you ask? Check. The athletic Leo also has three blocked kicks over the past two seasons. With a 4.68 forty-yard dash time, 10-9 broad jump and 4.32 in the short shuttle, all questions should be answered—this is a developmental pass-rusher with huge upside that savvy scouts surely know about.
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