2023 Senior Bowl: 32 Players Sure To Make NFL Impact with Projections
The 74th Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, has concluded. Once again, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy did a fantastic job stockpiling the rosters with top talent, despite numerous first round prospects deciding to opt out of the premier all-star game event.
Could the increased number of opt-outs signal a change to the all-star circuit in 2024? With whispers of other games exploring future NIL deals, the entire all-star landscape could be turned upside down this time next year.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation here at NFL Draft Bible, in the meantime, here are 16 players from each Senior Bowl squad who boosted their 2023 NFL Draft stock and are expected to make a major impact in the NFL. Buckle up!
AMERICAN TEAM
QB Tyson Bagent, Shepherd [Projection: Round 4]
A smooth thrower, Bagent possesses a fluid release and demonstrates excellent touch to go along with great accuracy and above average footwork. This is an ideal Day Three developmental quarterback with starter characteristics if an organization is able to maximize his potential.
QB Clayton Tune, Houston [Projection: Round 6]
In a down year for quarterbacks, Tune possesses fundamentally sound mechanics and nice ball velocity, which is more than most signal-callers in this year’s draft. While his throwing release is a bit elongated, his foundation is strong, which will make teams want to work with him.
QB Max Duggan, TCU [Projection: Round 7]
A true ‘gamer,’ Duggan offers an intriguing skill set but is more of a trick-shot quarterback than an NFL starter. Hey, that didn’t work out too bad for Taylor Heinicke (Commanders) and Duggan should find a late round suitor willing to work with him.
RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane [Projection: Round 2]
The explosive Tulane runner showed up to Mobile with jet fuel rockets strapped to his ankles—Spears ran as if he were shot out of a cannon this week. He presents an exciting blend of burst, vision, and speed, is a capable pass-catcher and is a willing blocker; he looks like a top 50 talent.
RB Eric Gray, Oklahoma [Projection: Round 5]
A sturdy-built running back, Gray quietly went about his business and turned in a solid week at the Senior Bowl. It was good to see him flash his pass catching capabilities, an aspect of his game that he was effective in both at Oklahoma and Tennessee. He’s a YAC monster.
WR Nathaniel Dell, Houston [Projection: Round 2]
There is no telling how high Dell can ascend during the draft process but he certainly made a strong case to possibly push his stock all the way into round one after leaving defenders in his dust down in Mobile. Fast, explosive and with no fear of going over the middle, Dell is a problem!
WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton [Projection: Round 3]
One of the elite athletes in the 2023 NFL Draft Class, Iosivas, represented the Ivy League well this week, demonstrating why he should not be taken lightly. His size, speed, instincts, hands and athleticism (three-time Ivy League heptathlon champion) make for a rare combination.
TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State [Projection: Round 2]
A tall, rangy, lean, tight end with a frame to grow into a George Kittle type player down the road. Don’t be surprised to see Musgrave possibly sneak into the backend of the first round and develop into one of the best at his position. He also has high football intelligence.
OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee [Projection: Round 2]
A gargantuan prospect with giant size dimensions, Wright moves extremely well for a man of his size. He also shows a powerful arm jab, which jolts defenders off-balance, in addition to his impressive length and bend. Wright projects as an immediate plug-and-play right tackle.
OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse [Projection: Round 2]
While he falls short of being considered in the upper echelon of tackle prospects, Bergeron did win the majority of his one-on-one reps due to his technique, smarts and understanding of angles. His ceiling is somewhat limited but his floor is higher than most.
OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida [Round 1]
The pedigree was on full display with Torrence this week, who may have been the top offensive lineman in attendance. His play strength and footwork enable him to thrive in run blocking. In pass blocking, he demonstrates great hand placement and awareness.
OG Tyler Steen, Alabama [Projection: Round 2]
A cerebral player who eyes shifts and stunts, Steen moves extremely well but lacks upper body strength. However, his lower body strength and bend make up for the difference, as he can blow defenders off the line—he’s a strong candidate to be the second ‘guard’ off the board.
C John Michael-Schmitz, Minnesota [Projection: Round 2]
Teams have de-valued the center position but it was a week of validation for Michael-Scmitz, who has even drawn some first round buzz after a stellar week in Mobile. He possesses a well-proportioned frame, pays attention to the small details and plays with excellent pad level.
DT Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma [Projection: Round 6]
Somewhat of a ‘tweener,’ NFL scouts are trying to determine where Redmond fits best. He displayed outstanding quickness and an effective swim move. While he has been moved up and down the defensive line, his best ability is to rush the quarterback from the interior.
LB Will McDonald IV, Iowa State [Projection: Round 2]
A linear pass rusher who offers initial explosion and suitable bend, McDonald IV is literally a human cyclone when getting after the quarterback. His burst, speed and quickness proved to be a mismatch. He’ll need to bulk up for the pros but he should still hear his name called early.
LB Aubrey Miller Jr., Jackson State [Round 5]
An explosive downhill thumper, Miller Jr. brings the juice on every rep! He proved that he belonged on the big stage, showcasing his ability to close swiftly on ball carriers, along with his open field wrap up tackling. Don’t be the one who miscasts Miller Jr. due to his helmet decal!
NATIONAL TEAM
RB Chase Brown, Illinois [Round 4]
It was a pure pleasure to watch Brown run through the Big 10 this year, as he exceeded the 100-yard barrier in 10 games. While he lacks elite traits, Brown does a little bit of everything well, possesses all the intangibles and is a complete back—his pass protection was superb.
WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan [Round 5]
After a torn ACL ended his season prematurely last year, Bell saw his draft stock diminish. However, a bounce back season for the Wolverines, combined with a strong week at the Senior Bowl, has Bell, who appeared to be one of the fastest players in attendance, back on the rise.
WR Michael Wilson, Stanford [Round 2]
One of the big winners from this past week, Wilson won out during one-on-one drills, demonstrating sharp route running, natural instincts and dependable hands. He is expected to test well, which could push him into early Day Two consideration come April.
OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State [Round 1]
There are still some raw aspects in the overall development of Jones but he owns all the physical and athletic attributes of a first round tackle prospect. His massive size and movement skills are a rare blend and he continues to show vast improvement.
OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland [Round 2]
Returning to Maryland for another year of development proved to be worthwhile for Duncan, who showed up to mobile as a man on a mission. He dominated the competition throughout the week with brute strength, a wide stance and surprising athleticism/lateral movement.
OT Ryan Hayes, Michigan [Round 2]
A converted tight end, Hayes was named the Joe Moore Award winner, given to the top offensive lineman in the nation. He has been coached up and possesses starter traits at left tackle. However, his lack of bubble butt/lower body power could have him start on the right.
OG Cody Mauch, North Dakota State [Round 2]
The media darling of Senior Bowl week, Mauch would seem to have greater value as a guard prospect rather than his customary tackle position due to his alligator arms. There’s no denying the effort, motor and athleticism. His stonewall blocking reps during one-on-ones were stellar.
OT Blake Freeland, BYU [Round 3]
Opinions vary as to where Freeland may come off the board. He displayed surprising lateral agility in Mobile, which makes for great potential at his size. However, his footwork was funky and he tends to get caught upright at times, making him more of a developmental prospect.
C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan [Round 2]
Praised for his smarts and football intelligence, ‘Double O’ solidified his status as a premier center prospect. He consistently won at the point of attack with a stout anchor while utilizing his astute flexibility to withstand his ground against some of the more imposing defenders.
DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern [Round 6]
There will be scouts who question whether Adebawore has the length to survive in the trenches but he is too good of a player. His non-stop motor, strength and bend makes him a threat against the pass (31 QB pressures in ‘22) and against the run (27 run stops in ‘22).
DL Keion White, Georgia Tech [Round 2]
The wily White has seen his draft stock turned all the way up! White flashed glimpses of greatness with his combination of speed, upper body strength, arm length and fight. While consistency and technical development are cause for concern, he looks like a first round pick.
LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State [Round 1]
A candidate as the top overall player in Mobile, Henley secured himself the sack this week. He clearly was moving at a faster speed than everyone else. In addition, he showed an uncanny ability to defend the slot, whether matched up against running backs, tight ends, or receivers.
DE DJ Johnson, Oregon [Round 3]
There are plenty of tools to work with in Johnson, who has the versatility to play defensive end or linebacker. He’s fast, strong, physical, can get after the quarterback and has also proven to be a suitable run defender. The transfer from Miami owns legit NFL size and upside.
CB Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford [Round 2]
Stanford showed up in a big way this week and Blu Kelly made plenty of big plays. A physical press corner that plays through the ball and locks down the boundary, Blu Kelly possesses size, length, a muscular frame and quick, active feet off the snap, plus a true nose for the football.
A smart, instinctual player with some athletic limitations, Moss showed excellent ability to stick in one-on-one coverage. He is known for having a great feel in zone and consistently shows up in the right place at the right time. A move to safety might be best in the long term.
S Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State [Round 3]
A twitchy athlete that plays at a frenetic pace, Hickman displayed fancy footwork, the ability to cover an immense amount of ground and strong mirror skills during pass coverage. His versatility to play in the box or freelance as a centerfield safety bodes well for his draft stock.
S Daniel Scott, California [Round 6]
An in-the-box safety who possesses excellent read-and-react instincts, Scott seems to consistently show up in the right place at the right time. What he lacks in timed speed, Scott makes up for with great anticipation and experience.
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