An early look at 2023 draft prospects
Looking at potential draftees in 2023 might seem a little early at two weeks into the 2022 regular NFL season, but all the leading contenders in college football will have been on the NFL teams’ radars for many months. For example, the early signs are that the New York Jets used their first-round picks wisely earlier this year and although a team’s final draft strategy can’t be set until the season is over, much of the preliminary work can be done at a much earlier stage.
Analyzing the emerging talent is not just essential for NFL franchises, it can also be invaluable for Jets and Giants fans checking out the odds on NY NFL sportsbooks, as assessing how strong a particular year’s draft class is can inform your future betting strategy. Here are some of the most interesting potential draftees of 2023.
Hunter Dekkers – Quarterback, Iowa State
Dekkers earned recognition with all-state honors in three sports after high school, but football is where he will have the biggest impact. He has only attempted 43 passes over the past two years while serving as Brock Purdy's backup, but his 6-foot-3 physique allows for good mobility and defenses in the Big 12 will have trouble stopping him if he can improve as a passer.
Justin Flowe – Linebacker, Oregon
Flowe has had little luck with injuries, picking up season-ending knocks in each of his last two season openers, but his talent and potential is obvious. Ranked sixth overall as a high school recruit in 2020, he picked up a Pac-12 Freshman of the Week award with 14 tackles and one forced fumble. Injuries have denied him the chance to excel, but with Dan Lanning, the new head coach of Oregon, who formerly served as Georgia's defensive coordinator, devising the plays, this may be his breakthrough year. Channing Tindall, Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, three Bulldog linebackers who were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, were all coached by Lanning.
Elijah Higgins – Wide Receiver, Stanford
Higgins is a strong wide receiver who possesses great athleticism and physical control. While there are aspects of his game that are in need of improvement, a lot of that improvement may be forthcoming this season with another year under his belt. Last season, he recorded 44 receptions for a total of 502 yards, with four touchdowns, but there is every chance that he can top those totals this season.
DJ Johnson – Edge Rusher, Oregon
Few players in college football have made such tortuous progress as Johnson. The Californian native started his career at Miami before transferring to Oregon. Although he has alternated between defensive end and tight end, the most recent switch to edge rusher is likely to stick. The Ducks lost 6-foot-4, 270-pound edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux to the Giants in the first round of the NFL draft, and according to some of the reports coming out of Eugene, Johnson could be a worthy replacement.
Kendre Miller – Running Back, TCU
The transfer of Zach Evans has given Kendre Miller an opportunity to take on a more significant role at TCU and there is every indication that he will do so. A complete running back, possessing high-end speed and a strong physique, he is also an efficient pass catcher and can pose a lot of challenges for defenses. So far, he has yet to pass 95 touches per season, but the larger workload he will be given this year should enable him to develop further and show his potential.
Jack Nelson – Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
It is expected that Jack Nelson will make the move from guard to left tackle at some point this season, a switch that could boost his performance. He undoubtedly has the physique and athleticism required of an NFL left tackle, playing with strong leverage and being quick out of his stance. There is a good chance that he could become the latest elite offensive lineman for the Badgers, following in the tradition of Ryan Ramczyk, Joe Thomas, Travis Frederick and many others.
Joe Ngata – Wide Receiver, Clemson
Joe Ngata wasn’t able to show his best for Clemson last season as the offense struggled, but this time around the offensive side of the team looks much stronger, and he could have a breakout season. At 6-foot-3 he also displays impressive speed and an abundance of talent and potential. So far, he has recorded 47 career receptions over three years and that figure is likely to rise substantially this season.