Drae Harris played collegiately at California and worked in NFL scouting departments for the Cardinals, Chiefs and Browns. (Go here for all his scouting reports.)
Many of you know the prospects who will have their names called in the first few rounds of the NFL Draft. Round 1 is Thursday, and Rounds 2-3 are Friday. The final four rounds are Saturday.
Here are 10 prospects who may be underrated by some but could go higher than expected:
TE most likely to be an Eagle after the NFL draft...
— “NFL Draft Guru” Traw (@Whatshis40) April 20, 2023
Zack Kuntz Old Dominion
Unrefined in both blocking and RR. Kuntz does show some flashes on the field getting open, and is definitely a top tier athlete.
pic.twitter.com/KgA2SqBo1J
Kuntz has arguably the best athletic profile of any tight end in the draft class. In today's NFL, he’s an ideal “F” option — meaning he can be moved around the formation — but needs more refinement to play inline in early down personnel packages. Schematically, he can stretch the field vertically from a detached alignment or even align in the slot. His 6-foot-7, 255-pound frame, paired with his 40-inch vertical and 4.55 speed, makes him a nightmare matchup for linebackers and safeties in the middle of the field.
Freeland, a three-year starter for the Cougars, has elite athletic traits for an offensive lineman. He plays with good agility to redirect opponents on the perimeter, has good vision and instincts, and easily identifies stunts and games. He could get stronger and anchor better against power rushers. However, his athletic profile, size (6-foot-8, 302 pounds) and length (33 7/8 arms) are intriguing attributes for offensive line coaches.
Foskey is a 6-foot-5, 264-pound EDGE defender with an impressive athletic profile. Not only does he have ideal size, but his 34-inch arms give him ideal length for an EDGE defender. He has schematic versatility and could easily play as a 4-3 defender in an even front or as a defensive end 5 technique in an odd-front scheme. He must refine his pass-rushing prowess and overall technique. Some scouts believe that he has underachieved, but with pro coaching, he could ascend quickly.
The tradition of bigger, longer cornerbacks having success in the NFL should continue with Brent. At 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, he has good size, length and versatility for the position. He may be a scheme-specific player who will excel in press man and zone situations. He also projects favorably as a nickel linebacker in sub-package situations, on the back end at safety and should be a special teams player as well. His versatility increases his overall value.
Hayes is a 6-foot-6, 298-pounder with a good athletic profile. He was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school. At Michigan, he played on one of the best offensive line units in the country. He lacks ideal length (32.5-inch arms) to play left tackle in the NFL, but he could circumvent this with good technique. If this becomes problematic, his skill set suggests a seamless transition inside to guard. However, he must play with better pad level to maximize his potential there.
Fehoko is a 6-foot-4, 276-pounder who is strong at the point of attack and defends the run well. He projects as an interior defensive lineman in an even-front scheme. He also has upside and production as a pass rusher (23 sacks over five seasons), indicating he can develop into a three-down player in a rotational role in the NFL. He is a second cousin of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea.
Hall, a 6-foot, 207-pounder, lacks elite arm strength but does a good job throwing with anticipation. He is a point guard-like distributor who sees the field well enough to get through progressions and check it down when necessary. He did a respectable job taking care of the football in college. Playing in an NFL offense with West Coast-timing concepts could maximize his natural ability and traits. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compares him to Gardner Minshew, a journeyman who's now with the Colts.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson shredding the Huskies redzone D on two separate occasions pic.twitter.com/7963y8BnRX
— Trey (@TreyonFFB) April 22, 2023
DTR is a 6-foot-2, 203-pounder who started five seasons for the Bruins. He's a dynamic athlete (4.56 speed in the 40) who can easily extend plays with his legs. He can deliver the ball from the pocket and off platform as well. He played in a spread offense that includes concepts that many NFL teams use, too. His experience as a five-year starter raises his floor.
Iosivas is a 6-foot-3, 205-pounder who has a good catch radius and speed (4.43 in 40-yard dash). He is a prominent track and field athlete who is still learning the nuances of playing wide receiver. As a result, he is still raw in some regard and must improve body positioning while learning to attack leverage against man coverage as a route runner. He sometimes allows the ball to get on top of him, so learning to catch the ball away from his frame will help his overall development as a pro.
Valladay, who played four years at Wyoming before transferring, has good size (5-foot-11, 199 pounds) but plays a position that has been diminished in value recently. He also has good speed (4.43 in 40 at his pro day) and explosiveness. Valladay shows flashes of playing on all three downs and being a threat in the passing game (88 catches for 873 yards in college). He must become more stout in pass protection to solidify his ability to stay on the field in sub-package situations.
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