2023 NFL Draft: AFC West Rookie Projections
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2023 NFL Draft: AFC West Rookie Projections
Kansas City looks to continue their dominance in the AFC West as they seek their eighth consecutive division title.
Hey folks,
I hope today’s email finds you well. I'm excited to bring you the latest update, sponsored by The C.O.O.L Clinic (Coaches of Offensive Line), presented by none other than the legendary Bob Wylie.
I wanted to let you know about the next upcoming event, The C.O.O.L Clinic, happening online over three days from May 18th to 20th. We've got some incredible OL guest speakers lined up, including Joe Thomas and Dante Scarnecchia. Trust Draftnick Ric, you don't want to miss out on this virtual experience in 2023. Mark your Zoom calendars! The C.O.O.L. Clinic - May 18-20.
Now, let's dive into what's on my mind today. I can't help but think about Houston and their soon to be rising stars Stroud and Tank Dell. This young talent has been making waves in the media, and I'll be keeping a close eye on his journey.
Speaking of talent, let's talk about the NFLPA CB class of 2023. We had an impressive 16 players drafted through seven rounds, with an additional 79 players signed as UDFAs. It's always exciting to see the NFLPA CB event team have their imprint on the NFL fresh faces entering the league, and you know I'll be keeping you updated on their progress.
One team that's been making headlines again is the Kansas City Chiefs. They're aiming for their eighth consecutive division title and showing no signs of slowing down. It's truly remarkable to witness their dominance in the AFC West.
In my recent breakdown, I've analyzed how each draft selection from the 2023 NFL Draft fits in with their new teams. It's fascinating to see how these young prospects will impact their respective organizations, and I'll be sharing my insights with you.
For our 'Rookie Impact' series, we're heading out west to the home of the world champion Kansas City Chiefs and the 2023 NFL Draft. Join me as we explore how this recent draft class will shape the AFC West race. It's an exciting time, and there's no shortage of storylines as we enter the OTA portion of the league calendar.
The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is the premier postseason all-star game for draft-eligible college players. The NFLPABowl class of 2023 had a total of 16 players drafted through seven rounds, and 79 were signed as UDFAs.
More than just a game, this week-long experience provides players with the opportunity to showcase their game to NFL scouts and coaches, while learning from the best in the business. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl not only prepares players for the speed and intensity of professional football, but also for the business and lifestyle changes that come with it.
I wanted to send a special shout out to the team behind the NFLPACB events:
Dane Vandernat, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Executive Director
Ron Hill, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Consultant & Former Atlanta Falcons General Manager
Teddy Atlas, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl West Coast Scout & Former Las Vegas Raiders Director of Scouting
Jerry Hardaway, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Southeast Scout & Fritz Pollard Scout of the Year
Raleigh McKenzie, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl East Coast Scout & Two-Time Super Bowl Champion
Todd Worley, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Midwest Scout & Ottawa Redblacks Regional Scout
Steve Kazor, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Southwest Scout & Michigan Panthers General Manager
95 players from 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl class join the NFL ranks
Another successful showing in the books for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl players at the 2023 NFL Draft. This year’s game showcased an abundance of incredible talent as a total of 16 players were drafted through seven rounds, and another 79 players were signed as undrafted free agents.
Below are all of the players who were taken in the 2023 NFL Draft (listed in draft order), followed by players who signed as undrafted free agents (listed alphabetically by last name).
We talk a lot about how to get an agent and what an agent does (and doesn’t) do, but we haven’t talked about how to have an agent, especially if you’re someone who’s used to doing everything yourself! (Or maybe you’re like me and asking for help makes you want to crumble to dust!!!!!!) If you’re coming from a self-publishing background or other creative area where literary agents aren’t the norm, here are some tips on how to get used to the fact that you have an agent whose actual job is to help you!
NFL Draft Bible Consulting will be adding a handful of new clients for the 2024 draft cycle. If you're a league, organization, agent, player, industry professional, or looking to expedite your business in football, then get in touch with us.
EXPERIENCED. CREATIVE. DYNAMIC.
MICHAEL D. WILLIAMS
Of counsel Michael David “Mook” Williams is a veteran attorney, multiple-time business founder, and creative sports-industry innovator who is always looking to zig where others would zag. He has advised top athletes & coaches on matters on & away from the field for over a decade, and enjoys pushing the envelope to achieve positive change. A co-founder & former co-owner of NYC-based Vaynersports, he retired as a certified pro football player agent in June 2019, and refocused on his legal practice. Mook continues to represent coaches & front office personnel, and is staying close to the sports world in an assortment of other ways, such as the launch of a groundbreaking football consulting agency.
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Rookie Impact:
Our ‘Rookie Impact’ series rolls on, as we head out west where the world champion Kansas City Chiefs reside and the home to the 2023 NFL Draft! There are several organizations trending in opposite directions as we enter the OTA portion of the league calendar. Let’s see how the recent NFL Draft will help shape up the AFC West race.
Since the arrival of Andy Reid in 2013, the Chiefs have averaged 12 wins per season over the last decade. The stability he has brought cannot be understated, especially when you consider that there seems to be a new head coach within the division annually. Kansas City looks to remain the king of the mountain. Another all-time great from the coaching ranks joins the fray, as Sean Payton takes on the task of turning around one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, the Denver Broncos. Can he resurrect the career of Russell Wilson? The result of that question will coincide with the team’s success.
Meanwhile, Josh McDaniel continues to search for his first winning season as a head coach. He enlisted a familiar face during the offseason in Jimmy Garoppolo to help the Las Vegas Raiders get off the snide. However, there is plenty of work to be done in a highly competitive conference. Alas, the brainchild of Brandon Staley enters year number three in Los Angeles. The Chargers have one of the emerging young stars of the NFL in Justin Herbert but in-game management has haunted them. Ironically, each team scored nearly identical overall rookie impact ratings!
Below is a breakdown of how each selection of the 2023 NFL Draft fits in with their new teams for the AFC West, plus projections on how they might perform in year one.
Player Rating Impact Scale:
10 – 9.5 = All Pro Impact
9.4 – 8.9 = Pro Bowl Impact
8.8 – 8.0 = Starter Impact
7.9 – 7.0 = Rotational Impact
6.9 – 6.0 = Backup Impact
5.9 – Below = Practice Squad Impact
DENVER BRONCOS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 69]
Rd2.No.63 Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma: A puzzling selection, considering Denver was stocked at wideout, they waited two rounds to make their first selection and only had five picks total. That said, Mims is a tantalizing slot weapon. Projection: 26 catches, 372 receiving yards, three touchdowns. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd3.No.67 Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas: Team brass has stated that Sanders will begin his pro career as an inside linebacker but they could eventually look to use him in a similar role such as how Micah Parsons is utilized in Dallas. Projection: 17 games, 12 starts, 65 tackles, two and a half sacks, four tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.3
Rd3.No.83 Riley Moss, CB, Iowa: This felt like a need that should have been addressed much earlier. However, the Broncos landed themselves a gem when Moss fell into their laps. Projection: 17 games, 11 starts, 35 tackles, one interception, six pass deflections. Impact Factor: 7.4
Rd6.No.183 JL Skinner, FS, Boise State: A long defensive back capable of sliding into either safety role, Skinner has proven to stick his nose in the dirt against the run and also has some ball-skills that result in interceptions. Projection: 13 games played, 22 tackles, two interceptions, four pass deflections. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd7.No.257 Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon: Again, with such few selections available at their disposal, Forsyth was someone who could have likely been available after the draft to compete for a backup role. Projection: six games played. Impact Factor: 6.3
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 69]
Rd1.No.31 Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State: The hometown hero gets a shot to contribute to the champs, as Kansas City builds their pass-rush depth. Projection: 15 games played, five starts, 18 tackles, three and a half sacks, five tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.0
Rd2.No.55 Rashee Rice, WR, SMU: The Chiefs present plenty of speed within their wide receiver unit, now they add an alley-oop partner in Rice who can go up and get it. Projection: 14 games played, two starts, 20 catches, 240 receiving yards, one touchdown. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd3.No.92 Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma: A well-coached up player who lacks ideal size, Morris will likely be cross-trained to become a backup swingman tackle, an extremely valuable role. Projection: 17 games played, three starts. Impact Factor: 7.1
Rd4.No.119 Chamarri Conner, CB, Virginia Tech: A nickelback who shows up around the football, Conner displays excellent instincts, ball-skills and willingness to step up against the run. Projection: 15 games played, 33 tackles, two tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd5.No.166 BJ Thompson, OLB, Stephen F. Austin: A low risk, high reward selection, Thompson oozes raw pass-rush potential but has struggled to stay healthy; he flashed at the East-West Shrine Bowl as one of the top prospects in attendance. Projection: eight games played, 10 tackles, two and a half sacks, four tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd6.No.194 Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas: It will be a highly competitive defensive line room come training camp; Coburn will likely begin on the practice squad. Projection: six games played, five tackles. Impact Factor: 6.2
Rd7.No.250 Nic Jones, CB, Ball State: The Chiefs have done very well in identifying later round and UDFA cornerbacks, so don’t count out Jones but special teams would seem to be in his near future. Projection: seven games played. Impact Factor: 6.0
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 69]
Rd1.No.7. Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech: Las Vegas has bungled their first round selections in recent drafts and the logic was there to select Wilson, as Chandler Jones was a disappointment last year opposite of Max Crosby. However, one has to wonder how they bypassed the cornerback position, in order to select an injured player. Projection: nine games played, four starts, 27 tackles, five sacks, eight tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.0
Rd2.No.35 Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Look for the Raiders to implement plenty of multi-set tight end packages with the addition of Mayer. He joins a trio that also includes Austin Hooper and OJ Howard. Projection: 17 games played, 13 starts, 42 catches, 510 receiving yards, five touchdowns. Impact Factor: 7.8
Rd3.No.70 Byron Young, DT, Alabama: Beefing up the defensive front was clearly a priority within the organization and Young helps to strengthen the depth. Projection: 13 games played, 22 tackles, one sacks, two tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.6
Rd3.No.100 Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati: There were many other needs to address on Day Two. With Hunter Renfrow, Phillip Dorsett and Keelan Cole already on the roster behind starters Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, reps will be limited. Tucker becomes their deep threat. Projection: 17 games played, 15 catches, 258 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Impact Factor: 6.7
Rd.4No.104 Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland: The team finally landed a corner on Day Three and found a good one in Bennett who brings an aggressive nature, with the ability to stick just about anyone step-for-step. Projection: 17 games played, five starts, two interceptions, six pass deflections. Impact Factor: 6.9
Rd4.No.135 Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue: Entering his tenth year, starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has started an entire season just once in his career. When O’Connell hears his name called, the moment won’t be too big for him. He brings vast experience and could be this year’s Brock Purdy. Projection: eight games played, six starts, 115 completions, 208 attempts, 1,308 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, eight interceptions. Impact Factor: 7.5
Rd5.No.170 Christopher Smith II, SS, Georgia: An undersized, yet ferocious safety, Smith II can line up in the box and can hold his own in coverage; don’t be surprised to see him move up the depth chart rapidly. Projection: 15 games played, four starts, 36 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, four pass deflections. Impact Factor: 6.9
Rd6.No.203 Amari Burney, LB, Florida: It might be difficult for Burney to crack the linebacker rotation in year one but he should contribute on special teams. Projection: five games played. Impact Factor: 6.1
Rd7.No.231 Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State: Another player who may need to spend a year developing on the practice squad, Silvera has flashed in spurts. Projection: five games played. Impact Factor: 6.1
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS [OVERALL ROOKIE IMPACT RATING = 68]
Rd1.No.21 Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: We haven’t seen a frontcourt like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Johnston since Bird, Parish and McHale. It will be fun to watch the ball distribution. Projection: 38 catches, 444 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Impact Factor: 7.2
Rd2.No.54 Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC: This will be a peculiar fit, as Tuipulotu projects as a standup outside linebacker in the Chargers defensive scheme. After weighing close to 300 pounds at one point and playing defensive line, this could take time to transition. Projection: 12 games played, 25 tackles, two and half sacks, four tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd3.No.85 Daiyan Henley, ILB, Washington State: Possibly one of the best value picks of the draft, Henley could be a long-term fixture for years to come; he flies to the football and covers a lot of ground. Projection: 17 games played, six starts, 52 tackles, three tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.1
Rd4.No.125 Derius Davis, WR, TCU: With Joshua Palmer firmly entrenched on the roster, Davis will compete for the final wideout spot as the speedy deep threat but will have to earn his keep on special teams first. Projection: primary return man. Impact Factor: 6.9
Rd5.No.156 Jordan McFadden, OG, Clemson: The experienced McFadden brings pedigree, experience and versatility. He could back up an array of spots at tackle or guard. Projection: 17 games played, two starts. Impact Factor: 6.8
Rd6.No.200 Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State: Mark this down as one of the biggest steals of the entire draft class. Don’t be surprised to see Matlock emerge as an impact two down player and possibly even steal a starting gig. Projection: 17 games played, nine starts, 38 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss. Impact Factor: 7.0
Rd7.No.239 Max Duggan, QB, TCU: Current backup Easton Stick enters the final year of his contract, so Duggan could be groomed to be the next in line for that role—he is a true gamer no doubt about it. Projection: practice squad. Impact Factor: 6.0
Today’s post is sponsored by The C.O.O.L Clinic (Coaches of Offensive Line) presented by Bob Wylie.
The three-day online event will be held on May 18-20th, featuring guest speakers Joe Thomas, Dante Scarnecchia | Virtual in 2023 The C.O.O.L. Clinic - May 18-20
The C.O.O.L. Clinic begins Thursday afternoon and it’s loaded with great offensive line coaches sharing their knowledge.
From top to bottom the line-up is stacked. In fact, Coach Wylie believes this is the best line-up in the history of the C.O.O.L. Clinic which first began in the early 1980’s.
It kicks off with a presentation by Aaron Taylor, founder of the Joe Moore Award which honors the best offensive line unit in college football. It is the only trophy that awards a group effort. He will share what they evaluate and what makes the best line unit.
Of course, the coach who led the last two offensive line units to win it (2021 and 2022), Michigan Offensive Coordinator/OL Coach Sherrone Moore will be speaking on “Gap Schemes Teaching Progression & Attacking Defenses”
National Champion OL Coach Stacey Searles of the Georgia Bulldogs will be presenting on “Effort the Georgia Way.” With back-to-back Championships, learning how the Bulldogs approach effort should be an interesting talk.
Andy Heck is back after presenting at the C.O.O.L. Clinic in 2022. The 2023 Super Bowl Champion OL Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs will present on the “Screen Game - Slow & Quick” which were a big part of the Chiefs offense.
Glen Elarbee coached the offensive line that paved the way for college football’s fastest offense. He knows how to coach linemen to be physical while playing in an uptempo offense. He will speaking on “Why the Inside Zone fits with Tempo and Spreading the FIeld.” This style of receiver wide splits with the fastest pace offense has definitely trended over the last few seasons.
That’s just a couple of the highlights of this year’s C.O.O.L. Clinic.
C.O.O.L. Clinic Plus
We have had many coaches asking about our “C.O.O.L. Clinic Plus” membership. This is how it works…
The premium pass will get you access to “The C.O.O.L. Clinic Plus” membership which gives you access to this year’s talks for 12 months as well as a one clinic talk per month from the previous two years of virtual C.O.O.L. Clinic and a curated library of nine other past C.O.O.L. Clinic that included OL Coaching Legends like Howard Mudd, Dan Radakovich, Alex Gibbs, Dante Scarnecchia and other talks from the archives. That’s 137 talks over the course of the next 12 months from the most valuable offensive line library.
Here’s the rest of this week’s line-up:
CFL Grey Cup Champion Kris Sweet - “Wham Schemes and Ways to Separate the Defense”
NFL Presenters:
Carmen Bricillo, Las Vegas Raiders - “Various Bse Run Game Schemes”
Chris Foerster, San Francisco Forty-Niners - “Run Game Schemes Built Off Base Beliefs”
Jim McNally, NFL Alumni - “Footwork on the run game. Bracing- Torquing -Shuffling and Rooting”
College Presenters:
Alex Atkins, Florida State - “Gap Scheme Variations with Screens and Run Action”
Brian Callahan, Minnesota - “Tight Zone”
Keith Clark, Dartmouth - “Double Teams in Zone and Gap Schemes”
Scott Fuchs, Kansas - “Pass Blocking (Short Sets and Technique)”
Josh Henson, USC - “Adjustments and Techniques for Movement”
Eman Naghavi, Houston - “Counter, Counter Variations, and RPO”
AJ Ricker, TCU - “Inside Zone Variations”
Conor Riley, Kansas State - “Pin & Pull and K-State G Play”
Brian Braswell, Maryland - “Outside Zone and Pass Pro Fundamentals to Make you Better”
Also presenting:
Steve Palazzolo - Pro Football Focus - “Insight into OL Play”
The C.O.O.L. Clinic begins on May 18 and runs through May 20.