All Access: DT & EDGE Big Board, NFC North Bust Outs, OSU States Case As 'WR-U'
The July blue skies are coming to an end, as training camps open around America. We shift over to defense with the NFL Draft Big Board, plus a look at NFC North bust out players and why OSU is 'WR-U.'
Welcome to the All Access Football Report for Friday, July, 27th, Presented By GRID Camps. Limited spots remain for the premier pro football free agent showcase on Sunday, August 13th in Philadelphia. For more info, visit: www.GRIDcamps.com.
NFC NORTH BUST OUT PLAYERS
Here are some players on each NFC North team that could be depended upon to have an increased role for the upcoming 2023 season, along with a projected look at the depth for the skill positions.
CHICAGO BEARS
Last 5 Years
2022: 3-14 (4th) | 2021: 6-11 (3rd) | 2020: 8-8 (2nd) | 2019: 8-8 (3rd) | 2018: 12-4 (1st)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Justin Fields | RB D’Onta Foreman | WR DJ Moore | WR Darnell Mooney | WR Chase Claypool | WR Cole Kmet
It has been over a decade since the Bears last won a playoff game. For perspective, Jay Cutler was the quarterback. The reality check is that QB Justin Fields is the best signal-caller the team has had since then. GM Ryan Poles has built a solid young nucleus around him, orchestrating several deals during his brief tenure and converting the number one overall pick into a slew of additional key parts. One acquisition made at the trade deadline was the addition of WR Chase Claypool who was underwhelming to say the least. Chicago is banking on a full offseason of cohesion with Fields to help convert him back to the ‘Mapletron’ form we saw early on in his Pittsburgh career.
At linebacker, Poles has remade the entire unit since dealing off All-Pro Roquan Smith. Veterans LB Tremaine Edwards and LB TJ Edwards were signed in free agency. However, one key player flying under the radar entering 2023 is LB Jack Sanborn. An undrafted rookie, Sanborn stepped into the starter role once Smith was dealt and proved capable, registering 64 tackles—he looks to be the unsung hero on defense. A lot was asked of last year’s first round pick CB Kyler Gordon. While year one was a bit of a roller-coaster ride, Gordon provided enough glimpses to nail down a starting job.
DETROIT LIONS
Last 5 Years
2022: 9-8 (2nd) | 2021: 3-13-1 (4th) | 2020: 5-11 (4th) | 2019: 3-12-1 (4th) | 2018: 6-10 (4th)
Projected Skill- Position Starters
QB Jared Goff | RB Jahmyr Gibbs | WR Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR Marvin Jones Jr. | WR Josh Reynolds | TE Sam LaPorta
The reemergence of QB Jared Goff has placed Detroit in position to win their division, something they haven’t accomplished since 1991. He does a phenomenal job distributing the ball all over the field. One under the radar target to keep an eye on is WR-turned-TE Shane Zylstra. After starring on special teams, Zylstra got an extended look when TJ Hockenson was dealt and made the most of the opportunity.
Another midseason callup from the practice squad included OLB James Houston, who took the league by storm during the second half of the season In fact, Houston finished with eight sacks in seven games, while DE Aidan Hutchinson had nine and a half sacks, providing the Lions with a pair of bookend pass-rushers. Of course, Hutchinson was expected to produce as the number two overall pick but it’s not out of the question to believe that Houston, a sixth round pick, might be the better pro. We saw signs of ‘Rodrigo’ being a special player during ‘Hard Knocks’ but ILB Malcolm Rodriguez exceeded all expectations. Another Day Three home run by GM Brad Holmes, the scrappy, undersized Rodriguez racked up 87 tackles as a rookie and has completely raised expectations headed into year two. The organization is still holding out hope for FS Ifeatu Melifonwu to make an impact, as he enters his third season.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Last 5 Years
2022: 8-9 (3rd) | 2021: 13-4 (1st) | 2020: 13-3 (1st) | 2019: 13-3 (1st) | 2018: 6-9-1 (3rd)
Projected Skill- Position Starters
QB Jordan Love | RB Aaron Jones | WR Christian Watson | WR Romeo Doubs | WR Jayden Reed | TE Luke Musgrave
While Green Bay is home to the smallest market in the NFL, the Packers offseason was anything but quiet. The Aaron Rodgers (Jets) saga dragged out all the way leading up to the NFL Draft, as the franchise is officially set to pass the torch over to QB Jordan Love. With three years to learn behind A-Rod, he instilled enough confidence in the coaching staff to finally kick off the training wheels. Love will have the Packers in the hunt and 4,000 yards, along with 25-30 touchdowns is certainly attainable. The transition to Love should be especially smooth with emerging WR Christian Watson and WR Romeo Doubs. Both players gave us a look into their future with their rookie performances. However, Love has reportedly developed a tight rapport with Watson who could be poised for the bigger season of the two.
On defense, look for DT Devonte Wyatt to take a major leap forward in his development. Primarily relegated to backup duties as a rookie, Wyatt came on strong towards the end of the season, showcasing his ability to be an effective run stopper, in addition to applying pressure on the quarterback. He should see his playing time receive a big boost.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Last 5 Years
2022: 13-4 (1st) | 2021: 8-9 (2nd) | 2020: 7-9 (3rd) | 2019: 10-6 (2nd) | 2018: 8-7-1 (2nd)
Projected Skill- Position Starters
QB Kirk Cousins | RB Alexander Mattison | WR Justin Jefferson | WR Jordan Addison | WR KJ Osborn | TE TJ Hockenson
Despite a 13-win season, there were plenty of comings and goings in Minnesota during the offseason. In just his second year on the job, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has managed to nearly churn the entire roster since taking the reins. One consistent on the team has been WR KJ Osborn. After biding his time patiently as a rookie returner, Osborn has made nine starts in each of the past two seasons, with at least 650 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He finally appears to be the clear No.2, which means his first 1,000-yard campaign is within reach.
The Vikings hired DC Brian Flores to help gel the influx of new faces in recent seasons. In the secondary, two players expected to flourish under the new highly aggressive scheme are CB Andrew Booth Jr and FS Lewis Cine. Both players were severely limited as rookies a year ago due to injury. However, HC Kevin O’Connell has acknowledged that both players are in line for a ’huge’ season in 2023. If so, when combined with the emergence of third-year FS Camryn Bynum and free agent addition CB Byron Murphy Jr, the Vikings could have one of the most improved defenses.
This article originally appeared in Lindy’s 2023 Pro Football Magazine, now available here.
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MANUFACTURES NFL WIDEOUTS
Ohio State has developed a reputation for producing top-tier talent at wide receiver. The 2024 NFL Draft will continue that trend, according to special guest contributor Eli Nachmany.
In recent years, Ohio State wide receivers have dominated the conversation inside NFL war rooms. This season will be no different. As it stands today, the Buckeyes should see at least three wideouts selected in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft—two of which will most likely be in the first round.
Ohio State has churned out some elite receivers over the past several years. In the 2022 NFL Draft, Buckeyes playmakers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave were chosen with the tenth and eleventh overall picks. This past April, Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was taken as the twentieth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Looking ahead to the Class of 2024, all eyes are on superstar Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. A tall, lanky pass catcher, Harrison dominated defenses last season. He possesses elite hands, impressive body control and rare athleticism. Perhaps the best aspect of Harrison Jr.’s game is that he runs routes as well as a seasoned pro—indeed, former Buckeye quarterback (and first-round pick) C.J. Stroud gave Harrison Jr. the nickname “Route Man.” In fact, many within the scouting community believe that the electricfying Harrison Jr. would immediately enter the NFL as a No. 1 receiver and top-flight split end. The Philadelphia native could have a Justin Jefferson-esque start to his career and compares favorably to the Minnesota Vikings standout. He balled out in 2022, racking up 77 catches for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.
However, Harrison Jr. is not the only Ohio State receiver whom decision-makers should follow. Amazingly, another Ohio State wideout might be both the second-best receiver in the 2024 draft class and the second-best receiver on his own team. That player is Emeka Egbuka. With a play style complementary to that of Harrison Jr.’s, Egbuka may not be a prototypical split end. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and has some reminiscense of Odell Beckham Jr. to his game. He is especially dangerous with the ball in his hands but he also brings terrific route running to the table and surprising physicality. He was quietly productive last season, hauling in 74 catches for 1,151 yards and ten touchdowns, while adding 11 carries for 87 yards and two scores. He can also add value as a kick returner and a punt returner.
In addition to Harrison Jr. and Egbuka, Buckeyes pass-catcher Julian Fleming will attempt to make it into the back end of the 2024 NFL Draft. A steady wideout, Fleming added 533 yards and six touchdowns on 34 receptions last season. While Harrison Jr. and Egbuka figure to receive the lion’s share of targets this season, Fleming has carved out a role for himself in the Ohio State offense and certainly has the talent to play at the next level. Fleming has mastered the nuances of the position, displaying stellar concentration and a feel for open spots in zone defenses. A former five-star recruit who was the No. 1 receiver in the nation coming out of high school, he owns the athleticism to succeed in the NFL. Jayden Ballard will also look to establish himself in the receiving rotation.
All told, Ohio State comes into the season once again with remarkable talent at wide receiver. While Marvin Harrison Jr. (rightly) gets much of the attention, he is not the only potential NFL draftee in the Buckeye receiving corps. As the 2023 college football season gets underway, pay close attention to Ohio State’s wide receivers—two of them might be first round picks next year.
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NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON DT BIG BOARD
The Class of 2024 for defensive tackles is not totally settled at the top. LSU DT Maason Smith is a physically imposing, powerful lineman who is violent at the point of attack. He was otherworldly as a freshman in 2021 but he missed almost all of 2022 with an injury. A return to form would put him comfortably in the first-round conversation. A pair of teammates at Clemson DTs Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis, will have a chance to shine on a Tigers team that hopes to compete for the College Football Playoffs. Orhorhoro is a shifty, quick tackle who can also take a powerful set in the run game. Davis is a prolific run defender who will work to round out his game. Do not be surprised to see Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton in the first round in 2024; he was consistently dominant for a terrific Illinois defense in 2022. His high motor, dizzying array of moves, and dogged pursuit of quarterbacks make him a potential top prospect. Also, Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat is a massive two-gapper who projects as a solid 3-4 nose tackle—a position in decently high demand at the next level.
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
Maason Smith, LSU, rSo, 6060, 310, 4.85
Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois, rJr, 6021, 295, 5.02
Kris Jenkins, Michigan, Sr, 6025, 300, 4.90
Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia, Sr, 6030, 327, 5.15
McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M, Sr, 6016, 325, 5.10
Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State, rSo, 6021, 290, 4.96
Mekhi Wingo, LSU, Jr, 6002, 295, 4.98
McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M, Sr, 6015, 315, 5.17
Zion Logue, Georgia, rSr, 6046, 300, 5.00
Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson, rSr, 6040, 295, 4.88
Damon Payne Jr, Alabama, rSo, 6025, 303, 4.94
Tim Smith, Alabama, Sr, 6040, 302, 5.17
Shemar Turner, Texas A&M, Jr, 6032, 300, 4.85
Tyler Davis, Clemson, Sr, 6020, 300, 5.05
Leonard Taylor III, Miami, Jr, 6030, 305, 4.83
Brandon Dorlus, Oregon, rSr, 6021, 290, 4.89
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State, Jr, 6025, 318, 4.97
Akhemm Mesidor, Miami, rJr, 6021, 282, 4.85
Myles Murphy, North Carolina, Sr, 6045, 308, 5.03
Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois, rSr, 6031, 300, 4.97
Fabien Lovett, Florida State, rSr, 6036, 328, 5.17
T’Vondre Sweat, Texas, rSr, 6040, 340, 5.42
DeWayne Carter, Duke, rSr, 6025, 308, 5.03
Nathan Pickering, Mississippi State, rSr, 6034, 290, 5.05
Thor Griffith, Harvard, Sr, 6016, 300, 5.10
Logan Lee, Iowa, rSr, 6052, 285, 4.84
Anthony Goodlow, Oklahoma State, rSr, 6041, 281, 4.86
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati, rSo, 6015, 320, 5.18
Alfred Collins, Texas, Sr, 6044, 305, 4.90
Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati, rSr, 6015, 310, 5.08
Tre Williams, Clemson, rJr, 6015, 300, 5.07
Paris Shand, LSU, rJr, 6040, 290, 4.96
Brett Johnson, California, rSr, 6050, 285, 5.02
Eric Gregory, Arkansas, rSr, 6031, 298, 5.03
Derrick Harmon, Michigan State, rSo, 6040, 320
Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi, rSr, 6036, 313, 5.07
Cam’Ron Jackson, Florida, rJr, 6050, 340, 5.30
Gabe Hall, Baylor, rSr, 6051, 296, 4.96
Warren Brinson, Georgia, Sr, 6044, 309, 5.08
Joseph Evans, UTSA, rSr, 6022, 344, 5.18
JJ Pegues, Mississippi, Sr, 6015, 315, 4.86
Tyler Baron, Tennessee, Sr, 6042, 260, 4.76
Jermayne Lole, Louisville, rSr, 6020, 315, 4.95
Darius Robinson, Missouri, rSr, 6051, 296, 4.87
James Ester, Northern Illinois, rSr, 6022, 297, 5.03
Braden Fiske, Florida State, rSr, 6033, 282, 5.12
Justin Rogers, Auburn, Sr, 6022, 341, 5.27
Noah Shannon, Iowa, rSr, 6004, 290, 5.04
Justin Eboigbe, Alabama, rSr, 6041, 292, 4.93
Rylie Mills, Notre Dame, Sr, 6054, 296, 4.83
Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina, Sr, 6025, 282, 4.98
Junior Tafuna, Utah, rJr, 6021, 300, 5.04
Eli Mostert, North Dakota State, Sr, 6020, 275, 5.05
Ricky Barber, UCF, rSr, 6015, 296, 4.98
Jaylon Hutchings, Texas Tech, rSr, 5113, 304, 5.02
Jordan Jefferson, LSU, rSr, 6024, 311, 4.86
Evan Anderson, FAU, rJr, 6022, 356, 5.57
Isaiah Mullens, Wisconsin, rSr, 6043, 300, 4.96
Andre Jefferson, Lenoir-Rhyne, Jr, 6020, 275, 5.10
Darius Robinson, Missouri, Sr, 6052, 293, 4.85
Marley Cook, Middle Tennessee, rJr, 6005, 306, 5.06
Daymond Williams, Buffalo, rSr, 6015, 285, 4.98
Tuli Letuligasenoa, Washington, rSr, 6012, 307, 5.15
James Carpenter, James Madison, rJr, 6015, 276, 4.89
Billy Wooden, UMass, rSr, 6005, 310, 5.33
Faatui Tuitele, Washington, rJr, 6021, 302, 4.93
Isaiah Lee, Iowa State, rSr, 6003, 290, 5.09
Jeff Clark, Louisville, rSr, 5116, 276, 4.98
Jay Toia, UCLA, Jr, 6021, 325, 5.26
James Rawls, Oregon State, rSr, 6021, 282, 4.96
Jalen Sami, Michigan State, Sr, 6060, 325, 5.35
TJ Franklin, Baylor, rSr, 6034, 294, 4.92
Wy’Kevious Thomas, South Alabama, rJr, 6020, 310, 5.05
Cole Godbout, Wyoming, rSr, 6034, 289, 4.98
Howard Cross III, Notre Dame, rSr, 6010, 285, 5.00
NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON 4-3 DE BIG BOARD
Although the EDGE rushers in the Class of 2024 may not measure up to the group in the Class of 2023, the 2024 NFL Draft will feature some superstars. Florida State DE Jared Verse surprised some when he decided to return to school for another year and he will push to be the first pass-rusher off the board. A popular first-round projection at this point is Washington DE Bralen Trice, who has a terrific speed move and looks like he is shot out of a cannon in third-down situations. One possible sleeper is Rutgers DE Aaron Lewis, who is a lethal pass-rushing specialist and could see his draft stock rise if he pairs his great ability with numbers that reflect his prowess. NFL scouts will have their eyes on Columbus for a few other budding stars—Ohio State DEs Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau play very different types of games but both are possible first-rounders. Sawyer has great range and can play in space, while Tuimoloau is tough to move along the defensive line.
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, Jr, 6036, 270, 4.67
Jared Verse, Florida State, rJr, 6032, 253, 4.72
Bralen Trice, Washington, rJr, 6031, 269, 4.76
Chop Robinson, Penn State, Jr, 6030, 253, 4.76
Adisa Isaac, Penn State, rSr, 6041, 249, 4.62
Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, Jr, 6040, 267, 4.58
Laiata Latu, UCLA, rSr, 6046, 261, 4.67
Jaylen Harrell, Michigan, rSr, 6032, 246, 4.59
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame, rSr, 6046, 255, 4.70
Patrick Payton, Florida State, rSo, 6046, 245, 465
Xavier Thomas, Clemson, rSr, 6023, 274, 4.75
Chico Bennett Jr, Virginia, rSr, 6032, 252, 4.83
Cedric Johnson, Mississippi, Sr, 6030, 265, 4.67
Barryn Sorrell, Texas, Jr, 6040, 258, 4.77
Aaron Lewis, Rutgers, rJr, 6040, 250, 4.77
Saivion Jones, LSU, Jr, 6060, 268, 4.75
Jordan Burch, USC, Sr, 6045, 275, 4.78
Tyler Baron, Tennessee, Sr, 6042, 260, 4.76
Jared Ivey, Mississippi, Sr, 6055, 281, 4.86
Caleb Okechukwu, Syracuse, rSr, 6026, 268, 4.90
Reggie Grimes, Oklahoma, Sr, 6032, 270, 4.80
Trajan Jeffcoat, Missouri, Sr, 6040, 277, 4.82
Brennan Jackson, Washington State, rSr, 6041, 263, 4.76
Eric Watts, UConn, Sr, 6054, 269, 4.86
Sean Martin, West Virginia, rSr, 6040, 279, 5.07
Jordan Strachan, South Carolina, rSr, 6042, 245, 4.64
Braiden McGregor, Michigan, Sr, 6051, 272, 4.73
RJ Oben, Duke, rSr, 6030, 256, 4.68
Deshawn McCarthy, East Stroudsburg, Sr, 6034, 265, 4.71
Julius Welschof, Michigan, rSr, 6045, 285, 4.75
Jonah Laulu, Oklahoma, Sr, 6044, 275, 4.90
Fadil Diggs, Texas A&M, rJr, 6036, 260, 4.75
TJ Jackson, Troy, rJr, 6010, 270, 4.84
Daylon Dotson, Tennessee-Martin, rJr, 6016, 280, 4.86
Jasheen Davis, Wake Forest, rSr, 6031, 250, 4.68
Garmon Randolph, Baylor, rSr, 6070, 247, 4.74
Marshawn Kneeland, Colorado, rSr, 6030, 277, 4.80
Justin Blazek, Wisconsin-Platteville, rSr, 6045, 245, 4.75
Jacob Busic, Navy, Sr, 6040, 256, 4.80
Daylan Dotson, Tennessee-Martin, 6020, 290, 4.85
NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON 3-4 OLB BIG BOARD
There are some intriguing stand-up EDGE player of note, including Alabama OLB Dallas Turner, who is an athletically gifted defender that could also become an early first-round pick. Athletic pass-rusher OLB Princely Umanmielen of Florida is a prospect worth monitoring, as he possesses the raw potential to climb up draft boards by season’s end. Another player that NFL scouts have been patiently waiting to see things click is USC dynamo OLB Korey Foreman. The former five-star recruit has failed to live up to the hype but the buzz is still alive and well in Southern California.
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
Dallas Turner, Alabama, Jr, 6025, 242, 4.52
Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington, rSr, 6032, 246, 4.78
Princely Umanmielen, Florida, Sr, 6040, 245, 4.68
Korey Foreman, USC, Jr, 6040, 235, 4.56
Eric Gentry, USC, Jr, 6051, 205, 4.59
Darian Varner, Wisconsin, rJr, 6020, 260, 4.76
Donovan Ezeirauku, Boston College, Jr, 6015, 236, 4.77
Josaiah Stewart, Michigan, Jr, 6010, 230, 4.74
Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State, Jr, 6021, 235, 4.64
Trey Moore, UTSA, rSo, 6021, 230 , 4.67
JJ Weaver, Kentucky, Sr, 6040, 240, 4.74
Jonah Ellis, Utah, Jr, 6020, 246, 4.68
Sundiata Anderson, Grambling, rSr, 6040, 240, 4.65
Nelson Ceaser, Houston, rSr, 6025, 248, 4.76
Owen Porter, Marshall, rSr, 6025, 240, 4.84
Jay Person, Chattanooga, rSr, 6026, 224, 4.78
Issac Ukwu, Mississippi, rSr, 6021, 261, 4.84
Stephen Herron, Louisville, rSr, 6031, 237, 4.82
Chris Hardie, Jacksonville State, rJr, 6020, 260
Garret Fountain, San Diego State, rSr, 6026, 250, 4.79
Nate Lynn, William & Mary, rSr, 6016, 255, 4.74
Praise Amaewhula, UTEP, rSr, 6020, 248, 4.74
Jahfari Harvey, Miami, rSr, 6030, 252, 4.59
David Walker, Central Arkansas, Jr, 6021, 265, 4.78
John Morgan III, Arkansas, rSr, 6016, 273, 4.82
ARCHIVES
07.26.23 | All Access: OL Big Board, NFC East Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with John Peterson
07.24.23 | All Access: TE Big Board, AFC West Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with Roquan Smith
07.20.23 | All Access: WR Big Board, AFC South Bust Outs, On Location NEC Media Day
07.17.23 | All Access: RB Big Board, AFC North Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with Tom Coughlin
07.13.23 | All Access: QB Big Board, AFC East Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with Johnathan Abram
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