All Access: WR Big Board, AFC South Bust Outs, On Location NEC Media Day

NFL rookies have begun to report around the league. We examine who could bust out in the AFC South, plus the 2024 WR Big Board and interviews from NEC Media Day.

Welcome to the All Access Football International Report for Thursday, July 20th. While the Netflix ‘Quarterback’ series was enjoyable and the New York Jets created quite a stir this week with the announcement that they’ll be featured on ‘Hard Knocks,’ we know you are ready for some REAL football! Before we get into the AFC South bust out players and 2024 NFL Draft WR Big Board, please consider taking a moment to check out today’s sponsor: Sports Management Worldwide. If you are serious about breaking into the business of sports, you can find your way at www.SMWW.com, featuring over 100 online course certifications. 

AFC SOUTH BUST OUT PLAYERS

Here are some players on each AFC South 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.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Last 5 Years

2022: 9-8 (1st) | 2021: 3-14 (4th) | 2020: 1-15 (4th) | 2019: 6-10 (4th) | 2018: 5-11 (4th)

Projected Skill-Position Starters

QB Trevor Lawrenece | RB Travis Etienne | WR Calvin Ridley | WR Zay Jones | WR Christian Kirk | TE Evan Engram 

One of the best values from the 2020 NFL Draft has been DT DaVon Hamilton. A heart condition caused him to slide during the draft process and Jacksonville wisely invested a third round pick in the versatile defensive lineman. He incurred more adversity as a rookie with injuries stunting his growth. Since then, Hamilton has stepped up and taken hold of a starting job, while demonstrating the ability to apply pressure on the quarterback. Look for 2023 to be the year Hamilton earns his first invite to the Pro Bowl. 

Another player looking to take his game from good-to-great would be OLB Travon Walker. The 2022 number one overall pick certainly showed flashes of warranting that honor but he also endured his share of growing pains. Making the transition to standing up outside was admittedly something he needed to become more comfortable with but as the season wore on, there were signs of Walker growing into expectations. He must become a consistent week-to-week force, in order for the Jacksonville defense to maximize its capabilities. In the third level of the defense, CB Tyson Campbell is on the brink of stardom—don’t be surprised if you begin to hear his name mentioned amongst the national media as one of top lockdown corners in the league.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Last 5 Years

2022: 7-10 (2nd)  | 2021: 12-5 (1st)  | 2020: 11-5 (1st) | 2019: 9-7 (2nd)  | 2018: 9-7 (3rd)

Projected Skill-Position Starters

QB Ryan Tannehill | RB Derrick Henry | WR Treylon Burks | WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | WR Kyle Phillips | TE Chigozium Okonkwo

If return extraordinaire WR Kyle Phillips can overcome his durability issues, he could be a wild card for the Titans. The second-year wideout had a nice training camp and was involved in about 30% of the plays during the first four games of the regular season before running into injuries. He demonstrated exceptional quickness and vision as a punt returner, in addition to being a very underrated route runner who can provide valuable snaps in the slot. The rebirth of OG Dillon Radunz begins this season. Tennessee has seen its offensive line ravaged by injuries and departures over recent seasons. After flaring out at tackle, Radunz had some positive developments once moved inside, especially with his mirror capabilities in pass-coverage. He is being counted on to assume a starting role. 

No one in the NFL appeared in more defensive snaps last year than rookie CB Roger McCreary who logged 1,165 reps. Like any first-year corner, he had his fair share of struggles. However, McCreary also provided his share of momentum-swinging big plays and interceptions. In an effort to help continue his maturation, Tennessee parted ways with DB coach Anthony Midget and brought in a rising star within the coaching ranks in Chris Harris. A solid foundation has been laid for McCreary's growth in year two.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Last 5 Years

2022: 4-12-1 (3rd) | 2021: 9-8 (2nd)  | 2020: 11-5 (2nd) | 2019: 7-9 (3rd)  | 2018: 10-6 (2nd)

Projected Skill-Position Starters

QB Anthony Richardson | RB Jonathan Taylor | WR Alec Pierce | WR Michael Pittman Jr. | WR Isaiah McKenzie | TE Jelani Woods

One of the biggest beneficiaries from the arrival of new HC Shane Steichen will be second-year WR Alec Pierce. His size and speed dimensions enable him to win one-on-one matchups on the perimeter, or over the middle. Despite instability at quarterback and an underdeveloped route tree, Pierce managed to haul in 41 balls for 593 receiving yards during his first season. Don’t be surprised to see those numbers double in year two! 

There are great expectations for DT Eric Johnson in his development within the team facility. Coming from the small school ranks of Missouri State and learning an entirely new scheme was certainly a big learning curve as a rookie. Look for Johnson to emerge as a key cog up front along the defensive line rotation and make his presence known. In between injuries, Colts DE Kwity Paye provided a much-needed pass-rush presence. In what was supposed to be a bust out season, Paye saw his tackles for loss (10) and sacks (six) both increase but dealt with various ailments, which ultimately prevented him from taking the much anticipated next step. Look for more progress in 2023, as double-digit sacks should be a very realistic goal. The Colts need their young players to advance. 

HOUSTON TEXANS

Last 5 Years

2022: 3-13-1 (4th) | 2021: 4-13 (3rd)  | 2020: 4-12 (3rd) | 2019: 10-6 (1st)  | 2018: 11-5 (1st)

Projected Skill-Position Starters

QB CJ Stroud | RB Dameon Pierce | WR Nico Collins | WR John Metchie III | WR Robert Woods | TE Dalton Schultz

Rookie RB Dameon Pierce ran into the dreaded rookie wall. He missed the final four games of the season due to injury. The final four games he did appear in, he managed just 167 rushing yards and only exceeded the 100-yard barrier twice. That said, Pierce yielded plenty of positive results in his first year. He ran with a ferocity that old Houston legend Earl Campbell would appreciate. In addition, he can provide a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Getting his conditioning and body built right will be the key to his success but Pierce owns the skill-set to be a perennial 1,000-yard rusher. We didn’t quite see the evolution of WR Nico Collins in year two but he is another Texans player who dealt with nagging injuries. The lengthy, acrobatic pass-catcher could become the new go-to target in H-Town. His fellow counterpart WR John Metchie III is one of the best stories of 2023, as he returns from Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. 

On defense, CB Derek Stingley fell victim to the injury bug in what was an encouraging first year. The number two overall pick settled in down the stretch and improved vastly by season’s end. All signs indicate that he is on the verge of greatness.

This article originally appeared in Lindy’s 2023 Pro Football Magazine, now available here. 

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL NETWORK

All Access Football was proud to be a part of NEC Media Day held annually at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Check out our interviews from the event on Wednesday via Twitter below:

CCSU | HC Adam Lechtenberg | TE Jadd Dolegala | LB Luquay Washington

DUQUESNE | QB Darius Perrantes | DB Ezekiel Daure

LIU | TE Owen Glascoe | DE Eric O’Neill

MERRIMACK | TE Pat Conroy | DL Jordan Riggs

SACRED HEART | RB Malik Grant | LB DeAndre Byrd

SAINT FRANCIS | QB Cole Doyle | DB Kerry Galloway

STONEHILL | HC Eli Gardner | RB Jermaine Corbett | LB Sam Murphy

WAGNER | OL Antonio Williams | LB John Gioia 

*Programming Alert: Be sure to subscribe to our new-look AAF YouTube Channel, featuring year-round football content such as the All Access Football Podcast, hosted by Hype.

NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON WR BIG BOARD

When thinking about the wide receivers in the Class of 2024, the main player to know is Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. The son of NFL Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison, the Buckeye superstar is the complete package: tall, great hands, explosive and technically sound. He could be the first non-quarterback off the board in 2024. His teammate, Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka, should also be in the first-round mix; Egbuka is a hard runner after the catch who displays terrific awareness when running his routes. With LSU in contention for a national title, LSU WR Malik Nabers will attempt to repeat his terrific 2022 campaign, during which he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving and established himself as a threat over the middle. The biggest question mark is Texas WR Xavier Worthy, who plays at an extraordinarily low weight and appears to lack requisite play strength. Worthy has amazing traits, including rare speed and he will need to put it all together this season to justify leaving school early. A prospect who might skyrocket up the board is Syracuse WR Oronde Gadsden II, who was remarkably productive last season and brings great size to the position. Arizona WR Jacob Cowing is another player to watch, as he is seemingly always open for the Wildcats.   

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY 

1. Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State, Jr, 6030, 205, 4.46

2. Johnny Wilson, Florida State, rJr, 6061, 240, 4.54

3. Xavier Worthy, Texas, So, 6010, 163, 4.29

4. Malik Nabers, LSU, Jr, 6000, 195, 4.47

5. Ladd McConkey, Georgia, rJr, 6000, 185, 4.48

6. Rome Odunze, Washington, rJr, 6030, 201, 4.50

7. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Jr, 6010, 205, 4.42

8. Bru McCoy, Tennessee, rSr, 6026, 220, 4.49

9. Ja’Corey Brooks, Alabama, Jr, 6020, 195, 4.46

10. Tory Horton, Colorado State, Sr, 6017, 187, 4.52

11. Mario Williams, USC, Jr, 5090, 180, 4.37

12. Antwane Wells, South Carolina, rSr, 6002, 210, 4.54

13. Troy Franklin, Oregon, Jr, 6015, 178, 4.40

14. Jalen McMillan, Washington, rJr, 6010, 186, 4.30

15. Jacob Cowing, Arizona, rSr, 5095, 175, 4.42

16. Moose Muhammad III, Texas A&M, rJr, 6010, 195, 4.50

17. Zakhari Franklin, Mississippi, Sr, 6006, 189, 4.54

18. Beaux Collins, Clemson, Jr, 6020, 210, 4.53 

19. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse, Jr, 6042, 216, 4.56

20. Dominic Lovett, Georgia, Jr, 5085, 185, 4.46

21. Jermaine Burton, Alabama, Sr, 6002, 194, 4.46

22. Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky, Sr, 5105, 211, 4.54

23. Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee, 6042, 206, 4.52

24. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State, Sr, 6003, 183, 4.47

25. Dorian Singer, USC, Jr, 5116, 180, 4.48

26. Cornelius Johnson, Michigan, rSr, 6021, 208, 4.49

27. Ainias Smith, Texas A&M, rSr, 5100, 200, 4.36

28. Keon Coleman, Florida State, Jr, 6025, 215, 4.50

29. DeCorian Clark, UTSA, rSr, 6016, 210, 4.48

30. Julian Fleming, Ohio State, Sr, 6016, 205, 4.50

31. Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky, rSr, 5102, 187, 4.45 

32. Brian Thomas Jr, LSU, Jr, 6036, 201, 4.48

33. Donavon Greene, Wake Forest, rSr, 6020, 207, 4.48

34. J.Michael Sturdivant, UCLA, 6022, 205, 4.50

35. Ricky Pearsall, Florida, Sr, 6007, 192, 4.47

36. Chris Autman-Bell, Minnesota, rSr, 6000, 206, 4.52

37. Tahj Washington, USC, Jr, 5096, 175, 4.44

38. Joshua Cephus, UTSA, rSr, 6023, 188, 4.56 

39. Roman Wilson, Michigan, Sr, 5116, 185, 4.32

40. Kyren Lacy, LSU, Sr, 6017, 212, 4.50

41. Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri State, rSr, 6006, 197, 4.49

42. Dante Cephas, Penn State, rSr, 6002, 186, 4.50

43. Jordan Whittington, Texas, rJr, 5116, 203, 4.45         

44. Tyler Harrell, Miami, rSr, 6004, 192, 4.32

45. Jaxon Janke, South Dakota State, rSr, 6021, 210, 4.52

46. Naseim Brantley, Rutgers, rSr, 6031, 200, 4.49

47. Jamari Thrash, Louisville, rSr, 5112, 180, 4.49

48. Devontez Walker, North Carolina, rJr, 6021, 192, 4.46

49. Isaiah Williams, Illinois, rSr, 5093, 182, 4.48

50. Savion Williams, TCU, Sr, 6041, 215, 4.54

51. JoJo Earle, TCU, 5096, 170, 4.30

52. Tre Harris, Mississippi, rJr, 6016, 204, 4.50

53. Isaiah Neyor, Texas, rSr, 6021, 213, 4.48

54. Theo Wease, Missouri, rSr, 6022, 205, 4.45

55. Marcus Washington, Nebraska, rSr, 6022, 192, 4.53

56. Chris Hilton Jr., LSU, 5117, 185, 4.44

57. Nate McCollum, North Carolina, Sr, 5084, 188, 4.49

58. Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State, Sr, 5102, 177, 4.44

59. Jalon Calhoun, Duke, rSr, 5096, 189, 4.49 

60. Ali Jennings, Virginia Tech, rSr, 6005, 204, 4.50

61. Rara Thomas, Georgia, Jr, 6010, 200, 4.53

62. Brenden Rice, USC, Sr, 6026, 205, 4.50

63. Malik Benson, Alabama, Jr, 6002, 195, 4.40

64. Lorenzo Styles, Ohio State,  Jr, 6005, 195, 4.40

65. Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt, Sr, 6015, 200, 4.50

66. Tyrese Chambers, Maryland, rSr, 6002, 195, 4.43

67. Kobe Hudson, UCF, 6004, 200, 4.48

68. Javon Baker, UCF, Sr, 6015, 199, 4.50

69. Jack Bech, TCU, Jr, 6015, 215, 4.53 

70. Chimere Dike, Wisconsin, Sr, 5116, 195, 4.52

71. Mycah Pittman, Utah, 5112, 204, 4.42

72. Xavier Guillory, Arizona State, rJr, 6010, 197, 4.50

73. JaQuae Jackson, Rutgers, rSr, 6012, 181, 4.46

74. Hayden Hatten, Idaho, rJr, 6010, 205, 4.50

75. Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane, rSr, 5085, 185, 4.50

76. Jaden Bray, Oklahoma State, Jr, 6021, 200, 4.52

77. Brennan Presley, Oklahoma State, Sr, 5075, 175, 4.50

78. Kaden Prather, Maryland, Jr, 6033, 212, 4.53

79. Sam Pinckney, Coastal Carolina, rSr, 6026, 215, 4.56

80. Darius Cooper, Tarleton, rJr, 5115, 190, 4.52

81. Tyrone Howell, Louisiana-Monroe, rSr, 6016, 202, 4.56

82. Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech, rJr, 5076, 183, 4.47

83. Dee Wiggins, Cincinnai, rSr, 6026, 195, 4.54

84. Xavier Johnson, Ohio State, rSr, 6010, 215, 4.54

85. Anthony Gould, Oregon State, rJr, 5075, 164, 4.33

86. O’Joshua Bunton, Lane, Sr, 6020, 180, 4.48

87. Odieu Hillaire, Bowling Green, rSr, 5106, 180, 4.50

88. Luke McCaffrey, Rice, rSr, 6016, 200, 4.58

89. Xavier Restrepo, Miami, rJr, 5086, 195, 4.52

90. Tyrin Smith, Texas A&M, Jr, 5086, 180, 4.46

91. Dante Wright, Temple, rSr, 5091, 180, 4.48

92. Ty James, Mercer, rJr, 6012, 202, 4.50

93. Kyle Williams, Washington State, Sr, 5116, 185, 4.50

94. Wayne Ruby, Mount Union, rSr, 5112, 177, 4.50

95. Devin Carter, West Virginia, rSr, 6026, 215, 4.54

96. Ohn Humphreys, Stanford, Sr, 6042, 200, 4.54

97. David White, Western Carolina, Sr, 6031, 200, 4.48

98. Da’Quan Felton, Virginia Tech, rSr, 6040, 210, 4.55

99. Jared Bowie, Jacksonville State, Sr, 5090, 160, 4.43

100. Ryann O’Keefe, Boston College, rSr, 5092, 175, 4.42

ARCHIVES

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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