Here are 10 players who possess NFL ‘make-it’ traits
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Here are 10 players who possess NFL ‘make-it’ traits
2023 NFL Draft: 10 pro day risers that will be hard to cut once inside the building, remember these names!
GM!
Since 2002, NFLDB has been bringing you the names you need to know first! Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NFLDraftBible for year-round coverage of the NFL Draft. Here are 10 players who possess ‘make-it’ traits and will be hard to cut once inside the building, remember these names!
The NFL pro day circuit is winding down but there are still some players who are moving up draft boards. While there were numerous standout performers along the scouting trails, the following offensive prospects turned in stellar workouts and now have NFL decision-makers pondering how they fit at the next level.
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Big Board | QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | OC | DT | EDGE | LB | CB | S
2023 NFL Draft: 10 Pro Day Risers (Offense)
QB Jaren Hall, BYU [6001/211/0948/2978/7168] – While Hall didn’t quite fulfill the lofty expectations placed on him in 2002, he flashed great arm talent and athleticism. It showed up at BYU pro day, as the mobile signal-caller timed 4.62 in the forty-yard dash, with impressive times of 4.19 in the short shuttle and 6.97 in the three-cone. There was a reason why Hall was rated very high by NFL preseason scouting services and he is one quarterback that might hear his name called a bit earlier than the general public anticipates.
RB Evan Hull, Northwestern [5101/209/0928/3058/7438] – The ‘Hullkster’ continues to win scouts over, whether it was taking every practice rep handoff during Senior Bowl week to the end zone, or burning up the carpet at Lucas Oil Stadium (4.47 official forty-yard dash). The Minnesota native waited for his pro day to run his short shuttle (4.22) and three-cone (6.94), which are excellent marks. When you combine the skill-set, production, testing and work ethic, Hull has solidified himself as a credible mid-to-late round selection.
Ric’s One-Liner on Evan Hull:
A twitchy back with true utility as a pass catcher and zone runner.
Ric’s Evaluation of Evan Hull:
Compact runner. Dense ball of muscle with lower body thickness. Jitterbug feet with crisp cuts in the backfield. Fluid in tight spaces, making the initial tackler miss, often behind the line of scrimmage. Scheme versatility with the ability to cut back on zone schemes and follow his blockers on gap or power runs. Vision to find the crease or bubble and acceleration to burst through for big gains. Smooth in the open field with the ability to cut across the grain. He runs with power, dropping his pads and falling forward. Soft hands that catch the front of the ball as a receiver. Used in smoke, now, and slip screens with the intent of getting him the ball in space and letting him work. He also aligns in the slot or even out wide and runs true routes where he’s targeted on in breakers and seams. Textbook fundamentals in short yardage or goal line carries. He runs with perfect leverage, arm over arm, and feet like he’s doing a ladder drill. Instincts and peripheral vision to avoid the nearest defender. Benefits from a run-heavy scheme with dominant offensive linemen. May not need a runway to get going but often has gaps that buses could fit through. Shorter stature that isn’t reminiscent of NFL lead-backs. Hull is a well-rounded back whose skill set is worthy of a selection in the NFL draft. His utilization as a pass catcher and twitchy runner in multiple schemes is notable and could lend him a fruitful career as a change of pace or fill-in starter at running back in the NFL.
FB Jack Colletto, Oregon State [6025/237/0978/3128/7600] – Who said ‘Iron Man Football’ is dead? The multi-faceted Colletto who starred in the fullback/linebacker role for the Beavers, projects best as a lead blocker in the pros. At nearly 240 pounds, the bulldozer had a 36.5” vertical jump and 9-foot-10 broad jump. He added a 4.85 forty-yard dash and 17 bench press reps for good measure. Teams seeking a bottom-of-roster type who can play offense, defense and special teams, may want to give Colletto a look-see.
WR Sy Barnett, Davenport [6000/190/0918/3018/7338] – An All-World extraordinaire, Barnett is a rare specimen. Not only did he lead Davenport in receiving (798 yards) but he also served as the Panthers punter, averaging 42 yards on 19 attempts, handled kickoff duties, while also returning kicks and punts. The DII do-it-all continued to turn heads at his pro day workout. He clocked in with a 4.39 forty-yard dash at his pro day, with a 40” vertical jump, 10-foot-11 broad jump, 4.13 short shuttle, 6.68 three-cone and 12 bench press reps of 225 pounds. Barnett has done his best to put Davenport on the NFL map
TE Jahleel Billingsley, Texas [6040/223/0938/3248/7878] – There was skepticism surrounding Billingsley entering the draft process. After transferring from Alabama, to Texas, he then left the Longhorns team at one point last season. However, according to scouts that we have spoken with, Billingsley really impressed with his maturity during interviews. Considered to be a potential top 100 overall prospect early on in his career, he is now viewed as a late round, or undrafted free agent bargain. A slot weapon who can make big plays in the pass game, Billingsley timed 4.60 in the forty, along with a 36”verticall jump at his pro day.
TE EJ Jenkins, Georgia Tech [6060/245/0958/3418/8178] – The well-traveled Jenkins never truly had the luxury of settling into one scheme for an extended period of time, so he has sort of become lost in the sauce during the evaluation process. However, any scout who has seen Jenkins live has made the mental note of what an incredible mismatch he presents due to his combination of size and athleticism. After transferring from Saint Francis during the COVID-19 pandemic season, Jenkins spent one year at South Carolina before finishing with the Yellow Jackets. At 6-foot-6, with a 32” vertical jump, few players have a larger catch radius—he also timed 4.62 in the forty-yard dash. Jenkins has an above the rim element to his game much like Donald Parham (Chargers).
OT Jake Witt, Northern Michigan [6071/302/1018/3348/8058] – An invitation to Central Michigan pro day for the 300-pound Witt has led to one of the best stories along the pro day trails. The former Michigan Tech basketball transfer put on a show, running a 4.89 forty-yard dash, with a 37-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-7; he also added 22 bench press reps of 225 pounds. These numbers are hard to ignore for an offensive tackle and NFL teams may be intrigued enough to use a late-round flier on the legend of Witt.
OG JD DiRenzo, Rutgers [6045/306/1018/3258/7928] – Simply known as ‘The Junkyard Dog,’ DiRenzo is a highway paver opening up lanes so wide that 18-wheelers can drive through them. A graduate transfer from Sacred Heart, where he was a multiple All-NEC honoree, DiRenzo proved to handle his business against the Big Ten. Some of his explosiveness showed up at Rutgers pro day (33.5” vertical jump, 9-foot-2 broad jump, 4.69 short shuttle) and scouts know that Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano holds a strong track record of coaching up his offensive linemen. While DiRenzo isn’t exactly ‘body-beautiful,’ all he does is get the job done.
OG Vince Picozzi, Northwestern [6033/312/0938/3278/7958] – A seven-year senior, Picozzi has persevered through a pair of season-ending injuries. An All-AAC standout at Temple, he started four seasons at left tackle, left guard and right guard. He appeared in just four games during his lone year at Colorado State but was a key cog for the Wildcats this past season, appearing in 10 games. His 30 bench press reps of 225 pounds and 33.5” vertical jump demonstrates the type of strength/explosion he possesses. Picozzi is worth stashing on an NFL practice squad, as he could develop into a valuable swingman backup, capable of filling in at tackle or guard.
C Erik Sorensen, Northern Iowa [6060/317/8300] – Capable of playing all five offensive line positions, the lengthy Sorensen offers great value due to his versatility. A team captain and NIU legacy player (his father played at NIU 1987-88), Sorenson possesses an elite level of football comprehension and intelligence, according to his coaches. His 35” vertical jump would have ranked second amongst offensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine. The big man also added 24 bench press reps of 225 pounds and owns some serious bend—Sorensen can do a full split! Now that's bananas.
Have a great day!
Ric
*Since 2002, NFL Draft Bible has been bringing you the names you need to know first! Be sure to follow us @NFLDraftBible for year-round coverage of the NFL Draft.
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