
The Draft Network
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The Draft Network
5h ago
Iowa State wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson is the most decorated pass-catcher in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hutchinson departs the program after accounting for an astounding 254 receptions, 2,929 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. Hutchinson set the program’s single-season record with 107 receptions in 2022.
Hutchinson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his experience as a go-to target, his performance at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, and more. Hutchinson is an easy evaluation as a receiver that will make an immediate contribution.
JM: You were a Biletnikoff finalist in 2022 ..read more
The Draft Network
5h ago
UCLA offensive guard Atonio Mafi took a curious path to the 2023 NFL Draft. Mafi originally joined the Bruins program as a defensive tackle. He even had nine tackles against Cincinnati in 2019. Mafi switched to the offensive side of the ball in 2020 before enjoying a breakout campaign in 2022, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Mafi recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about making the transition from defense to offense, his absence at the NFL Scouting Combine, and more. Mafi is an ascending talent.
JM: You actually arrived at UCLA as a defensive lineman. You didn’t make the p ..read more
The Draft Network
5h ago
With the 2023 NFL Draft about a month away, the Pro Day circuit has seen a long list of athletes raise eyebrows and their draft stock on league-wide boards. While there remains a long list of headlining athletes still to showcase at their individual events, here is a list of rising names to know that have begun to create buzz within NFL circles.
Kaleb Hayes CB, BYU
An extremely twitchy athlete with the ideal athletic profile to compete on the perimeter right away, he ran 4.31 and jumped 40 inches in the vert to cap off what has been a fantastic pre-draft process. A standout at the NFLPA ..read more
The Draft Network
5h ago
In a draft class that doesn’t have many premium offensive tackle prospects, Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is a hot commodity as one of the top three tackles in the class. Given that there are some valid questions and concerns about the other two top tackles in this class—Georgia’s Broderick Jones only started 19 games for the Bulldogs and Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski measured in with 32 ¼-inch arms—there’s a very good case that Johnson is the clear-cut OT1 in the 2023 draft class.
There are plenty of teams looking for a young upgrade at one of the game’s most premium positions, an ..read more
The Draft Network
5h ago
Free agency definitely shook up the draft boards for many teams across the NFL. But with about a month to go, the draft is still a priority for many teams as they look to fill key positional needs. Check out my latest NFL mock draft after the first initial free agency wave and see what playmakers I have your team selecting.
2023 NFL Mock Draft 1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI) C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State
The Panthers’ coaches and front office have attended pro days for both Bryce Young and C.J . Stroud. But from connecting all of the dots, Stroud appears to be their guy. Stroud is the QB with the ..read more
The Draft Network
3d ago
There are 17 rule-change proposals the NFL is considering implementing ahead of the 2023 campaign. All rule proposals will be discussed at the annual NFL owners meeting later this month in Phoenix. Improving the overall quality of the game should always be examined. I’ve identified several proposals that should come to fruition.
Firstly, the Philadelphia Eagles proposed a change to the league’s current onside kick system. As opposed to an onside kick, the scoring team would possess an option to execute a 4th-and-20 from their own 20-yard line with an opportunity to convert and maintain possess ..read more
The Draft Network
3d ago
The Indianapolis Colts are planning to draft their quarterback of the future with the No. 4 overall selection. It’s no secret. One of Will Levis, C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, or Anthony Richardson will be an Indianapolis Colt.
General manager Chris Ballard must address other needs as well. Wide receiver and cornerback particularly stick out. The Colts were left without clear-cut starters at boundary corner when they traded Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys.
With the first wave of free agency delivering some clarity regarding Indianapolis’ remaining needs, here’s what a seven-round draft for t ..read more
The Draft Network
3d ago
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis will perform at his Pro Day on Friday. It’s a big day for Levis, who remains in contention for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis spent Thursday evening having dinner with a large Panthers contingency that included owners David and Nicole Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer, and head coach Frank Reich, according to reports.
The Panthers recently traveled to the Pro Days of fellow quarterback prospects C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. Anthony Richardson will have his Pro Day next week. Levis can’t afford to lose momentum. Levis threw the foot ..read more
The Draft Network
3d ago
Free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott has narrowed down his preferred choices for his next team to the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals, according to a report. Elliott has identified three perceived contenders. Of the apparent options, the Eagles represent the best fit.
The Eagles recently lost starting running back Miles Sanders in free agency to the Carolina Panthers. Sanders rushed for a team-high 1,269 yards in 2022. That production needs replacing, and although dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts helps, that’s more than 1,200 rushing yards that are currently un ..read more
The Draft Network
3d ago
Utah offensive lineman Braeden Daniels is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft. Daniels has starting experience at left guard, right tackle, and left tackle. Daniels’ inside-outside abilities will get him drafted rather early in April.
Daniels was outstanding at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Carrollton, Texas native ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.99 seconds with a 1.71 10-yard split at 294 pounds. Daniels’ explosion was also on display via a 30.5-inch vertical and 9-foot-1 broad jump.
Daniels recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his excellen ..read more