Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) gestures to the crowd against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports.
NOTE: This article originally appeared on our sister-site, PurplePTSD.com.
With Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, you may be wondering who exactly the big names are heading into the second and third rounds of the draft on Day 2.
Well, a few weeks back, we put out a big board featuring a list of top-50 draft prospects in this year’s class, so today, here is an updated look at that list with the best players available and where they originally landed on that big board.
The length of Joey Porter Jr. along with some extreme physicality make the Penn State product one of the more intriguing cornerback prospects in this class. He may need to tone it down at times and become more disciplined, but Porter can be a lockdown defender in the NFL.
Joey Porter Jr. scouting report
Similar to Richardson, Will Levis has shown some big flashes as a quarterback, but he still has a lot of developing to do before he can be trusted as a starter. Regardless, he is probably worth an early first-round pick for the upside.
Brian Branch is a very versatile defender, and while he may be listed as a safety, it may be more apt to describe him as a slot cornerback, especially as he begins his NFL career. Branch can also help against the run, stepping into the box as a de facto linebacker.
Michael Mayer is the most complete tight end at this point, but there are some doubts as to whether or not his receiving production can translate to the NFL. Regardless, his blocking prowess will be valuable at the next level.
You won’t find a more NFL-ready off-ball linebacker than Trenton Simpson in this draft class. He is spectacular in pass coverage, and the ability to blitz and stop the run should not be overlooked, either.
Trenton Simpson scouting report
At 6’2 and over 200 pounds, Ringo is a dominant force with his physical prowess. The redshirt sophomore is at his best when he can play press man coverage, and he uses elite speed to keep himself draped all over any receiver.
Prior to Jalin Hyatt’s breakout in 2022, Cedric Tillman was considered the true WR1 of the Tennessee Volunteers offense. Had he not suffered an ankle injury that limited him to just six games this past season, I suspect he’d be getting much of the hype that has gone to Hyatt in recent weeks.
Cedric Tillman scouting report
There are a few physical freaks in this draft class, but Darnell Washington may be the freakiest of them all. He looks like a sixth offensive lineman on the field, and his blocking ability backs that up. He also has upside as a pass-catcher, and it doesn’t hurt that he loves hurdling over people.
Jalin Hyatt is a burner and can be an excellent deep threat for an NFL offense. On top of that, he has consistent hands, and he is an ideal receiver size for the NFL game.
After spending most of his early collegiate career as an EDGE with Alabama, Drew Sanders transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 season and thrived as an off-ball linebacker. He is a terrific blitzer and is quickly growing in pass coverage.
Keion White is a very versatile defender as a pass-rusher. He can attack offenses as more of an interior rusher in a 3-4 defense or he can be on the edge in a 4-3. His blend of power and athleticism keeps blockers guessing at all times.
Cam Smith is one of the bigger wild cards in this draft. He needs to get better technically as a corner, but his athletic ability and size allow for some leeway with a few mistakes here and there.
O’Cyrus Torrence is the top guard prospect in this draft class, pushing defensive fronts backwards with his nearly 350-pound frame.
Adetomiwa Adebawore broke records at the NFL combine this spring, recording the fastest 40-yard dash by a player of 280+ pounds, running a blazing 4.49 with a 1.61 10-yard split. This explosive athleticism will cause headaches for offensive tackles in the NFL.
Tank Dell punches well above his weight class as a receiver. He likely translates best to a slot role due to his smaller size as well as breakaway speed, but don’t be surprised if we see him line up on the boundary every now and again as well.
John Michael Schmitz has become the consensus top center prospect in this draft, and he even has a chance of being selected in the first round. This is due to some ridiculous strength which allows him to wreak havoc on opposing defensive linemen.
Isaiah Foskey has not gotten the same first-round hype that he had earlier in the offseason, but he remains a very talented edge rusher due to some elite explosiveness off the snap. If he is available on Day 2, he could be a steal for for any team that selects him.
The younger brother of current New York Giant, Azeez, BJ Ojulari has been a consistent player for the LSU defense since his freshman season. He has been productive throughout his career, but he is a bit undersized at the position.
Like Branch, Antonio Johnson should be able to step in and play some slot corner for an NFL defense in addition to his capabilities as a safety. He is a bit less athletic than Branch due to his massive size, but he should be an early Day 2 pick.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.