2023 NFL Draft Preview – DraftID Podcast
5. Braelon Allen | Wisconsin, RB
Wisconsin @ #3 Ohio State | ABC 7:30pm EST
Big Board: NR 2024
It’s not often that I mention guys that aren’t draft eligible, but Braelon Allen is my favorite RB prospect in the entire country, despite being just an 18 year old sophomore. The 6’2″ 235 lbs prospect is a powerful downhill runner with breakaway speed, which makes him into a unicorn. He is off to a hot start this season with 332 yards and 5 TDs on just 50 carries, but Wisconsin’s Big 10 opener will be no easy task as the Badgers will face #3 in the country, Ohio State. Allen has already broken out as a college football star, but a big game this weekend and continued success would legitimize his draft stock into potentially being graded as an early 1st round RB prospect for the 2024 class.
4. Antonio Johnson | Texas A&M, DB
#10 Arkansas @ #23 Texas A&M | ESPN 7:00pm EST
Big Board: 22
Antonio Johnson entered the season as one of the top defensive back prospects in the country due to his rangey abilities and sustained success as both a run defender and in coverage. 2022 is off to a rocky start for the Aggies, but Johnson has allowed just 58 yards in the air despite being targeted 13 times already. Johnson has gotten better each week and played a pivotal role in their victory over Miami, where he added 8 tackles in addition to a great game covering the slot. Johnson is a versatile defensive playmaker that will be lining up all over the field and will play a massive role in the Aggies attempt to beat the piping hot Arkansas Razorbacks.
3. Myles Murphy & Bryan Bresee | Clemson, DL
#21 Clemson @ #5 Wake Forest | ABC Noon EST
Big Board: 3 & 4
Once again, Clemson has the best defensive line in the country that is headlined by two prospects in my Top 5. Bryan Bresee fortifies the inside of the line and adds an elite blend of run stuffing ability and a diverse interior pass-rushing toolkit. Myles Murphy is a powerful edge rusher that is looking to get something going this season. Clemson has blown out every opponent this year, so the starters have seen limited action, but this weekend should be a solid ACC matchup with two Top 25 teams. On the other side of the ball, keep your eyes on Wake Forest C Michael Jurgens (#79 on BB), who will attempt to slow down the talented Tigers front 7.
2. KJ Jefferson | Arkansas, QB
#10 Arkansas @ #23 Texas A&M | ESPN 7:00pm EST
Big Board: 74
KJ Jefferson is a tough prospect to evaluate, but he is an extremely athletic QB that seems to have the tools and arm strength to make a roster at the next level. Since taking over as the Arkansas QB, Jefferson boasts a 12-4 record with 27 TDs and just 5 interceptions. Arkansas’s offensive scheme is heavy on the zone run and RPO, but Jefferson has been moving the ball all over the field and making the throws. You would love to see more complexity in the reads and route concepts, but its hard to argue with it when its working so well for the team. Jefferson should feel embarrassed and disrespected to be underdogs against the Texas A&M Aggies…this is a game that every NFL scout will be tuned in for.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Ohio State, WR
Wisconsin @ #3 Ohio State | ABC 7:30pm EST
Big Board: 10
To say Smith-Njigba’s season is off to a rough start is an understatement. The junior WR sustained a hamstring injury in their week 1 matchup against Notre Dame and has been easing back into action ever since. This weekend could be Smith-Njigba’s 2022 breakout, as he faces a tough Big 10 test against the Wisconsin Badgers. CJ Stroud has been on fire to start the season and has turned Marvin Harrison Jr into a 2024 favorite, but it’s time for Smith-Njigba to jump back into the action and will likely draw matchups against Cedrick Dort Jr and Justin Clark.
Game of the Week
#20 Florida Gators @ #11 Tennessee Vols | CBS 3:30 EST
Outside of our top prospects to watch, the SEC opens up their CBS Games of the Week with an absolute gift of a game. The flaming hot Tennessee Vols will host the Florida Gators in a SEC East rivalry match filled with potential NFL prospects. Tennessee’s QB Hendon Hooker has always been a name on the radar, but WR Cedric Tillman has broken into 1st Round contention with another strong season. CB Kamal Hadden is another name that I have circled on the Vols that has seen a spike in his stock this season.
Florida’s biggest name heading into the season was obviously QB Anthony Richardson, who has had a turbulent season since taking over. Offensive Guard O’Cyrus Torrence ranks as a top IOL in the class and has looked phenomenal this season. On the defensive side of the ball, Ventrell Miller, Gervon Dexter and Brenton Cox all have draftable grades.
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