• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Mike Farrell Sports

Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

  • Player Promotion
  • Recruiting
  • Portal
  • Fact or Fiction
  • Mind of Mike
  • Draft
  • Sponsors
  • About

The Biggest Defensive Reaches in the Draft

Mike Farrell breaks down why Tyree Wilson, Lukas Van Ness, and other defenders were overdrafted

May 4, 2023
FacebookTweetPin

Sometimes we see some reaches in the NFL Draft. Here are some picks made way too high in my book on defense.


Defensive Tackle

Mazi Smith, Dallas Cowboys

— Not a big fan of this pick as Smith has talent but can be lazy. Didn’t they learn about underachieving Michigan DL from Taco Charlton?

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mazi Smith (58) celebrates a play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.

Gervon Dexter Sr., Chicago Bears

— I always loved him out of high school, and his potential is great, but like Smith, he’s a risk because of work ethic.

Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter (DL07) participates in the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

EDGE

Tyree Wilson, Las Vegas Raiders

— He’s a monster for sure, but I am also wary that he can deliver like a top-10 pick. I know many liked him in this range, but I didn’t.

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson reacts after being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders seventh overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.

More Sports News

Farmageddon Heads to Ireland for 2025 Season Opener

Sep 6

TRENDING: Interesting New Job for Former ACC Head Coach

2026 QB Liam Nelson

Spotlight on Maryland Prep QBs: 2026 QB Liam Nelson

LaNorris Sellers

Face of the SEC: LaNorris Sellers

Nov 16

Sumrall, Candle, and More: Top 10 G5 Head Coach Rankings

Vols Are Cooking on the Recruiting Trail

2026 QB Gavin Beard

Talented Texas Prep QBs: 2026 QB Gavin Beard

Football and culture: How sport has shaped American society

Jan 9

Bigger Playoff, Smaller Stakes: The Decline of College Football’s Regular Season

New Era, Same Grit: Inside the 2025 Big 12 Football Race

SEC

TRENDING: SEC Head Coach Proposes 30-Team College Playoff Field

The Best Way to End the Scheduling Debate

Lukas Van Ness, Green Bay Packers

— He’s a physical freak for sure, but this was a bit high for me, and Green Bay had better options, including a WR or TE to help Jordan Love.

Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (DL47) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Cornerback

Emmanuel Forbes, Washington Commanders

— He’s a risk taker, and I think this is a bit of a reach, especially with Christian Gonzalez available.

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State defensive back Emmanuel Forbes (DB12) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Category: DraftTag: Deontay Wilder, Eli Gillman, Emmanuel Forbes, Gervon Dexter, Lukas Van Ness, Mazi Smith, Mike Farrell, NFL Draft, Tyree Wilson
FacebookTweetPin

You’ll Also Like


Ryan Silverfield

Exploring Conference Realignment: Potential Hits and Misses

Most Dangerous Players in CFB the Last 20 Years

B1G Media Days

9-Game Conference Schedules: It Just Means More

2026 Quinn Purnell

A Legacy of Football Talent: 2026 OL Quinn Purnell

Biggest Surprise and Biggest Disappointment in the Big Ten Will Be…..

Three players, who were recently arrested, have been indefinitely suspended

TRENDING: Three Players Suspended Indefinitely After Arrest


  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

© 2025 · All Rights Reserved

Powered by the BizBudding Publisher Network

Privacy Manager