Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

The Most Underrated 2023 Draft Prospect at Every Defensive Position

A closer look at the defensive prospects who need more love leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft

Staff
Pin

While the NFL is approaching the Conference Championship Weekend, the NFL Draft season is already in full effect. As we now have a full picture of the players who declared, as the deadline was last Monday, it’s time to take a look at some of the defensive prospects who don’t get the attention they deserve.

Derick Hall II

Edge Rusher, Auburn

The 2023 class at edge rusher is stacked and there will be valuable prospects at the position all throughout the draft. Auburn product Derick Hall II, despite needing some improved with the use of his hands in pass rush situations, is a very exciting prospect who possesses considerable potential. He’s incredibly powerful, he’s a refined and strong presence in the trenches against the run, and can count on solid athleticism and explosiveness. Although he’ll not be a plug-and-play prospect, Hall has the potential to turn into a solid starter.

Zacch Pickens

Defensive Tackle, South Carolina

A former 5-star recruit, Zach Pickens hasn’t been particularly productive throughout his career with the Gamecocks. But at the same time, he possesses big-time physical traits that, if correctly developed, could allow him to take a significant leap. Pickens is a 3-technique who’s solid against the run, thanks to impressive power and above-average athleticism. He also has clear potential in terms of pass rush, but he would need coaching to maximize those skills. Pickens still brings to the table a solid skillset that would make him a role player, but in the correct environment, he could turn out to be a massive steal.

More Sports News

DeMarvion Overshown

Linebacker, Texas

DeMarvion Overshown is another player who possesses significant upside, mainly related to his physical and athletic traits, but needs to end up in the correct environment in order to allow him to reach his potential. Overshown covers up for most of his mistakes with above-average speed and agility for his size and position, which also allows him to play an important part in coverage. He’s also a useful chess piece as a blitzer. At the same time, he has questionable eyes and instincts against the run and this is something he’ll need to work on in order to become a well-rounded player.

Mekhi Garner

Cornerback, LSU

Much like the aforementioned edge rushers, the cornerback is an incredibly loaded position for the 2023 draft, and will see valuable players selected well into the deep rounds. And because of this immense amount of talent, Garner often gets overlooked, but really should not be. He’s got solid size (6’2”, 212 pounds), great eyes, and excellent instincts, especially in zone coverage. Despite that, he needs some work technique-wise if he’s going to be left on an island against an opposing top receiver. That being said, he’s a corner who athletically can go toe-to-toe with a large range of receivers, while also displaying great ball skills, as he’s disruptive at the catch point.

DeMarcco Hellams

Safety, Alabama

Hellams enters the draft alongside two of his teammates at the position, Brian Branch and Jordan Battle, who both are more highly rated than him. Hellams, however, is a solid contributor against the run and at covering short and intermediate routes. His lack of explosiveness and long speed are a liability on deep routes, but overall he’s a well-refined, physical, and versatile strong safety who can contribute in a significant way at the next level.

Category: Tag: , , , , ,
Pin

You’ll Also Like