After linebacker Diego Fagot went undrafted in the last cycle, Navy has gone two consecutive seasons without having a player picked in the NFL’s annual selection event. Can the 2023 NFL Draft prove more fruitful? Who are some of the Midshipmen that you should be watching out for this fall with an eye on joining a select band of Navy draftees?
Navy prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
If the Midshipmen break their two-year drought in the 2023 NFL Draft, they’ll need to see substantial improvement during the college football season. The last two seasons haven’t been kind to Navy. Ken Niumatalolo’s team won just seven games between 2020 and 2021, less than they tallied in the 2019 season alone. The defense struggled, ranking 83rd in the FBS. The offense struggled more so, averaging only 20.1 points per game.
Historically, producing NFL talent has been a challenge for Navy. They’ve had just 19 players selected since 1947, and just three Midshipmen have set sail for the NFL since the turn of the millennium. All three of those were offensive players, with QBs Malcolm Perry and Keenan Reynolds joining center Joe Cardona in hearing their names called.
Obviously, there are substantial obstacles to overcome for the Navy 2023 NFL Draft prospects. Firstly, the triple-option offense that they run isn’t conducive to transitioning to the NFL. Secondly, the rigors of being a Navy student aren’t for everyone. Finally, even if you’re selected in the NFL draft, there is no guarantee you’ll be granted a waiver from your service responsibility to pursue a career in the NFL.
Most recently, Navy cornerback Cameron Kinley was initially denied a delay of the mandatory service commitment after signing as a UDFA with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, on signing with the Baltimore Ravens, linebacker Fagot was granted a waiver. Fagot represented the best chance of a Navy defensive draftee since 1993. Is there a 2023 NFL Draft prospect that could end that drought?
John Marshall, LB
Starting “STRIKER” John Marshall is the top returning defensive player for Navy this season. He finished second behind Fagot with 54 tackles, three and a half of which were for loss. While he didn’t see the field in 2019, Marshall has started 20 games for the Midshipmen. Experienced and highly regarded within the program, he was voted tri-captain for this coming season.
The 6’2″, 204-pound prospect is a former high school wide receiver. Marshall transitioned to safety early in his Navy career, and you can see the WR experience in his game. He has a good understanding of route concepts and reads the game at a high level. He has the speed and ball skills to be a threat in coverage. Meanwhile, moving to STRIKER has allowed Marshal to showcase his tenacity and technical ability as a tackler.
Bijan Nichols, K
There’s never been a kicker selected out of Navy, but Bijan Nichols could change that in the 2023 NFL Draft. The senior kicker has set the standard for the program over the last three seasons, with several records within his reach. Nichols had the best season of his career last year, hitting every extra point and converting a career-high 78.9% of his field goals. The Navy kicker has proven himself to be clutch, with three game-winning field goals in his career. Additionally, a 50-yard career-long kick speaks to his leg strength.
Other 2023 NFL Draft eligible Navy prospects
- Kip Frankland, OT
- Lirion Murtezi, G
- Joshua Pena, G
- Jamie Romo, OT
- Vincent Terrell II, RB
- Tai Lavatai, QB
- Jacob Busic, DE
- Donald Berniard Jr., DT
- Clay Cromwell, DT
- Nicholas Straw, EDGE
- Will Harbour, LB
- Matthew Peters, CB
- Eavan Gibbons, BANDIT