Recent times have been tough for the Temple Owls, and we don’t mean “Temple Tuff,” either. Following two barren draft classes, can a change of head coach bring any success in the 2023 NFL Draft? Who should you be watching out for when the Owls take to the field this fall?
Temple prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
We’re not too many years removed from the likes of Haason Reddick and Rock Ya-Sin being early-round picks from the Philadelphia-based university. Yet, rather than being a producer of talent for the draft in recent years, players have transferred away from Temple to elevate their chances of making it to the NFL. While scraping together more than three wins will be coach Stan Drayton’s first order of business, can the Owls produce any 2023 NFL Draft picks?
Jordan Magee, LB
Potential Temple prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft are led by linebacker Jordan Magee. A high school safety and quarterback, Magee has worked his way from a special-teams contributor to manning the team’s BUBO position and earning the starting WILL linebacker spot last fall. The 6’3″, 225-pound linebacker prospect showcases his quarterback experience in his ability to read the game in coverage. Meanwhile, he demonstrates good diagnosis against the run, with the athletic ability and motor to act upon those instincts.
Isaac Moore, OT
Although he attracted some attention in last year’s cycle, Isaac Moore returned to Temple for his fifth year. In doing so, he projects to be one of the best 2023 NFL Draft prospects the Owls possess this fall. At 6’7″ and 305 pounds, Moore boasts NFL size. Additionally, he exhibits good athletic ability at the position, moving well out to the second level to extend rushing lanes. Teams looking for experience at the OT position will find Moore alluring, with four years worth of starts that include two as a true freshman.
Cameron Ruiz, CB
Following his transfer from Northwestern last season, cornerback Cameron Ruiz was the most productive player in the secondary for Temple in 2021. The 5’11”, 180-pound CB tallied five pass breakups. A former triple and long jump champion at the Illinois state high school level, as well as 400m medalist, Ruiz’s athletic ability is clearly apparent on tape. Even though he’s a smaller cornerback, his physicality and talking ability are impressive. Furthermore, he has special-teams experience that includes a punt block.
Yvandy Rigby, LB
Another safety-turned-linebacker who will look to assert themselves as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect for Temple this fall is Yvandy Rigby. Despite battling injuries during his Owls career, Rigby has been productive when he’s been on the field. The 6’2″, 230-pound linebacker tallied 4 1/2 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2021. A former track star, Rigby showcases excellent play speed with enough fluidity to be impactful in coverage. Moreover, he’s a strong and physical prospect who isn’t afraid to initiate contact.
Keyshawn Paul, CB
Alongside Ruiz in the Temple cornerback room, Keyshawn Paul will look to elevate his 2023 NFL Draft stock this year. Paul is another physical defensive back who has a more filled-out frame than his teammate at 5’11” and 195 pounds. That physicality resulted in a forced fumble last year. Meanwhile, his speed and ball skills in coverage have seen Paul register an interception for both UConn and Temple across three seasons.
Other 2023 NFL Draft eligible prospects for Temple
- Amad Anderson Jr., WR
- Jose Barbon, WR
- Wisdom Quarshie, G
- Adam Klein, G
- Victor Stoffel, OT
- D’Wan Mathis, QB
- Xach Gill, DT
- Jerquavion Mahone, DT
- Layton Jordan, LB
- DaeSean Winston, S
- Jalen Ware, S