With the college football and NFL seasons moving right along, on-field performances take center stage. As such, preseason perceptions are confirmed to be accurate or proven to be incorrect. With that comes plenty of NFL draft news and rumors, including NFL team needs coming into focus and prospects moving up and down draft boards.
In this mailbag, we take a look at what the Houston Texans could do at the top of the draft, the status of the top cornerbacks, and whether or not TCU QB Max Duggan is a potential next-level quarterback.
If you have a question that you want to be answered in next week’s NFL Draft News and Rumors Mailbag, be sure to email me here.
Prospect Watch: 2023 NFL Draft Class
Q: Max Duggan — a pro prospect or just a good college QB?
Both. He’s a terrific college quarterback with NFL-type physical skills who needs proper coaching to help polish his game. His mind and resiliency are great assets for the next level.
Q: How high can Jalen Carter be drafted?
I need to watch more of Carter to give a truly educated opinion. I had him graded coming into the 2021 season and while I like him, I don’t see the potential top-five player some are touting. That could change after I really delve into the UGA film.
MORE: 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Q: I don’t see it, why would Bijan Robinson be worth a first-round pick, given the recent lack of longevity of first-round RBs?
I disagree. For a team selecting in the bottom half of Round 1 that believes a running back is the final piece to put them over the top, Robinson would be perfect. I would say the same thing about Breece Hall of the Jets, who was nothing less than phenomenal prior to his injury.
2023 NFL Draft Cornerback Class
Q: The top of the cornerback class is a unique bunch. Which CB can make the earliest impact of this group?
None of them blow me away. I see no Ahmad Gardners in this year’s crop. Several weeks ago, I reported on scouts liking Cam Smith of South Carolina, and he’s caught fire since. This weekend will be a major opportunity and challenge for Georgia CB Kelee Ringo against Tennessee.
Q: Ohio State OT Dawand Jones has looked a lot better this year for Ohio State, what’s his draft ceiling?
He’s been solid but may be a little too large for the next level. I see him in the same range as Daniel Faalele, though Jones is not as athletic as the Ravens’ fourth-round choice.
2023 NFL Draft Storylines To Follow
Q: Currently, the Texans have two top-10 picks. What/who would be their best course of action to draft with this current crop of prospects?
While I am a big Davis Mills guy, I believe they have to look hard at any quarterback that may fall in their lap. I also believe a defensive lineman is necessary – preferably a pass rusher – but a defensive tackle such as Bryan Bresee would also have to be in the mix.
Q: Over the summer, you graded OSU linebacker Steele Chambers as a second-round pick. Do you still think he’s a second-rounder, and will he enter the draft?
I do believe he’s a second-round prospect, even though he hasn’t jumped off the screen at me this season. A lot of that has to do with the scheme. He’s more athletic than former Buckeye linebacker Pete Werner, the 60th pick of the 2021 draft.
MORE: NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Will he enter the 2023 NFL Draft? I know that people close to him are speaking with agents and getting their ducks in order. While it’s definitely not 100%, I think it’s a distinct possibility.