The Duke Blue Devils don’t have many prospects of note in the 2023 NFL Draft, but there are two reports for players who could be selected come the end of April. Will either Chance Lytle or Shaka Heyward hear their names called in the later rounds of the Draft?
Duke 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Chance Lytle, G
Strengths: Massive guard who began his college career at Colorado. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and blocks with leverage. Flashes power as a run blocker and drives defenders off the line. Keeps his feet moving, gets his hands into opponents, and rides them from their angles of attack.
Weaknesses: Not agile and struggles to adjust. Lumbers around the field and plays like a marginal athlete.
Overall: Lytle is a big, strong power-gap lineman with limited upside.
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Shaka Heyward, LB
Strengths: Instinctive defender who has been a top linebacker at Duke the past four years. Smooth and fluid, flows laterally to the action, and keeps plays in front of him. Remains disciplined with assignments, doesn’t bite on ball fakes, and quickly locates the ball handler. Breaks down well and uses his hands to protect himself. Gets depth on pass drops, immediately diagnoses plays, and takes proper angles to the action. Wraps up tackling.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t play to his 40 time, nor does he seem very fast on the field. Struggles getting off blocks. Shows stiffness.
Overall: Heyward was a tough run-defending LB with a terrific head for the ball. He was also effective in zone coverage and offers possibilities as a middle or perhaps strongside linebacker in a 4-3.