Arizona State is swimming in rough waters right now. The NCAA opened an investigation into alleged recruiting violations by head coach Herm Edwards’ staff. Since then, the Sun Devils have lost five assistant coaches, including both coordinators. Nevertheless, their players are still expected to perform. Who are Arizona State’s top 2023 NFL Draft prospects, and can they succeed despite the program’s turmoil?
Arizona State prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
Arizona State finished 8-5 with a Las Vegas Bowl birth last year. And yet, the season was largely viewed as a disappointment. Now, the cloud of controversy hangs over the school’s stadium. With nine players on the Shrine Bowl 1000, there is certainly talent in the locker room, even after several high-profile players transferred out.
Emory Jones, QB
After three years of part-time action at Florida, it was Emory Jones’ time to shine in 2021. Only, he didn’t exactly shine, leading to Anthony Richardson stealing the starting role. Now at Arizona State, Jones hopes to translate his immense physical ability into on-field production.
His legs are currently his greatest trait, as he is still developing as a passer and processor. Yet, teams covet his tools, and showing improvement in his throwing mechanics and progressions could solidify his stock as a developmental late-round QB.
Xazavian Valladay, RB
After 3,000+ career rushing yards, Xazavian Valladay left chilly Wyoming for the Arizona desert. His slender 6’0″ and 200-pound frame won’t break many head-on tackles, but Valladay can make defenders miss in the open field. His long speed and acceleration make him a big-play threat on any given carry. NFL decision-makers will take notice if he continues his dominance on the ground at the Power Five level.
Cam Johnson, WR
The transfers keep rolling in as Cam Johnson left Vanderbilt to become a top-three receiving option at Arizona State. The former four-star high school recruit has produced over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs in the last three years. His best season came in 2020 — his first as a primary slot weapon. If Johnson can return to that form and showcase his ability after the catch, a team may be willing to pull the trigger later in the draft.
Bryan Thompson and Andre Johnson, WR
A pair of 6’3″ receivers, Bryan Thompson and Andre Johnson return for another season in Tempe. Thompson transferred from Utah a year ago but only mustered 13 receptions for 129 yards and zero scores. Even with a vastly superior campaign in 2022, his best path to the NFL is as a UDFA.
Meanwhile, Johnson is slated to start after flashing body control and strong hands in limited snaps. By midseason, Johnson could become Jones’ No. 1 target and raise his stock.
LaDarius Henderson, G
It will largely be a new-look offensive line for the Sun Devils, with LaDarius Henderson and Ben Scott the only returning starters. Henderson owns excellent size at 6’5″ and 310 pounds. He took strides as both a pass and run blocker last year, especially when comparing his tape to his previous campaigns. Henderson is a seasoned veteran and could entrench himself in the draft conversation with another stellar outing.
Ben Scott, C
Scott played out of position at right tackle last season, and it showed. He struggled immensely in pass protection and committed the most penalties along the offensive line (nine). However, Scott mauled defenders in the ground game, and kicking inside to center in 2022 should only increase his draft standing.
Chris Martinez, G
Starting on one of the Group of Five’s best offensive lines (San Diego State) last season, Chris Martinez looks to reinforce ASU’s front five. He has experience at both guard positions but isn’t overly imposing, exceptionally athletic, or technically refined. Thus, he must take his game to new heights to hear his name called next April.
Des Holmes, OT
Following four seasons at Penn State, Des Holmes aims to land a starting role with the Sun Devils in 2022. He played the most snaps of his career in 2019 at left tackle. With snaps at every OL position outside of center, he could fill in wherever ASU needs him.
Still, the former Nittany Lion hasn’t shown enough to earn a selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. There is a non-zero chance Holmes bursts on the scene as a late-bloomer, but only time will tell.
Travez Moore, EDGE
Stuck behind a loaded EDGE depth chart at LSU for three seasons, Travez Moore sought playing time at Arizona State in 2021. And he rewarded them for the opportunity — until he couldn’t.
Moore wrecked offensive tackles, generating pressure and setting the edge in run defense with ease. But a knee injury ended his season after just three games. However, if Moore can pick up where he left off, he’ll receive notoriety in the 2023 cycle.
Anthonie Cooper and Michael Matus, EDGE
Anthonie Cooper and Michael Matus are cut from the same EDGE cloth — 6’2″ and 260+ pounds. Both served in rotational roles but received starts in 2021. Cooper, being 15 pounds heavier, saw more reps in the B gap and over tackles. Yet, he created more penetration in nearly 100 fewer snaps than Matus.
Cooper’s best shot at making it to the pros is a move to defensive tackle full-time by putting on some weight. Unfortunately, Matus will have a more difficult road as it seems his frame is near its limit without zapping athleticism.
Nesta Jade Silvera and Tautala Pesefea Jr., DT
Miami (FL) transfer Nesta Jade Silvera and Tautala Pesefea Jr. lead Arizona State’s DT room. Jade Silvera has missed a few tackles over the years, but he more than makes up for it with his prowess as a run defender and pass rusher. The box score doesn’t do Jade Silvera justice (just two sacks), as he consistently makes an impact up the middle.
2021 was Pesefea’s first with significant snaps. While his play didn’t wow, he owns a solid frame at 6’4″ and 315 pounds. Yet, he will need to prove he can use that size to his advantage this year to earn attention in the 2023 class.
Merlin Robertson, LB
Merlin Robertson began his collegiate career as a stack linebacker/edge rusher hybrid. Although he has transitioned into a primary LB role, that versatility is easy to see. Robertson works well downhill, filling gaps and sifting through congestion. Furthermore, he has the strength and length to set the edge, forcing RBs back inside.
Robertson’s lack of fluidity in space cause concern in coverage. That may limit him to a first- and second-down defender, but he hasn’t allowed a pass for 30+ yards across four seasons, and his six interceptions are nothing to scoff at.
Kyle and Connor Soelle, LB
Robertson garners all the recognition from the ASU linebacking corps, but Kyle Soelle is a strong player in his own right. He tackles well in the box and even displayed his pass-rushing prowess when given the chance. Additionally, he’s shown anticipation in coverage, reading the QB’s eyes and keeping potential receivers in front of him.
Connor joined ASU as a safety but has slowly transitioned into a full-time LB. He hasn’t played all that much across three seasons, but with an empty starting spot next to his brother and Robertson, Connor could prove his worth in an expanded role in 2022. Until then, he isn’t on the NFL draft radar.
Timarcus Davis and Keon Markham, CB
With Jack Jones and Chase Lucas now in the NFL, Timarcus Davis and Keon Markham will need to step up. Davis is actually outstanding against the run, coming down in support and bringing ball carriers down. He’s a long 6’0″ with good burst to the ball in coverage. Proving his worth as ASU’s CB1 could propel him into the 2023 NFL Draft discussion.
As for Markham, we simply haven’t seen enough yet. In the last two years, he’s recorded just over 100 total snaps. He is a well-built 6’0″ and 200 pounds with two years of eligibility left. So, even if Markham plays well in 2022, there’s a high likelihood he returns for his final season.
Ro Torrence and Tarik Luckett, CB
The Sun Devils also receive secondary reinforcements in Ro Torrence and Tarik Luckett. Both are massive corners that only recently transferred from the JUCO circuit. Torrence (6’3″, 210 pounds) played with Auburn in 2021 following a stint at Hutchinson CC. Luckett (6’2″, 205) bounced from Colorado to Cisco CC last year. There is untapped potential within both CBs, and it’s up to coach Edwards and Co. to unlock it.
Jordan Clark, DB
ASU’s starting slot corner, Jordan Clark, is the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark. His father went undrafted before becoming a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. So even if Jordan has to reach the league as a UDFA, he has the perfect mentor in-house.
Clark vastly improved as a tackler last season and is growing into his own as a coverage defender. 2022 could be his coming-out party after rotating in behind Jones and Lucas the last two years.
Chris Edmonds and Khoury Bethley, S
Chris Edmonds and Khoury Bethley both made the Shrine Bowl 1000, and for good reason. Having to replace their entire first-team secondary, the Sun Devils reached into the transfer portal for new talent. Edmonds brings a respectable résumé from Samford. A 6’2″ and 214-pound FCS All-American, he notched four interceptions a season ago.
Bethley was also a standout at his former school. A three-year starter at Hawaii, he earned All-Mountain West honors and has 2,500+ career snaps to his name. He lined up off the edge more last season, which translated into further disruption. With his versatility, it will be interesting to see how ASU utilizes him this year. Nevertheless, both he and Edmonds could be worthy of late-round capital after quality campaigns.
Kejuan Markham and Willie Harts, S
Twin brother of Keon, Kejuan Markham’s experience provides much-needed stability to the back end for the Sun Devils. He will compete with Edmonds and Bethley for a starting spot. After an uninspiring 2021 season, if Markham doesn’t earn first-team reps, he will likely be on the outside looking in for the NFL draft.
Willie Harts is best known in Tempe for his game-sealing pick-six against Florida State in the 2019 Sun Bowl. However, injuries have largely kept him off the field since. As a redshirt junior in a rebuilt secondary, this could be Harts’ last chance at grasping a meaningful role.