For the second year in a row, a Boston College NFL Draft prospect is getting first-round consideration. However, Zay Flowers is not the only Eagles prospect to keep an eye on come the end of April. Here are the scouting reports for each player who could see their name called during the NFL Draft.
Boston College 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Chibueze Onwuka, DT
Strengths: Undersized 3-technique who fires off the snap with a quick first step, plays with proper pad level, and works his hands throughout the action. Consistently gets leverage on opponents, slides down the line of scrimmage, and gives effort defending the run. Works to get involved in the action and makes a lot of plays based on hustle.
Weaknesses: Easily controlled by a single opponent or disrupted by the initial block. Lacks upside and growth potential.
Overall: Onwuka is a 3-technique prospect who had a fine season in 2022 after returning from injury. He lacks upside, yet could be a rotational lineman in a four-man front.
Elijah Jones, CB
Strengths: Underrated cornerback with next-level size. Effectively diagnoses plays, plays aggressive football, and fires upfield defending screen passes or running plays. Breaks down well, uses his hands to protect himself, and displays a burst to the ball. Shows good route recognition, stays on the receiver’s hip out of breaks, and effectively covers opponents on crossing patterns.
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Weaknesses: Slow getting his head back around to locate the pass in man coverage. Lacks balance and gets twisted, which hurts his ability to drive to the pass out of his plant.
Overall: Jones is overlooked in many areas of the scouting world, but he’s a smart, tough defensive back with the athletic numbers to make a roster.
Jaelen Gill, WR
Strengths: Ohio State transfer who was mildly productive on the college level. Tracks the pass in the air, effectively times receptions, and gets vertical to pull the ball away from his frame. Comes over the middle of the field to find the soft spot in the defense, displays terrific eye/hand coordination, and gets down to scoop up low throws.
Weaknesses: Has a tall, thin build and struggles in battles. Lacks the second gear and plays to his 40 time. Rounds off routes.
Overall: Gill is a solid receiver with no outstanding physical aspect in his game. He offers potential as an intermediate possession receiver, but Gill must stand out on special teams this summer.
Jaiden Woodbey, LB
Strengths: Physical, instinctive college strong safety who projects to outside linebacker. Stays with assignments, quickly diagnoses plays, and fires upfield to defend the run. Redirects to the action and drives his shoulders through ball handlers. Strong tackler who brings opponents down at the point of attack. Remains disciplined with assignments and shows excellent awareness.
Weaknesses: Stiff pedaling in reverse. Displays an average closing burst. Did not record an interception last season and broke up just two passes.
Overall: Woodbey is a tough, physical college DB with a one-dimensional game. He’s a terrific run defender but lacks the speed and agility to remain in the secondary on Sundays.
Want more information on Woodbey? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Jaiden Woodbey, LB, Boston College | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Zay Flowers, WR
Strengths: Productive receiver who is watching his draft stock soar. Outstanding route runner who displays tremendous quickness and is fluid releasing off the line. Sells routes, quickly gets in and out of breaks, and stays low on exit.
Separates from defenders, adjusts to the errant throw, and reaches backward to grab the ball from the air. Tough to cover, plays with balance as well as body control, and always works to come free. Knows where he is on the field, nicely makes the reception on crossing patterns, and displays outstanding eye/hand coordination. Doubled as a punt returner last season.
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Weaknesses: Possesses a thin build and struggles in battles. Doesn’t display a second gear or true vertical speed on the field. Occasionally lets the pass get inside him.
Overall: Flowers was a very productive receiver at Boston College, and watched his game take off last season despite the team’s quarterback woes. He has a nose for the end zone and set a school record with 12 TD receptions as a senior.
He’s a multi-purpose wideout who can be used out on the flanks or in the slot, and in the day and age of quicker wideouts required to separate through routes, Flowers will be in high demand during this year’s draft.
Want more information on Flowers? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College | NFL Draft Scouting Report