Thanks in part to the partnership with Pro Football Network and the East-West Shrine Bowl, readers can now go beyond the games on Saturdays and obtain a virtual look at the scouting process for the 2023 NFL Draft.
For some, the draft takes place in April. For those initiated, the 2023 NFL Draft has already begun with preparation, film study, analysis, and now live looks at some of the top players as Week 6 has come and gone.
Below are observations and analysis from Shrine Bowl Director Eric Galko from the previous week of action.
A Scout’s Eye: 2023 NFL Draft Quarterbacks
Clayton Tune, Houston (vs. Memphis)
Despite their record, Clayton Tune has largely done his part to keep Houston close in every one of their games, if not in position to win all of them. So seeing him lead a second-half comeback, capped off by an onside kick recovery and two touchdowns in the last three minutes felt like a much-deserved big win for the Cougars quarterback.
Tune’s composure and demeanor as a pocket passer and improvisor fits exactly what NFL teams covet at the position, and his ball placement throughout the second-half comeback highlighted that. Despite adversity and issues on his own team, Tune can make the big throw when his team needs it over and over again.
Jaren Hall, BYU (vs. Notre Dame)
By Jaren Hall’s own admission after the game, he didn’t play his best game against Notre Dame at Allegiant Stadium. Hall started the game off 0 for 1 with an interception and struggled with downfield timing and placement throughout the first half.
The offense leaned away from the passing game in the second half, but Hall showcased more of his patented placement and confidence as a downfield passer. This game will certainly be highlighted by NFL personnel as a “down” game to watch during his evaluation, but I’d expect Hall and the BYU offense to bounce back in a major way moving forward.
Tim DeMorat, Fordham (vs. Lehigh)
Tyson Bagent of Shepherd has been the most talked about non-FBS quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft discussion, but it’s time for Fordham’s Tim DeMorat to transition from true “sleeper” into legitimate 2023 NFL Draft quarterback prospect.
The Fordham passer has 30 passing touchdowns through six games, including four against Lehigh this past weekend. DeMorat is a 6’4, 220-pound quarterback with 4.75 40-time-level athleticism (and two rushing touchdowns this year) and has the accuracy across the field and pace as a pocket passer to develop into an NFL passer. DeMorat will be the “sleeper” quarterback others will catch up later in the draft cycle, but not for us.
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (vs. LSU)
Another week, another wow performance for Hendon Hooker. As I said during the game on Twitter, Hooker’s downfield accuracy and placement are his superpower as a quarterback, and he’ll enter the NFL as one of the most accurate perimeter and downfield passers in the league.
Against LSU, Hooker continued to show immense control in the pocket and maneuver in and around it. The composure and confidence ooze that of an NFL starter. Hooker’s beginning to draw firm comparisons to Dak Prescott, and I promise that NFL teams won’t let him slide anywhere close to the fourth round as Dak did.
Jayden Daniels, LSU (vs. Tennessee)
Jayden Daniels wasn’t at his best against Tennessee and has continued to be plagued by drops and limited offensive line play by his team. But the talent Daniels has as a mobile, improvising passer and the natural athleticism plus arm talent that he displays continue to put him on NFL radars.
With “A” athleticism and nearly “A” arm strength, Daniels has the NFL skill set and flashes during the season to impress. Against Tennessee, he showed improvisation and creativity in and outside the pocket that reminds me of a more athletic Jameis Winston. However, the accuracy and finishing ability downfield still leaves teams wanting more. With NFL traits, it may take until the draft process to show the immense potential Daniels has and what we can reach.