The 2023 NFL Draft is set to get a big boost from several underclassmen this offseason. As the regular season is over for college football, the decisions of some highly-touted juniors and redshirt sophomores are looming large over the landscape. The Pac-12 has several marquee prospects who may have already made up their minds.
Pac-12 Draft Prospects Set To Enter 2023 NFL Draft
With the college football regular season over and only Championship Weekend and bowl season left, expect more and more underclassmen to officially declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Here’s what I’m hearing from the West Coast.
Washington WRs Jalen McMillan, Rome Odunze Returning?
Starting up in the Northwest, both of Washington’s play-making receivers, Jalen McMillan and Rome Oduzne, are giving indications they will return to play for the Huskies in 2023. Odunze caught 70 passes for 1,088 yards this season, while McMillian had 71 catches for
1,040 yards.
Currently, Odunze is projected as a potential Day 2 prospect on the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator.
Pass rusher Bralen Trice is going through the process and considering leaving for the draft. The fourth-year junior posted eight sacks as well as 11 tackles for loss. He has a second-day grade on my board.
Christian Gonzalez Set To Leave Eugene
At Oregon, I’m told cornerback Christian Gonzalez will enter the draft. Sources I’ve spoken
with tell me if it’s not 100% right now, then it’s 99.9% the Colorado transfer takes his game to the NFL. Gonzalez is reportedly using a financial planner to zero in on an agent.
In his first season with the Ducks, Gonzalez totaled four interceptions and seven pass breakups. He shined brightest against his former team when he made two interceptions, including a near pick-six against Colorado.
Tanner McKee Ready To Join the Fray
Head coach David Shaw is not the only one leaving the Stanford football program. Multiple sources tell me quarterback Tanner McKee will also exit The Farm for the NFL draft.
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McKee is married, won a battle over cancer, and is ready to move on with the next chapter of his life. He presently grades as a late second-rounder on my board.
The Stanford offense never really took off this season, winning just two of their games this season against FBS competition by a combined three points. McKee finished with 2,947 yards and 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions.
USC DE Tuli Tuipulotu Going Pro
On Monday, I received further confirmation USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu will enter the draft. Several league insiders on the West Coast feel Tuipulotu is a top-60 selection and could end up in the first round.
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They point to his size, pass-rushing ability, and the fact that the 2023 class has a very limited amount of big-bodied pass rushers.
Jordan Morgan Indicating Towards 2023 NFL Draft
Despite tearing an ACL in November, which ended his season, offensive lineman Jordan Morgan of Arizona is giving indications he will enter the draft. The fourth-year senior, who has made a big move up draft boards with his play this season, has an opportunity to return for a second senior season if he chooses.
Emptying the Notebook: Olumuyiwa Fashanu Returning to Penn State
Moving east for a second, scouts called the decision by Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu to bypass the draft “brave,” though other descriptive adjectives were used. They said considering where Fashanu would have been drafted next April, he’s giving up the opportunity for $30 million in guaranteed money.