2023 NFL Draft Stock Report: Week 0
Welcome to the longest article series since I’ve been writing. My bread and butter in the scouting stuff and it’s NEVER too early to start talking 2023 NFL Draft. I handle my scouting notes a lot different than others. I’d like to think I’m one of the few that actually knows what I’m talking about.
I’m not here to lie to you. If you want BS thrown down go read Todd McFraud instead. Welcome to the information process. Now is the time to put pieces together on that puzzle. I’m going to tell you what I see and what I don’t. Results don’t necessarily matters, traits do. We’re here to learn together.
On deck for Week 0 Includes Nebraska vs. Northwestern. Yeah, that’s all you’re getting.
Northwestern:
The best player on the field was left tackle, Peter Skoronski Won every single battle. Coming into the game, Skoronski only allowed 23 hurries and 4 sacks in over 1,500 snaps in two years (hat trip Cervantes). Obviously, those aren’t Rashawn Slater numbers but he’s also not that kind of athlete. Not an explosive knee bender. A bit high at times trying to get to spots. Can pull if needed. Strong base and held his ground. Didn’t matter who lined up against Skoronski, they lost.
Northwestern’s offensive line dominated all day.
The running back room had some buzz but there is nothing to see here. Cam Porter was the starter a year ago and then got hurt paving the way for Evan Hull. Both got work today but Hull definitely won that battle. Neither should be on your list.
Porter rushed for 94 yards on 19 attempts while also punching a score home. Tough runner. Looks for contact. Not much else. Suffered a horrific fumble today. Lacks any real sizzle.
Hull added five important receptions for 54 yards in the passing game. Did really nice work there. His rushing line was 22 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown. I see a bit more wiggle with Hull. Can bust an arm tackle but not a ferocious runner. Lacks any real juice. Could be a Phillip Lindsay type but the speed isn’t nearly on par to compare him to that.
Ryan Hilinski really played his tail off. I know last year was a bit of a disaster but pretty understandable considering the family tragedy. There is some talent here. Once upon a time, Hilinski was good enough to be invited to the Elite 11 camp and attend South Carolina.
Hilinski can make throws and definitely drives the ball better downfield than Thompson can. It’s a nice ball with a tight spiral. Nothing world class but can make throws. Say what you want, I’ll take my shot with Hilinski over someone like Ryan Finley or Bailey Zappe that can’t make those throws towards the sidelines.
All things considered, 27/38 for 313 yards and two touchdowns with no mistakes is about as good as you’re going to get. Long way to go but don’t be surprised if Hilinski turns into Northwestern’s best QB prospect in recent memory.
Side note: Luke Akers may have won the game. Yes, he’s a punter but that guy did omen’s work pinning Nebraska inside the ten time after time. It’s worth mentioning.
Side note: The broadcast spent some time blowing Adetomiwa Adebawore. Apparently, he’s on some list by The Athletic. I didn’t see it. Looks strong and maybe can win some battles with the bull but that ain’t flying in the NFL. Doesn’t look long. Not really bendy. Didn’t create any real havoc pass rushing. A little stout but I didn’t see it.
Nebraska:
Casey Thompson is better than Adrian Martinez so Nebraska has that going for them. I don’t want to crush Thompson because that onside kick call by Scott Frost up 11 cost them the game. However, it’s fair to say Thompson didn’t do enough down the stretch to win the game.
The former Texas product got picked off twice. Another one was dropped but the second pick wasn’t his fault. The tight end just totally dropped it. His day ended with a line of 25/42 for 355 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
There was some good here. The footwork in the pocket is good. Really tries to plant off the back foot. Has an internal clock. Wants to get the ball out fast. Can beat you with time but didn’t handle the rush too well inside the pocket. Has mobility and showed a knack for making something out of nothing. This highlight reel play was AWESOME!
Remember, Thompson had an epic Bowl game once upon a time for Texas. We know he’s better than Sam Ehlinger. There are actually real QB traits with Thompson. However, I question the deep ball stuff. His ball had a bit of a lollipop element. Not a tight spiral. Arm strength below average.
Keep in mind, Northwestern lost two corners mid-game including AJ Hampton. There were several stretches Northwestern looked lost defensively. We’re going to have to see way more here before we consider Thompson as a draftable quarterback.
I wanted to check out the two transfer receivers for Nebraska as well. Marcus Washington didn’t do much. Just two for 27. It looked like Trey Palmer was the better talent but there were glaring issues. The eight receptions for 68 yards looked encouraging but it was easy to see why he didn’t make LSU’s roster. 6-foot-1 frame. Thickish body. Can run. Limited route tree. A lot of inside stuff but looked good on the jet sweeps. Terrible hands. I counted three drops. Didn’t attack the ball in the air.
Illinois:
Brett Bielema had the boys rolling in a blowout win over Wyoming. The running back 5th year Chase Brown had 151 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Does it mean anything? Probably not but maybe Illinois is peskier than we all thought.
