2023 NFL Draft Stock Report: Rose Bowl
I’m going to be honest; I’m burned out Vendetta fam. It’s been a long season and now that hockey is going on every day, I’m a dead dog or at least feel like one. Don’t worry, Trey will keep churning out the content. I’m not going to give you every little thing I see, but I did want to do a 2023 NFL Draft post for the Rose Bowl. I wanted to do one for the Cotton Bowl too but the Winter Classic was on and that view of Fenway Park wasn’t my priority over a Bowl game that features Tulane. Credit Tulane for winning but Fenway park on ice is something I only get once in a blue moon.
I missed some chunks of the game but I saw enough to give you some quick hitters on what you need to know. I’ll keep it short and sweet, and you’re going to say thank you for even getting this post. Sooo let’s do this thing. 2023 NFL Draft Stock Report time: Rose Bowl edition.
Penn State
I am of the belief that Penn State will be very good next year. Better than anytime I can ever remember in the last 15 years good. A lot of their core talent will be returning starters. I want to spend some time on KeAndre Lambert-Smith because he can technically declare but likely won’t.
Lambert-Smith had a great game in this one. Three receptions for 124 yards and a score. This Utah defense is respectable and Sean Clifford isn’t exactly a QB whisperer. Lambert-Smith is going to be the 2023 version of KJ Hamler and Jahan Dotson for the Nittany Lions. It’s the same kind of mold – 6-foot-1, 182, but can run. Next year we will find out which tier to ultimately slot Lambert-Smith but he’s someone to keep an eye on.
Kalen King isn’t draft eligible but he is another player I want to talk about. Joey Porter is headed to the NFL so we got a chance to see King thrust into CB1 duties. Came away with a gorgeous picked and looked good in coverage for the most part. Again, just put it on your radar. I believe he can be a draftable corner the following year. When I say draftable, I mean that as the floor.
Ji’Ayir Brown the senior safety also had a great game. Eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. To be frank, I’m not 100 percent confident in the projection with everything I need to know about Brown. He sure made a great impression and boosted his stock in this one.
Utah
Mohamoud Diabate might have some potential. It’s not like Utah doesn’t get their occasional good athlete. I’m still not sure where exactly I stand on Diabate but he looks like an SEC athlete. A bit undersize but gets to spots. Think he has some pass rushing ability too if he were to actually fill out. Six tackles and a TFL in this one.
Cam Rising got hurt. It sucks but he didn’t play well prior to the injury either. Number eight the corner on Penn State fell down on a long completion. Take that play away and then what are the numbers here? Even including it, you’re looking at 8/21, 95 yards, and one touchdown / interception. He looks like more mobile Gardner Minshew and should return to school. If that turns you on, knock yourself out. I just caution you to proceed with the correct expectations.
Can we have a larger conversation about Utah tight ends? I don’t exactly know what I saw last night but I saw a rugy player by the name of Thomas Yassmin catch a touchdown pass last night. He didn’t do anything else but looked like he could run or catch. That’s Utah’s third string tight end. Is this a recruiting story, a player development story, or maybe both?
I tried to put the Dalton Kinkaid love affair in context in a prior post. I just think we need to recognize what we’re seeing and put it into real context. I don’t have Kinkaid as a first rounder and when Utah continues to find nobodies that thrive at the position, it’s hard to really put your arms totally around it.
