The Athletic Ranks, Evaluates Louisville's Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The crop of Louisville football players who have declared for the 2023 NFL Draft don't have to wait much longer to learn where, or if, they will be selected. The first day of the three-day draft is set to begin on Thursday, Apr. 27 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
With the draft just around the corner, The Athletic's Dane Brugler has released his annual NFL Draft Guide, nicknamed 'The Beast' as it includes comprehensive scouting reports for over 400 prospects. This includes breakdowns for several of Louisville's top draft prospects.
Like most draft experts, Brugler is highest on defensive end YaYa Diaby. He not only ranked him as the No. 12 edge rusher in the draft class, but the No. 72 overall prospect and projected him as a third round selection. Unsurprisingly, Brugler is very high on Diaby's frame and athleticism, but wants to see him improve his overall pass rush tool box.
"Overall, Diaby needs to develop a more instinctive and craftier approach to breaking down blockers, but he has the natural explosion and length to attack gaps or power through the shoulder of blockers like a swinging saloon door," Brugler wrote. "He has intriguing development potential as a scheme-diverse, leverage-power rusher."
Brugler doesn't have linebacker Yasir Abdullah or cornerback Kei'Trel Clark amongst his top 100 prospects, but he did project both as early day three selections. He tabbed Abdullah as the No. 10 linebacker in the class, projected him as a fourth round pick, as likes the "tweener" traits that Abdullah possesses.
"With his natural pass rush skills and first-step quickness, Abdullah was at his best as a pass rusher on tape and showed savvy when working the edges," Brugler wrote. "But he also looked comfortable when asked to drop, read and then go make open-field finishes."
As for Clark, Brugler ranked him as the No. 23 cornerback in the draft class and projects him as a fifth pound pick. He is a little wary of Clark's undersized frame, but absolutely loves his play making ability and mental toughness.
"Overall, Clark won’t be for everyone because of his below-average length and play strength, but he flashes playmaking instincts with the cover skills to stay connected to NFL receivers," Brugler wrote. "His development in the slot will be an important step to success at the next level.
Diaby, Abdullah and Clark were the only former Cardinals that Brugler projected to get drafted, but he does have three more Cardinals tabbed as priority free agents: Malik Cunningham, Trevor Reid and Tiyon Evans. Cunningham came in as his No. 15 quarterback, Reid was his No. 27 offensive tackle and Evans was his No. 29 running back.
Brugler wrote that Cunningham is "an instinctive athlete with natural run skill, but he is undersized and his inconsistent throwing mechanics affect his accuracy." On his evaluation of Reid, Brugler called him "one of the most athletic linemen in the 2023 draft class," but also that he's "more toolsy than polished as a blocker right now." He also believes that Evans "has the size, quickness and contact balance that gives him a shot in the NFL," but that he will "need to prove he can be reliable in all facets."
While several other Louisville prospects were not given full-on evaluations, Brugler still ranked them on his positional big boards. Kenderick Duncan was ranked as the No. 39 safety, Adonis Boone and Caleb Chandler were ranked as the No. 48 and 66 offensive guards, Marshon Ford was ranked as the No. 71 tight end, MoMo Sanogo was ranked as the No. 134 linebacker, Jaelin Carter and Tyler Hudson were ranked as the No. 130 and No. 164 wide receivers, and Chandler Jones was ranked as the No. 171 cornerback.
You can view his 2022 NFL Draft Guide, complete with full evaluations of Diaby, Abdullah, Clark, Cunningham and Evans, here.
(Photo of Kei'Trel Clark: Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports)
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