Scout’s analysis: 10 most underrated prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft

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Zack Kuntz | Old Dominion tight end

Kuntz has arguably the best athletic profile of any tight end in the draft class. In today’s NFL, he’s an ideal “F” option — meaning he can be moved around the formation — but needs more refinement to play inline in early down personnel packages. Schematically, he can stretch the field vertically from a detached alignment or even align in the slot. His 6-foot-7, 255-pound frame, paired with his 40-inch vertical and 4.55 speed, makes him a nightmare matchup for linebackers and safeties in the middle of the field.

Blake Freeland | BYU left tackle

Freeland, a three-year starter for the Cougars, has elite athletic traits for an offensive lineman. He plays with good agility to redirect opponents on the perimeter, has good vision and instincts, and easily identifies stunts and games. He could get stronger and anchor better against power rushers. However, his athletic profile, size (6-foot-8, 302 pounds) and length (33 7/8 arms) are intriguing attributes for offensive line coaches.

Isaiah Foskey | Notre Dame edge defender

Foskey is a 6-foot-5, 264-pound EDGE defender with an impressive athletic profile. Not only does he have ideal size, but his 34-inch arms give him ideal length for an EDGE defender. He has schematic versatility and could easily play as a 4-3 defender in an even front or as a defensive end 5 technique in an odd-front scheme. He must refine his pass-rushing prowess and overall technique. Some scouts believe that he has underachieved, but with pro coaching, he could ascend quickly.

Julius Brent | Kansas State cornerback

The tradition of bigger, longer cornerbacks having success in the NFL should continue with Brent. At 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, he has good size, length and versatility for the position. He may be a scheme-specific player who will excel in press man and zone situations. He also projects favorably as a nickel linebacker in sub-package situations, on the back end at safety and should be a special teams player as well. His versatility increases his overall value.

Ryan Hayes | Michigan left tackle

Hayes is a 6-foot-6, 298-pounder with a good athletic profile. He was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school. At Michigan, he played on one of the best offensive line units in the country. He lacks ideal length (32.5-inch arms) to play left tackle in the NFL, but he could circumvent this with good technique. If this becomes problematic, his skill set suggests a seamless transition inside to guard. However, he must play with better pad level to maximize his potential there.

Viliami Fehoko | San Jose State defensive lineman

Fehoko is a 6-foot-4, 276-pounder who is strong at the point of attack and defends the run well. He projects as an interior defensive lineman in an even-front scheme. He also has upside and production as a pass rusher (23 sacks over five seasons), indicating he can develop into a three-down player in a rotational role in the NFL. He is a second cousin of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea.

Jaren Hall | BYU quarterback

Hall, a 6-foot, 207-pounder, lacks elite arm strength but does a good job throwing with anticipation. He is a point guard-like distributor who sees the field well enough to get through progressions and check it down when necessary. He did a respectable job taking care of the football in college. Playing in an NFL offense with West Coast-timing concepts could maximize his natural ability and traits. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compares him to Gardner Minshew, a journeyman who’s now with the Colts.





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