NFL Draft 2023: Day Two Sleepers Flying Under The Radar – Part One
Every year, the NFL Draft gifts us so many interesting and unpredictable storylines, and not just from the prospects drafted in the first round. So let’s dive into the under the radar players who will most likely be available from Day Two of the draft and highlight their abilities and which teams should go after them.
10. Zach Charbonnet, RB, Michigan
What to expect – Not your prototypical NFL running back who will juke you every which way, however this 214 lbs back will generate extra yardage with his intelligence in reading the field in front of him.
So often in his UCLA days he displayed excellent vision in finding holes as well as getting down field to block for teammates. Don’t expect the highlight reel plays from Charbonnet but don’t count out his grind of finding a few more yards to move the chains.
Best fit – I like the Dallas Cowboys for the UCLA running back. The team cut Ezekiel Elliott who found himself lacking any real juice in his last few years, partly down to injuries and his RB running back partner Tony Pollard looking like the real X-factor when the Cowboys needed that explosive play.
However, Charbonnet will offer that powerful running style as well as that pass out of the backfield specialist to upgrade the offense. Likely to be a 2nd or 3rd round selection, Cowboys could get their man at 58th overall.
9. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
What to expect – A 335 lb nose tackle with a bland of quickness and smart hands? Say no more. There is a lot to like about DT Siaki Ika from Baylor, with an impressive frame and size to eat up both single blocks and double teams, Ika can also be quick on his feet to gain good angles and leverage against the offensive linemen to snuff the run.
Teams will be wary of his underwhelming tackling ability, and his scouting combine numbers showed no real intrigue at the time but don’t be surprised if he becomes a difference maker on the defensive line this year.
Best fit – The interior defensive line position seems to be a highly sort after position this offseason so the Baylor DT could be a reach in order to beat out other teams for his services. I could see him going to the Chicago Bears at number 61st or 64th overall.
The Chicago Bears have been very active in free agency and highlighted a number of needs. Despite this, there still in need of a inside rusher who can cause trouble for their opponents run and pass attacks. Siaki Ika can be that guy and slot in to be that disruptive nose tackle on a improving Bears team.
8. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
What to expect – Another freak of nature, Dawand Jones, predominantly played RT at Ohio State and with his size (374 lbs) and freakish wingspan that of a small aircraft, theres no wonder there is a buzz around this guy.
Not a clanky big guy either, has very smooth movement and his timings are very good for such an athlete. Each year has shown improvement in his pass protection game however its his run blocking ability that stands out. Jones loves to use his frame and hands to put guys exactly where he wants them
Best fit – Jones is a hard one to predict, some experts have him going in the first round, some see him slipping into the early picks of the 3rd. For me, I see Las Vegas Raiders taking a shot at Jones in the 2nd round.
New QB Jimmy Garoppolo will need some more security in front of him if he’s to have a healthy and impactful season, as well as this getting Josh Jacobs some clean holes to run through would be ideal for him to continue his goal of being the NFL’s top running back. Raiders select Jones with their 38th overall pick and fill an important need.
7. Jartavius ‘Quan’ Martin, S, Illinois
What to expect – With this year’s draft class not filled with an abundance of high level safeties, Jartavius Martin is likely to be one of the first to be selected for the position group. Martin showcased his fantastic athleticism in his Illinois games and the NFL scouting combine, including a 44 inch vertical jump which was highest among all safeties.
When on the field, Martin is an aggressive tackler whose not shy of a tackle and that also translates into his coverage where he can close on the ball explosively and his quick reactions can target the pass breakup.
Best fit – After the loss of Jessie Bates III in this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have a few holes that need addressing in their DB room. Add Martin into the mix and you have a solid safety that can contribute to the run stop as well as go up and contest those high point catches deep.
I see Martin dropping into the third round where the Bengals will pick him up 92nd overall.
6. Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
What to expect – This 2023 draft class is stacked at Tight end, so finding value on one down the board is highly likely. Luke Schoonmaker, as well as having an awesome name, is a an impressive all round athlete who can show great speed down the field on medium/deep routes.
Pair that with a strong 6 ft 5 frame, Schoonmaker would be an ideal target when matched up against linebackers in coverage. Schoonmaker will be seen as a developmental prospect as he looks to improve upon his run blocking ability and add some size to compete in the NFL.
Best fit – I think Schoonmaker can fit into the Minnesota Vikings offense nicely, the Vikings gained TJ Hockenson in the midseason last year and will look to add more this season if they want to bolster their offense and get back to the playoffs.
Schoonmaker can prove a mismatch on 3rd down scenarios and become a good back up to Hockenson in his rookie season. Minnasota don’t have too many picks this draft so if Schoonmakers there at the back end of the 3rd round at 87th overall, they should pick him up.
