QB Clayton Tune, Houston, Current Projection: Mid/Late 5th
This year’s Senior Bowl quarterback group doesn’t stack up to last year’s group, but there are a few gems. One of them is Houston’s gunslinger Clayton Tune. Tune may not have the traits to be a starter, but if you’re looking for this year’s Davis Mills or Bailey Zappe, he could be your guy. Tune is an aggressive downfield thrower and had 30 big time throws in 2022. One of the quarterbacks at the senior bowl is going to elevate himself to be drafted several rounds earlier, and Tune is in position to be that player.
RB Roschon Johnson, Texas, Current Projection: Late 2nd/Early 3rd
Bijan Robinson wasn’t the only prospect in the Texas running back room. Senior Roschon Johnson started his career with the Longhorns as a quarterback but transitioned to running back and served as the 1B to Robinson his last three seasons. Johnson has great size and athleticism standing at 6’2 222 pounds. He is one of the most powerful backs in the class. He was never utilized as a feature back because of Robinson, but Johnson should not be pigeon-holed as a backup or committee rusher. He highlights a strong group of running backs and can solidify himself as a day-two prospect with a strong week. Watch out for Johnson in the receiving drills too. Robinson got most of the reps at Texas, but Johnson flashed ability after the catch in his opportunities.
RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane, Current Projection: Mid/Late 3rd
Tulane’s leading rusher Tyjae Spears is one of the biggest risers as of late. Spears had one of the best bowl game performances in years with four touchdowns and 205 yards on the ground in the Green Wave’s victory over USC. His 5’11, 195 pound frame is a little slight for the position, but he is a dynamo with the ball in his hands. He packs a punch out of the backfield with explosiveness and elusiveness. He should be one of the most fun players to watch at the Senior Bowl and is sure to have at least one rep that makes its way around social media.
WR Rashee Rice, SMU, Current Projection: Mid 2nd
Rashee Rice is the top dynasty prospect at the Senior Bowl. Rice dominated this past year for the Mustangs with 96 catches, 1355 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He has the ideal build and do-it-all ability to be a standout receiver in the league. Look for more consistency with his hands (9 drops in 2022) during drills, as well as improved route running. A dominant showing this week should establish Rice as an early day-two selection.
WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State, Current Projection: Late 3rd/Early 4th
The 6’3 205 pound Iowa State graduate accomplished just about everything he could during his collegiate career, setting the program record for career receptions and being named a Biletnikoff Award finalist his senior year. His blend of size and speed makes him one of the more physically intriguing receiver prospects in the class. Hutchinson needs to show consistency as a route runner and display his sure hands after dropping just 3.7% of his targets in 2022. Impressing in one-on-one drills would go a long way in proving that he is more than just a deep threat, potentially shooting him up into discussions as a second round pick. Expect Hutchinson to rise up boards after this week and then jump even further after the combine.
WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton, Current Projection: Undrafted
One of the more under-the-radar receivers, Princeton’s Andrei Iosivas is another big-bodied wide out. He has the potential to rise all the way up to the top-100 of the draft. Iosivas was a member of the Princeton track team and has some of the best speed in the class. He’ll be a workout warrior and has one of the highest ceilings in the class. With a solid Senior Bowl performance, he could see his stock rise sooner rather than later.
TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State, Current Projection: Early/Mid 4th
The top-end talent in the 2023 tight-end class is some of the best we’ve seen in the past few years. At least four have a great chance to be top 50 selections. Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave is an athletic monster with a reported 4.5 40-time at 6’6 250 pounds but missed most of the past season with a knee injury. He presents significant upside as a pass catcher. Dane Brugler had Musgrave in the first round of his latest mock draft. A dominant showing in one on one drills at the Senior Bowl could help propel him there.