Former NFL Scout Releases Surprising 2023 NFL Draft Top-10

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As a former scout with the New York Jets, I have seen enough to have a good feel for much of the country’s top-rated talent headed into the 2023 NFL Draft.

I am doing things differently this year than I have done them in the past.

In preparation for this upcoming draft, I have spent the past few months looking at these prospects mostly off of their 2021 game film for a specific reason. I want to have and be able to provide a broader perspective.

Based on the game film, this is how they stand on my big board as of today.

10. Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia

At 6-foot-7, 270 pounds watching him play is like imagining if an NBA superstar power forward played tight end in the NFL.

Despite limited production due to playing behind Brock Bowers at Georgia, this big man is Seahawks’ wide receiver D.K. Metcalf if he was three inches taller and 35 pounds heavier.

Washington will be a match-up nightmare because he is bigger than every defender who will be attempting to cover him at the next level.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

9. Jack Campbell, Middle Linebacker, Iowa

If a scout went into a science lab and created a more athletic version of throwback middle linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds, Jack Campbell would be it.

An attacking linebacker who blows up the run, drops into coverage, and he is a disruptive force blitzing.

Campbell is the type of player that John Madden would get excited about.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

8. Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame

That’s right – – two tight ends in the top 10.

While tight ends are often an afterthought, having a great one makes a real difference, and teams are looking for difference makers in the first-round.

He is a combination of rare size, quickness and athleticism who can do things most tight ends can’t.

Mayer has dominated at the college level, and he will continue to dominate in the NFL.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

7. Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC

My first impression of Addison is he will be an elite game-breaking receiver at the next level.

He has the speed to blow the doors off a secondary deep, and he is just as dangerous in the short-to-intermediate route levels.

Addison is this year’s Jameson Williams.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

6. Jared Verse, Edge, FSU

A dynamic brute force who makes Jermaine Johnson (last year’s first-round pick out of FSU) look like a McDonalds’ Happy Meal toy.

He’s like a bolt of lightning with quick and violent hands.

Give me Verse over Alabama’s underachieving edge rusher Will Anderson any day of the week.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

5. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Left Tackle, Penn State

If anyone wants to see what a left tackle should look like, turn on this guys game film.

He dances along the perimeter of the pocket like a 321-pound ballerina.

Fashanu is the next great one.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

4. Trenton Simpson, Linebacker, Clemson

In my 40 years of watching the game, I’ve never seen a linebacker like him.

He’s like a corner and a safety hiding in the body of a linebacker who can blitz like a heat-seeking missile.

Simpson will be a dream come true for an NFL Defensive Coordinator.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

3. Josh Downs, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

“Explosive.”

That is the one word I would use to describe him.

The way he can accelerate going in and coming out of his route breakpoints will give NFL corners nightmares.

Downs is a baller.

FIRST ROUND MOCK 2023 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

2. Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

He reminds me of Minnesota Vikings’ Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle Alan Page.

He is this awesome combination of freakish athleticism and bulldozing power.

Carter will be the best defensive tackle in the NFL.

FIRST ROUND MOCK NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

1. C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

The term “Generational Talent,” is thrown around in scouting circles like screen passes.

However, with Stroud, it’s the first-time I’ve ever used the term.

He runs an offense with the uptempo of a basketball point guard, and he shows maturity beyond his years in the pocket.

Stroud is a human JUGS Machine.

FIRST ROUND MOCK NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.