2023 NFL Draft: Favorite Day 3 pick from each team

Arizona Cardinals invest in their defense

Day 3 Draft Class:
R4 (122): Jon Gaines II, G, UCLA
R5 (139): Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
R5 (168): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
R6 (180): Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville
R6 (213): Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia

Favorite Pick: Kei’Trel Clark

I thought the Cardinals had a really strong first two days of the draft, but their Day 3 wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea. I liked the Gaines and Pappoe picks, but they went around where they were expected to go. Kei’Trel Clark was a guy that really caught my attention at the combine with his movement skills.

He’s undersized at 5’10 and 181 lbs with shorts arms, but that didn’t stop him from making plays on the ball in college (34 pass deflections and 5 interceptions). However, he has the mental makeup and athleticism to overcome his size and there’s a chance we see him emerge as a starting corner in this defense.

Los Angeles Rams said “Give us those picks”

Day 3 Draft Class:
R4 (128): Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
R5 (161): Nick Hampton, EDGE, Appalachian St.
R5 (174): Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
R5 (175): Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
R5 (177): Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
R6 (182): Tre’Vius Tomlinson, CB, TCU
R6 (189): Ochaun Mathis, LB, Nebraska
R6 (215): Zach Evans, RB, TCU
R7 (223): Ethan Evans, P, Wingate
R7 (234): Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma St.
R7 (259): Desjuan Johnson, EDGE, Toledo

Favorite Pick: Zach Evans

For a team that likes to trade away draft picks, the Rams sure loaded up on them this year and I think it’s going to pay off in the end. For only having one pick inside the top-75 picks, I thought the Rams crushed it and added some much needed talent. There was several guys that stood out to me on Day 3 like Hampton, Allen, Nacua, and Tomlinson, but Zach Evans has been one of my favorite players tp scout this year.

Based on talent, I had a 2nd-3rd round grade on Evans, but I figured the character red flags would push him down or completely remove him off boards. I love Evans’ ability to one cut and burst through a hole with physicality and balance. He doesn’t have the pass catching chops like Tony Pollard, but his ability to eat up space in a hurry and produce big plays were similar.

Seattle Seahawks grab two Wolverines in a row

Day 3 Draft Class:
R4 (108): Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
R4 (123): Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi St.
R5 (151): Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
R5 (154): Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
R6 (198): Jerrick Reed II, S, New Mexico
R7 (237): Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia

Favorite Pick: Olusegun Oluwatimi

Is Olu Oluwatimi a perfect prospect? No, but there’s just something about him that gives me that gut feeling he’s going to pan out to a solid starter for a long time. Olu has an impressive resume that includes being a 2x All-American, Rimington Award winner (best center), Rimington finalist, and Joe Moore Award (best team OL).

He’s probably only going to be a center throughout his career, but he’s incredibly smart and has enough strength to make it in the league. Really like this pick from Seattle in the 5th round.

San Francisco 49ers takes a shot on a Juszczyk replacement

Day 3 Draft Class:
R5 (155): Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama
R5 (173): Robert Beal Jr., EDGE, Georgia
R6 (216): Dee Winters, LB, TCU
R7 (247): Brayden Willis, TE/FB, Oklahoma
R7 (253): Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
R7 (255): Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue

Favorite Pick: Brayden Willis

If you had to pick the perfect team to select Brayden Willis, it would probably be Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. Willis lined up all over the field at Oklahoma as he spent time as a fullback, tight end (inline and detached), and wildcat quarterback.

He’s got a lot of work to do if he wants to be a full time TE, but he’s capable. He’s an excellent blocker in the run game and he’s flashed upside with the ball in his hands as he caught 75 passes for 998 yards and 13 touchdowns during his time at Oklahoma. We could be looking at a potential Kyle Juszczyk replacement down the line.