The 2023 Senior Bowl is quickly approaching, and we’ll have you covered for all of the practices leading up to the big game itself. Ahead of the action next week, here are players that you should be watching. Check out our 2023 NFL Draft profiles for these top college football prospects. And below is a deeper dive on Charlie Jones.

• Thor’s 2023 Senior Bowl Preview: Offense
• DBro’s 2023 Senior Bowl Primer: Dynasty Rookies to Know

Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles

2023 Senior Bowl Players to Watch

Let’s take a look at NFL Draft prospects you should monitor at the 2023 Senior Bowl.

Charlie Jones (WR – Purdue)

Background:

Originally attended Buffalo, where he redshirted and then caught 18-395-3, also working as the team’s kick returner. Sat out the following season while transferring to Iowa, then returned punts in 2020, with 21-221-1 on his returns (no catches). Returned kicks and punts (one KR touchdown) and caught 21-323-3 (15.4) in 2021, then transferred to Purdue and had a massive line of 110-1,361-12 (12.4).

Positives:

Capped off his collegiate career with an outstanding senior year. Everything about his game looks polished. Simple but effective releases at the line; doesn’t waste time. Solid route-runner who shows some snap at the stem and does a good job of selling double-moves; ran a variety of different patterns in school this past year, most of which came at the short and intermediate levels. Has the speed to threaten cornerbacks down the sidelines and tracks well over his shoulder. Has a very reliable set of hands, having dropped just six of his career targets. Makes nice adjustments to the ball and can catch away from his frame. Shows good awareness/technique near the sideline. Works back to the ball instead of letting it come to him. Able to climb the ladder and win over the top; uses his body well to shield defenders from the ball. Stop-start quickness can make him dangerous after the catch. Engages with form as a blocker. Has additional value as a return specialist.

Negatives:

Already 24 years old; spent six years in college and was a productive receiver in just one of them. Size is just adequate for a pro receiver, so Combine measurements may be important. Lined up on the right side far more often than the left; sometimes receivers can struggle to run routes from the other side. Pure flanker who rarely took snaps on the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Not a particularly physical blocker. Wasn’t as effective on punts this past year.

Summary:

It sure took a while, but eventually established himself as a legitimate prospect with a highly productive senior season in which he did a little bit of everything from the right side of Purdue’s offense. One of the most pro-ready receivers in the class and someone who has very few holes to his game; if teams don’t mind his advanced age, looks like a good plug-and-play receiver who should provide his quarterback with a reliable target sooner rather than later as a pro.

Projection: Round 3