2023 NFL Draft Stock Up: C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Will McDonald IV

We’re vastly approaching the 2023 NFL Draft and right now there’s a lot of moving parts. While there still could be a couple of different moves made in free agency, most of the big signings are signed, sealed and delivered.

In addition to any more signings for your favorite teams, there are pro days to monitor for draft prospects. Last week we saw Ohio State, Alabama, Kentucky, and plenty of other schools have their pro days. This upcoming week we’ll see teams such as Florida, Oklahoma, TCU, and others have their pro days.

Now you can’t always buy a ton of stock into a good performance from a pro day and the Scouting Combine. However, it is important to note which teams go where and what players they’re talking with on visits. Most players talk to the majority of teams across the league but if most of a team’s coaching staff and front office personnel are present at a workout or meeting with a player, it’s noteworthy. So after a few workouts and visits have been put into the books and some film rechecks on players begin, let’s take a look at NFL Draft Stock Report for the 2023 NFL Draft!

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Russell Brown (1.0)

Stock Up

C.J. Stroud (QB – Ohio State)

Honestly, has there been anyone that has done more for their draft stock than Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud? Months ago he was predicted to be selected from the 5th pick to the 11th pick. Now, he’s the betting favorite to be the first overall pick. Measuring in at the Scouting Combine at 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, he looked the part. He had a flawless workout in Indianapolis and everything from his base to throwing motion looked under control and comfortable.

"Maybe when you live in Charlotte, we'll find a court somewhere..."

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— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 22, 2023

Carrying a strong Combine performance into his pro day proved a lot of doubters wrong. It’s nothing but consistency from Stroud. He’s as accurate as they come and most throws look flawless. He completed 44 passes at his pro day and the only time passes were misplaced was when he was going to his left. Altogether, it was a strong performance by him. With 14 representatives from the Carolina Panthers organization present at his workout and interesting conversations after his workout, all signs are pointing to Stroud being the first overall pick.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – Ohio State)

Staying on the path of Ohio State players, another player that is moving up draft boards is receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. At the Scouting Combine, he checked in at 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds but most importantly, he looked healthy. During most of last season, JSN battled a hamstring injury and it kept him sidelined. After running at the Combine, he looked as fluid and as strong as ever. Despite not running the 40-yard dash, he completed the 3-cone drill in 6.57 seconds which was faster than any receiver at the Combine.

Moving on to his pro day performance, JSN participated in the 40-yard dash and he was clocked in the 4.48 to 4.52 range. I got one text that read, “JSN 40: 4.49.” Adding to a strong pre-draft process, he’s looked the part and the tape matches the times we’re seeing. We all know that JSN doesn’t have elite speed but he can certainly move after the catch and his shiftiness in the open field has separated him enough to earn “WR1” status on most draft boards. In my Mock Draft 1.0, I have him going 8th overall to the Atlanta Falcons. While that still might be higher than expected, there’s a consensus thought around league circles that he’ll be the first receiver taken.

Will McDonald IV (EDGE – Iowa State)

The most productive edge rusher in Iowa State’s history, McDonald has started to see his name shoot up draft boards. While he’s gone on to ignore the noise and even stated during interviews that he “doesn’t really care about which round” he’ll hear his name called, it’s likely that he’ll be a top-40 pick. There are some that are even predicting that he’ll go in the first round.

During the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, he battled a 103-degree temperature and still performed well. He posted a 36″ vertical jump and looked the part with his 6-foot-3 and 239-pound frame. At the Iowa State Pro Day, he completed the 3-cone drill in 6.60 seconds and had confirmed 40-yard dash times of 4.62 and 4.63 seconds.

When you go back and watch his tape, you’ll notice a ton of versatility from McDonald. At times, he plays out of position as he’s aligned inside as a 3-technique, and other times he’s playing linebacker. In the NFL, I’d expect him to have a simplified role off the edge where he can use his speed, explosiveness, and length.

Good run stop from Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald. Creates separation with his length and then disengages while getting square to the RB to make a good tackle. pic.twitter.com/mmJ0lV30mC

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 5, 2023

Within the coming weeks, McDonald will have met with half the league and has had dinner with the Pittsburgh Steelers. There has been some speculation that he’ll be a top-20 pick due to his strong pre-draft process. Regardless of the overall selection, the first round seems more and more likely for McDonald. He recently just visited the Green Bay Packers, who hold the 15th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. There’s also a chance they could end up with the 13th overall pick from the New York Jets if the first round asking price for Aaron Rodgers remains the same. Another thing to note — keep tabs on the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 24th overall pick and the New Orleans Saints with the 29th overall pick.