NFL Draft Notebook: Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim leads All-Underrated offense

With the start of the college football season, it is time to look at what offensive prospects are being underrated. This group is led by Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim who, when healthy, is one of the more productive running backs in college football. This week’s article also takes a look at NFL Draft prospects who shined in week one, some rookies to watch in the NFC East, and much more.

All-Underrated Offense

Quarterback: Bo Nix, Oregon
While he had his struggles vs. Georgia last week, Bo Nix is still a player who has the potential to develop into something in the NFL. If he is to live up to his potential though, he will need to cut down on the poor decisions and become a more consistent quarterback.

Running Back: Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
Mohamed Ibrahim missed most of last season with an Achilles injury. However, in the one game he did play in, he was able to account for 163 yards and two touchdowns vs. Ohio State. Now that he is 100% healthy, look for the physical, tough-running tailback to pile up big numbers for the Gophers this season.

Fullback: Monte Pottebaum, Iowa
Every year I fall in love with a couple of players in the draft and this year one of those players is Iowa fullback, Monte Pottebaum. The reason I love his game so much is the toughness and old-school way he plays. He is a physical blocker who will upgrade any NFL team’s running game with his ability to lead block.

Wide Receiver: Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
Another player who comes from the state of Iowa to make this team is Iowa State wide receiver, Xavier Hutchinson. Last season, Hutchinson was one of the top receivers in the Big 12, finishing the year with 83 receptions for 987 yards and five touchdowns. In terms of how he will translate to the NFL, he has the size, quickness, and overall athletic ability to be a high day two pick.

Wide Receiver: Ronnie Bell, Michigan
Like Mohamed Ibrahim, Ronnie Bell is another Big Ten prospect who missed all but the first game of the season in 2021. Also like Ibrahim, Bell is a player people are sleeping on. Bell is an athletic wide receiver who can consistently make the tough catch. He also has the speed to be a deep threat and the elusiveness to return punts in the NFL.

Tight End: Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
Tucker Kraft is a player we have touched on in the past two NFL Draft Notebooks and is the only player on this list to make the preseason top 25 board. While he carries a high ranking with us, other draft pundits are not as high on him, as he carries just a fourth-round grade according to Mock Draft Database.

Offensive Tackle: Blake Freeland, BYU
While people are starting to take notice of BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland, he is still being rated too low by most people. I currently have Freeland rated as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft and have a first-round grade on him. What is so impressive about Freeland is his length — coming in at 6-foot-8 — and his mobility.

Offensive Guard: Caleb Chandler, Louisville
While Caleb Chandler won’t be the perfect fit for every offensive scheme, he should be high on team’s boards that run a zone blocking scheme. The reason these teams will like Chandler is his athletic ability. He is one of the more mobile guards in the draft and does a terrific job of reach blocking.

Center: Andrew Raym, Oklahoma
While Andrew Raym has only started eight games, he has shown the potential to start in the NFL in those games. Raym is an athletic center who looks natural in space and also has the quickness to keep up with the most athletic defensive tackles. Another positive with Raym is how he gives 100% effort every time he is on the field.

Offensive Guard: McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga
Last year Chattanooga produced offensive lineman Cole Strange, who went in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This year they have another offensive lineman who should hear his name called in April. This year’s prospect is McClendon Curtis who currently carries a day three grade. Two traits that stick out with Curtis are his strength and tenacity.

Offensive Tackle: Connor Galvin, Baylor
Baylor’s Connor Galvin is one of the more underrated offensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite making several All-American teams and being named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, he still receives a free agent grade according to most NFL Draft experts.

Top Ten Performances from Week One

1. Spencer Sanders, QB, Oklahoma State
In the Cowboys opening game against Central Michigan, quarterback Spencer Sanders became the first quarterback since Patrick Mahomes to throw for over 400 yards, toss four or more touchdowns and rush for at least two touchdowns. He showed a great understanding of Oklahoma State’s offense in this game and also the ability to hurt teams with his feet.

2. Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Illinois running back Chase Brown had his second big game of the year this weekend rushing for 199 yards against Indiana. This came a week after he rushed for 151 yards vs. Illinois and was named the Big Ten running back of the week. If he can keep producing at this level he should be able to earn a day three grade in the 2023 NFL Draft.

3. Frank Harris, QB, UTSA
One player who shined in the Houston-UTSA shootout was UTSA quarterback Frank Harris. He hurt the Cougars in this game with both his feet and arm. As a runner, he broke off several long runs and also kept several plays alive by moving in the pocket. As a passer, he threw for 337 yards while completing 65% of his passes. While Harris currently carries an undrafted free agent grade, he could sneak into the late parts of the 2023 season with a strong year.

4. Jacoby Windmon, LB, Michigan State
Last year the Michigan State Spartans found gold in the transfer market when they added running back Kenneth Walker. This year the team might have done the same with the addition of linebacker Jacoby Windmon. In his first game with the Spartans, he accounted for four sacks and one forced fumble.

5. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
There may not be a more talented quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft than Florida’s Anthony Richardson. In his game against Utah he made highlight play after highlight play and showed the natural tools to develop into a high first-round pick.

6. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Another SEC quarterback who had a big week is Alabama’s, Bryce Young. While Young only threw 28 passes on the day, five of them went for touchdowns. He also displayed the mobility to pick up yards on the ground. He rushed for 100 yards in the contest, with his longest run going for 63 yards.

7. Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
The top player on the field for the Hawkeye’s last weekend was punter Tory Taylor. He finished the day pinning seven of his ten punts inside the 20-yard line including two that set up safeties. He also showed off his strong leg on several punts as well, punting two balls at least 55 yards. It would not be a shock if Taylor is the top punter taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, especially if he keeps playing like he did last weekend.

8. Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona
After tearing up the C-USA the past three seasons, Jacob Cowing decided to take his talent to the Pac-12 this season. In his first game with the Arizona Wildcats Cowing had an eye-opening performance. He finished the day catching eight passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns.

9. Christopher Smith, CB, Georgia
The most impressive win of the weekend was how Georgia handled Oregon, and one player who impressed in this game was cornerback Christopher Smith. Smith didn’t allow a single reception on the day and also came away with one pick and one pass breakup.

10. Lonnie Phelps, DE, Kansas
Another transfer who made a big impact in his first game with his new team is Kansas defensive end, Lonnie Phelps. In the Jayhawks’ 56-10 win over Tennesse Tech, he accounted for four tackles for loss and three sacks. In this game he showed explosion off the edge and his catalog of pass-rushing moves. It will be interesting to see if Phelps can continue to produce at a high level when he starts playing higher-quality opponents.

Honorable Mention
Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Jalen McGaughy, WR, Central Michigan
Braydon Johnson, WR, Oklahoma State
Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
Ali Jennings, WR, Old Dominion
Elijah Cooks, WR, San Jose State
Mohamed Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota
John Morgan, DL, Pittsburgh
Cam Camper, WR, Indiana
Mason Cobb, LB, Oklahoma State
Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
Joseph Charleston, CB, Missouri
Trey Lacey, DT, Oklahoma State
Cam Jones, LB, Indiana
Xazavian Valladay, RB, Arizona State

NFC East Rookies to Watch

Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys suffered devastating news last month when it was announced Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith would miss the season due to injury. The player Dallas will look to replace him with is first-round pick, Tyler Smith. While Tyler Smith stands out for his run blocking, he may struggle vs. speed rushers he will see this season.

New York Giants
While wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson didn’t see a ton of touches this preseason, look for his role to expand as the season continues. He will likely see touches in the passing game and occasional touches on handoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles
Even though no Philadelphia Eagle rookie goes into the season as a starter, Jordan Davis still should make a big impact this season. Davis has impressed people all training camp with his impressive size and strength combination. He should help the Eagles upgrade their run defense and give Fletcher Cox a much needed rest at times.

Washington Commanders
A pleasant surprise for the Commanders this preseason was the play of seventh-round pick Chris Paul. His strong training camp allowed him to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster and he gives the Commanders good depth on the offensive line this year.

NFL Draft Scouting Notes

— One thing scouts love to see in offensive line prospects background is that they wrestled in high school, and one player who was a standout wrestler is West Virginia center, Zach Frazier. He won the state championship four times in high school and only lost two matches his entire career. When looking at his play on the field you can see his wrestling background paying off as well. He does a good job of playing with leverage and has the power to consistently handle his defender. He shows the tenacity of a former wrestler as well, always finishing his blocks and showing the toughness you would expect from someone with his background.

— Last week was NFL cut down day and one of the biggest shockers came when the Las Vegas Raiders released Alex Leatherwood. Leatherwood was the 17th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft after a stellar career at Alabama. While the Raiders may have reached for Leatherwood, he still has intriguing NFL potential. He is a high-quality run blocker who shows the power to consistently open up running lanes. His best position in the NFL though, will likely be at guard since he does struggle in space and lacks the agility to hold up against pass-rushing defensive ends.

— Another surprise cut last week was the San Fransico 49ers cutting running back Trey Sermon. While Sermon saw limited time last year and in preseason action this year, he was still a highly-regarded player going into the 2021 NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see if Sermon’s physical running style will earn him more playing time this season with his new team the Philadelphia Eagles.

— The best backup in college football has to be Georgia tight end Darnell Washington. Washington is your classic in-line tight end who holds up well as a blocker and also can be a reliable target in the passing game. In his game against Oregon last week he made several pancake blocks and showed the ability to block both in space and at the line of scrimmage. As a receiver, he showed he has the athletic ability to be a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses, especially when you combine that athletic ability with his 6-foot-7, 270-pound size. Against the Ducks, he made one reception where he broke a tackle, hurdled another defender, and was able to pick up 25 yards.

Quote of the Week

“He’s quick off the ball. He’s got a relentless motor and things that you need to keep playing and make things happen. But I’m sure now that he’s put it on a game film. It’s gonna continue to be challenging, but he loves to play. He plays hard. He’s coachable, he does everything and he’s excitable, and he’s a great addition to this football team.”

-Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold on defensive end Lonnie Phelps