April 27th, 2023, Kansas City, Missouri will host the NFL Draft this year. Draft experts feel this year’s draft is filled with potential at various positions and give the vibe of the 2011 NFL Draft, rated the top three best draft classes in the history of the draft. We all know the experts are wrong a lot, but if there is a chance of half of the potential to be there, I believe there will be some great gems in the NFL. Below will be each offensive position gem that can be in the draft this year.
Quarterback: Anthony Richardson, Florida
This year, four quarterbacks may go in the first ten picks of the draft. Something that we have not seen before. Even though Anthony Richardson is projected in the top ten this year, doesn’t mean he can’t be a gem in this draft. Out of the other top quarterbacks, Richardson seems to be the least ready for the NFL. The University of Florida did not help Richardson with his time with the university. Even though Anthony Richardson graduated early to enter the university’s football camp to help progress to be ready for the colligate level, the COVID epidemic stopped that from happening. Also, the lack of only having a quarterback coach for one year and a horrible offensive line and weapons hindered Richardson’s progression to be NFL Ready. As usual, the combine shows off a player’s athleticism and this year was Richardson’s show to steal. The main issue with Anthony from Scouts is his accuracy that was below 50%. But if Anthony Richardson can land on a team that can let him grow without starting a game this year, there is a chance Richardson will be the gem at the quarterback position..
Running back: Duece Vaughn, Kansas State
Another position that seems to be stacked at this year’s draft, is the running back position. This year’s running back gem this year could be Kansas State running back Duece Vaughn. Vaughn is predicted to be picked earliest in the fourth and as late as the fifth round. Leaving college his junior year to enter the NFL draft, Vaughn was ranked the second-best running back in the Big 12 and was a Unanimous All-American. One huge problem with Duece is his height, coming in the Combine, Vaughn measured at 5 foot 5 3/4 inches in height. A ton of experts and scouts are comparing Deuce to ex-NFL star and former Kansas State running back Darren Sproles, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Just like Sproles, Deuce Vaughn is very explosive when hitting the gaps off the line. Not to mention Vaughn’s skill to catch the ball out of the backfield is out of this world.
With his explosiveness and ability to be a passing outlet, a team who can land Vaughn, especially in the later rounds, will instantly improve their team. Hopefully being that height, will help his center of gravity. Deuce Vaughn has a great chance to be the gem at the running back position.
Wide Receiver Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
Andrei Iosivas is one of the receivers who ranks in the 80% percentile in height amongst this year’s draft. Iosivias is also a two-sport athlete, setting multiple track records with his time at Princeton. Andrei’s athleticism helped to achieve a spot on Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s list. Andrei Iosivias’ quickness of the line of scrimmage, quick acceleration, and top speed is among some of the best in this year’s draft. Andrei top speed and reliable hands makes for a weapon of mass destruction over the middle of the field.
But there are some reasons why Andrei Iosivias hasn’t topped the elite prospect level of this year’s draft, and why Andrei makes the gem list. Iosivias has only faced poor competition in the Ivy League, while I know “You can only play who you are scheduled.”, Andrei has never dominated the sub-par competition. Another downfall of Andrei Iosivias is the problem of letting defenders get inside of the pads, which kills his route running while being in pressed coverage and hurts the run blocking as well. Although Iosivias is deadly over the middle, there are times Andrei does not always use his hands to secure the deep pass and uses his body to catch the ball. Highest projection some experts have Andrei Iosivias going in the fourth round, others as late as the sixth round. If a team can land Andrei that late and help develop the few issues, this can be one of the best gems in this draft.
Tight End Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
Zack Kuntz, like Andrei Iosivia, made Bruce’ Feldman’s Freak’s List. I can see why, measuring at 6-7, weighing 255 pounds, places Zack in the 91% percentile of Tight Ends. Kuntz is a lethal weapon when it comes to catch-and-run situations, as Kuntz takes the top off the opposing defenses.
If teams want a Tight End who can catch and block, Then Zack Kuntz is your guy in this draft. Search the word thumper in the football dictionary, and a picture of Kuntz will be presented. A super-sized athlete with soft hands creates the picture-perfect dual-threat Tight End. With Zack Kuntz’s lack of tough competition and his inconsistency of line-of-scrimmage release hurts the draft stock. Experts have Zack going in the seventh round at best, most likely becoming an undrafted free agent. If teams can help Kuntz with his release issues and produce a constituency with separation, Kuntz makes for a great gem for the Tight End position.
Offensive Tackle Earl Bostick Jr., Kansas University
The 6’6 senior offensive tackle for Kansas University is slowly rising on the expert draft board. I can see why, Earl Bostick shows tremendous awareness when it comes to reading moving bodies, leading to combo blocks. Being in the 62% percentile of height and weight, gives Bostick an advantage, especially if teams are looking for a big-body tackle. Not only is a human tank on the offensive line, but Earl moves smoothly across the field and covers tons of space. But wait, there’s more! Probably the best attribute Earl Bostick has is “The never give up” work ethic, which many coaches love and admires.
The reason why Earl has to fight his way out of being an undrafted free agent and possibly a great gem is because of a couple of flaws in his gigantic game. One of the downfalls of being at that height is being heavy-footed. Bostick will have an awful time with speed rushers with the inconsistency of the kick slides. Bostic seems to be a waist-bender tackle and ends up reaching and lunging against quick opponents. Being heavy-footed also hurts Bostic by not effectively getting around the pulling guard, which will hurt getting into the second level. The positive note seems Bostick is putting in work this off-season to help improve the flaws. If Earl succeeds, what a gem at the offensive tackle position.
Offensive Guard Andrew Vorhees, USC
Andrew Vorhees probably has the most emotional stories ever when it comes to Combine stories. The highly-rated guard was proving to be the monster everyone expected, till a freak accident causes Vorhees to tear his ACL. Even with torn ACL, Andrew Vorhees still attempts the bench press and absolutely kills the drill, with the splint and all.
The All-American was projected to be a first-round selection, and I can see why. Vorhees was extremely versatile and experienced, which helped him play all four positions of the offensive line. The way Andrew bursts off the line creates a huge problem for the opposing defensive linemen. Andrew Vorhees has probably the best run-blocking attributes we will ever get to witness from a draft prospect. Reasoning for Vorhees to be a gem, as stated before is the injury to the ACL. Most likely Andrew will miss this season and be sidelined. But that could be a blessing in disguise, by helping Vorhees to develop his hand placement and help him stay engaged in progressing to the second level of the field. If a team takes a risk on Vorhees in the second to the third round of the draft, they could be receiving an incredible improvement to the run game.
Center Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
One of my favorite gems of this year’s draft is Arkansas’s center, Rick Stromberg. The 6’3, 306-pound center could improve any team with their passing and running game by the incredible football IQ Ricky has. Stromberg’s ability to set a line of scrimmage protection and finishing blocks consistently helps Ricky Stromberg win battles off the line. Stromberg’s most underrated attribute is probably the ability to often out-grapple bigger defensive players.
While I might think Stromberg is a top-of-the-line center, there are some flaws in Ricky’s game. One is, Ricky is more comfortable progressing forward, instead of sitting back in pass protection. Ricky Stromberg’s speed and agility do not help to get around the pulling guard at times. Seems at times, Stromberg tends to stop his feet while delivering the first punch. Being projected to be selected in the fifth round, Stromberg has a chance to prove himself in training camp and during the preseason. If done correctly, Ricky Stromberg could be one of the best gems of the offensive lines.
For more sleepers and gems of this 2023 draft, make sure to check out the latest episode of the Texans Fan Battle podcast, where draft expert Bill Carroll drafts knowledge. There will be some players you know, some that will surprise you. Make sure while you’re listening, hit the subscribe button!
