Biggest Rookies in the 2023 USFL Draft

 

USFL Draft 2023: Which Players Stood Out

 

The first rookie draft for the new USFL took place today. For a complete draft nerd like me, it was great. It was an entire draft where you were only allowed to pick sleepers. I’m going to try and not go crazy and write way too much about way too many players, but there’s a lot to be excited about.

 

My Guys

 

Tanner Morgan, QB, Minnesota

Morgan has been on the NFL Draft radar for awhile. That’s because he was dominant in 2019, throwing for 3,253 yards 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Morgan was Caleb Williams before Caleb Williams. People couldn’t wait for him to come out. Then, things didn’t go as well. He played three more years in a run-heavy offense and didn’t put up impressive numbers. He was definitely a sleeper going into this year’s NFL Draft. Teams will now be watching closely to see if he can recreate the magic he had in 2019.

 

Levi Bell, DL, Texas State

Who was PFF’s number two rated defensive lineman in the NCAA for the 2022 college football season? That’s right, it’s Levi Bell. Bell is a prospect I was watching going into the NFL Draft. He’s got 4-3 defensive end size and athleticism. Bell originally signed with Louisiana Tech, but transferred to Texas State in 2021. He played interior defensive line for the Bobcats and was strong against the run and the pass. When I say I was watching him, I mean it. We communicated a bit and he is supposed to have his pro day on March 9th. Hopefully the USFL doesn’t interfere with this.

 

Justin Ford, CB, Montana

Like all great football analysts, I keep a close eye on the Big Sky Conference. Justin Ford is another player I communicated with prior to the season. He’s a ball hawk, a playmaker. Ford is going to make interceptions in the USFL and I hope the NFL scouts are taking notes. He lead the NCAA in interceptions in 2021 with nine. He’s also 6’2″. That’s the kind of height that NFL teams love.

 

Jake Bobo, WR, UCLA

The only reason Jake Bobo isn’t rated much higher in NFL rookie receiver rankings is he doesn’t have elite speed. He’s great at everything else. Bobo catches everything thrown his way. He runs great routes. He’s even quick, just not fast. Bobo isn’t the flashiest receiver, but he’s the kind of guy you love to have on your team.

 

Earl Bostick Jr., OT, Kansas

I’ve been watching Bostick for awhile as well. He’s a big athletic offensive tackle, NFL size and quickness. I still have nightmares about TJ Clemmings standing like a statue while defensive ends ran around him, so I really like quick feet. I expected Bostick to be drafted in the NFL. Bostik has been invited to perform at the NFL Combine. It will be interesting to see how that whole situation plays out.

 

Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville

We wrote about Malik Cunningham last year. The guy is a Lamar Jackson clone down to the school they played for. Cunningham is number two all time in rushing touchdowns, number seven all time in passing touchdowns, and number two in total touchdowns. Remember, Lamar Jackson isn’t the only impressive quarterback to come out of Louisville. There’s also Teddy Bridgewater, Chris Redman and Brian Brohm, all of who played numerous years in the NFL. Cunningham isn’t just a runner. He’s going to be electrifying to watch.

Final Thoughts on USFL Draft 2023

It was fun to see a lot of familiar names taken in the USFL Draft, and maybe one recognizable name to the general public in Malik Cunningham. I’m curious to see how the USFL handles pro days, the NFL Combine, etc. for these rookies. It reminds me a bit of the 2019 XFL. Kenny Robinson Jr. was taken in the XFL Draft and had a good season. He was then a 5th round pick in the NFL Draft. He’s currently a Pittsburgh Steeler. Hopefully the USFL embraces giving these rookie sleepers a platform that they can use to get to the NFL.