Tag: Luke Musgrave

Buyers Beware: 5 prospects the Browns should let other teams over-draft

Buyers beware on these prospects.

We are now in the thick of the pre-draft process as the Senior Bowl has come to an end and the NFL Scouting Combine is set to take place next week. In need of infiltrating their roster with young talent, the Cleveland Browns need to nail down the 2023 NFL Draft with the eight picks they currently hold.

They do not need to overthink this, as there will be some real value on the board when they come on the clock with the 42nd overall pick. However, there is some highly thought of players who just do not show that same level of hype on tape. Here are five 2023 NFL Draft prospects the Browns would be wise to let other teams over-draft.

Los Angeles Chargers three-round 2023 NFL mock draft Thursday 5.0

Here is the fifth installment of three-round Thursday, laying out different scenarios on how the draft could play out for the Chargers.

The 2023 NFL draft is still a couple of months away, so we will supply you with in-depth coverage between now and then to inform you who the Chargers could be targeting while they’re on the clock.

With that being said, this will be the fifth installment of the three-round mock draft Thursday, where I will lay out different scenarios every week on how the first three rounds could play out for Los Angeles.

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Jaguars mock draft database: Utah TE Dalton Kincaid is early favorite

Tight ends and cornerbacks are dominating the Jaguars’ pick in mock drafts.

What’s better than a mock draft? How about more than 40 of them?

To get a better idea of what the Jacksonville Jaguars will do with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jaguars Wire is compiling mocks from across the Internet for a weekly update on who experts think is going to wind up in Jacksonville.

With just over two months left until draft day, cornerbacks and tight ends are dominating the Jaguars picks.

Out of the 43 mock drafts surveyed this week, here are the leading candidates to be the Jaguars’ first-round selection:

Mock Draft Roundup Monday 2.0: Who analysts are sending to Chargers

Get familiar with some of the players experts think the Chargers will target in the 2023 NFL draft.

Who are some players experts think the Chargers will target in the 2023 NFL draft?

Get acquainted with a few names in the second installment of the Chargers 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup Monday.

Selection (No. 21 overall): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Expert: Nate Davis, USA Today

Date of mock draft: February 20 (link)

Analysis: “Are you getting the guy who racked up 347 receiving yards in the 2022 Rose Bowl? Or the guy who missed most of last season with a hamstring injury, which spurred a lot of questions? Maybe both. But with Keenan Allen slowing down and maybe about to be a cap casualty, Smith-Njigba would make an outstanding Robin to Mike Williams’ Batman in this offense.”

Selection (No. 21 overall): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Expert: Daniel Popper, The Athletic

Date of mock draft: February 20 (link)

Analysis: “The Chargers had a need for more speed at receiver last offseason, and they opted not to address it. That decision backfired when injuries struck the offense. They lost their fastest receiver, Jalen Guyton, to a torn ACL in Week 3. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen missed significant time. They did not have the depth to weather those injuries. And they did not have the speed within the receiving group to fully take advantage of Justin Herbert’s arm and consistently threaten opposing defenses in the deep part of the field. Herbert finished 31st among 33 qualified quarterbacks in air yards per attempt, and the Chargers finished 24th in explosive pass rate, according to TruMedia. Part of that was some of the limitations in former offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s scheme and play calling. Part of that was a lack of reliable protection from an injured and young offensive line. But part of that, too, was personnel. One easy way to create a more explosive passing attack is to add explosive playmakers. That is exactly what Hyatt is: a receiver with “field-stretching speed, tracking skills and reliable hands,” according to The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler.”

Selection (No. 21 overall): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Selection (No. 55 overall) Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Date of mock draft: February 20 (link)

Analysis: “Jones had had a strong ’22 campaign for the Bulldogs, where he has faced some of the best defensive players in the country every day at practice for the last two years. He’s not yet a finished product but he has the athleticism and strength to be a difference-maker when he puts it all together.”

Selection (No. 21 overall): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Expert: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

Date of mock draft: February 20 (link)

Analysis: “New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will allow Justin Herbert to push the ball downfield more frequently than the QB did with Joe Lombardi. So it’s time to get Herbert a serious vertical weapon. That’s precisely what Hyatt is.”

Selection (No. 21 overall): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

Expert: Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network

Date of mock draft: February 20 (link)

Analysis: “Luke Musgrave’s stock is consistently rising throughout the draft process. Musgrave combined with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will give Justin Herbert a trio of big targets to deliver the ball to.”

Selection (No. 21 overall): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

Selection (No. 55 overall): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Selection (No. 86 overall): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

Expert: Tankathon.com Staff

Date of mock draft: February 19 (link)

Selection (No. 21 overall): Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Expert: Antonio Morales, The Athletic

Date of mock draft: February 17 (link)

Analysis: “Addison dealt with injuries during his final college season at USC, so his numbers weren’t as prolific as they were when he won the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt in 2021. His talent was still apparent, though. Addison has good speed and is a smooth, technically sound wideout. If Keenan Allen becomes a cap casualty, then the Chargers (and Justin Herbert) could use a talent like Addison.”

Selection (No. 21 overall): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Expert: Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network

Date of mock draft: February 16 (link)

Analysis: “More than anything, the Chargers need more speed and dynamic ability at WR. Zay Flowers has more than enough of both traits. However, what separates him from other smaller receivers is his flexibility and body control, both on the ground and in the air.”

Dolphins double up on TE in new Draft Wire mock draft

That would certainly bring some young talent to the room.

While the 2022 NFL season has come to a close, all 32 teams have moved on to their roster construction phase for 2023.

With that comes free agency and NFL draft season, as well as the Senior Bowl, which took place last weekend, showcasing some of the draft’s top talent.

Now that the game is over, draft experts are releasing new mock drafts across multiple outlets, including Luke Easterling from Draft Wire. His three-round mock draft, which dropped on Thursday, has the Dolphins taking Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave at No. 51 overall, Tulane running back Tyjae Spears at No. 77 overall and Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta at No. 84 overall.

With Mike Gesicki likey leaving in free agency, the Dolphins are without a top tight end. Durham Smythe Cethan Carter, Hunter Long and Tanner Conner fill the remaining roles, but no one has stepped up yet.

While neither Musgrave or LaPorta are exceptional blockers, the idea of pairing them with tight ends coach Jon Embree, who helped turn George Kittle into the player he is today, is enticing.

Musgrave, in 20 collegiate games, recorded 47 receptions for 633 yards and two touchdowns. LaPorta, in 40 collegiate games, brought in 153 receptions for 1,786 yards and five touchdowns.

As for the idea of drafting a running back, that’s something that the Dolphins should be looking into this year. At this point, there are no backs on the roster, but Salvon Ahmed is a restricted free agent, making his return easier than unrestricted free agents like Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin.

In 33 games at Tulane, Spears rushed for 2,910 yards and 31 touchdowns on 6.8 yards per carry while adding 48 receptions for 564 yards and three touchdowns in the receiving game.

He had impressive athleticism and instincts, but with his small frame, he’s not the strongest, making him a potential liability in short-yardage and pass-blocking situations.

Double-dipping at a position is always a controversial decision, especially when Miami just used a third-round pick there just two drafts ago, but there’s a clear need, and they should be trying to fill that role due to it’s importance in Mike McDaniel’s system.

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Packers get a TE not named Michael Mayer in first round of Lance Zierlein’s first mock draft

The first mock draft from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has the Packers getting Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave at No. 15 overall in the first round.

Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer has become one of the most common mock draft selections for the Green Bay Packers at No. 15 overall in the first round.

Ready for a curveball? Not all evaluators see Mayer as the top tight end in the class.

Lance Zierlein’s first mock draft for NFL.com has the Packers getting Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave in the first round.

From Zierlein: “I know, I know — they don’t draft wideouts in the first round. But how about a tight end? Musgrave is experienced blocking in a zone scheme and has dynamic pass-catching talent.”

Musgrave caught 11 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown before getting hurt during his junior season.

In terms of the tight end checklist, Musgrave has the size, natural receiving ability and elite athleticism necessary for being a difference-maker in the passing game at the next level.

“Musgrave moves incredibly well at 6-6, 250 pounds, and he’s a prospect that will turn heads at the combine,” Packers Wire draft analyst Brennen Rupp said. “With his size and speed, Musgrave will be a mismatch inside the 20s. He’s wired right as a run blocker and brings consistent effort on each rep.”

The Packers’ need at tight end is well-documented. Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis will both be free agents, and Matt LaFleur’s offense needs more production from the position overall.

Could Musgrave, who shined at the Senior Bowl, put himself on the first-round radar with a strong NFL Scouting Combine? It’s a path Christian Watson took to Green Bay in 2022, although he fell just outside the first round.

In Zierlein’s mock, Mayer came off the board three picks later at No. 18 to the Detroit Lions.

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Packers get S Brian Branch, TE Luke Musgrave combo in another mock draft

Safety and tight end continue to be among the most common selections for the Green Bay Packers in the first and second rounds of mock drafts.

Safety and tight end remain among the most common selections for the Green Bay Packers in the first and second rounds of mock drafts at this point in the pre-draft process.

More specifically, Brian Branch and Luke Musgrave are becoming an increasingly common safety-tight end combo.

In a new mock draft from ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Packers got Branch, Alabama’s do-it-all defensive back, at No. 15 overall and Musgrave, the high-upside Oregon State tight end, at No. 45 in the second round.

A recent mock draft from Luke Easterling of Draft Wire produced the same combo for the Packers.

The need at both positions is evident in Green Bay, and mock draft prognosticators are taking advantage.

At safety, veteran starter Adrian Amos has a voiding contract, Darnell Savage is coming off a highly disappointing fourth season and Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt are both free agents.

At tight end, Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis both have voiding contracts, leaving Josiah Deguara as the lone veteran under contract in 2023.

Enter the Branch-Musgrave combo.

Branch played all over Alabama’s secondary. Miller called him an “impressive all-around football player” who is “highly instinctive” and created versatile production numbers.

Brennen Rupp of Packers Wire believes Branch has the footwork and fluidity to play in the slot at the next level, but his open-field tackling and fearlessness playing downhill also make him an ideal candidate at safety.

Miller said Musgrave was the “best tight end at the Senior Bowl” and compared him to Pro Bowler Mark Andrews.

Rupp sees a similar type of player in terms of Musgrave’s pass-catching ability and production as a blocker.

In theory, Branch could be the do-it-all glue that ties the Packers’ talent-rich secondary together, while Musgrave could be the ideal dual-threat tight end in the Matt LaFleur offense while providing another weapon in Green Bay’s new-look passing game.

On the flipside, the Packers would be using another top pick on the secondary and getting a smaller defensive back without a defined position, and tight ends usually take a few years before providing real value and impact.

What would you think of a Branch-Musgrave combo in the draft? Let us know in the comments below.

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2023 NFL draft film room: Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave

See for yourself what makes Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave one of the top tight end prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class

It’s officially NFL draft season, so it’s time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class.

What makes Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave one of this year’s top tight end prospects?

Watch the tape and see for yourself:

Dolphins grab TE in pre-Senior Bowl mock draft

Miami’s tight end room could look much different.

While there are still two teams remaining in the NFL’s postseason, vying for a Lombardi Trophy, the other 30 teams have fully transitioned to the offseason.

This weekend, some of the college game’s best players are taking the stage in the Reese’s Senior Bowl to showcase their talents for NFL decision-makers before this year’s draft.

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Draft Wire has put out their newest mock draft for the first two rounds, and the Dolphins, at No. 51, are projected to target Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave.

In 20 games over four years, Musgrave recorded 47 receptions for 633 yards and two touchdowns.

Mike Gesicki is set to become a free agent, and Miami could move on from Durham Smythe with just a $750,000 dead cap hit. Hunter Long has yet to produce in his two seasons with the Dolphins.

There’s a need for a productive tight end in South Florida, an Musgrave could end up filling that role.

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Tight end prospect Luke Musgrave has the tools to be a draft steal

Musgrave is a very intriguing prospect.

Senior Bowl week is wrapping up and plenty of prospects showed up in Mobile and increased their draft stock. One of those players is Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave, who needed a good week. Musgrave might be outside of the Cleveland Browns age guardrails, but there is little debate about the physical tools he has.

Musgrave had impressive reps as a run blocker, as well as showing the ability to create plenty of separation in the pass game. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he has the size and athletic ability to cause mismatches on the field.

Not quite the athletic freak that David Njoku is, but a pairing of these two would be difficult to handle for most defenses. Musgrave’s ability to set the edge in the run game as a blocker is as good as any tight end prospect in this class.

The college production isn’t there, especially with injuries, but he has the tools to develop into a difference maker. The Browns should keep their eyes closely on the rest of Musgrave’s testing and consider pairing him with Njoku.

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