Tag: Payne Durham

Lions 2023 draft: A tight end prospect for every round

A tight end prospect for each round of the 2023 NFL draft for the Detroit Lions to consider selecting

Up next in the series of “a prospect for every round” is a position group where Lions fans absolutely want nothing to do with a first-round talent, even though the current roster might reflect tight end as a big need. Detroit’s rather inglorious history of drafting first-round TEs and not having those players finish their rookie contracts with the team. That list includes Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron and T.J. Hockenson, who was traded for a second-round pick in the middle of last season.

The Lions bring back their top three TEs from the end of the 2022 season. Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra performed well in a more limited usage in the passing game. Mitchell, the Lions’ fifth-round pick a year ago, is a player widely viewed as someone who could take a big step forward with a healthy offseason.

Here is one tight end prospect that fits the Lions from each round of the draft. Detroit doesn’t currently have any picks in the fourth or seventh rounds, but players from those ranges are included because trades happen all the time during the draft weekend.

The purpose here isn’t to advocate for any one player but to give a better idea of the type of talent available at each level of the 2023 NFL draft.

30 Browns prospects in 30 days: Payne Durham, TE, Purdue

Durham has could be the TE2 of the future.

The tight end class in this year’s 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with talent in each round. The team doesn’t have a massive need but with Njoku missing time historically depth is needed. If the Browns want to wait until later in the draft Purdue’s Payne Durham would be a name to target.

Durham is a great blocker with impressive strength and size at 6-foot-5 255 pounds. He is a solid route runner that flashes surprising athleticism at the top of his routes.

He uses his size and strong hands to provide a great target in the redzone. If you’re looking for a player that will give his all with toughness Durham is the guy for you.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

[stnvideo key=”BuIu1n8G” type=”player”]

48 draft prospects attend Colts’ local pro day in 2023

The Colts hosted 48 draft prospects at their local pro day.

The Indianapolis Colts held a local pro day for eligible prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL draft Monday, and there were some intriguing names on the list.

While the local pro days typically serve as a chance for lesser-known prospects to show off their talent, there were some big names participating during Monday’s workout.

There were a few names we knew the Colts have interest in either because they previously worked out for the team or because they reportedly have a top-30 visit scheduled.

Here’s a look at the 48 prospects who attended the Colts’ local pro day ahead of the 2023 draft:

Bears 2023 NFL draft preview: Where does Chicago stand at TE?

Next up in our Bears NFL draft preview series is tight end, which already looks improved with Robert Tonyan joining Cole Kmet.

The Chicago Bears have had a busy offseason, working to improve the team following their historic 3-14 run during the 2022 season during general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus’ first year with the team. Now going into Year 2, Poles and Eberflus are working to get the Bears back to relevancy and build a foundation that will eventually lead to postseason success.

Following their free agency frenzy, the Bears are setting their sights towards the 2023 NFL draft, which is quickly approaching. After initially winding up with the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears moved down to No. 9 following a lucrative trade with the Carolina Panthers. They will look to shore up certain positions such as offensive tackle and defensive line that still have glaring holes.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the NFL draft. Up next is tight end, which has a pair of capable pass catchers at the top of the depth chart.

Potential tight end prospects for Chargers in each round of 2023 NFL draft

Here’s a tight end prospect in each round of the 2023 NFL draft that could be a fit for the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Gerald Everett, Donald Parham Jr., and Tre’ McKitty all returning for the 2023 season, the Chargers return their top three options at tight end. But with Everett set to be a free agent after next season and Parham and McKitty yet to solidify themselves as premier NFL players, tight end remains a potential need for LA.

Here’s a prospect for every round that could fit the Chargers:

Broncos had formal interview with TE Payne Durham at NFL combine

The Broncos met with tight end Payne Durham at the NFL combine earlier this offseason.

The Denver Broncos had a formal interview with Purdue tight end Payne Durham at the NFL combine last month, according to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo. NFL teams are allowed to have up to 45 formal visits with players at the combine each year.

Durham (6-6, 253 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 4.87 seconds and a 10-yard split in 1.61 seconds at the combine. A former lacrosse player, Durham posted career highs in receptions (56), receiving yards (560) and touchdown catches (eight) in 13 games with the Boilermakers as a senior in 2022.

Most mock drafts have Durham going off the board in the fifth round, where the Broncos hold selection No. 139. Denver also holds pick No. 195 in the sixth round this year.

If selected by the Broncos in next month’s draft, Durham would join a tight end room that includes Greg Dulcich, Albert Okwuegbunam and Chris Manhertz.

The 2023 NFL draft will be held in Kansas City from April 27-29.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=482983128]

15 2023 NFL Draft prospects for Browns to follow at the NFL Scouting Combine

Who should you be watching at the combine next week?

The Cleveland Browns have holes to fill on their roster as free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft rolls closer. However, before we get there, first comes the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, where general managers, head coaches, and agents are known for wheeling and dealing behind the scenes.

The combine also has massive NFL Draft implications for the Browns as they have needs at defensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver before we reach Week 1 of the season. Here are 15 players to keep a close eye on as they travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the biggest job interviews of their lives next week.

2023 NFL Draft: Prospects who could shine at the scouting combine

Every year, draft prospects hope to be truly seen at the scouting combine. Laurie Fitzpatrick has some players who could shine this time around.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine is quickly approaching, as the players arrive in Indianapolis on Monday, February 27th.

The combine is the place where hopefuls have a chance to make their mark and emerge as stars right before the NFL draft.

It happens every year! We are bound to see some stocks rise and fall whether it´s through the measurables testing or the individual drills throughout the week.

Let´s dive into some players who are likely to see their stocks rise next week!

[mm-video type=video id=01gstca7830sh8hqgbse playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gstca7830sh8hqgbse/01gstca7830sh8hqgbse-26d978d82126ef645d23f7aecbedf740.jpg]

Browns NFL Draft Profile: Get to know Purdue TE Payne Durham

Should the former Boilermaker be on the Browns’ radar?

A 2023 NFL Draft prospect that is getting more attention after a good week at the Senior Bowl is Purdue tight end Payne Durham. He is a massive player at the position checking in at 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds with 33 1/4-inch arms. Durham is a strong player who is a solid blocker in the running game though his hand placement needs work at times. With some work at the next level and his good strength, he will be an excellent blocker in the NFL possibly with the Cleveland Browns.

Durham won’t blow you away with speed and athleticism but if you underestimate him he can surprise you. The tape should have some nice long speed where he was able to get behind some linebackers and slower corners. His acceleration isn’t elite but he can surprise you with how well he moves at his size.

A polished route runner that understands how to attack zone coverage and provides a great safety blanket. His size and strength give him the ability to make contested catches and break arm tackles to gain extra yardage after a catch. Ultimately he is likely a day-three pick but could be a nice tight end two immediately providing good blocking and a big target on third down and in the red zone.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[stnvideo key=”BuIu1n8G” type=”player”]

Podcast: Late round draft targets for the Cleveland Browns

Who could the Browns target on Day 3 in April?

The 2023 NFL Draft gets closer and closer as the NFL scouting combine is set to take place in just a couple of weeks. The Cleveland Browns will have eight picks in the upcoming draft with a pair of choices in both the fourth and fifth rounds.

There are plenty of exciting names on day three of the draft that could help the team and in this podcast, I go over five names I like in the later rounds. Offensive and defensive players could play some vital roles as rookies and could develop into solid contributors.

You can listen to the podcast here or watch the video version here, I hope you enjoy the episode!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[stnvideo key=”BuIu1n8G” type=”player”]