The 6’3″, 235-pound edge rusher was previously a tight end.
Jeremy Lewis was one of the most productive defensive players for the Pirates last fall, tallying 42 tackles, comprising 5½ for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. Jones isn’t the only positional swap 2023 NFL Draft prospect on the East Carolina roster. There’s work to do, but he could be a diamond in the rough of this 2023 NFL Draft class. He has the explosiveness and decent speed to separate and boasts surprisingly impressive hands.Īdditionally, Jones’ linebacker physicality shows up in blocking. At 6’2″ and 247 pounds, Jones may lack the height of a typical NFL tight end, but he showcased an alluring athletic skill set last fall. Ryan Jones, TEįormer Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Jones led East Carolina in receiving touchdowns in his first season playing the position. The pass catcher was suspended indefinitely earlier this year, with his 2023 NFL Draft status presently unsure. The kicker? East Carolina doesn’t actually have Johnson right now. The senior wide receiver has averaged 17.0 yards per catch in his career, with a career-high 908 yards in 2019. That is exactly what East Carolina has in 6’2″, 222-pound WR C.J. Johnson, WRīig-bodied pass catchers who can bully at the catch point, be physical in the ground game, and add yardage after the catch are always in high demand. He also exhibits arm strength, excellent football IQ, and the ability to manipulate safeties with his eyes.
He showcases toughness both in and out of the pocket, with deceptive athleticism to extend plays. Can he assert himself as a genuine QB contender in the 2023 NFL Draft class with an impressive season?Īt 6’3″ and 230 pounds, Ahlers is built for the rigors of the NFL. Somehow, it feels like he’s been around forever. Holton Ahlers, QBĬontrary to popular belief, East Carolina QB Holton Ahlers is entering just his fifth season under center for the Pirates. If the 5’9″, 188-pound RB can improve in pass protection, his stock could skyrocket. Mitchell is a potent speed threat who possesses the elusiveness to avoid contact and break for huge runs. Meanwhile, posing a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield, he added 253 receiving yards, tallying 10 total touchdowns. As a sophomore, Mitchell rushed for 1,132 yards at 6½ yards per carry. One of the most exciting running backs in college football, Keaton Mitchell could end the season as East Carolina’s best 2023 NFL Draft prospect. A rising running back, a returning quarterback, and a receiver carrying some question marks headline the Pirates’ prospects. Having suffered through losing seasons since 2014, does a 7-5 record in Houston’s third season as East Carolina head coach signal a turnaround in the fortunes of the program? There’s reason to believe that not only can that success be repeated this fall, but it could have a knock-on impact on their 2023 NFL Draft class. East Carolina prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft