Following back-to-back NFL drafts with six or fewer FCS players selected (six in 2020, five in 2021), the Championship Subdivision sent 20 to the league last cycle. Will the success continue next April? Let’s dive into the top FCS 2023 NFL Draft prospects hitting the field this season.
FCS prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
The Shrine Bowl 1000 and Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist have already highlighted dozens of FCS athletes to watch. But there are far more who deserve recognition. Here are 50 draft-eligible FCS players (plus 50 honorable mentions) that deserve your attention leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Looking for HBCU prospects? You can find them here: Top HBCU 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Isaiah Land, Mark Evans II
Tucker Kraft and Zach Heins, TE, South Dakota State
6’5″ TE Tucker Kraft has slowly built up hype this offseason, earning Dane Brugler’s seal of approval. And for good reason, as Kraft is one of the best inline tight ends in the country. His projection is also one of the safest, as he’s an excellent pass catcher and a more than functional run blocker. Kraft has enough wiggle to force missed tackles and gain yards after the catch, and his physicality presents a problem for defenders in both phases.
But Kraft isn’t the only SDSU TE worthy of NFL draft attention. You can tell the 6’7″ Zach Heins played basketball in high school by the way he rises above the rim as a receiver. Outside of being an obvious red-zone weapon due to his height, Heins owns strong hands that allow him to move the chains consistently (18 of his 24 catches gained a first down or touchdown last year).
Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State
Pierre Strong Jr. was an impressive RB for the Jackrabbits, and he parlayed an exceptional FCS career into a fourth-round NFL draft selection. Yet, he may not have been the best runner in the SDSU backfield.
Isaiah Davis burst onto the scene in 2020, averaging a whopping 8.5 yards per attempt on 96 carries (818 yards) with Strong injured. Then, last season, Davis rumbled his way to 701 yards and seven scores on 95 attempts (7.4 ypa) in just seven games. His balance and speed make him one of the best YAC threats in the country at any level.
Jaxon and Jadon Janke, WR, South Dakota State
Despite being identical twins (both 6’3″, 210 pounds), South Dakota State uses the Janke brothers in vastly different ways. Jaxon was the No. 1 receiver, proving to be a contested-catch connoisseur with an all-around skill set.
Meanwhile, Jadon manned the slot and served as the deep threat with a 17.7 average depth of target. Jaxon is the better prospect currently, but Jadon should receive opportunities of his own.
Hunter Luepke, FB, North Dakota State
Hunter Luepke has kept the fullback position alive in NDSU’s system, taking 87 carries for 543 yards and eight touchdowns last season, adding nine catches for 165 yards and three scores. Luepke also cracked Bruce Feldman’s esteemed Freaks list, running the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5s and jumping 36″ in the vertical.
Building on his allure, Luepke won state wrestling titles in 2017 and 2018, was a three-time all-conference center fielder in baseball, and won a conference championship in the 100-meter dash.
Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
Looking for the next Trevor Penning (an FCS athlete who soars up draft boards)? Look no further than Cody Mauch. While he’s already garnered some attention, the 6’6″ tackle will be a big riser as the spring nears.
Mauch shoots out of his stance, can attack and nullify second-level defenders, and plays with a nasty demeanor. Additionally, he is equally adept at anchoring in pass pro as he is pancaking defenders on runs.
Noah Gindorff, TE, North Dakota State
As you’d expect from a North Dakota State tight end, Noah Gindorff is an excellent blocker. But he’s also a serviceable pass catcher, hauling in 38 passes for 448 and 11 TDs the last three seasons.
Gindorff also possesses one of the most interesting high school careers of any athlete: played QB, TE, DL, LB, S, K, and holder on the football team, earned basketball conference MVP and was a 1,000-point scorer, and was a baseball all-section performer.
Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
Cam Miller isn’t Trey Lance, and we probably won’t see another player like him for years. But Miller could be the next Easton Stick: An NDSU QB who gets drafted on Day 3 and sticks as a backup.
Miller has enough juice to pick up first downs on scrambles and extend the pocket. The Bison’s offense doesn’t let Miller air it out often, but when he has, it’s been tight spirals and solid technique.
Xavier Gipson, WR, Stephen F. Austin
Xavier Gipson is the focal point of Stephen F. Austin’s offense. You’d don’t say that often about a 5’9″, 170-pound receiver. But Gipson is simply electric, slicing and dicing his way toward 74 receptions, an FCS-leading 1,367 yards, and 14 TDs in 2021.
Those numbers nearly bested his totals over the two previous seasons (104-1,775-16). Although he’s a slot-only wideout, hindering his draft ceiling, Gipson’s after-the-catch ability and unguardable speed/acceleration will win decision-makers over.
BJ Thompson, EDGE, Stephen F. Austin
BJ Thompson, a former Baylor starter, added 20+ pounds after transferring to Stephen F. Austin in 2021. At 6’6″ and 230 pounds, he produced 13.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles last season. And according to Feldman, Thompson ran a 4.56 40, broad-jumped 11’3″, and reached 40″ in the vertical this offseason.
FCS tackles are no match for Thompson’s God-given tools, and if he refines his pass-rushing toolbox, NFL tackles won’t have it easy, either.
Isaiah Ifanse, RB, Montana State
There are three constants in life: death, taxes, and Isaiah Ifanse crushing the competition. All he has done since stepping on Montana State’s campus is produce. In his three collegiate seasons, Ifanse has never recorded less than 800 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, or 5.2 yards per carry.
After sitting on the sidelines for a year (COVID canceled the 2020 season), Ifanse exploded for an MSU record 1,643 yards and 10 TDs on 240 attempts. You’d think he saw the future the way he anticipates holes opening, and he’s dynamic in the open field.
McCallan Castles, TE, UC Davis
A former four-star recruit from Cal, McCallan Castles made the one-hour trek from Berkeley to UC Davis in 2020. His playing time has ramped up with each passing season, culminating in 387 yards and four touchdowns on 27 catches last year.
Yet another basketball-to-TE convert, Castles attacks the ball in the air and is nimble on his feet. With a larger target share in 2022, the UC Davis TE could feature on some draft boards.
McClendon Curtis, G, Chattanooga
Chattanooga just sent one guard to the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft in Cole Strange. And while McClendon Curtis is not the same athlete as Strange, he makes up for it with sheer strength.
Per Feldman, Curtis deadlifted 775 pounds and power-cleaned 345 this offseason. Standing 6’6″ and 330+ pounds, Curtis is a walking oxymoron: A smooth-moving immovable object. His basketball background is easy to see in how he carries his weight from rep to rep. Curtis may not go as high as his former teammate, but he’ll hear his name called in April.
Anthony Adams, DB, Portland State
How often do you see a full-time safety move to outside corner and thrive? Well, Anthony Adams did just that. After earning first-team All-Big Sky honors as a safety in 2019, Adams moved to boundary CB in 2021 and received the same recognition. In his first two collegiate campaigns (2018-2019), he reached 104 tackles (8.5 for loss), six interceptions, and 32 pass deflections.
So, it’s safe to say the 6’0″, 185-pound defender’s coverage potential was visible. Regardless, corner is an entirely different position requiring an entirely different skill set. Apparently, Adams didn’t get the memo because he just maintained his domineering ways, nabbing three INTs and eight PBUs.
Justin Ford, CB, Montana
The term “ball hawk” is often thrown around for any defender that has made a couple of plays on the ball. Yet, Justin Ford embodies its meaning: a skilled ball player adept at stealing or intercepting the ball.
Ford led the country (FBS and FCS) with nine picks, recording one in eight straight games. But wait, there’s more! Ford also took two INTs to the house and deflected 20 passes. The 6’2″, 200-pound corner even added a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown for good measure.
Ryan Miller, TE, Furman
Ryan Miller may be listed as a tight end, but he looks and moves more like a receiver (6’2″, 220). He averaged over 17 yards per catch last year, routinely getting behind defenses and even taking screens for chunk gains. While his NFL projection is unclear, one thing is: Miller can ball. You don’t reach 79 career receptions, 1,384 yards, and 16 TDs by accident.
Ryan Greenhagen, LB, Fordham
Name whichever tackling machine you want from any level of play, and I raise you Ryan Greenhagen. He bum-rushed ball carriers to the tune of 102 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks last season … in five games. Let me repeat that for the people in the back — he recorded 102 tackles in five games.
An NCAA record 31 total tackles in the season opener against Nebraska certainly helped. Greenhagen is still developing in coverage, but there is no questioning his determination and instincts in the box.
Justin Szuba, OT, Monmouth
Justin Szuba has a bit of a thin upper body for his height (6’7″, 300), but his nearly 36″ arms and 11″ hands suffocate edge rushers. Although he missed all of last season due to injury, he showed enough in the previous two years to warrant a spot here. When asked about being on the sidelines in 2021, Szuba replied, “The opportunity to assistant coach the O-line and get to see things from more of a macro level … was priceless.”
Carson Camp, QB, South Dakota
Carson Camp has the physical tools to reach the NFL. Elastic arm, easy velocity, escapability, it’s all there. However, he’s still a bit raw from a mental processing standpoint.
Much of that comes with experience and coaching, and entering only his third year at South Dakota, there is potential for significant improvements. Camp completed 180 of 276 passes for 2,252 yards, 17 scores, and seven picks last year. Don’t be surprised if he crushes those numbers in 2022.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
Andrei “The Flyin Hawaiian” Iosivas sprinted his way to 703 yards and five scores on 41 receptions last year. But Iosivas isn’t just a star on the football field, as he finished fourth in the country in the heptathlon and ran the fastest 60 in NCAA heptathlon history (6.71).
I should probably mention he did so at 6’3″ and 200 pounds. He’s still mastering his craft as a receiver, but with a 39″ vertical and previously mentioned speed, Iosivas may only be scratching the surface of his abilities.
Jesus Gibbs, DL, Towson
Jesus Gibbs is more potential than production at this point in his career. COVID canceled the 2020 season, and injuries limited him to just four games last year. Nevertheless, the 6’4″, 260-pound defensive lineman has experience in the B gap and on the edge.
Gibbs’ size is already a plus, but add in a 37″ vertical, 10′ broad, and 1.58-second 10-yard split, and you have an impressive build. Gibbs needs to use that to stuff runs and generate sacks/pressures this year to earn NFL consideration — I believe he will.
Thor Griffith, DT, Harvard
Continuing the trend of athletic marvels, Thor Griffith logged a 5.16 40 and 4.64 shuttle at 6’2″ and 310 pounds this offseason. He enjoyed a stellar 2021 campaign — his first taste of collegiate football as his true freshman 2020 season was canceled. Griffith notched 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, and with Jacob Sykes now a UCLA Bruin, the defensive line is Griffith’s to lead.
Jacob Dobbs, LB, Holy Cross
On the back of 137 tackles (17.5 for loss), 9.5 sacks, and three PBUs in 2021, Jacob Dobbs won Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year as well as All-American honors. Production? Check.
He documented a 36.5″ vertical, 4.65 40, 4.02 shuttle, and reached 22.57 mph in a game. Athleticism? Check.
And he’s done it all at a rocked-up 6’0″ and 235 pounds. Size? Check.
Against the run, Dobbs has showcased a sought-after downhill trigger and uncoachable instincts. In coverage, he kept plays in front of him and didn’t allow a reception for longer than 15 yards. Dobbs is the real deal — even Howie Mandel would agree.
Brevin Allen, EDGE, Campbell
Running a 4.59 40-yard dash at 6’3″ and 263 pounds, it’s no wonder Brevin Allen plays Campbell’s “Beast End” position. He led the Big South with 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks last season, earning Defensive Player of the Year. He converts speed to power amongst the best at the FCS level, and his length allows him to walk tackles into the QB’s lap.
Titus Leo, EDGE, Wagner
At 6’4″ and 250 pounds, Titus Leo registered a 34″ vertical, 10’5″ broad, and 4.41 shuttle. Men his size should not be able to move the way he does. He transitioned from a high school wide receiver into a first-team FCS All-American and two-time Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He can better harness his tolls and red-hot motor (11 penalties in 2021), but Leo shoots out of a cannon off the edge.
David Walker, DL, Central Arkansas
2022 will be David Walker’s first at the FCS level, having dominated the D2 stage last season. At Southern Arkansas, he bowled over offensive linemen en route to 19.5 TFLs and eight sacks. Also a Feldman Freak, Walker recorded a 4.82 40, 35″ vertical jump, and a maximum bench of 485 pounds at 6’3″ and 260 pounds.
Malik Hamm, EDGE, Lafayette
There’s production, and then there is Malik Hamm production. Across four seasons and 37 games, he has generated 37.5 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. He is a long 6’3″ and 245 pounds, winning over tackle with his hand in the dirt or standing up at a wide-9 alignment. Hamm’s get-off shocks linemen, and he has the flexibility to bend around the edge toward the QB.
Tyler Roberts, TE, Merrimack
Listed as an H-back, Merrimack moves Tyler Roberts from inline to the slot frequently. He enjoyed his best season yet in 2021, catching 52 passes for 535 yards and six scores. Roberts can stay too high as a route runner, but he can stretch defenses vertically and also work the middle of the field.
Benny Sapp III, S, Northern Iowa
The next NFL draft pick off the Northern Iowa conveyer belt may just be Benny Sapp III. He saw little playing time at Minnesota, so he transferred to UNI (his father’s alma mater) in 2020.
His first season in Cedar Falls was good, but he took his game to new heights last year. Sapp notched four picks and seven pass deflections on his way to a first-team all-conference nod. His 6’1″ and 205-pound build comes with first-class speed and an “I want to separate your head from your shoulders” mentality.
Jason Shelley, QB, Missouri State
Jason Shelley’s college career took him from Power Five Utah to Group of Five Utah State to FCS-level Missouri State. But he has finally found a home, to the chagrin of MVFC opponents. His impact was immediate, as he threw for over 3,000 yards with 30 TDs and added another 398 yards and 10 scores on the ground. For his efforts, he garnered MVFC Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
Shelley is a dynamic athlete with decent arm talent to pair with his twitchy lower half. Will he translate to the NFL? At 6’0″ and 200 pounds with some accuracy issues, it’s a long shot as a QB. But he may get a chance or two in today’s dual-threat friendly league before talks of switching positions arise.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Youngstown State
Jaleel McLaughlin ran through and over the D2 circuit for Notre Dame College and decided it was time to take it up a notch. The way he ran last year, you’d think McLaughlin transferred in from a top Power Five school.
He rushed 175 times for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns. McLaughlin is small (5’9″, 195) — there is no getting around that. Yet, he has home-run speed in space and is a threat to score on cutbacks.
Tim DeMorat, QB, Fordham
The two-time reigning Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, Tim DeMorat has thrown for 8,570 yards, 67 TDs, and 29 INTs across 36 career games. The 6’4″ signal-caller can actually get on the hoof with some long-strider speed when needed (12 rushing scores).
However, DeMorat does a good job of getting the football out of his hands in a timely manner and has shown the ability to progress through his reads. There are things to improve mechanically (clean weight transfer, long strides in the pocket, etc.), but that also highlights DeMorat’s natural ability.
Mike Edwards and Tyler McLellan, OT, Campbell
Campbell trots out likely the largest tackle duo in the nation for a third straight season. LT Mike Edwards (6’7″, 345) transferred in from Wake Forest in 2020, while Tyler McLellan (6’8″, 355) has been a Fighting Camel from Day 1. Campbell is the superior athlete and cleaner pass protector, but both will receive looks, especially if they can help power Campbell to their first .500+ season in three years.
Devonnsha Maxwell, DT, Chattanooga
Careers don’t get much longer and more decorated than Devonnsha Maxwell’s at Chattanooga. He’s been named to three straight All-SoCon first teams, with 113 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 19.5 sacks to his name.
Maxwell routinely faced Cole Strange in practice, and the battles were a lot less lopsided than you’d expect when facing a first-round pick. Maxwell carries his 6’2″ and nearly 300-pound frame comfortably. He could crack Day 3 of the draft with an enhanced pass-rush arsenal.
Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State
6’3″ and 216-pound slot corners don’t grow on trees. And while Marte Mapu has some snaps at deep safety, it’s been the slot, box, or bust for him at Sacramento State. That hasn’t been an issue, with Mapu nabbing four INTs and 14 PBUs against zero TDs allowed in 2022.
In high school, Mapu played QB, WR, LB, CB, and S, and his time on offense has clearly helped. Mapu plays the ball like a receiver and drops in zone well, seeing the play design as it develops.
Patrick O’Connell, EDGE/LB, Montana
Patrick O’Connell plays how he looks: pissed off. He’s 6’2″ and 225 pounds of pure relentlessness, creating second- and even third-effort pressures. In 25 games, O’Connell has logged 134 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, four PBUs, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries — quite the laundry list.
O’Connell possesses short-area quickness, sideline-to-sideline speed, and is a sound tackler. He’s a bit light to play on the EDGE full-time in the pros, but his skill set translates well as a WILL linebacker.
Joshua Jerome, DL, Eastern Washington
Joshua Jerome has steadily progressed at Eastern Washington, and his production has simultaneously increased. In 35 games (20 starts), Jerome has amassed 143 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Generating pressure from the interior has expanded in importance, making Jerome a more attractive prospect. Yet, don’t sleep on his play against the run.
Nate Lynn, EDGE, William & Mary
What isn’t there to like about Nate Lynn? He launches off the snap, gets his hands on opponents’ chest plates and pops their leverage up, and wrenches them down against the run or the pass.
At 6’3″ and 255 pounds, William & Mary has lined him up everywhere from 0 to 9-tech, though he will be an EDGE in the NFL. Fresh off an 11-sack and six-forced fumble campaign, expect more of the same from Lynn in 2022.
Eli Mostaert, DT, North Dakota State
Eli Mostaert is an athletic DT, able to stunt from the inside out and chase QBs to the sideline. He’s relentless in pursuit and won’t waste time as a pass rusher, identifying the easiest path to the QB and taking action, whether it be looping around the edge, bull rushing, or hand fighting. Since 2020, Mostaert has registered 78 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks — primarily from the B gap.
Jordan Jones, CB, Rhode Island
With five INTs and 13 PBUs in 2021, Jordan Jones’ ball skills are apparent. He’s excellent in press, staying patient with his feet before using a one-arm extension to stun the receiver. This technique keeps him on top of the route while also throwing off the WR’s timing. Furthermore, Jones is fluid in transition and has the speed to carry routes downfield.
Kelechi Anyalebechi, LB, Incarnate Word
Cameron Ward and the offense brought Incarnate Word to national prevalence, but Kelechi Anyalebechi shouldn’t be forgotten. He is one of the most powerful linebackers in the FCS, routinely taking on blocks from offensive linemen and winning.
Anyalebechi’s experience as a pass rusher adds to his allure, as does his innate ability to make a play. In 2021 alone, he forced four fumbles, deflected seven passes, intercepted two passes, and notched two sacks.
John Smith, CB, Holy Cross
If there is one word to describe John Smith, it’s “playmaker.” Smith has 12 INTs and 31 PBUs across his four-year career and is relentless as a support defender. He has to rein in his aggressiveness as it has led to penalties, but it’s also what has helped him become one of the FCS’ top corners.
Michael Tutsie, S, North Dakota State
2019 was Michael Tutsie’s coming-out party, as he logged 105 total tackles, seven interceptions, and nine pass breakups — all career-highs. Nevertheless, he’s continued to be dependable in the secondary. Tutsie is likely best utilized in a two-high-heavy system that allows him to flow downhill, as his run defending is outstanding.
Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State
Mason McCormick may not be as big or athletic as some of the other linemen on this list, but he packs his lunchpail and gets the job done week in and week out. The 6’4″ blocker has been a key reason for Pierre Strong and Isaiah Davis’ success, and he will reprise that role this season. With zero sacks allowed last year, McCormick is also adept in pass protection.
Taylor Grimes, WR, Incarnate Word
Despite QB Cameron Ward and head coach Eric Morris departing for Washington State, Taylor Grimes remains with the Cardinals. It’s unlikely he will reach his 2021 totals (87-1,145-15) with so much turnover. But Grimes is a sure-handed receiver that will likely move to the slot at the next level, having spent the majority of his time outside for Incarnate Word.
Malik Grant, RB, Sacred Heart
Malik Grant may be the shiftiest runner in the entire FCS. Running behind the Pioneers’ line, he produced 1,347 yards and nine touchdowns on 240 carries in 2021. He explodes through gaps, has the speed to churn out chunk gains, and doesn’t shy away from contact.
Morgan Vest, S, Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona doesn’t exactly invoke memories of CFB dominance, but Morgan Vest has drawn eyes to the program. In 2021, he racked up 104 tackles, five interceptions, and 10 PBUs. His 6’1″ and 205-pound frame comes with impressive length and range on the back end. Another stellar campaign should put him firmly on the NFL radar.
Lance Wise, S, Mercer
Living up to his last name, Lance Wise is an intelligent DB, receiving first-team All-SoCon last year. He may be a tad undersized at 5’9″ and 190 pounds, but you couldn’t tell by turning on the tape.
From 2020-2021, Wise totaled four INTs and 13 PBUs, highlighting his coverage ability. But don’t get it twisted — he’s just as capable as a tackler and run defender coming downhill. Add in his experience at deep safety, in the slot, and in the box, and Wise presents an interesting draft prospect.
Other FCS prospects to know in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Matthew Cook, K, Northern Iowa
- Chris Turberville, C, Davidson
- Xavier Shepherd, QB, Kennesaw State
- Jakob Herres, WR, Richmond
- Matthan Hatchie, C, UT Martin
- Jacob Saylors, RB, East Tennessee State
- Alex Jensen, OT, South Dakota
- Uche Ndukwe, DL, Princeton
- Marcus Crowell, OL, William & Mary
- Jaylin White, CB, UC Davis
- Michael Corbi, G, Villanova
- Garret Greenfield, OT, South Dakota State
- Ty Son Lawton, RB, Stony Brook
- VJ Malo, DT, Portland State
- Ferlando Jordan, CB, Southeastern Louisiana
- Taylor Bolesta, DL, Stony Brook
- Caleb Sanders, DT, South Dakota State
- Fermon Reid, EDGE, Stetson
- Montrae Braswell, CB, Missouri State
- Adam Bock, LB, South Dakota State
- Stone Snyder, LB, Virginia Military Institute
- Robby Hauck, S, Montana
- Kedrick Whitehead, S, Delaware
- Marcus Knight, RB, Montana
- John H. Ford II, LB, UT Martin
- David Hoage, EDGE, Northern Colorado
- Avante Cox, WR, Southern Illinois
- Tristan Wheeler, LB, Richmond
- Aidan Murray, DT, Richmond
- Ben Schmiesing, LB, Dayton
- Liam Anderson, LB, Holy Cross
- Matthew Jackson, LB, Eastern Kentucky
- Ty Scott, WR, Missouri State
- Ty Okada, S, Montana State
- Ross Palmer, C, Drake
- Darion McKenzie, CB, Merrimack
- Clayborne Fields III, S, Marist
- Kyriq McDonald, S, Missouri State
- Freddie Roberson, WR, Eastern Washington
- Reece Winkelman, EDGE, South Dakota State
- Eddie Heckard, CB, Weber State
- Kyle Nunez, G, Stony Brook
- Destin Talbert, CB, North Dakota State
- Reese Moore, OT, Abilene Christian
- Alex Washington, CB, Harvard
- Terez Traynor, WR, Idaho
- Jason McCleod Jr., CB, Sacred Heart
- Donny Ventrelli, OT, North Dakota
- Narii Gaither, RB, Gardner-Webb
- Josh Johnson, EDGE, Campbell