Welcome to a list of the Texas Tech Top 5 NFL Draft prospects for 2023, as seen by Draft Scout.
Each week brings us closer and closer to one of the most anticipated days on the sports calendar, the NFL Draft. This year’s draft will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, from April 27-29, 2023. We take a look at the Big 12’s seniors, the class of 2023, considering we don’t know yet which underclassmen will declare. We’ll reconfigure the rankings when that happens, so be sure to revisit us.
Our Big 12 Draft Prospects Series will run until next week, with three schools running per day in alphabetical order. A master conference list of the Big 12’s Top 20 NFL draft prospects will wrap things up. Please check the team links below frequently so that you can see the other schools’ top prospects as the week progresses.
BIG 12 TOP 20 PROSPECTS: Overall Big 12 Top Prospect List
BIG 12 PROSPECTS: Baylor | BYU | Iowa St. | Kansas | Kansas State | TCU | Texas | Texas Tech | Oklahoma| Oklahoma St. | West Virginia
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We all know that not every team in the country has five surefire draft picks. Some programs do, especially in the more elite conferences, but the vast majority don’t have that many top-flight prospects. However, we also know a “top-flight” player doesn’t always pan out, and at the same time, that strong undrafted free agent everybody forgot about ends up making an NFL team and flourishing.
Below is a look at the Texas Tech Top 5 Draft Prospects, and how they project in the eyes of Draft Scout. Again, for now, we’ll go strictly with seniors (Class of 2023), as no underclassmen have been allowed to declare earlier yet, though when they do, we’ll update the list below.
TEXAS TECH TOP 5 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS
NO. 1 PROSPECT
NAME: Tyree Wilson (Defensive End)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 1st round
CAREER STATISTICS: 121 total tackles; 32 tackles for loss; 17 sacks; 1 pass defended; 1 fumble recovery; 1 fumble forced
THE TRUTH: According to Draft Scout, over twenty teams view Tyree Wilson as the best overall senior and the top defensive end. Although the Big 12 is not known for great defensive players, Wilson is one of the best defensive players in the country. I argue that he is the third-best defensive end in the country. He has excellent NFL size that allows him to make a significant impact against the run and pass.
Even though Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., and Clemson’s Myles Murphy are the two defensive ends that will be taken before Tyree Wilson, Wilson will be the third defensive end selected in the middle or late first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a player ready to make an immediate impact on defense should pick him as soon as they have an opportunity.
NO. 2 PROSPECT
NAME: SaRodorick Thompson (Running Back)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 6th or 7th round
THE TRUTH: According to Draft Scout, some NFL teams believe SaRodorick Thompson will go as early as the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, although most teams believe he will be taken in the 6th or 7th round. If he is available in the 5th round or later, any team who takes him will have the potential steal of the 2023 NFL Draft. For teams desiring a productive running back, one who can catch the ball well, Thompson is the answer.
I would not be shocked if a team takes him in the 4th round; he has that type of talent. Remember his name. This guy has the potential to be a productive running back in the NFL for many years.
NO. 3 PROSPECT
NAME: Tyler Shough (Quarterback)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: High Priority Free Agent (HPFA)
CAREER STATISTICS: 264 completions; 412 passing attempts; 64.1% passes completed; 3643 passing yards; 8.8 yards per pass; 28 passing touchdowns; 12 interceptions
THE TRUTH: According to Draft Scout, some NFL teams believe Tyler Shough will be taken as early as the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, although most teams consider him an HPFA. Shough has great size and is an accurate passer. He does not have enough starts as a quarterback to gauge how well he can perform in the NFL. Also, he has experienced multiple injuries, which teams will weigh considerably.
I believe he will make an NFL team and will be a quality third-string quarterback. Again, he does not have enough starts at quarterback for me to consider him a starting quarterback or even a second-string quarterback in the NFL.
NO. 4 PROSPECT
NAME: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Free Safety)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: High Priority Free Agent (HPFA)
CAREER STATISTICS: 93 total tackles; 2 tackles for loss; 3 interceptions; 10 passes defended; 1 fumble recovered
THE TRUTH: According to Draft Scout, some NFL teams believe Dadrion Taylor-Demerson will be selected in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, although most teams consider him an HPFA. His numbers do not suggest he is ready for the NFL right now. Taylor-Demerson has a redshirt year left. He could, therefore, return in 2023.
I contend that Dadrion Taylor-Demerson needs to return to Texas Tech in 2023 to ameliorate his draft value. If he does not, he will not make an NFL roster.
NO. 5 PROSPECT
NAME: Austin McNamara (Punter)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: High Priority Free Agent (HPFA)
CAREER STATISTICS: 191 punts; 8,755 punting yards; 45.8 yards per punt
THE TRUTH: According to Draft Scout, some teams believe Austin McNamara will be taken in the 6th or 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, although most teams view him as an HPFA. Teams needing a reliable punter will give him an opportunity to earn a roster spot. His numbers do demonstrate teams should consider him for a roster spot.
Austin McNamara’s average yards per punt did dip by almost four yards this season compared to last season. If given a chance to earn a roster spot, he will need to show teams his punting is not in decline. McNamara will need to continue to improve to earn an NFL roster spot.
