5 Biggest NFL Draft Risers In February TDN100

Our latest TDN100 update dropped on Monday and you’ll notice a theme among the biggest 2023 NFL Draft risers: the Senior Bowl. The annual event in Mobile, Alabama provides a critical exposure for talent evaluators to gain in stacking boards—especially for us at TDN given our scouting structure and board composition strategy that relies on regional grades and cross-checks. It puts 120 of the best NFL draft prospects in the country on the same field for a week of actual football in front of our staff, which enables us to see movement skills, coachability, football skills, body composition, and the opportunity to interact with many of the players. 

As we reflect on the biggest risers from our most recent TDN100 update, the impact of the Senior Bowl is felt.

Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State (No. 23; +54)

There’s a lot more to Musgrave than what we were able to see from his contributions at Oregon State. Across four seasons, Musgrave hauled in 47 passes for 633 yards and two touchdowns and only played in two games in 2022. That said, we knew he was physically gifted in terms of size and athleticism while his flashes as a weapon in the passing game were exciting. 

Musgrave was dominant at the Senior Bowl, where he checked box after box. He measured 6054 and 254 pounds with 32 ⅝” arms and 10 ½” hands. He was dominant in practices and conducted himself like a pro in everything he did in Mobile. He validated the NFL draft hype in every imaginable way, leading to a climb up the board and near the top of the rankings in a deep crop of tight end prospects.

Joe Tippmann IOL, Wisconsin (No. 37; +35)

The best NFL draft prospect that isn’t getting enough love is Tippmann, who put together two dominant seasons as Wisconsin’s starting center. While Badgers’ offensive linemen rarely fly under the radar, Wisconsin finishing unranked in three out of the last four seasons took them out of the spotlight. 

Tippmann offers an appealing blend of size, power, athleticism, and technique that projects him to be an early starter at the next level and an early-round NFL draft pick. Given the offensive line needs at the back of the first round, it’s not crazy to think Tippmann can hear his name called on the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft and our latest TDN100 update reflects that type of valuation.

Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech (No. 31; +33)

White has done a lot during his time in college. Starting off as a tight end at Old Dominion, he transitioned to playing on the edge and then transferred to Georgia Tech, where he bulked up and played in a variety of alignments along the defensive line. White has showcased incredible versatility. 

White is supremely physically gifted with top athleticism and size. At the Senior Bowl, White measured 6046 and 280 pounds with 33 ⅝” arms and 10 ⅝” hands. His size, versatility, athleticism, and dominant flashes make him such an intriguing NFL draft prospect that fits the “bet on traits” mantra that has produced plenty of draft-day steals.

Matthew Bergeron OT, Syracuse (No. 56; +27)

Bergeron has been a fixture on the Syracuse offensive line across the last four seasons, spending most of that time at left tackle but also spent a fair amount of time on the right side. He displayed steady growth in college, playing his best football over his final two seasons and showcasing the skill set of an NFL starter. 

Against a host of talented defensive linemen in Mobile, Bergeron showcased himself as one of the best blockers at the Senior Bowl. He was consistent with winning one-on-one reps while also playing tackle and guard on both sides of the line. He is well-built at 6047 and 323 pounds with 33 ⅝” arms and an 82 ⅜” wingspan. We left Mobile feeling like Bergeron is a day-two lock that can start early in his NFL career with his blend of size, technique, movement skills, power, body control, consistency, and developmental trajectory.

Julius Brents CB, Kansas State (No. 48; +26)

A transfer from Iowa, Brents took his talents to Kansas State ahead of the 2021 season and delivered two strong seasons for the Wildcats as a starting corner and played his best football in 2022. Brents was exceptional at the Senior Bowl, validating what we saw for two seasons at Kansas State. 

For zone-heavy defenses, Brents is a highly attractive prospect given his blend of size, coverage instincts, and ball skills. Measuring 6030 and 202 pounds with 33 ¾” arms and an incredible 82 ⅞” wingspan, Brents makes it tough to complete passes in his direction. In an incredibly deep NFL draft class of cornerback prospects, Brents cannot be overlooked.