Previewing Purdue’s 2023 Pros

With five Purdue players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the “Pro Boilers” list continues to replenish. While some veterans such as Raheem Mostert and Ja’Whaun Bentley will build on their success, youngsters like the five rookies will hope to earn their spot on rosters over the next month. Today, we take a look at some of the former Boilermakers who will play on Sundays this fall.

ESTABLISHED VETERANS

Purdue’s longest-tenured pro, Dennis Kelly, currently sits as a free agent. The 10-year veteran played for Indianapolis last season, the fourth franchise he’s played with (Philadelphia, Tennessee, Green Bay). Recently, the Eagles signed Kelly for the 2023 season, allowing him to return to the franchise which drafted him in the fifth round back in 2012.

After a season-ending knee injury in 2021, Raheem Mostert signed with the Miami Dolphins ahead of 2022. However, Mostert saw more than just a “bounce-back” campaign as he reached a new career-high with 891 rushing yards. The 31-year-old will play in his ninth NFL season this fall.

Following even seasons in Dallas, Anthony Brown became a free agent this offseason following a severe Achilles tear that ended his 2022 season early. Over the past two seasons, Brown started at cornerback in all 28 games he played. While the Cowboys’ corner tandem seems set in stone, Brown could possibly re-sign as a depth piece or look elsewhere for his eighth NFL season.

Fresh off a two-year, $18.75-million extension, Ja’Whaun Bentley continues to handle the middle of the New England Patriots’ defense. Bentley will play his sixth season with the Patriots this fall, hoping to continue to build on his past success. In each of his first five years, Bentley’s total number of tackles has increased from year-to-year, and he’s started every game he’s played over the past three seasons.

STILL PROVING THEMSELVES

Injuries shortened each of his first two seasons with Arizona, but Rondale Moore hopes to stay healthy and complete a season in 2023. He started eight games in 2022 before requiring surgery to repair a sports hernia. During his second campaign, he was productive, averaging 51.8 yards per game. Though the offensive scheme figures to change without Kliff Kingsbury, Moore will see opportunities to continue expanding his role if healthy.

So far, so good for Purdue’s most recent first-round draft pick, George Karlaftis. During his rookie season, he helped Kansas City earn a Super Bowl championship by recording six sacks, recovering a pair of fumbles and racking up 33 tackles. With a year under his belt, Karlaftis projects to take a step forward as the Chiefs compete for another chance at a Super Bowl.

Derrick Barnes‘ first two years in Detroit can be considered successful. He’s started ten games for the Lions, but suited up for 32 of them, playing both linebacker and on special teams. With 69 tackles, including seven for a loss, Barnes produced in his opportunities on defense. Though the Lions selected a linebacker in the first round of the NFL Draft, Barnes will play a role again this season.

Another linebacker from the Brohm era, Markus Bailey will suit up for his fourth season as a Cincinnati Bengal this fall. Though Bailey has started four games at linebacker, the majority of his production came on special teams last season, where he’s developed a nice role as a critical contributor. He projects to play a similar role this season: reserve linebacker, versatile special teamer.

Moving north in the state of Ohio, David Bell hopes year two can become his breakthrough season with the Cleveland Browns. During his rookie campaign, Bell hauled in 24 passes for 214 yards, a modest stat line. While questions about his athleticism linger, Bell hopes to earn a more significant role in the Browns offense this year despite a crowded receiver room.

Despite limited opportunities in his first three NFL seasons, Brycen Hopkins‘ top performance to this point came at the right time. His four receptions in Super Bowl LVI remain his career-best, though he recorded seven catches for 109 yards last season. Again, he’ll compete for the second spot at tight end on the Rams’ depth chart this season behind Tyler Higbee.

As a rookie, Zander Horvath proved that the fullback position still can play a role in NFL offenses. He found the end zone twice during his rookie campaign, seeing action in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios. On top of fullback, Horvath plays on nearly every special teams unit. Expect a similar role from the Mishawaka native this season.

THE ROOKIES

Purdue’s five NFL Draft picks in 2023 marked the program’s most since 2004 when nine Boilermakers heard their names called.

Charlie Jones went off the board first, joining Bailey as a Boilermaker with the Bengals. It’s a pass-happy Bengals offense led by Joe Burrow, which should benefit his chances, though the depth chart at receiver will provide plenty of competition. Purdue fans didn’t see much of Jones’ kick-and-punt return ability, but that could become his forté in the NFL.

His former quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, will compete for the backup quarterback spot in Las Vegas. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo projects to start, but O’Connell will need to beat out Brian Hoyer to earn the number two job. Garoppolo’s injury struggles could provide O’Connell with an early opportunity to see the field should he make the 53-man roster.

Also fighting for a second-team spot will be Payne Durham, who will hope to carve a role in Tampa during his rookie campaign. He and Pittsburgh’s Cory Trice and San Francisco’s Jalen Graham hope to earn an active roster spot rather than practice squad for the 2023 season.

Though undrafted, Reese Taylor signed a free agent deal with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and will report to their training camp this week.

OTHER NOTABLES

Quarterback David Blough started two games for Arizona late last season following a rash of injuries in the Cardinals’ QB room. Between three seasons in Detroit and one in Arizona, Blough has appeared in nine NFL games, starting seven of those. He re-signed with the Cardinals and projects as their third quarterback behind Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy.

Tyler Coyle, who played for the Boilermakers during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, saw action in one game for the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, recording six tackles. His action came following an extended period of time on the practice squad. The Cowboys re-signed Coyle, but his role remains to be determined.

For the first time since 2019, Jordan Roos appeared in an NFL game last season, playing three games for the Tennessee Titans. He’s under contract in Nashville again this season and seems likely to make the 53-man roster.

Joining Durham in Tampa, Grant Hermanns will report to Buccaneers training camp hoping to stick after bouncing around practice squads for the previous two seasons.

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