What others are saying about Purdue’s NFL Draft picks
2 years ago
Purdue saw five players earn their shot at the next level during the 2023 NFL Draft. With the selections made, social media saw plenty of buzz about the Boilermakers beginning their NFL careers.
Charlie Jones, Cincinnati Bengals, 4th round, 131st overall
You go through the corner notes in the Big Ten you see a lot of “got run by by Charlie Jones.” A speedy guy who plays faster than his 4.43
If you ignore the age thing, Charlie Jones makes sense. Productive, athletic receiver with slot and return experience on punt and kickoff teams. pic.twitter.com/fNRqfVMKoP
Raiders get Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell. A steal? “I don’t think he’s as physically talented as everybody else but mentally he’s incredible. He reminds me of Cooper Rush. Just an OK arm, but the way he beats you is with his mind and his short-area quickness.” https://t.co/LvMJQeb3g9
New #Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell: Mobility not his strong suit but “will stick in the league because he can throw it and is smart and can operate the offense,” per a veteran NFL coach said. Quick release.
#Raiders new QB Aidan O’Connell is an aggressive passer willing to exploit tight windows. The flip side is that he doesn’t disguise his intentions to opposing defenders and lacks consistent anticipation.
Buccaneers move up to get one of the best remaining TEs in Payne Durham. Classic in-line tight end who can block and make catches in traffic. Has really great ball skills: pic.twitter.com/6uew7YX5As
Payne Durham is a solid blocker who plays the position craftily. Gets open despite limited AA and being slow. Has some quickness and was surprisingly solid after the catch. Has some great contested grabs on his tape. If he keeps improving as a blocker, good no. 2/3 TE
New Bucs tight end Payne Durham is 6-5, 253 pounds, had 56 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns last year for Purdue. Big target but not necessarily a fast one — ran the 40 in 4.87 seconds — but certainly productive in the Big Ten the last two seasons.
New Bucs tight end Payne Durham also has a local tie as his mother now lives in Bradenton. Said he has a few Gronk jerseys in his closet, calls himself “old school and gritty.”
Durham is a sleeper candidate for me. Positions his large frame well to win over the middle and contested situations. He has reliable hands and good vertical ability.
Limited immediate fantasy value, but will be stashing him in deeper/TEP…
Grady Brown loves the way that Cory Trice plays press coverage in particular because he doesn’t have to use motor technique. Says he can eat up ground and is technically proficient.
#Steelers DB Grady Brown says Cory Trice fits what the Steelers want and what they need. Said he’s not sure why he fell, but thrilled team was able to get him.
Grady Brown loves the way that Cory Trice plays press coverage in particular because he doesn’t have to use motor technique. Says he can eat up ground and is technically proficient.
Lowdown on Purdue LB Jalen Graham, the 49ers’ final pick of this 2023 NFL Draft, #255:
-Good tackler, strong frame even at 220 pounds -Mediocre speed (4.64) at best -Played all over the formation in college, including slot (49ers love this)
With the 255th overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers select Purdue LB Jalen Graham. Another hybrid linebacker/safety player for the 49ers, Graham is instinctive and plays fast despite modest athleticism.
255. #49ers select LB Jalen Graham, good size, undersized frame Weak-side LB, avg to above athleticism, movement skills & quickness, good play speed with very good instincts & play recognition, plays with great effort & aggressiveness, good tackle ability, good zone cover skills
