They say talent can be found anywhere, and it’s not just a saying.
Division 2 players don’t get nearly enough attention in the NFL Draft.
Fans often don’t know their names, but plenty of D2 players turn into effective NFL players.
In 2021, 3% of all NFL players finished their career at a Division 2 school. This might not sound like a lot, but that’s more than 1 per team.
In fact, several NFL stars played at D2 schools. The list includes Tyreek Hill, Adam Thielen, Matthew Judon, Austin Ekeler, Malcolm Butler, Greg Zuerlein, Ryan Jensen, and more.
Just last year in 2022, 5 players were drafted out of division 2, with 17 more undrafted D2 players were signed to 90 man rosters in the week immediately following the draft.
Those are the two numbers we’re looking at.
While I don’t expect 5 Division-2 players to be drafted this year, we’ll highlight the 5 players most likely to be drafted, as well as an overall top 22 who are most likely to get signed to a 90 man roster.
D2 Players With The Best Chance to Get Drafted in 2023
We’re highlighting the top 5 D2 draft prospects since 5 were drafted last year.
Joey Fisher, G, Shepherd
Joey Fisher has steadily risen the ranks since I first came across his highlight video last year.
This man has more pancakes than iHop, with immense power that NFL strength coaches will salivate over.
That strength was on full display at his pro day, where he put up 40 reps of 225 pounds.
I was surprised when he didn’t receive a combine invite, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t getting NFL attention.
Fisher originally attended the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, before getting a late call up to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Alongside the 40 reps of 225 pounds, Fisher put up a 4.96 40 yard dash which would have been 1st among interior offensive linemen at the combine this year.
He played right tackle in college but is expected to move to right yard in the NFL, which will probably suit his play style better.
His strength may be his calling card, but he also has really quick feet and maintains a good base.
If I had to pick a D2 prospect to make a pro bowl from this class, Joey Fisher would be my pick.
Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State
Caleb Murphy is an absurdly productive edge rusher from Ferris State, the powerhouse of Division 2 football.
At 6’3″ 254 pounds he has just enough size for an NFL edge.
While the athleticism numbers were a bit lower than most scouts would look for, they’re good enough to work with.
He is also helped by an incredibly fast first step, which is much more important than a 40 time or vertical jump.
The production is what you really notice with Murphy.
93 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 25.5 sacks.
Those aren’t his career stats. Those are just last year.
The year before that he had “only” 21.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.
Murphy’s motor never stops, and he’s able to get sideline to sideline while excelling against the run.
He had the chance to perform at the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Combine, so he’s had plenty of opportunities to show scouts what he can do.
Brent Laing, G, Minnesota-Duluth
Brent Laing also attended both the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Combine.
The 6’4″ 304 pound offensive lineman has played multiple positions across the offensive line, and finished the year as a 1st-team D2 All-American for Minnesota-Duluth.
Laing put up above-average testing numbers, and shows great fluidity on film.
He has the desired foot speed and lateral quickness to excel in the NFL, and has a firm understanding of offensive line play with an ability to quickly identify twists and stunts.
While he doesn’t have the length to stick outside in the NFL, he can confidently play any of the 3 interior positions, and excelled at each position when blocking in the East-West Shrine practices.
As far as Division 2 prospects are concerned, Brent Laing has very few things that he does poorly. It will just be a matter of adjusting to NFL competition and adding some strength to his frame to hold up against significantly bigger defensive tackles.
Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepherd
Tyson Bagent was 1 of just 15 quarterbacks who received an invite to the 2023 NFL Combine, while also getting heavy exposure at the Senior Bowl.
While his performance was up and down at these events, there’s a lot to like about his potential.
Bagent has plenty of arm strength, and is a master of throwing from varying platforms and arm angles.
When he slings a sidearm pass 40 yards downfield, it just feels like he’s destined to be an NFL quarterback.
At the end of the day, saying someone “feels” like an NFL quarterback is a big part of the evaluation for many NFL teams.
Bagent has shown some ability to work through his progressions and quickly process information, while having the accuracy to complete passes at any part of the field.
He also has the physical traits you want from a quarterback, with a prototypical 6’3″ 213 pound build, combined with above-average athletic testing numbers.
Making the jump from D2 to NFL is massive for quarterbacks, but a year on a practice squad or as QB3 could help him develop into something special.
Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan
Division-II deep sleeper LT Jake Witt now up to six 30 visits (Broncos, Browns, Raiders, Chargers, 49ers, Bengals).
Also, several private workouts (Eagles, Colts) and virtual meetings (Jets).
He will be a draft pick. Learn more about his awesome story 👇 https://t.co/pDgd5l1qvZ
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 19, 2023
Jake Witt has been a massive late riser after putting up an incredible pro day workout.
Witt started his collegiate career as a basketball player, and decided to switch over to football in 2020.
He began as a tight end, but had his 2020 season canceled.
In 2021, Witt was forced into action at right tackle due to injuries. He hadn’t played offensive line before, but was the largest and most athletic tight end on the team.
To make matters worse, he had to get his first taste of offensive line play by having to block against Caleb Murphy and Ferris State.
He played right tackle for the remaining couple of games, before becoming the full time starting right tackle in 2022.
The tape was significantly better, but he’s still a long ways off from being able to block in the NFL.
Lucky for him, he’s 6’7″ 302 pounds with a 4.89 40 yard dash, a 37″ vertical, and a 123″ broad jump.
Each of those athletic numbers would have been in the top 3% of offensive linemen in NFL combine history, with plenty of size.
Witt’s name has really caught fire in the past month, and many are now predicting he’ll be the first D2 player drafted.
D2 Players Who Could Get Signed (Top 22)
We’re highlighting the top 22 D2 draft prospects since 22 were drafted or signed immediately after the draft last year.
Andrew Farmer, EDGE, Lane
David Durden, WR, West Florida
BJ Wilson, OT, Quincy
Quinton Barrow, OT, Grand Valley State
Keilahn Harris, WR, Oklahoma Baptist
Ethan Evans, P, Wingate
Maalik Hall, LB, SE Oklahoma
Xavier Malone, WR, Henderson State
Darius Hagans, RB, Virginia State
Trey Botts, DT, Colorado-Pueblo
Sy Barnett, WR, Davenport
Michael Ayers, LB, Ashland
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Fort Valley State
Trevor Nowaske, LB, Saginaw Valley State
Ronnie Brown, RB, Shepherd
Darrious Gaines, CB, Western Colorado
Hunter Kaufman, WR, West Texas A&M
Other Notable D2 Draft Prospects in 2023
Brandon Barnes-Brown, CB, Fayetteville State
Momar Fall, DT, Colorado-Pueblo
TJ Cole, RB, Ouachita Baptist
Duane Brown, WR, Indiana (PA)
MJ Link, WR, UT-Permian Basin
Kenneth Merritt, S, Fayetteville State
Adam Sieler, G, Ferris State
Joshua Pryor, EDGE, Bowie State
Brian Holiday, DT, NW Oklahoma State
Armani Carmickle, WR, Minnesota-Duluth
Mason Pierce, CB, Colorado-Mines
Jacky Chen, OT, Pace
Nick Whiteside, CB, Saginaw Valley State
Ty Snelson, FB, Mars Hill
Cyntell Williams, S, Ferris State
Brendan Beaulieu, WR, Bemidji State
Ivory Durham, QB/RB, Valdosta State
Connor Degenhardt, QB, New Haven
Josh Johnston, WR, Colorado-Mines
