2023 NFL Draft: The aspiring supporters of football’s top prospects

Aspiring NFL Companies: CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

Rice’s strengths in winning contested catches, catching passes out of his frame and breaking away from the outside linebacker seem similar to those of Lamb when he starred at Oklahoma. In fact, if Rice had played for a national program like Lamb during his college career, we might have heard more about him. The Mustang’s biggest threat has shown that he can go from receiver to runner with speed and sprint through contact in the open field. Rice is more prone to drops than Lamb, but if he cleans that up and stars in the Senior Bowl, you might start to see those two names mentioned together more often.

Aspiring NFL Companies: Robert Hunt, Miami Dolphins

Both Hunt and Torrence played college football at Louisiana, though Torrence moved to spend his final season in Florida. After spending one year at right tackle with the Dolphins, Hunt moved inside in 2021 (playing early in his career with the Ragin’ Cajuns) and really began to shine in the third year. The right guard position, where he can use his girth, strong grip and amazing movement to be a staple in the running game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays close to the 335 pounds that Hunt is clocked at, to take full advantage of his sport.

Aspiring NFL Companies: Jack Conklin, Cleveland Browns

Conklin has been a right tackle since entering the NFL, but at Michigan State he played a very similar left tackle style to Mauch’s. Both men chase their man, dominating them with aggressiveness and athleticism. Both are effective blockers on the go. Mauch played some right tackle early in his Bisons career, but he may still be a left side player in the NFL, as his tenacity, foot speed and power-adding ability give him an opportunity to be an excellent pass protector — like former 49ers star Joe Staley, who made six Pro Bowls despite coming from a non-Power Five (Central Michigan) school.

Aspiring NFL Companies: Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Eagles sophomore Landon Dickerson would be the easy pick here because he brings a similar versatility in size and position (Vorhees played both guard and tackle positions at USC; Dickerson played all five positions in the O line as a collegiate). But I think Voorhees has the potential to be a star blocker like Chiefs Smith or the Browns’ White Teller. Their all-around build, impressive toughness, solid grip, powerful descent and good movement for hitting open field targets are what offensive line coaches are looking for indoors. Smith also played left tackle at Tennessee, as did Voorhees with USC in 2021, so both could be called up to play outside in a pinch.

Aspiring NFL Companies: Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco 49ers

Starting four years ago playing right and more recently, Vreeland tackles the Cougars on the left, he’s nearing his potential as a top-notch pass protector who also gives him all his smashing on the running blockers. McGlinchey switched from left to right as a starter with the 49ers, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Freeland returned to this side of the formation working to maximize his frame.