How all the Heisman finalists project in the NFL Draft
The 2023 Heisman winner was announced on Saturday night, with the four finalists coming down to three quarterbacks and one wide receiver. Each player has made a solid case to win the ultimate award, but it could only be given to one player in the end. Ultimately, it was Jayden Daniels who won, becoming the third player […]
The 2023 Heisman winner was announced on Saturday night, with the four finalists coming down to three quarterbacks and one wide receiver.
Each player has made a solid case to win the ultimate award, but it could only be given to one player in the end.
Ultimately, it was Jayden Daniels who won, becoming the third player in LSU history to win. But each player is expected to be a top prospect heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. With that, we take a look at where each player is expected to be drafted along with the skill set they can bring to a team.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
First Round
Not only is Harrison projected to go into the in the first round, but he is said to be a top three pick. The receiver out of Ohio State has been a star this year.
This season he has 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, following up an impressive year in 2022 with 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Harrison committed to Ohio State in 2021, being named a two time Unanimous All-American, Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year, and was first-team All-Big ten in 2022 and 2023. He also won the Biletnikoff Award and Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year this year.
These last few weeks will be very important to determine draft position, but whoever is able to land Harrison is getting a weapon that can be a game-changer at any moment.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
First Round
Going into the ceremony, Daniels was the favorite to win the Heisman trophy. And that is because of what he has done for LSU this season.
He had a record setting season, becoming the first player in FBS history to have at least 350 passing yards and 200 rushing yards in a single game.
Because of that his accomplishments this season are not to be forgotten, throwing for a total of 3,812 yards and rushing for 1,134 yards.
Yet, despite his strong season, the quarterback is not expected to be the first one selected in the draft. Players such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are currently above him in all the mock drafts that have been done. But whoever comes away with Daniels could be getting a real steal.
So with that, he is expected to go in the top 10.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
First to Second Round
Penix is a true teammate and he proved that at the Heisman ceremony. The Washington quarterback wore a purple suit and had each of his teammate's names stitched on the inside.
So who wouldn't want a guy like that?
Penix is currently the second favorite, just behind Daniels as the potential winner. This comes after he led the nation in passing, finishing with 4,218 yards and 33 touchdowns during the regular season.
The Huskies finished going 13-0, winning the Pac-12 championship and also being named to the College Football Playoffs.
He took a team that wasn't on the radar for the CFP and put them there, constantly being applauded for his leadership on and off the field.
Some of the mock drafts that have been done do not have Penix going in the first round, but teams in need of a quarterback should be taking a serious look at him.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
First to Second Round
Nix also had a stellar season, putting Oregon on the verge of a possible College Playoff berth. However, two losses to Washington, including one in the Pac-12 championship meant that they were left out.
They will now play in the Fiesta Bowl against No. 18 Liberty.
He began his career at Auburn before transferring to Oregon prior to the 2022 season. He put on a solid performance in his first season with the Ducks, throwing for 3,594 yards and 29 touchdowns.
This season, he has thrown for 4,145 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Nix would likely go behind the other three finalists, but would still bring a lot of talent to any NFL roster.