2023 NFL Draft: Small school prospects who will make a big impact

Bagent had a spectacular career at DII Shepherd, throwing for nearly 17,000 yards and 159 touchdowns. He'd be the first DII quarterback drafted in over 20 years if he hears his name on draft day.

Boykin is an attractive prospect for both his size (6-foot-3) and production, playing all four seasons between Old Dominion and Coastal Carolina. He capped off his career with 58 tackles and two interceptions last season.

Brooks has the size to play defensive end in the 4-3 and the production to match. He had 27.5 career sacks in four seasons with Bowling Green, including 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last year.

Carter has a real shot of hearing his name late in the first round. The 6-foot-7 edge rusher had 18 sacks over the last two seasons at Army, including a whopping 14.5 sacks in 2021.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 345 pounds, Clark is an obvious nose tackle at the next level. He had a strong senior season at Coastal Carolina with 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Curtis stands out because of his size (6-foot-6, 330 pounds). He played much of last season at tackle but also has extensive experience at guard. Curtis could be a Day 3 selection.

Fehoko was extremely productive over the last three seasons, accumulating 22 sacks for San Jose State. He was especially productive last year, with 69 tackles and 19 tackles for loss in 12 games.

Gipson profiles as a slot receiver due to his 5-foot-9 height, but he has a great track record. He had over 1,000 yards receiving in consecutive seasons with a total of 21 touchdowns.

Following in the footsteps of former Fresno State quarterbacks David and Derek Carr, Haener has the potential to be a mid-round pick. The Washington transfer threw for more than 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2021 before some regression last year, throwing for 2,896 yards and 20 scores.

Hampton has been a game-changing pass rusher for most of his career at App State, with 26.5 career sacks and 40 tackles for loss. He has a chance to be an early Day 3 pick after recording seven sacks in nine games last season.

Iosivas has the potential to fly up draft boards as a track and field star with a 6-foot-3 frame. He had over 900 yards receiving and seven touchdowns for the Tigers last season.

Incoom should capitalize on a great senior year at Central Michigan, where he had 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He stands to be an interesting Day 3 project.

Despite fighting injury last season, Kraft has a chance to be drafted late as a receiving tight end. Kraft wouldn't be the first productive South Dakota State tight end at the next level, as Dallas Goerdert has become an impact player in Philadelphia. 

Fullbacks are a dying breed in the NFL, but Luepke could carve out a role after a strong college career for the North Dakota State powerhouse program. He proved to be a great runner and blocker in college, finishing last season with 6.5 yards per carry.

Luter Jr. was an excellent performer for South Alabama over three seasons, with five career interceptions and 18 passes defensed. He could be drafted in Day 3.

Converted from tight end to tackle, Mauch has developed into a solid NFL prospect. He has plenty of size at 6-foot-5, and the athleticism to play at the next level.

There haven't been more many productive running backs in college over the last two seasons. McBride had over 3,000 yards rushing in those two years, including an incredible 1,713 yards and 7.4 yards per carry last season. He could be drafted as early as Day 2.

Nichols led the nation in rushing yards in 2021, but injuries hampered his output in 2022. Still, the CMU workhorse could be the latest late-round running back to put up legitimate numbers at the NFL level. 

A transfer from Missouri, Miller finished his career playing for Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He had 106 tackles and two sacks in his senior season.

The 6-foot-2 Peoples is a powerful runner who could be drafted in the later rounds. He had over 2,800 yards rushing in his college career but is limited as a receiver.

Ramirez is relatively undersized, but his productivity speaks for itself. He recorded 66 tackles and 12 sacks in 12 games last season after recording 6.5 sacks in 2021.

Coming off a breakout season, Rice has a chance to be a Day 3 sleeper pick. He scored 19 touchdowns over the last two seasons and was terrific in his senior year, with 96 catches for 1,355 yards.

Skinner has been a key defensive player for the Broncos over the last two years. He capped off his college career with 65 tackles and four interceptions last season, and his attractive physical tools, including height (6-foot-4), could make him a Day 2 selection.

Spears is very much on the draft radar after a great year at Tulane, with 1,837 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. He created some buzz at the Senior Bowl and could be a Day 2 pick as a three-down back.

Williams was extremely productive over the last three seasons, including 132 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions last year at Tulane. He has a good shot at being a Day 3 pick.