Get to know this lot of Tulane Green Wave athletes that are likely to hear their names called in the 2023 NFL Draft. As the 2023 NFL Mock Draft circuit heats up, don’t be fooled, there are plenty of Tulane players that will hear their names called later this month.
Tulane Draft Prospects: Which Green Wave Players Should Be Selected in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Though they’re more than just their star running back, Tyjae Spears does indeed highlight the group of Tulane prospects because of his highlight-reel ability.
- Tyjae Spears, Running Back
- Shae Wyatt, Wide Receiver
- Duece Watts, Wide Receiver
- Tyrick James, Tight End
- Joey Claybrook, Offensive Tackle
- Dorian Williams, Linebacker
- Larry Brooks, Safety
- Macon Clark, Safety
Tyjae Spears, Running Back (2019-2022)
The speedy Spears is just that: A speed threat. Spears has elite, game-changing speed, and AAC defenses were made very clear of that over the past few seasons. The Louisiana native etched his name into the Tulane record books and ran for over 100 yards in his last eight games as a member of the Green Wave.
Seemingly getting stronger as his career went along, Spears’ case to be an NFL Draft pick has done the same. He’s raised his draft stock with each performance — most notably his 200-yard game against USC — and after a dominant showing at the 2023 Reeese’s Senior Bowl.
Likely Drafted Position: Day 2, Rounds 2-3
Shae Wyatt, Wide Receiver (2021-2022; 2019-2020 Central Missouri)
A well-traveled receiver with a terrific all-around game, Shae Wyatt has flown under the radar in draft circles. Not talked about nearly enough, Wyatt may somehow go without hearing his name called on draft weekend. The former Division II record-setter hauled in just 35 catches but turned those into 692 yards a season ago, dominating at times.
Likely Drafted Position: Undrafted, priority free agent
Duece Watts, Wide Receiver (2020-2022; 2018-2019 Jones County JC)
Similar to his teammate, Deuce Watts has flown largely under the radar since ending his Tulane career. A 6’2″, 200-pound wizard at the catch point, Watts could very well find a home on an NFL team sooner than later, but it may not come on draft weekend.
Likely Drafted Position: Undrafted, priority free agent
Tyrick James, Tight End (2018-2022)
A long-time member of the Green Wave, Tyrick James was a consistent pass catcher for Tulane and totaled over 1,200 career receiving yards. He had multiple touchdowns in each of his past three seasons and could prove to be a sleeper at the position.
James likely doesn’t hear his name called due to the stacked nature of the tight end position this year, but he could very well find a sticking point as an undrafted free agent.
Likely Drafted Position: Undrafted, free agent
Joey Claybrook, Offensive Tackle (2017-2022)
There is a lot to like about Joey Claybrook’s game. His effort is among the best in the country, but strength limitations have stymied his draft platform this offseason. Claybrook has the size profile of an NFL tackle if he can add weight — it’s just a matter of whether or not he gets his shot.
Likely Drafted Position: Undrafted, priority free agent
Dorian Williams, Linebacker (2019-2022)
Aside from Spears, Dorian Williams is the only true lock for a Tulane player to hear their name called in the 2023 NFL Draft. Williams is a heat-seeking missile of a linebacker with three-down capabilities at the next level. He showcased that for Tulane over the past few seasons and more so in Mobile for the Senior Bowl.
He’s a prototypical NFL linebacker who excels in coverage and should go higher than he’s currently being mocked.
Likely Drafted Position: Day 2/3, Rounds 3-4
Larry Brooks, Safety (2018-2022)
Larry Brooks has a terrific all-around game at safety, showcasing such a feat over the past four seasons as a marquee member of the Green Wave’s defensive backfield. Though not seen as a likely draft pick by most mock drafts, Brooks could earn his way onto a roster with his three-down ability and excellent run defense skills.
Likely Drafted Position: Undrafted, priority free agent
Macon Clark, Safety (2018-2022)
The more likely of the two Green Wave safeties to hear their names called, Macon Clark comes with a free-roaming ability that rivals some of the best safety play we’ve seen in college the past few years. Clark was labeled as a smaller safety but possesses a similar frame to some of the best NFL DBs in the game right now.
Don’t be surprised if Clark’s name comes up in the latter moments or if he’s one of the first announced free agent signings immediately following the draft.
Likely Drafted Position: Round 7, pick Nos. 240-250
