There are a handful of intriguing Division III and NAIA NFL Draft prospects in 2023. With our scouting reports, we examine whether any of the Division III or NAIA players have a chance to make an NFL team this offseason.
NAIA & Division III 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Chris Toth, OT | Aurora
Strengths: Large, small-school left tackle who is best in a small area. Starts with good knee bend, fires off the snap into blocks, and is explosive at the point. Stays square, effectively places his hands into defenders, and keeps his feet moving. Patient in pass protection and seals defenders from the action. Keeps his head on a swivel, shows good awareness, and picks up stunts or blitzes.
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Weaknesses: Doesn’t play with a nasty attitude. Rarely finishes blocks. Lacks quick, fluid footwork off the edge. By no means a dominant run blocker.
Overall: Toth is a tall, athletic blocker with size as well as growth potential. He looks better on paper than he does on film, as Toth does not dominate a lower level of competition or play to his computer numbers. He must elevate every aspect of his game and start blocking with a nasty attitude to make it out of camp this summer.
DeAngelo Hardy, WR | North Central
Strengths: Productive three-year starter who improved his game last season. Extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame, possesses good eye/hand coordination, and snatches the ball out of the air.
Adjusts at full speed and reaches back to grab the ball. Gives effort running after the catch. Gets vertical over defenders and nicely times receptions. Displays consistent hands. Game-impacting return specialist who effectively uses his blocks in the open field and finds the running lanes.
Weaknesses: Marginal run-after-the-catch ability and is easily brought down at the point by a single defender. Lacks deep speed and cannot run to the long throw. Occasionally takes his eyes off the ball, which results in drops.
Overall: Hardy was a productive receiver who worked hard even if he wasn’t involved in the play. He possesses average size and speed, but his punt-return ability gives him an advantage in camp this summer.
Trevor Hoffman, WR | Montana Tech
Strengths: Nice-sized WR who was very productive through four years of college. Plays heads-up football, tracks the pass in the air, and possesses eye/hand coordination. Uses the sidelines well, extends, and exposes himself to the big hit. Consistent hands catcher who makes a lot of difficult receptions. Adjusts to make the over-the-shoulder reception downfield. Displays excellent blocking vision and gives effort.
Weaknesses: Lacks a quick release off the line of scrimmage and doesn’t possess a burst. Poor route runner. Not a natural hands catcher and double-catches a lot of throws.
Overall: Hoffman is a one-speed possession wideout who is most effective on intermediate routes. Size, pass-catching ability, and his nose for the end zone are great assets, though Hoffman will still struggle separating in the NFL.
Wayne Ruby, WR | Mount Union
Strengths: Game-controlling, small-school prospect with next-level ability. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, sells routes, and separates from defenders. Fires in and out of breaks, stays low on exit, and tracks the pass in the air to make the reception away from his frame.
Works well with the QB, gives effort, and finds ways to make himself an available target. Easily makes the reception in stride and adjusts to grab the errant throw. Uses the sidelines well, displays strong hands, and plucks the ball from the air. Works hard even if the play is away from him or he’s not involved in the action.
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Weaknesses: Lacks an elite second gear and deep burst. Small and struggles in battles.
Overall: Ruby was insanely productive at Mount Union and combined for 210 receptions and 43 touchdowns the past two seasons. He’s thinly built, yet possesses long arms, next-level speed, and enough pass-catching skill to make his way through camp and onto an NFL roster.
