The 2023 San Jose State NFL Draft prospects will be hoping to break a run of three straight years without a player being selected. In our San Jose State scouting reports, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of their top prospects prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
San Jose State 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Elijah Cooks, WR
Strengths: Underrated receiver who was productive at both Nevada and San Jose State. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, effectively uses his hands to protect himself, and tracks the deep pass in the air. Possesses focus and eye/hand coordination and makes the over-the-shoulder reception at full speed.
Works across the field to make himself an available target, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and looks the ball into his hands. Gets vertical over defenders and exposes himself to the big hit in order to come away with the catch. Displays good route discipline. Possesses soft hands and snatches the ball from the air.
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Weaknesses: One-speed wideout who lacks a burst. Struggles to separate through routes and has to fight for the contested grab too much.
Overall: Cooks was a terrific receiver last year at San Jose State, accounting for more than 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also one of Carson Strong’s favorite wideouts at Nevada in 2019 before struggling with injury the following year. Cooks is not a deep threat, rather he’s a solid possession receiver who is a proven red-zone target.
Kyle Harmon, LB
Strengths: Productive run-defending linebacker who totaled more than 400 tackles the past four seasons. Instinctive, quickly diagnoses plays, and immediately finds the ball handler. Breaks down well, flows to the action, and stacks well against the run. Squares into ball handlers and makes the tackle in space. Effective between the numbers on passing downs.
Weaknesses: Possesses average quickness and speed in his game. Doesn’t show great lateral range. Average ability in pursuit.
Overall: Harmon is a terrific football player, yet he’s an average athlete with limited upside. A defensive coach will take a liking to Harmon in camp, but he’ll have to earn his wage on special teams.
Nehemiah Shelton, CB
Strengths: Tall, thin cornerback who plays heads-up football. Quickly diagnoses plays, stays with assignments, and effectively communicates with teammates in the secondary. Keeps the action in front of him, shows good route recognition in zone, and drives to the ball out of his plant. Works his way up field and gives effort defending the run. Stays with receivers on crossing patterns.
Weaknesses: Gives up several underneath receptions. Possesses a thin build and struggles in battles. Struggled during Shrine Bowl practices.
Overall: Shelton is a relatively athletic corner who comes off a terrific season. Best facing the action, he must get stronger to play on Sundays.
Viliami Fehoko, EDGE
Strengths: Explosive defensive end who has been a game-wrecker the past three seasons. Quick off the snap, relentless, and gets leverage on opponents. Instinctive, effectively uses his hands, and moves well in pursuit of the action. Has good change-of-direction ability and a solid closing burst. Strong, holds his ground, and consistently plays with proper pad level. Focused on by opponents and attracts several double-team blocks.
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Weaknesses: Lacks the size of a defensive tackle and the agility for end. Out-positioned from plays or gets caught up in the trash.
Overall: Fehoko was a terrific player for San Jose State, totaling 44 TFLs and 22 sacks the past three seasons while also breaking up seven passes. He offers a lot of versatility and could be a terrific rotational lineman who can be used at several spots up front.
Want more information on Fehoko? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Viliami Fehoko, EDGE, San Jose State | NFL Draft Scouting Report
