Utah‘s small-but-mighty 2023 NFL Draft class cohort is a reflection of Kyle Whittingham and Co.’s tutelage. Who are the top Utah prospects, and what do the scouting reports reveal about their NFL potential?
Utah 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Braeden Daniels, G
Strengths: Versatile offensive lineman whose draft stock is rising. Bends his knees, blocks with leverage, and is explosive at the point. Fires off the snap into blocks, gets his hands into defenders, and stays square. Keeps his feet moving, quick sliding laterally, and plays with great intelligence. Nicely adjusts, shows ability on the second level, and shows a lot of athleticism.
Weaknesses: Possesses a thin build and lacks power. Doesn’t get much movement run blocking. Must improve his playing balance.
Overall: Daniels was a tough and durable blocker for Utah who started 43 games at three different offensive line positions. He’s an athletic prospect with a high upside and the versatility to be used at any of the three interior blocking spots or left tackle in a pinch. Daniels needs to get a little bigger as well as stronger, yet he could be a starting offensive lineman in the NFL two years down the road.
Want more information on Daniels? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Braeden Daniels, G, Utah | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Clark Phillips III, CB
Strengths: Small, but feisty cornerback with outstanding ball skills. Quick transitioning with opponents off the line of scrimmage, battles receivers throughout the route, and consistently gets his head back around to track the pass in the air. Gets a terrific jump on the ball, works to get a hand in, and finds ways to defend throws.
Quickly picks up assignments covering receivers over the middle of the field, has an explosive burst, and correctly times pass defenses. Gives a lot of effort against the run and doesn’t back down against bigger receivers. Big-play corner who totaled six interceptions last season.
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Weaknesses: Lack of height is an issue. Gets overmatched at times. Plays fast yet lacks elite speed.
Overall: Phillips is an incredibly competitive CB and big-play defender with polished ball skills. His lack of height and deep speed are limiting factors, yet Phillips possesses the tenacity, intelligence, and football ability to overcome those obstacles.
Want more information on Phillips? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Dalton Kincaid, TE
Strengths: Athletic tight end coming off a career season. Bends his knees as a blocker, attacks assignments, and is explosive at the point. Plays with leverage and is effective blocking on the second level. Runs good routes for a bigger TE, effectively uses his hands to separate from defenders, and possesses outstanding short-area quickness.
Easily adjusts to the errant throw and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Sturdy tight end who takes a big hit, yet holds onto the ball. Displays focus as well as eye/hand coordination, nicely makes the reception on crossing patterns, and consistently extends his hands then grabs the ball away from his frame.
Quickly releases off the line into pass routes and streaks downfield as a deep threat. Displays great agility and flexibility. Smart, consistently works back to the QB and finds the open spot on the field.
Weaknesses: Has a propensity to take his eyes off the ball and look upfield before he’s made the reception, which leads to drops. Doesn’t display great blocking awareness. Suffered a small fracture in his back late last season and was unable to work out at the Combine or his pro day.
Overall: When Kincaid was forced into the starting role after Utah’s top tight end went down last season, he responded with a brilliant performance and became the go-to pass catcher opponents couldn’t stop.
He possesses the length, athleticism, and pass-catching skill to be a big-time TE prospect, and while he must improve his playing strength, Kincaid holds his own as a blocker. He’ll only get better as he expands his body of work, and Kincaid possesses the necessary tools to develop into a No. 1 tight end.
Want more information on Kincaid? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Logan Kendall, FB
Strengths: Idaho transfer who was primarily used as a tight end for Utah last season. Outstanding blocker who squares into opponents and out-positions them from the action to open up running lanes. Keeps his head on a swivel, displays excellent blocking vision, and always looks for someone to hit. Quick to the second level and seals linebackers from the action. Solid pass catcher who adjusts to the errant throw or gets down to scoop up low passes.
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Weaknesses: Displays average speed with almost no burst. Runs poor routes.
Overall: Kendall is a throwback, as he’s a terrific lead-blocking fullback with minimal potential as an offensive threat. He could find a home for a team that uses a traditional fullback, though he won’t be selected in the draft.
Solomon Enis, WR
Strengths: Reliable wideout with soft hands. Tracks the pass in the air, extends to make the catch away from his frame, and displays terrific eye/hand coordination. Keeps the play in bounds and works to pick up positive yardage after the catch. Makes the difficult reception in a crowd and wins out for the contested throw.
Weaknesses: Must do a better job coming back to the ball. Plays to one speed and lacks a burst. Marginally productive and totaled four TD receptions and 72 catches in five years at Utah.
Overall: Enis possesses the size, arm length, and pass-catching skill to be a possession wideout at the next level. Yet, he never elevated his game and was marginally productive on the college field. Enis possesses an upside but must come out of the gate hot in camp this summer.
Tavion Thomas, RB
Strengths: Large, rambling downhill ball handler who is most effective in short-yardage situations. Runs hard on the inside, keeps his feet moving, and lowers his shoulders into defenders. Possesses a quick stutter step, finds the running lanes, and works runs. Powerful, runs with authority, and falls forward when tackled. Patiently waits for blocks to develop and displays good running vision.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Weaknesses: One-dimensional downhill runner who cannot create yardage or improvise if blocking breaks down. Not much of a pass catcher and has eight career receptions. Struggled with injury last season and watched his production drop.
Overall: Thomas is a hard-charging ball carrier who overcame a difficult background to get to where he’s at. He has limitations in his game, yet will be a terrific addition for any team needing a short-yardage back.
