5 early top Texas football prospects to watch for 2023 NFL Draft
Isaiah Neyor, WR
One of the standout projected starting wide receivers for the Longhorns this year that should be more of a sure thing in terms of his draft stock is the former Wyoming Cowboys breakout redshirt sophomore Isaiah Neyor. Texas is getting a true stud in the sizable and gifted 6-foot-3 and 215-pound third-year wideout.
Neyor is one of the biggest additions for the Longhorns out of the NCAA Transfer Portal so far this offseason. He’ll be coming into a situation where he can really prove his value to NFL scouts in a brighter spotlight compared to when he was standing out at Wyoming last fall.
If Neyor can have a productive and efficient 2022 campaign as a starting outside receiver for Sark and the Longhorns, then he should solidify his status as a late-round pick if he declares early for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Neyor has that special combination that NFL scouts will be looking for in terms of a wide receiver with the size, speed, and big-play ability necessary to thrive at the next level. The insane vertical ability and strength of Neyor allow him to high-point contested catches on the outside over opposing defensive backs.
Neyor ranked in the top three in the FBS last season with 15 contested catches, highlighting his potency in bringing down 50/50 balls.
But Neyor shouldn’t be viewed as just your standard one-dimensional outside possession wideout. He’s a real deep-ball threat that can take the top off opposing defenses. Neyor led the Mountain West Conference last season with 20 yards per catch.
He also ranked among the top 10 receivers in the FBS in terms of receiving yards on deep balls (targets with a depth of 20+ yards) and touchdown catches. He put up around 440 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on deep targets last season.
The underrated speed, strength, and vertical ability that Neyor brings to the table should be able to translate immediately to the next level.
Another year of improvement from Neyor where he continues to show how dynamic he can be as a potent outside receiver could mean a late day two or early day three selection in the 2023 draft.
That would likely be his peak, though, if he declares early for the 2023 draft as he is just too raw and unproven to project him as a day two pick at this moment.