Why the slide?

[Direckshun]

I know you guys hate WF, but...

Brian Branch:

In speaking to team sources, the the biggest factor that caused Branch to slide was his 40 time, which was close to 4.6 seconds. That is a slow time for a pro defensive back and gave teams real questions about Branch's ability to run with fast NFL receivers. Hence, he slid to Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Jalin Hyatt:

Team sources from around the NFL told WalterFootball.com that Hyatt had received grades on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft, so they did not feel he actually slid. Thanks to learning from teams that Hyatt was interally graded him on Day 2, I had Hyatt as a second-day selection in my mock draft throughout the months leadingup to the draft. Teams viewed Hyatt as a one-trick-pony deep-speed receiver, and as a result, he was graded on Day 2.

Dawand Jones:

Team sources told WalterFootball.com there were a variety of reasons that caused Jones to slide. Numerous team sources said that off-the-field concerns and his football character were huge detriments. "Silly kid with no work ethic; doesn't love football, terminally lazy, immature, and family issues," said one AFC director of player personnel. Four other team sources referred to similar character issues, independently. Multiple sources stated Jones had the reputation of not loving football and bore some medical concerns. Part of that is weight related, as sources said that Jones' weight can balloon, which is a reflection of the lack of work ethic.

Kelee Ringo:

There were multiple reasons why Ringo slid. The biggest contribution was from Ringo being exposed as being extremely stiff as the season progressed, especially late in the year versus better competition. Ringo was abused by receivers, struggling to stay with them out of their cuts and letting them generate significant amounts of separation over the route. As a result, NFL teams felt Ringo was not a fit to play zone or off-man coverage in the NFL. Being viewed as a press-man-only corner led to him not fitting many teams' defensive schemes. Ringo also came with some character concerns, but his problems in coverage were the largest reason for his decline.

Trenton Simpson:

Multiple NFL team sources said Simpson graded out on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft because he lacked first-round tape. That absence of impressive tape was why I had Simpson going in the second or third round of my mock drafts, but his workouts were definitely eye-poppers. Sources also said they felt Simpson lacked instincts, which was reflected in his production being unimpressive. One area scout said of Simpson, "Just not that good of a player, just a workout guy." Hence, Simpson went in the portion of the draft where teams thought he belonged.