The 2023 NFL Draft gives the Old Dominion Monarchs the opportunity to double their contingent of players sent to the NFL. Just two Monarchs have heard their name called previously, but a heavily talented Old Dominion roster has several potential prospects residing on it. Who are the 2023 NFL Draft prospects to look out for when watching the Monarchs this season?
Old Dominion prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
After the 1-11 season that bought the Bobby Wilder era to an ugly end, Ricky Rahne has Old Dominion trending in the right direction. For several players, that direction could lead to a final destination of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Just two previous Old Dominion players — Oshane Ximines and Travis Fulgham — have made it from Norfolk to the NFL, but there’s every reason to believe that at least one of the following players has the potential to hear their name called next April.
Zack Kuntz, TE
While he began his college career at Penn State, Zack Kuntz put himself into the national conscious with an impressive first season with Old Dominion. While finding the end zone a team-high-tying five times last fall, Kuntz also tallied 692 yards as one of the focal points of the offense. His performances landed him on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist, and he begins the season as the Monarchs’ top 2023 NFL Draft prospect.
The 6’8″, 245-pound pass catcher possesses the catch radius you’d expect from a man of his size. Furthermore, he showcases surprising athletic ability as a former track star at the high school level. Kuntz offers some impressive competitive toughness and technical nuance as a run blocker. Improving catch-point reliability and adding pass protection to his repertoire will be the keys to him realizing his full potential.
Ali Jennings III, WR
Following his transfer from West Virginia ahead of last season, Ali Jennings III developed into Old Dominion’s most productive pass catcher. Leading the Monarchs with 1,066 receiving yards, Jennings’ 252 yards against Charlotte was the second most single-season yards in program history, just behind a record that has held firm for 10 years. His three touchdowns in that game tied a single-game program record.
While his Old Dominion production has been impressive, Jennings also has the skill set to earn attention in the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’2″, 196 pounds, he has good size to play WR at the NFL level. His height, length, and combative playstyle make him a big, physical downfield target. However, Jennings also possesses impressive ball-tracking skills and solid, reliable hands. He has enough speed to create after-the-catch yardage, too.
Nick Saldiveri, OT
If you’re looking for an under-the-radar offensive tackle prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, Old Dominion’s Nick Saldiveri is the guy for you. At 6’6″ and 315 pounds, he has great size for the position and appears to have decent functional length. He’s flashed a strong lower body that combined with good footwork and hand usage helps him to be a reliable pass protector.
Meanwhile, Saldiveri’s footwork and a relatively strong athletic profile enable him to be a force in the ground game. A 24-game starter at right tackle, Saldiveri also has some guard experience, which could prove valuable when being evaluated by NFL teams.
Tobias Harris, CB
Cornerback Tobias Harris hasn’t even pulled on the Old Dominion jersey, but he may already be their best chance of having a defensive prospect selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 5’9″, 187-pound CB transfers in from West Texas A&M. where he tallied 17 interceptions in the last four seasons. Harris flashes physicality, quick and fluid footwork, good ball tracking, and the speed to close and make a play in coverage. Another feather in his 2023 NFL Draft cap is special-teams experience and excellence as a punt returner.
Tyran Hunt, G
After just eight appearances in three years for Maryland, Tyran Hunt transferred to Old Dominion and established himself as a full-time starter at LG for the Monarchs. At 6’7″ and 313 pounds, Hunt is unusually tall for an interior offensive lineman. However, he showcases an ability to play low, boasts a powerful initial punch, and drives with his lower body to move people in the ground game. He might be an unconventionally-sized guard prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Hunt plays with the nasty demeanor of an interior offensive lineman.
Leroy Thomas, G
Lining up at the opposite guard spot this fall is Leroy Thomas, who played more offensive snaps last season than any other Monarchs player. The 6’3″, 290-pound 2023 NFL Draft prospect showcases an impressive anchor for a guard who may be considered a little undersized.
Additionally, Thomas’ play against the run belies his somewhat diminutive frame. He’s able to get out in space and help extend rushing lanes, with his play last season one of the contributory factors to Blake Watson’s success.
Deeve Harris, EDGE
A highly productive pass rusher in high school, Deeve Harris spent two seasons with Minnesota before transferring to Old Dominion. In his first season with the Monarchs, Harris impressed with five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Meanwhile, he added touchdowns with an interception and fumble recovery.
Harris is a compact pass rusher at 6’2″, 233 pounds, who wins at the point of attack with speed and length. He also possesses an alluring combination of high football IQ and a relentless motor that could prove attractive to teams looking to add EDGE talent in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Marcus Haynes, EDGE
After tallying six sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss last fall, Marcus Haynes is the top returning producer to the Old Dominion defense for the 2022 college football season. The 6’4″, 240-pound EDGE has mainly played as a standup outside linebacker where he uses an explosive get-off to assert himself into the opposition’s backfield.
Haynes has shown to be flexible off the edge too, using dip moves to evade offensive tackles and get to the quarterback. A self-confessed film addict, Haynes can read the game to a high level making him a smart and impactful defensive prospect for 2023.
R’Tarriun Johnson, S
An impressive leader at the heart of the Old Dominion secondary, safety R’Tarriun Johnson had a team-high two interceptions last fall. He also logged six pass breakups with the second-most tackles for the Monarchs. In coverage, Johnson demonstrates high-level play reading ability and has the athletic profile to act upon it, closing quickly to break up a play.
The 5’11”, 196-pound safety plays the game with impressive physicality when coming downhill, hitting with bone-shaking ferocity. He tallied 3.5 tackles for loss last fall as a result of his ability to explode into the backfield and wrap up as a tackler.
Blake Watson, RB
One of the top returning players for Old Dominion this season is running back Blake Watson. The fourth-year RB pounded the rock to the tune of 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns last fall.
Watson showcases excellent contact balance, good speed, and can cut well to create space. Meanwhile, the 5’9″, 195-pounder consistently grinds out yardage with impressive lower body strength. Although he wasn’t active as a returner last year, Watson showcased special-teams skills in 2019, leading the conference in kick-return yards.
Other potential Old Dominion prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Hayden Wolff, QB
- Khadere Kounta, OT
- Tyre Bibby, DT
- Terry Jones, S
- Tre Hawkins III, CB
- Ryan Henry, LB
- Steven Williams, LB
- Dominik Soos, K
