A closer look at where experts project two Kansas Jayhawks in 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is less than a week away and there are two players KU football fans are hoping to see drafted: former Kansas edge rusher Lonnie Phelps and offensive tackle Earl Bostick.

Both players have improved their draft stock since declaring, but Phelps, in particular, has notably raised his stock.

After receiving a late invite to the Senior Bowl, Phelps impressed at the event. In the game, Phelps forced a fumble and put constant pressure on the quarterback — Pro Football Focus even gave him the highest score of any player at the Senior Bowl (91.2).

On the first day of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Phelps led all linebackers with 31 bench press reps. In addition, the 6-foot-2, 244-pound Phelps ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds, which is a strong time for his size.

Last season, he finished with 57 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss (4.5 in Big 12 play), six QB hurries, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. Phelps was named to the All-Big 12 second team at defensive end by both the coaches and AP.

Phelps is undoubtedly happy he declared for the draft.

“I always bet on me,” Phelps said at KU’s pro day. “I always knew I could do (it) and hold my ground.”

Here’s what the draft experts think...

Lonnie Phelps Jr. strengths and weaknesses

Draft projection: 5th/6th round

Strengths:

• High energy. According to NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein, “Phelps plays with an attacking demeanor and reckless abandon to make it hard for tackles to keep up with his energy for four quarters.”

• Explosive first step. “He’s explosive and bendy, with the ability to flatten and close to the quarterback,” Zierlein said.

• High IQ player. “Phelps is disciplined in QB read-option plays, properly shuffling down the line of scrimmage and staying disciplined not to give up outside leverage completely,” said thedraftnetwork.com

Weaknesses:

• Hand technique. “He needs to improve his hand usage and technique both as a pass rusher and run defender,” Zierlein said.

• Shedding blockers in the run game. “Against the run, Phelps can work to sustain the edge but struggles to actually shed offensive linemen and make plays,” said thedraftnetwork.com

• Needs to keep getting stronger. ”Phelps needs to improve his ability to convert speed to power to give him an opportunity to win with more than just speed as a pass rusher,” said thedraftnetwork.com

Earl Bostick Jr. strengths and weaknesses

Draft projection: 6th/7th round

Strengths:

• Good at pass pro. Zierlein noted Bostick is an “athletic tackle who currently offers more in pass protection than he does as a run blocker.”

• Good height and length — Bostick is 6-foot-6, 309 pounds. Thedraftnetwork.com said about Bostick: “Once Bostick is at the defender, his length helps in that defenders have to fight to disengage with him and work around his wingspan to get to the ball carrier.”

• He is athletic, especially for his size. Zeirlein said Bostick has quick feet and is able to open his hips while recovering with relative ease.

Weaknesses:

• He needs to improve as a run blocker. Zierlein said Bostick “plays with low-burn energy as a run blocker.”

• Must continue to get stronger. “Missing play strength to command blocks at point of attack,” Zeirlein said.

• Issues with bull rushers. “Bostick struggles to anchor on speed-to-power defenders and it results in him being pushed into the lap of the quarterback,” said thedraftnetwork.com.

This story was originally published April 23, 2023 at 8:00 AM.

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.