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The 2023 NFL draft kicks off Thursday night with the first round. In the first round, the players selected are all hoped nd expected to be consistent starters. There are no real secrets or underrated prospects in Round 1.
However, the later rounds are where teams hope to find hidden gems. They hope to find good to great players.
Who are these underrated, secret superstars?
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar gives us his favorite underrated prospects. Check out the defensive players below and be sure to read his complete scouting reports for each player.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
San Diego State DL Jonah Tavai
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/04/USATSI_16784132.jpg)
Wake Forest DL Kobie Turner
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/03/USATSI_19203088.jpg)
Bowling Green EDGE Karl Brooks
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/02/USATSI_19924728.jpg)
Louisville EDGE Yasir Abdullah
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/04/USATSI_19525623.jpg)
Cincinnati LB Ivan Pace Jr.
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/04/USATSI_19499763.jpg)
Tulane LB Dorian Williams
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/04/USATSI_19713718.jpg)
TCU CB Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/03/USATSI_19740896.jpg)
Iowa S Kaevon Merriweather
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/04/USATSI_20123812.jpg)