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The 2023 NFL Draft is just three days away, and draft rumors are heating up. This article will take a look at my top 50 draft prospects in this class, after a close review of film and analytical profiles.
The 2023 class features two top quarterback prospects and three more possible top-ten picks. There are two RB prospects destined for fantasy greatness, and a handful of tight ends with a chance to be valuable fantasy assets. As for WR, this class is not as loaded as in past years, which is reflected in my rankings.
Overall, this class may not produce as many All-Pro's as in past years, but there will plenty of contributing starters found all the way through Day 3. And after last year's QB class disappointed, 2023 should represent a replenishing of young talent at that position.
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NFL Draft Big Board
2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Top 10 Rookies
1. Bryce Young - QB, Alabama
Bryce Young is an improvisational wizard. He dominated at Alabama and shows the instincts, playmaking, and processing of a top NFL QB. You can read my full film breakdown of Young here.
2. C.J. Stroud - QB, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud has elite accuracy and is as natural as it gets as a passer. He can be a calm assassin while leading his team in the NFL. You can read my full film breakdown of Stroud here.
3. Will Anderson - EDGE, Alabama
Will Anderson doesn't have the bend of elite pro pass rushers, but his play strength is phenomenal. He has no issues against the run and projects as an above-average starter from day one in the NFL.
4. Paris Johnson - OT, Ohio State
Paris Johnson is suffering a bit from prospect fatigue, as his film is excellent. He shows great hand placement, knee bend, and the ability to climb to the second level in the run game. He may struggle with NFL strength against bull rushes, but that's his only real negative.
5. Darnell Wright - OT, Tennessee
Darnell Wright can be late recognizing quickness, but he has all the tools to be a terrific pro tackle at 6-5, 333 pounds. He shined in his matchup against Will Anderson and shows the play strength and anchor to be an impact OL at the next level.
6. Jalen Carter - DT, Georgia
Jalen Carter has character concerns, but his film is outstanding. His ability to play with heavy hands and shed blocks is special, and his blend of handwork and quickness as an inside pass rusher makes him the most talented prospect in the draft. At some point, a team is going to take the risk. Without access to interviews, I'll hedge a little and place him at No. 6.
7. Tyree Wilson - EDGE, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson is a 6-6, 271-pound defensive end with a one-arm stick move to walk back opposing tackles. He's fast in pursuit and can shed blocks against the run. His size and athleticism make him a great bet to be a solid starter or better.
8. Christian Gonzalez - CB, Oregon
Christian Gonzalez is a tall, long corner with 4.38 speed and natural coverage instincts. He's smooth and fluid in man and reacts to the ball quickly in zone. He has a great chance to be a true CB1 in the NFL.
9. Bijan Robinson - RB, Texas
Bijan Robinson has all the traits of a foundation back, including outstanding receiving skills and pass-protecting prowess. It's hard to defend taking a RB in the first round in 2023, but the team that does it can point to his passing game impact as a big reason why. You can read my full film breakdown of Robinson here.
10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR, Ohio State
JSN is the clear-cut WR1 in this class. He's lightning quick with an advanced understanding of route-running and terrific hands. With no obvious WR2, he should be a hot commodity on draft night. You can read my full film breakdown of JSN here.
2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #11-20
11. Devon Witherspoon - CB, Illinois
Devon Witherspoon is physical and quick and breaks on the ball well at the short and intermediate levels. His balance isn't elite in covering receivers down the field, but his ability to play both inside and out and contribute in the run game makes him a solid bet in the top half of the first round.
12. Deonte Banks - CB, Maryland
Deonte Banks has the speed and natural coverage instincts NFL teams covet. He's physical and can turn his head to locate the ball down the field in man coverage.
13. Anthony Richardson - QB, Florida
Anthony Richardson has every physical trait that teams want in a franchise QB. There are flashes of brilliance on film, especially throwing the deep ball. While the upside is massive, it's fair to have concerns about his modest production and accuracy issues. You can read my full film breakdown of Richardson here.
14. Broderick Jones - OT, Georgia
Broderick Jones is light on his feet with powerful hands and ran a 4.98 40 at 6-5, 311. His tendency to duck his head is a concern but the rest of his game is reminiscent of Tyron Smith.
15. Jahmyr Gibbs - RB, Alabama
Even with two RBs in my top 15, I promise I understand math. I just don't love this draft class overall and think both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are dynamic receiving threats. Gibbs is blazing fast with incredible quickness and outstanding hands. Some guys run fast 40s but don't play to their timed speed. Gibbs plays to his 4.36 40.
You can read my full film breakdown of Gibbs here.
16. Nolan Smith - EDGE, Georgia
Nolan Smith is just 6-2, 238 pounds, but his 4.39 speed shines on film. He has the get-off and quickness of an effective pro pass rusher. His size might be an issue against the run, but he'll present problems for opposing tackles on the edge with his ability to dip and get after the quarterback.
17. Myles Murphy - EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy is one of the best pass rushers in this class at converting speed to power, and he can play with heavy hands to move pass blockers. Quick, athletic, and big, Murphy projects as a solid pro in any scheme.
18. Will McDonald - EDGE, Iowa State
Will McDonald is just 6-3, 239, but his get-off is as good as anyone in this class. He projects best as a standup pass rusher.
19. Dalton Kincaid - TE, Utah
Dalton Kincaid is one of the best-receiving TEs I've ever scouted. He has great hands, an awesome burst after the catch, and can make contested catches at all levels of the field. My only concern with his transition to the pro game is if his fast and spirited playstyle will lead to durability issues.
20. Joey Porter Jr. - CB, Penn State
Joey Porter is a long, tall corner with terrific speed. He comes from NFL bloodlines and shows the ability to locate the ball. He projects best as a Cover 3 corner in the NFL.
2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #21-30
21. Lukas Van Ness - EDGE, Iowa
Lukas Van Ness plays with a great motor and made a lot of plays in pursuit at Iowa. He didn't win his matchup with Paris Johnson, but flashed quickness in terms of inside moves and spins against other competition. Van Ness is inconsistent but has upside as a playmaker. He actually blocked two punts in one game for the Hawkeyes.
22. Peter Skoronski - OL, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski has great feet and the nastiness you want from your offensive linemen. He can be serviceable at tackle but probably projects best at guard due to his short arms and issues with hand placement. There are way too many reps of his hands outside and he pushes rather than strikes at times. He's a high-floor prospect, but I think the other tackles offer more upside.
23. Zay Flowers - WR, Boston College
Zay Flowers is an exciting playmaker in the Antonio Brown mold. He's received a ton of hype this draft season to the point where some might make you believe his only weakness is size. Flowers' film is inconsistent as he had some drop issues and a horrible blocking technique. His highs make him look like Brandin Cooks, but he needs to become more consistent to reach his ceiling.
24. Jordan Addison - WR, USC
Jordan Addison is not particularly fast (4.49) for his size (5-11, 173), and didn't exactly light the world on fire at USC this past season. However, his WR-specific traits are top-notch in terms of route-running and hands. As a receiver coach, I love his game. As a draft analyst, his profile is concerning. Addison projects as a solid No. 2 at the next level but it's fair to question his translation as a relatively slow receiver with a small frame who struggles against press.
25. Marvin Mims Jr. - WR, Oklahoma
Marvin Mims Jr. has some of the most impressive film of any WR in this year's class. He has legit deep speed (4.38) but stands just 5-11, 183. His frame is a little more compact than some of the other small receivers in this class and his explosive lower body makes him a threat from anywhere on the field. In terms of ball-tracking and coordination, especially on high-difficulty catches, Mims is outstanding. I wonder if there's something behind the scenes about him that people don't like because the film shows a great bet to continue making plays at the next level.
26. Steve Avila - OG, TCU
Steve Avila is a day-one starter in the NFL, and his pass-blocking film is outstanding. He has the size (6-3, 333) and tools of a Pro Bowl interior OL.
27. Bryan Bresee - DT, Clemson
Bryan Bresee shows flashes of terrific play as an interior disruptor, but some choppy footwork shows inconsistencies. He's big and quick but didn't look great against Syracuse and struggled with fatigue later in games. His upside is a solid starter.
28. Emmanuel Forbes - CB, Mississippi State
Emmanuel Forbes weighed in at just 166 pounds at the combine, but his ball production was phenomenal at Mississippi State. 14 interceptions and six touchdowns is an absurd career stat line for a corner, especially in the SEC. He breaks on the ball well but his tackling could be a huge issue. Putting on weight and improving play strength will be crucial to his transition to the NFL.
29. Michael Mayer - TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer is a fine player with a chance to be a Pro Bowl tight end. He plays like a natural receiver with a huge body (6-4, 249). His play strength leaves a lot to be desired, as there were too many instances of him getting bullied or using his shoulder, especially on cross-cut slice blocks. There's definitely a market for a huge receiving threat who can run a plethora of different routes and make every catch, but I don't know if he'll ever be a top-five TE in the league.
30. O'Cyrus Torrence - OG, Florida
O'Cyrus Torrence is a massive guard prospect at 6-5, 330, and he shows flashes of dominance on film. He plays with a wide base and great knee bend. When he lands his hands inside, Torrence has awesome power to move defenders. He's an easy starter in the NFL.
2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #31-40
31. John Michael Schmitz - C, Minnesota
John Michael Schmitz is a solid-as-a-rock center prospect who can be the leader on his offensive line. He had dominant college film and shows the ability to pass protect and work up to the second level in the run game. I expect him to be a starting center for a long time in the NFL.
32. Drew Sanders - LB, Arkansas
Drew Sanders transitioned from EDGE to off-ball LB for the Razorbacks and showed flashes of brilliance at his new position this past year. Instinctive and athletic, Sanders does a terrific job at slipping blocks and messing up OL angles against the run. He's also solid in coverage. Sanders did miss too many tackles, but if he can get better in that area he can develop into a Pro Bowler.
33. Jalin Hyatt - WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt is coming off a monstrous year in which he put up 1,257 yards and 15 touchdowns and dominated Alabama. His speed shines on film. However, there are legitimate questions about his transition to the pro game. There isn't much evidence that he can defeat press coverage and he's coming from a wide-split scheme unlike anything in the NFL. He can take the top off the defense but will need to learn how to play receiver at the next level to become more versatile.
34. Will Levis - QB, Kentucky
Will Levis has a cannon for a right arm and can make every throw. He's also tough. However, there are questions about his production and accuracy. You can read my full film breakdown of Levis here.
35. Josh Downs - WR, North Carolina
Josh Downs is a small, slot-only prospect with great hands. He will need to clean up some route-running inconsistencies but has the quickness to win on the inside at the next level. Despite his small stature, Downs makes tough contested catches at all levels of the field.
36. Mazi Smith - DT, Michigan
Mazi Smith has great quickness for a 323-pound defensive tackle. He can shed blocks in the run game and has some juice as an interior rusher as well, utilizing a rip move to get after quarterbacks.
37. Brian Branch - S, Alabama
Brian Branch is a solid tackler who made a lot of plays at Alabama. However, he's a 4.58 safety who doesn't have the coverage skills to be trusted in man. I also don't know if he has the range to play deep. I'm not sure a safety who excels in the box is the best use of a high draft pick in 2023.
38. B.J. Ojulari - EDGE, LSU
B.J. Ojulari can dip and bend and plays with active hands on the edge. His speed and explosiveness shine on film.
39. Keion White - EDGE, Georgia Tech
Keion White moves well for his size and had 7.5 sacks last year for Georgia Tech. He doesn't play with great awareness and is a little out of control but his athleticism can't be taught.
40. Isaiah Foskey - EDGE, Notre Dame
Isaiah Foskey put up 22 sacks in his final two years at Notre Dame and has natural pass-rushing ability on the edge. With some minor technique corrections, he can be a productive pro EDGE.
2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #41-50
41. Anton Harrison - OT, Oklahoma
Anthon Harrison has left tackle size (6-4, 315), and left tackle feet. He needs to work on hand placement, but he moves well and shows the ability to shock defenders as a run blocker and pass protector.
42. Calijah Kancey - DT, Pittsburgh
Calijah Kancey is just 6-1, 281, but when his get-off is right he's as quick as any DT in this class. Short arms are an issue, and he may struggle against the run at the next level.
43. Zach Charbonnet - RB, UCLA
Zach Charbonnet has a special feel for the game and runs with enough power and elusiveness to be a starting NFL RB. He can also catch passes. His contact balance, vision, and hands make him a very intriguing day-two RB. While legit RB1 is in his range of outcomes, so is a middling plodder. He lacks elite quickness.
44. Devon Achane - RB, Texas A&M
Devon Achane runs like he found a turbo boost in a video game. His 4.32 40 shines on film, but his biggest question mark is size. Achane makes defenders bounce off him because he runs with an intentionally low pad level and has an elite burst. There just aren't many 5-8, 188-pound RBs who make it in the NFL.
45. Cody Mauch - OL, North Dakota State
Cody Mauch is an FCS prospect who showed out at the Senior Bowl. I don't think he has the quickness to play tackle, but he can be a fine guard. His ability to get to the second level in the run game is a huge plus.
46. Kelee Ringo - CB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo is physically imposing and had a bunch of highlight plays for Georgia. He's 6-1, 207 with 4.36 speed, fluid hips, and a ton of experience producing for the best defense in the country. Sometimes he's a little behind in route recognition, but he has all the tools to be coached into a quality starter.
47. Felix Anudike-Uzomah - EDGE, Kansas State
FAU has length and explosiveness and shows the ability to shed at the top of his rush. He's stout and strong but durability questions cloud his future.
48. D.J. Turner - CB, Michigan
D.J. Turner projects as a solid nickel corner. He's small at just 5-11, 178, but has natural coverage instincts and isn't afraid to tackle.
49. Quentin Johnston - WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston was relatively productive for TCU and has an exciting mix of size and play speed. However, his film shows some receiver-specific question marks. He doesn't play to his size and has questionable hands.
50. Hendon Hooker - QB, Tennessee
Hendon Hooker has a lot working against him. He's an older prospect coming off an injury and played in an offensive scheme unlike the one he's going to need to learn in the NFL. However, he's a solid passer with athleticism and showed an ability to lead an offense at Tennessee. I wouldn't be willing to make a bet on him until the middle of the second round, but I expect him to go much higher.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more draft content in the coming days.
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