2023 NFL Draft Big Board: C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, DLine Lead Top 50
21. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Like a lot of the top receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jordan Addison spent a lot of time in the slot in the 2021 season. The reigning Biletnikoff winner will get a chance to match last year’s impressive production with Caleb Williams throwing him the ball at USC.
While press on the outside will be new him, Addison is a smart route runner, finding space in zone and occasionally deceiving defenders to create said space. He’s efficient with route breaks, minimizing steps and yardage displacement. His catch radius is impressive for his size, and he’s elusive after the catch.
22. Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi
The running back class is absolutely loaded in the 2023 NFL Draft, and it could match the 2017 group. Zach Evans is certainly part of that, and he’ll get to prove he’s elite toting the rock at Mississippi after leaving a timeshare at TCU. He’s explosive, lethal moving laterally, and offers three-down potential.
23. Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M
Layden Robinson is yet another star on a Texas A&M team that should do more in 2022. Robinson is as stout at the point of attack as anyone, and looks to bury defenders at every chance with his upper body and core strength. His anchor is phenomenal, and he has active hands and a violent punch, not to mention great snatch technique. He recovers well with his feet as well.
24. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Cam Smith might not have the elite physical traits that others do in the corner class, but he certainly makes up for it in other areas. Smith’s technique is impressive in man coverage, and he does have the transitional quickness to click and close. He stays physical throughout the route, and plays the villain at the catch point.
25. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Nolan Smith is another edge rusher who won’t look overwhelming with his size, but don’t be fooled. He packs a heck of a punch, especially as an edge setter in the run game, where he can overwhelm tackles with his strength and speed. He can win around the arc as a pass rusher and convert his explosive first step into power.
26. Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
It feels like we’ve talked about Garrett Williams for a long time, and his game has warranted it. Hopefully he finally declares so we can watch him in the NFL. Williams can be a very good press corner, and is when given that opportunity with the Orange. He stays physical, has great footwork, and the hips to transition efficiently and carry receivers vertically. Williams is a bit hit-or-miss at the catch point, but he has the ball skills to create turnovers.
27. Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
Cooper Beebe has done plenty of work at tackle for Kansas State, but his game translates well to the interior at the next level. He has the power to down block and the athleticism to hit second level landmarks and be a threat in space. He’s relentless in pass protection with the footwork to match and the power to bury players.
28. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. is a really fun watch at corner. He gives everything in run defense, and has tremendous instincts and ball skills when operating in off coverage. He’s a physical player at the line of scrimmage and makes the catch point mission impossible. His technique in press and man coverage can get better, but he’s a walking playmaker.
29. Andre Carter, EDGE, Army
Andre Carter is going to potential break the mold in the NFL Draft as a service member. He’s a converted wide receiver/tight end who has impressive size and length to overwhelm his opponents. His initial strike, pop in his hands, and a wicked long arm move can devastate opponents. Carter’s athletic profile reveals untapped potential to win in a variety of ways as an edge rusher.
30. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Broderick Jones appeared briefly for the Bulldogs at tackle in 2021 (Auburn, Tennessee, Missouri) but showed this writer enough to be included here. In a 2023 NFL Draft class looking for a tackle to break out, Jones fits the bill. He’s a powerful run blocker who can displace defenders when down blocking, but has the initial quicks for smooth pass sets and second level blocking. He’s powerful with his hands at initial contact to force defenders into counters, and can drop anchor to stop rushers in their path.