2023 NFL Draft Big Board: C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, DLine Lead Top 50

31. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

There might not be anyone with the lateral toolbox Jahmyr Gibbs has in the 2023 NFL Draft. Think Kadarius Toney, but at running back. The displacement he can generate off of his plant foot is otherworldly, and he gives defenders a false sense of security that they have a chance in space. His explosiveness gives him the ability to break off a big play at any point, and he’s a natural pass catcher. Look out for him in the Alabama offense.

32. Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

Jaelyn Duncan has the athletic profile and movement skills that NFL teams will covet, whether it be mirroring in pass protection or working to the perimeter or leading things in space. His ability to recover is unmatched, and with some better hand placement, he has star potential in the NFL.

33. Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

It was weird to see a talented edge like Derick Hall dropping into coverage a lot, but when you have his athleticism, it makes sense. He’s a dangerous rusher who can convert speed to power, win with speed around the arc, and break out the inside move when tackles overset. His run defense needs some work in terms of edge-setting strength, but he can maneuver around and still make plays with his quickness.

34. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

The top small-schooler here on the big board, Tucker Kraft is worthy of being on this list. He’s the most polished run blocker in the class, with great hand placement and the strength to roll his hips and drive defenders. His impressive athleticism shows up as a pass catcher, where he can threaten up the seam and win with a dense route tree. He drops the pads and has good straight line speed after the catch.

35. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

Josh Downs might be a slot-only receiver at the next level, but there might still be optimism as a flanker at his size. He’s a dangerous playmaker who sets up well to take advantage of post-catch yardage, and has the ability to maintain play speed through route breaks. He’s got a plethora of highlight reel catches on film as well.

36. Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia

One of this writer’s favorite evals so far, Sedrick Van Pran needs more love in the center class. While he might not be the most athletically gifted for outside/wide zone, he is just good at everything. His angles are great in the run game, and he can seal off the backside and get to the second level quickly. He’s a high-IQ player in pass protection, picking up stunts, setting protection, and spatially aware. His quickness and strength combination in pass pro can handle any talented defensive lineman. Van Pran plays with impressive power too, and can get defenders on the ground.

37. Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

Will McDonald might not be a great run defender just yet, but he’s got a full arsenal as a pass rusher, breaking off impressive counters every snap to keep tackles on their toes. He uses his length to keep tackles away from his frame, and gets his hand on the football for deflections at the line of scrimmage. His burst and agility, combined with all the moves he has in the toolbox, make for an already dangerous 3-4 rusher.

38. Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

Clark Phillips will likely receive some of the same treatment as Trent McDuffie in last year’s process. He’s a smaller corner, but he’s got impressive game. He’s sticky in man coverage, sticks his nose into the run game, has great technique, and a high football IQ.

39. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Another hybrid safety type? Yes, indeed. Brian Branch is often in the “STAR” position, dropping into zones or handling things in man coverage from the slot. He’s a fantastic athlete that holds up in man and zone, has the quickness to stay with twitched up receivers, and is a great tackler in space and when filling in the box. It would be great to see him get more opportunities on the back end, but DeMarco Hellams and Jordan Battle currently have those spots locked up.

40. Arik Gilbert, TE, Georgia

Perhaps the biggest wild card in the 2023 NFL Draft, we have yet to see much from Arik Gilbert in college. A top recruit, he caught 35 passes as a freshman, but sat out in 2021 after transferring to Georgia. He has wide receiver athleticism in a tight end body, which could make for the next Kyle Pitts.