2023 NFL Draft Big Board: C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, DLine Lead Top 50
41. Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon
Perhaps another shocker here, but again, this defensive line is loaded in the 2023 NFL Draft, so much so that many names just missed. Brandon Dorlus is really good though. He might have the best quicks and lateral explosiveness of any defensive tackle. He can knife through gaps and use his hands to get off blocks and leave guards in the dust. His ability to create pressure should yield impressive production in 2022.
42. J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State
Stay up late and watch J.L. Skinner this year. He’s another safety with impressive size and length for the position. His closing speed is very good, whether it be working from off-coverage, pursuing on the backside, or running the alley. He has enough functional athleticism to be a tight end eraser, and is a true enforcer with his stopping power. His wingspan will shorten throwing windows and he plays physical at the catch point.
43. Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Another high recruit with questions, Eli Ricks is all production and savvy at the corner position. He doesn’t have high-end quickness or explosiveness, but he’s sound in coverage and has impressive ball skills. He could quickly shoot up the board with a strong season.
44. Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Tank Bigsby is often forgotten about a bit in the 2023 NFL Draft running back class, but he shouldn’t be. While he is the workhorse between the tackles who drops the pads and creates extra yardage through contact, he’s still sudden enough to make defenders miss. The production is there to be an early down stud in the NFL.
45. Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
The interior offensive line of the 2023 NFL Draft is looking solid. Andrew Vorhees has impressive pass sets, lateral movement skills to mirror and pick up stunts, and is great at reach blocking to seal off the the front side of the play. He lacks a bit of power in pass pro, but it shows up more moving forward as a run blocker.
46. Colby Wooden, DL, Auburn
Colby Wooden is a versatile defensive lineman who saw multiple positions across the defensive line for Auburn in 2021. Whether it be lining up in the A or B gap to get linear to attack and create pressure or holding hid own as a run defender, the athleticism and pass rush chops will be a good addition to a multiple front defense.
47. Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Sean Tucker had a phenomenal season for Syracuse in 2021, and he’s in position for a repeat. He’s a well-built back with a low center of gravity to work through contact. His vision is adequate between the tackles, and he really does damage in space, shrugging off arm tackles, offering up a forearm shiver, and erasing angles with his explosiveness.
48. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will Levis is definitely an intriguing quarterback at Kentucky with enough arm strength and accuracy to work all levels of the field. He maintains poise in the face of pressure, and his turnover numbers were a bit unlucky. Still, he needs to improve his footwork against pressure and clean up decision making before reaching the other two signal-callers on the board.
49. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
Blake Freeland is a dominant player in pass protection, and his athleticism and hand usage gives him an edge. While his upside brings him to the top 50, his height could cause leverage concerns, and he must improve as a run blocker and sustain blocks on the edge and on the move.
50. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
A fluid route runner, Sam LaPorta could be the next stud tight end from Iowa to succeed in the NFL. He’s got the impressive straight line speed and thrives making tough catches through contact. He flashes inline as well, and just needs a little cleanup with his hand placement at times.
Potential Risers (Just Missed) On The 2023 NFL Draft Board
O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
Torrence made the move to Florida from Louisiana, and he could easily be inside the top 50. He’s a mauler in the run game who does an impressive job recovering with his strong hands when his feet are a little behind. His power profile has seen him take on multiple blocks to seal off the second level, and his initial quicks are impressive for his stature.
Jaquelin Roy and B.J. Ojulari, LSU
Both Jaquelin Roy and B.J. Ojulari flash the ability to create pressure as pass rush, one on the edge and the former on the interior. Ojulari is a speedy, bendy rusher who needs to improve against the run, and Roy has good hand usage to create pressure, but needs to improve his rate of said pressure creation.
Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina
Bell is the next move tight end/power slot for the NFL to find a role for. His explosiveness and route running chops for his size are impressive, and he’s a big play waiting to happen.
Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
He isn’t the most physically gifted linebacker, but Henry To’o To’o has the instincts, vision, and processing to be a MIKE linebacker in the NFL.
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
A transfer to Oregon from Colorado, Christian Gonzalez is getting a lot of 2023 NFL Draft hype, especially from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler (9th on his board). I saw good technique and tackling skills, but didn’t have enough tape on him to feel comfortable ranking him.
Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame, and Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Two more safeties who could’ve made the list, Brandon Joseph gets a fresh start at Notre Dame, where he has a chance to recreate his excellent 2020 season where he picked off six passes. He’s the classic single high star in the Jessie Bates mold. Jordan Battle does a bit of everything, from succeeding in the box and in shell looks. More consistency in both areas is the key.