The first edition of this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board features tons of defensive line talent, and two stud quarterbacks near the top.
Ah, the first full weekend of college football. There’s not much like it. The return of packed, electric stadiums and traditions, along with plenty 2023 NFL Draft prospects starting their final season of collegiate ball. Get ready for another wild draft season and process full of risers, fallers, and phenomenal stories. It all begins.
There isn’t a better way to really kick things off than with a 2023 NFL Draft Big Board, the first by this writer in this cycle (and the first of many, monthly updates). Unlike the 2022 draft, there are prospects with top 10 grades and others with the potential to reach that coveted ceiling. The quarterback class is better this go around, and the defensive line group is just as good, if not better. Another corner group is sure to dazzle, and a fun race for WR1 is on.
Let’s get into the initial top 50 prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft!
2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 Features C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Loaded Defensive Line Group
1. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Was it even a question? Will Anderson is the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, and probably the best player in college football. His absurd 17-sack, 31.5 tackle for loss season in 2021 probably should’ve yielded a Heisman. He wins off the edge with power and pop, speed, and technically refined hand usage. Anderson is also a phenomenal run defender, stacking and shedding with ease and shooting gaps effectively.
2. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Yes, Jalen Carter is even better than his two teammates on the interior who were first round picks a few months ago. Carter has the powerful hands to shock offensive linemen and can drive linemen back into the lap of the quarterback. He’s stout and can shed quickly against the run, but possesses a unique amount of change of direction skills, with the explosiveness to close in a hurry.
3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
A precise passer with great processing skills, C.J. Stroud shook off a rocky first start to a phenomenal 2021 campaign. Stroud’s accuracy and touch to all levels is phenomenal, and he maneuvers the pocket like an NFL veteran. He’s a risk averse passer, but can challenge tight windows with good zip and ball placement. Stroud can real the full field in a blink and work progressions efficiently. Seeing more out of structure accuracy would elevate him further.
4. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
An artist with the improvisation skills of Van Gogh, Bryce Young has all the goods to be a franchise quarterback and go in the top five of the 2023 NFL Draft. He operates the quick game with great processing skills, and possesses all the arm strength needed for the next level. Young can be a point guard with his creative distribution skills, and has a deep ball the equivalent of a three point shooter. He can make wild things happen out of structure and has great poise with the lights and pressure on.
5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
As elite a running back prospect as they come, Bijan Robinson is well worth a first round selection. He doesn’t have the elite explosiveness and straight line speed, but that’s the only weakness. He has great vision and heightened acuity to anticipate holes opening between the tackles. Robinson is uber-elusive in space, with creative footwork and excellent contact balance. He has natural hands as a receiver and is someone who looks comfortable running routes.
6. Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
Bryan Bresee has dealt with some injury issues, but he’s a force when on the field. He has impressive power and length to disengage from blockers, and can sit and leverage with ease in gaps. His functional athleticism makes for a dangerous pass rusher on the interior as well. A full year should get him in the elite tier.
7. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Isaiah Foskey might have the most untapped potential of anyone in the 2023 NFL Draft. His athleticism is so spectacular that Notre Dame has him not just spot drop, but turn and run with tight ends. He’s gotten reps at inside linebacker as well. When he’s rushing, he has devastating explosiveness and a wicked go-to move to swipe the hands and flatten his route to the quarterback. He spills to take on the crack blocks in the run game as well. When he unlocks the full arsenal as a rusher, look out.
8. Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Kayshon Boutte has yet to put a spectacular season on the stat sheet, but no matter. He has the release game to separate against press, and is efficient at the top of his routes to unlock the full route tree. His explosiveness is tough to contain, both as a deep threat and after the catch. Boutte attacks the catch point aggressively and is so nimble to stay controlled and balanced through the catch point and on the sidelines.
9. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The name might lead some to believe his stock is getting elevated because of his brother, but Noah Sewell is legit. He offers impressive power to get through blocks, but is also creative and quick to get around blocks and make plays. He flows well to the run, and is impressive closing downhill. He gets in passing lanes as well. Clean up some missed tackles, and he’s a top 10 lock.
10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated from the slot in a loaded Ohio State offense, crossing the 1,600 yard mark as a true sophomore while putting on a Rose Bowl show no one will soon forget. Smith-Njigba is a tactician as a route runner, from his deceptive release package to his top-of-route creativity. He stems at defenders to keep the two-way go alive, and has great field vision after the catch, while also setting himself up well to pick up extra yardage with his footwork. He doesn’t have top-end speed (and let’s see some perimeter reps), but his game translates to the NFL.
11. Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski is the first tackle to show up on the big board. There will be a lot of talk leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft discussing whether or not his arm length will be an issue. It shows up briefly as an issue, but otherwise, Skoronski handles that well. He’s a high football IQ tackle, working inside out, picking up stunts and late blitzers.
He’s got quick pass sets to get to his landmarks (especially 45 degree sets) and he has quick feet and a strong inside hand to control and mirror rushers. He’s a dominant people mover against the run as well, and displays great balance in both facets of his game.
12. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy and Bresee should terror opposing offenses all season long. Murphy has heavy hands and can set a strong edge against the run, using his length to get tackles off-balance. He’s got a good arsenal of rush moves, from the bull rush to speed to power conversion and a long arm move that’s tough to handle.
13. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The top corner in the 2023 NFL Draft is Georgia’s Kelee Ringo. He’s got the size profile to be a boundary corner, and plays with impressive physicality and disruption in press coverage. He won’t get beat downfield often with his elite speed, and transition quickly to limit separation. More refined technique in pedal and in phase will only confirm his first round potential.
14. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer is the prototype “Y” tight end at the next level. He has the size and power to be an inline tight end, but just needs to stay more composed and balanced at the point of attack to sustain blocks. He’s a savvy route runner and thrives when flexed out into the slot or the perimeter, using efficient breaks, deception, quickness, and hand usage to create space for himself. He attacks the catch point and is a dominant ball-winner as well.
15. Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
Maybe the most shocking ranking on the 2023 NFL Draft board, Siaki Ika might not be a household draft name just yet. However, he’s borderline unblockable at nose tackle. His power is as advertised, pushing centers and guards back with ease. He can sit in double teams without giving up an inch, and has immense power to free up an arm to make tackles while leveraging in the gap. He’s got impressive club and arm over moves as a pass rusher and surprises with how nimble he can move horizontally.
16. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Paris Johnson has all the pedigree to be a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He gets to prove it as he shifts out from right guard to tackle. His athleticism, quickness, and footwork are all there to be a dominant pass protector, and he’s already shown the power to reset the line of scrimmage and the anchor in pass pro. OT1 is in his range of outcomes.
17. Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
The defensive linemen keep piling up here. Gervon Dexter is a walking pressure. It’s rare to see him stunted at the point of attack or shut down when rushing the passer. He’s always pushing the pocket and making things uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks, and despite his size, he handles double teams extremely well. He can quickly dispose of linemen against the run and can be a dominant interior rusher in the NFL.
18. Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
The ranking matches the hype with Antonio Johnson, who sits in a loaded Aggies secondary. Johnson does a bit of everything, from handling tight ends and receivers in man coverage to spot dropping, blitzing, and taking on linebacker duties. He has the speed and football IQ to handle the overhang spot, sit in a robber role, or play on the roof at safety. He also brings the boom as a tackler.
19. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
An undersized linebacker at Clemson? Better move him to safety. Not so fast my friend. Trenton Simpson can handle things at linebacker. He’s likely best in a WILL/overhang role, but he can get around or through blocks and makes impressive plays closing downhill and in coverage.
20. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston, like Boutte, lacks the production so far in his collegiate career, but he’s one of the few that this writer believes can be a true “X” receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Johnston is an explosive playmaker who excels on a vertical plane as a route runner. He can stack and win downfield as a vertical threat and sinks his hips well to get back downhill on hitch and comeback routes. He erases angles after the catch and is a basketball player at the catch point with phenomenal ball skills and vertical explosion.
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.
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.
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.