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Reuters
With COVID restrictions showing up in the rearview mirror, NFL scouting is finally returning to normal patterns, and we believe this class is top-heavy compared to the 2022 batch.
This year's group is full of top-end pass-rushing talent, but there is no lack of depth from the second half of the first round into the second. It wouldn't be surprising if six or seven Edgerushers were first-round picks.
The quarterback position looks like a strong group after a slump in 2021. With the first dozen picks he has three of his QBs ready.
On the offensive, on the other hand, the depletion of talent along his tackles and internal offensive lines has exacerbated concerns for teams looking to strengthen the quarterback's protection. Offensive tackles are especially light in the first few rounds, as most of the top talent either move inside at his NFL level or lack the playing experience the team wants.
Here are his 23 professional players to watch to prepare for his 2023 NFL Draft:
23. CB Kelee Ringo, GA (rSo.)
Possessing moderate size and excellent straight-line speed, Ringo has athleticism on his side. His length is a concern, however, and a heavily-pressed team may physically see a red flag.
22. S Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame (rJr.)
Transfer portal from Northwestern with quality range and toughness His import Joseph hopes to return to 2020 form . His special team abilities will win the hearts of coaches.
21. OLB Will McDonald IV, Iowa State (Jr.)
Despite being under 230 pounds, the slender pass rusher is his style of play worthy of the Cyclones. He has good burst, agility, and destructive power with his control of the body, but his size is a big question mark.
20. OT Carter Warren, Pittsburgh (rSr.)
Warren last year as he was on the road to earning a second-round or his third-round pick before taking advantage of additional qualifications I saw. The light tackle class was able to push him into the top 25 picks. He's a long, athletic mover who physically checks all the boxes.
19. TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame (Jr.)
Few tight ends are as put together as Meyer, who lacks the same level of fluidity. He's a movement anomaly with upside as a blocker and immediate value as a receiver.
18. S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M (Jr.)
Defensive Rarely does his back run around without sacrificing a linebacker's body. Some athleticism, but Johnson breaks the mold. He's a fluid mover with the tools to defend both runs and passes at a high level.
17. RB Bijan Robinson, Texas (Jr.)
A ball carrier and dynamo since freshman year, Robinson's modest agility is offset by his great physique and intense running style. increase. His style of play won't suit some teams, and others will covet a ground-and-pound attitude.
16. DE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (Sr.)
An up-and-coming senior with some "tweener elements" in the game, some teams may not know how to take advantage of him. He looks a lot like Logan Hall
from his class last year. The team that misses may jump the line to get Drulus instead.
15. OLB Nolan Smith, Georgia (Senior)
Smith surprised many draftnicks returning as a senior. His size isn't ideal, but teams looking for 3-4 outsiders his linebacker should be blown away by his pass-rushing skills and the versatility of his sets.
14. DEB. J. Ojulari, LSU (Jr.)
Former 2nd round he's a pick He's Azeez Ojulari's younger brother, B.J. J. may be more athletic. Last year he was able to win consistently against the SEC's top tackles because he has a unique body with his control and bends.
13. WR Jordan Addison, USC (Jr.)
Addison moved cross-country from Pittsburgh to his USC after quarterback Kenny Pickett left for his NFL. He has the ball in his hands so he's electric, but scouts will want to see how much weight he can add.
12. OLB Isaiah Fosky, Notre Dame (Jr.)
Fighting A leader in his Irish defense who recorded 10 his sacks last year, Fosky's accomplishments show the different ways he was used . He can do it all from off-ball linebacker to rushing passer.
11. CB Cam Smith, South Carolina (Jr.)
Smith is an up-and-coming junior who emerged after acclaimed teammates Jaycee Horn and Israel Muqam turned pro. He has an NFL body and resume, and his performance in 2021 showed a lot of promise.
10. DE Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington (Sr.)
Former All-American Tupuola-Fetui's draft predictions for 2020 when he played nearly 280 pounds the spring before his junior year.
was overturned by an Achilles tendon rupture in. He will return in dominant form in late 2021 and looks poised for a breakout year at 245 pounds.
9. CB Eli Ricks, Alabama (Jr.)
Coming to Tuscaloosa via LSU, Ricks is a two-year starter who has earned all his SEC honors. His ability to exert length and strength in press coverage results in a Top 10 finish.
8. QB Will Levis, Kentucky (Sr.)
Josh He paints in the same shades as Allen Levis capitalized on his great arm talent and athleticism after moving to the SEC , was successful in the SEC. Originally from
Pennsylvania. His stats aren't the best, but he ticks most of the boxes on an NFL team.
7. LB Henry To'oto'o, Alabama (Sr.)
The prototype of the modern linebacker position began with range and versatility, with To'oto'o saying "em is a spade. He The unique instincts, technique,
tackles, and reporting abilities of
6. WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU (Jr. )
Boutte is a buttery-smooth route runner with exceptional athleticism and body control.Injuries limited his output in 2021, but he will be back in 2020 form. , should be a top 15 pick
5. QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State (rSo.)
Strong armed pass with plenty of build and potential. a person and gaining more experience can improve his accuracy, and losing two of his top receivers to the NFL in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave adds even more to his plate. But if Stroud gets results, he'll be a main course in the 2023 draft.
4. DE Myles Murphy, Clemson (Jr.)
} A rare frame in which position and production match, Murphy amassed eight sacks as a sophomore,
double-digit sacks in his final year with the Tigers.
3. QB Bryce Young, Alabama (Jr.)
Sharp, precise, and controlled are good traits of Young, who stands just 5ft 11. His physical tools are just above average. but he has lightning-quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and natural adjustability from within the pocket.
2. DT Jalen Carter, Georgia (Jr.)
2021 Although only a modest producer in 2016, Carter was sharing time defensively with his two first-round picks in Jordan, his Davis, and Devonte, along his line. Wyatt. He could have a tremendous year if Georgia gives him the bulk of the snaps.
1. DE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama (Jr.)
With a surprise sneer in Heisman's poll, Anderson said he will lead the nation in 2021 with a loss of 17.5 sacks and 31 tackles. He's an excellent prospect with All-Pro potential.
– Field Level Media, Mark Jarvis