With the NFL Draft a little over a month away and the free agency period winding down, teams have turned their attention to the upcoming draft. The 2023 draft class has potential franchise stars at the top but unlike previous years, there is no consensus #1 overall pick. Recently, the quarterback-needy Carolina Panthers traded with the Chicago Bears to obtain the first overall selection, shaking up the draft order which now has the Houston Texans at pick 2, Arizona Cardinals at 3, Indianapolis Colts at 4 and Seattle Seahawks at 5. Highlighted below are the Top 5 Prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft - their strengths, weaknesses and potential landing spots.
*** These top 5 rankings were based upon an averaging of each player's “Big Board Ranking” and “Average Draft Position” in draft guides and mock drafts from the following publications: Tankathon, The Ringer, PFF, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports. ****
[1] Bryce Young - Alabama [Quarterback]
Average Draft Position: 2
Big Board Rank: 1.8
Alabama QB Bryce Young possesses all the traits you’d want in a potential first overall pick. He’s highly accurate (65.8% college career pass completion), productive (80 TD to 12 INT), efficient (165.0 passer rating) and dynamic in his ability to make off-schedule plays. His understanding of defensive coverage is the most advanced of any college quarterback in recent memory and he’s comfortable throwing from inside or outside of the pocket. Yet, despite dominating college competition and posting jaw-dropping numbers there is one cautionary red flag - his size. At 5’10” Young would be one of the smallest quarterbacks taken in the first round (let alone possibly first overall) in the history of the NFL. His height didn’t prevent him excelling at the college level and his ability to read defences is unparalleled and indisputable. But he is a massive statistical outlier in terms of height, and NFL teams looking for a new QB1 will have serious concerns about how his limited stature will allow his game to translate to the next elite level. He’s an A+ talent but there is a big question mark next to his physical profile - no QB his height has proven a dominant force in the NFL ever.
Potential Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks.
[2] Will Anderson - Alabama [Edge Rusher]
Average Draft Position: 2.2
Big Board Rank: 1.8
Will Anderson is the premier edge talent in the draft. At 6’4” and 250lb, the Alabama product combines elite athleticism, a refined set of pass-rush moves and a seemingly endless motor. In 2022, Anderson posted 10 sacks, 17 TFL, and 51 tackles in just 13 games played. Aside from his ability to rush the passer and clog rush lanes, he can also drop into zone coverage if needed making him a 3-down NFL defensive lineman. There is room to further develop his pass rush versatility as agile offensive tackles are sometimes able to neutralise his lightning-fast first step but on most passing downs he’s wreaking havoc in the backfield. Every draft season, supposed surefire talents fail to meet expectations or don’t handle the jump to the NFL level - Will Anderson is as close as you’ll get to certainty in edge rush prospects.
Potential Landing Spots: Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions.
[3] Jalen Carter - Georgia [Defensive Tackle]
Average Draft Position: 3.2
Big Board Rank: 2.4
Despite exciting performances as the headliner of a fearsome Georgia defence - serious doubt has been thrown over Carter’s draft eligibility due to his involvement in a January 2023 street racing incident that resulted in the death of a teammate and team staffer. As of March 16th, he has been cleared of any felony charges and sentenced to a probation period of 12 months. On the field, Jalen Carter was utterly dominant. With a polished pass rush technique, 315 pounds of run-stopping bulk and the ability to line up anywhere in the front four, the 22-year-old has the potential for immediate impact at the NFL level and an All-Pro level ceiling - but will teams be deterred by his off-field issues despite unquestionable traits, performance and talent?
Potential Landing Spots: Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders.
[4] CJ Stroud - Ohio State [Quarterback]
Average Draft Position: 3.8
Big Board Rank: 4.4
CJ Stroud in his two starting seasons at Ohio State University displayed polished, exceedingly efficient and smooth play at the quarterback position. He threw 41 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions for a total of 3688 yards in 2022. His 177.7 quarterback rating not only led the nation, but saw Stroud lead the Buckeyes to a 21-4 record and back-to-back selections as a Heisman finalist. At 6’3” and 214 pounds, Stroud has a strong arm that can hit deep downfield passes yet he still maintains the ability to throw through tight windows and anticipate defensive coverage with his vision. Perhaps the only concern as he prepares to enter the NFL is limited evidence of his ability to make off-schedule plays when his progression breaks down - something that seldom happened playing alongside Ohio States litany of talented receivers.
Potential Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks.
[5] Anthony Richardson - Florida [Quarterback]
Average Draft Position: 10.6
Big Board Rank: 17.2
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson saw a massive boost to his draft stock at the NFL combine 2 weeks ago. He set the combine record for quarterbacks in standing broad jump (10’09”) and vertical leap (40.50”) as well as registering a 4.43 second 40-yard sprint - which is the 4th fastest by a QB since 2003. His performance at the combine in combination with his 6’4” and 244lb frame underscore why Richardson has NFL teams intrigued at his potential. He’s an athletic freak and has a powerful arm with an instinct for making plays. That said, he’s a raw prospect (13 college games) and lacks the polish of other quarterbacks in the draft class who have greater accuracy and understanding of defensive coverage. Richardson could go later in the draft but equally likely is a team with an early selection being willing to take a punt on his physical qualities and trust in their coaching staff to develop his field vision and refine his throwing mechanics.
Potential Landing Spots: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of potential options; Tyree Wilson (Edge), Will Levis (QB), Myles Murphy (Edge), Christian Gonzalez (CB), Paris Johnson Jr. (OT) and Peter Skoronski (OT) will all draw early attention in the 2023 NFL draft. As with will all draft seasons, right up until the Carolina Panthers are on the clock with the first overall selection; every team and media outlet will be constantly reshuffling their draft board - seeking to identify the next franchise altering superstar.
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2 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Josh Macken's article is very well written and full of detailed analysis with player personal biographical and physical attainments. This is all done in an entertaining, flowing, and easy to read manner. He is clearly a future serious, talented sportswriter.
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