Top ten overall rookies in 2023 NFL Draft
(Credit: AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
The NFL Draft is now just days away. Where has the time gone? Debate continues to go on regarding who goes where and when they will be drafted. But who are the top overall prospects this year? I’ve picked out my top ten rookie prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
1. Will Anderson – DE/EDGE – Alabama
No debate with this one as Anderson is clearly the best defensive prospect in this class. He has a lot of the skills that you want in a pass rusher including the toughness, power, speed, versatility, and pass rushing techniques.
Anderson also has an impact as a run stopper as well. It would perplex me if Anderson was not a Top 5 selection in this draft.
2. Bryce Young – QB – Alabama
The expectation from many is that the Panthers will be taking C.J. Stroud with the 1st Overall pick. However, If I was the Carolina Panthers right now, I would select Bryce Young with the 1st overall pick in the draft.
There is more upside with Young compared to Stroud. He has more complete qualities as a passer, with his instincts, mobility, and field vision.
3. Jalen Carter – DT – Georgia
While off the field issues could result in him falling in the draft, looking at the player on the field, Jalen Carter is a phenomenal defensive tackle prospect.
Probably the best on the field prospect we have seen since Quinnen Williams in the 2019 NFL Draft. Carter is a difference maker that can be clutch for any team he is on.
4. Christian Gonzalez – CB – Oregon
In a rich cornerback draft class, it is clear that Gonzalez is the best cornerback prospect in this draft class. While an argument can be made that Devon Witherspoon is better, I don’t think that is the case as Gonzalez is the better overall prospect.
Especially with his athleticism, strong coverage ability, versatility, explosiveness, and toughness.
5. C.J. Stroud – QB – Ohio State
Stroud is considered to be a 1st Overall pick in this draft class and there is a good reason why. He has a rocket arm, has smooth mechanics, good field vision, and is very accurate with the balls he throws whether short or deep.
He has strong mobility and can be a leader on and off the field. He has a majority of the qualities that you want to see in a prospect quarterback.
6. Tyree Wilson – DE/EDGE – Texas Tech
Wilson is the type of play that keeps intriguing you the more film you watch of him. Wilson is a wrecking ball every time he is on the field with his explosiveness, athleticism, tackling, and pass rushing techniques. He has great flexibility and has a big impact as a run stopper.
So many attributes that make him stand out and he would make a great impact on any defense he is on if developed properly.
7. Devon Witherspoon – CB – Illinois
If I was to name one prospect who has had the largest rise in prospect rankings this year, I would easily name Devon Witherspoon from Illinois. It is for good reason and it helps with the strong season he had in Illinois.
Witherspoon showcased how aware he is in coverage, strong ball skills, and is versatile. He has a great tackling technique and is an athletic player. He would be a great addition to any secondary if developed properly.
8. Bijan Robinson – RB – Texas
Robinson is clearly the best running back prospect in this draft class and it is not close. He has the ability to make a big play and do it with a strong level of explosiveness, speed, and toughness. Robinson has great field vision and can utilize his smooth foot quickness to take advantage, and he can also contribute as a pass catching back and has great hands to catch the ball.
There are many lists that have Robinson as a top five overall prospect in this class, which I understand but feel may be a bit rich in my book. Two main reasons is how the running back position is the most depreciating value position in the NFL, and there are better overall prospects in different positions compared to Robinson.
9. Parris Johnson Jr. – OT – Ohio State
The offensive line prospects are intriguing, but the one that is the best out of the bunch is Parris Johnson Jr. He is the more complete prospect compared to the bunch as he is more athletic, smooth with his footwork, and has that nasty mentality you want in a blindside blocker.
The thing that really benefits tackle prospects is with their posture. Johnson has nice posture when in blocking position as both a run and pass blocker. While he needs to clean up some mechanics, he is more consistent than most blockers.
10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR – Ohio State
When entering this draft, I was not a big fan of the receivers in this class. However, looking at more film of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, I start to get intrigued with him more and more. He is a smooth route runner, has great hands, and has solid body control. Now a concern is the Hamstring injury he had as those injuries can be nagging, but he should be good to go for the regular season and make an impact on any team.
So that is my list. Do you agree with my Top 10 list? Let me know in the comments section on who you believe are the Top 10 prospects in the draft.
