Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and every year, the NFL Draft brings new players into the league with the hope of becoming the next big star. In the 2023 NFL Draft, there are several talented players who are expected to make an impact in their rookie seasons and beyond.
From quarterbacks to defensive ends, this year’s draft class is filled with promising prospects who have the potential to change the game. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top players to watch out for in the 2023 NFL Draft.
1. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 253 pounds)
Anderson is a freakish combination of strength, power, quickness, and explosiveness. He has the ability to wreak havoc on opposing offenses and make quarterbacks nervous in the pocket. Anderson is both relentless and technically sound, making him a top prospect in this year’s draft.
2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (5-10, 204 pounds)
Young is a special athlete with intangible qualities beyond his age. He has a strong fluid arm and easy motion, making him dangerous in the passing game. Young can work within an explosive passing game with accuracy but also offers some dazzling improv. Rumor has it he can also solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute, making him a true Renaissance man.
3. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (6-3, 314 pounds)
Carter is a disruptive force inside, combining strength, speed, and agility into a complete package. He’s the type of player that offensive linemen dread facing, and for good reason. However, Carter has slipped in the draft due to off-field concerns. Hopefully, he can clean up his act and become a top-tier player at the next level.
4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 214 pounds)
Stroud is a sturdy and cerebral pocket passer who can read the field and deliver the ball with precision. He has a strong arm and can sidestep pressure to deliver downfield. In other words, he’s the type of quarterback you want leading your team in crunch time.
5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (5-11, 215 pounds)
Robinson is a dynamic running back with unique burst and big-play ability. He’s the type of player that can take any run the distance with enough speed, vision, and determination. Robinson’s receiving skills and classic profile as a feature back make him a rare mid-first-rounder for the position. Plus, he’s got a mean pancake recipe that he’s willing to share with his teammates.
6. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (6-1, 197 pounds)
Gonzalez is a shutdown cornerback with excellent physicality and coverage skills. He uses his long frame well to disrupt passing lanes and has a nice blend of agility and physicality. With his combination of size and skill, Gonzalez could be a game-changer in the NFL.
7. Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-6, 271 pounds)
Wilson is a versatile pass rusher with a massive frame who has surged up draft boards. He’s very athletic for his size and could be used at multiple front seven positions in the NFL. Wilson is the type of player that can make opposing quarterbacks “see ghosts” on the field.
8. Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern (6-4, 313 pounds)
Skoronski has a great athletic profile and is a smooth and smart pass protector. He has rare speed and quickness for his size and can shut down opposing pass rushers with ease. Skoronski is the type of player that can make even the most ferocious edge rusher feel like they’re running in quicksand.
9. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson (6-5, 268 pounds)
Murphy is a pass-rushing force to be reckoned with, showcasing impressive explosiveness and brute strength off the line. His football IQ is equally impressive, helping him outwit and overpower opposing offensive linemen. With a knack for making game-changing plays, Murphy is the type of player any defensive coordinator would love to have on their roster.
10. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (6-4, 244 pounds)
Richardson is an athletic marvel with the arm talent to match. With a lightning-quick release and a cannon for an arm, he can deliver deep passes with pinpoint accuracy. However, he needs to work on his decision-making skills to avoid costly mistakes that could hurt his team. Overall, Richardson is a tantalizing prospect with a high ceiling.
11. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (6-3, 208 pounds)
Johnston is a dynamic receiver with the size and speed to make plays all over the field. He excels at stretching defenses vertically and is a threat to score on any given play. He is also a reliable target with great hands, making him a quarterback’s best friend. If he can continue to refine his route-running, he has the potential to be a dominant force at the next level.
12. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (6-3, 229 pounds)
Levis is a tough and gritty quarterback with a cannon arm and impressive accuracy. He is a master of the pocket, using his size and strength to shake off would-be tacklers and make plays downfield. While he still has room for improvement, Levis has all the tools to be a successful starter in the NFL.
13. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (6-3, 193 pounds)
Porter Jr. has the perfect combination of size, speed, and physicality to be a lockdown corner in the NFL. He uses his long arms and impressive leaping ability to break up passes and snag interceptions. While he can still refine his technique, he has the natural talent to be a star at the next level. Plus, with a last name like Porter, he’s destined for greatness.
14. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (6-6, 313 pounds)
Johnson Jr. is a towering presence on the offensive line with the athleticism and footwork to match. He is equally adept at protecting his quarterback in the passing game and opening up running lanes for his running back. While he may need to refine his technique and become more consistent, he has all the tools to be a dominant tackle in the NFL.
15. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (5-9, 199 pounds)
Gibbs may not be the biggest back on the field, but he more than makes up for it with his explosive speed and quickness. He is a blur in the open field and can make defenders miss with ease. Gibbs also possesses excellent vision, allowing him to find running lanes that other backs may miss. If he can continue to improve his receiving skills, he could be a valuable weapon for any NFL offense.
