The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here mock drafts are going crazy, but the most important question is which position has the most depth?
It’s that time of year again, NFL fans! The 2023 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and everyone is talking about which prospects will have the biggest impact in the league. Although offensive tackles usually dominate conversations when it comes to positional strength, this year is different. While there are some solid tackles in the mix, none of them are quite elite. However, there are plenty of other positions with a surplus of talent. Wide receivers are always popular, but only one is guaranteed to go in the first round. The question is, who will it be? TCU’s Quentin Johnston or Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
Linebackers are often overlooked, unfortunately, and that remains the case here. Nolan Smith will hear his name called on Day 1 after clocking a sub-4.40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Iowa’s inside linebacker Jack Campbell is a downhill linebacker with long arms and deconstructing techniques, making him a force to be reckoned with. Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Drew Sanders is a versatile defender with impressive fluidity and length, allowing him to cover the middle of the field and defend laterally against horizontal speed. While a few guys like Henry To’oTo’o and DeMarvion Overshown will go later, this class is not particularly exceptional.
Quarterbacks are the honorable mentions
Don’t expect to see quarterbacks on this list. There’s a stigma surrounding this quarterback class, with some claiming it’s not as strong as in previous years. In some ways, that’s true; there is no clear “surefire” top pick like Joe Burrow or Trevor Lawrence. However, there could be up to five quality starters to come out of this draft. The two top quarterbacks are Bryce Young out of Alabama and Ohio State signal-caller CJ Stroud. Both bring something unique to the table, with Young being a prototype in every way except for size. While Stroud doesn’t have many weaknesses in his game, some question his arm strength in a draft with three elite arm talents.
The most gifted quarterback in this draft is Anthony Richardson, who has a cannon for an arm, ran a sub 4.5 40-yard dash and has a build like a tight end. Will Levis is another Day 1 prospect with a strong arm and solid athleticism. Meanwhile, Hendon Hooker, who should be rated as the No. 3 quarterback, will likely go in the second round. He’s another dual-threat quarterback with good size and athleticism. He is an accurate passer with good ball placement, protects the football, makes good decisions, and works through his progressions. However, Tennessee’s offensive scheme and injury hurt his stock.
At the very least, Hooker can be a spot starter like Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he has the potential to be a starter. It wouldn’t be surprising if, in three years, we look back at this draft class and see four quality starters.
So, which other position groups can we expect to see strength in during the 2023 NFL draft? Let’s dive in and find out.