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.
2023 NFL Draft best prospect position groups: Center
No, this isn’t sexy but it’s true. While there may not be any elite center prospects with first-round potential in the 2023 NFL Draft, the class boasts considerable depth compared to last year’s class. In fact, five or six players from this group could be starters down the line.
Starting with Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz whose power and IQ make him an ideal center in the NFL. He has a large body that can be used effectively in an inside zone and between-the-tackles gap running system. His ability to generate wash in the front allows for a clear path for the running backs and lead blockers. Schmitz is also a cerebral player, identifying pressure opportunities consistently and processing front movement well.
While Schmitz may not be well-suited for wide and outside zone concepts with regularity, he does offer surprising lateral mobility and efficient hands to twist and manipulate defenders to add numbers to the front.
On the other hand, Tippmann’s raw power and athleticism make him a pivotal piece of Wisconsin’s No. 2-ranked rushing attack in the Big Ten. He effectively washes defenders down the line in the zone game while playing with a good, strong base. His feet remain active while engaged with defenders, and he has a surprising quickness in short spaces. Tippmann is an intriguing prospect with the raw power and athleticism to be a starter in the NFL.
Luke Wypler from Ohio State has also shown impressive development and production, though he may not be quite as dominant in the run game. Ricky Stromberg from Arkansas is another center generating attention, thanks to his impressive combination of speed, technique, and power. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear his name called on day two of the NFL Draft.
Steve Avila, an interior offensive lineman from TCU, has natural play strength and a big frame but struggles with lateral agility and blitz pickup. He is best served in a gap scheme, where he can utilize his strength as a run blocker and his ability to anchor against power rushers in pass protection. He’s a guard who has the potential to be a starter at center in a gap/power scheme.
4. Running backs
At first glance, this draft isn’t full of elite top talent at the position, but there is something for everyone. One name stands out above the rest, Bijan Robinson from Texas. Robinson has been turning heads with his impressive on-field ability and outstanding vision, making him one of the most exciting running backs to come out in a while. In fact, some experts believe he is even better than Saquan Barkley, who was considered one of the top running backs of recent years.
Robinson has a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. He has the power to break tackles and run through defenders, but he also has the finesse to make quick cuts and evade defenders in open space. This combination of strength and agility makes him a dynamic playmaker who can make a big impact on any offense.
While Robinson may be the cream of the crop in this year’s running back class, he won’t be the only back selected in the first round. Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama is another talented running back who could be a game-changer for any team. Gibbs is the type of back that most teams need in terms of his value as a pass-catcher. He is in the same mold as Austin Ekeler, Christian McCaffrey, and Kareem Hunt, and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a valuable asset for any offense.
Gibbs is projected to be an early Day 2 prospect, but he could be an absolute steal for any team that gets him. He can make big plays in both the running and passing game, and his speed and agility make him a tough player to bring down in the open field.
Another running back to keep an eye on in the draft is Zach Charbonnet from UCLA. While he may not be the fastest or most explosive running back in the class, Charbonnet has excellent vision and an ability to find the open field. He should hear his name called on Day 2, most likely in the third round.
For those teams looking for pure speed and quickness in their running back, Devon Achane from Texas A&M is the player to watch. He is more like Raheem Mostert but in terms of his abilities. He’s small weighing under 190 pounds and works best as a change of pace back, but he can make defenders miss with ease. He has the speed to break long runs, and his quickness makes him a dangerous weapon in the open field.
As the draft progresses, there will be plenty of talented running backs available for teams to choose from. Among them are Tank Bisby and Roschon Johnson, both of whom have the size, athleticism, and instincts to be potential lead backs in the NFL. Bisby is known for his power and ability to break tackles, while Johnson is praised for his balance and vision. Chris Rodriguez Jr. from Kentucky is another running back to keep an eye on, with his impressive NFL Draft scouting report and ability to make plays on the field. These backs may not go in the early rounds, but they could still be valuable assets to their future NFL teams.
3. Edge Rushers
The 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at the edge rusher position, and it’s safe to say that Will Anderson stands in a class of his own. Anderson’s explosiveness, technique, and power are unmatched, and he is likely to be a top-5 pick in the draft. However, there are other prospects that teams could look to draft in the first round to bolster their pass rush.
One of those prospects is Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech, who is an ideal fit for a 3-4 defensive end in an odd front scheme. Wilson has the size and physical dominance to be a force in the NFL, but he has some issues that could limit his potential. His questionable speed to threaten the edge as a pass rusher and occasional high pad level could be a concern for teams. However, his positional versatility could make him an attractive option for teams that need depth along their defensive line.
Another prospect that teams could target in the first round is Myles Murphy. He is a scheme-diverse edge defender who has a rare blend of athletic tools and traits, and he consistently produces on the field. While he can play in any front and win accordingly, Murphy needs to finish better as disruption has been more prevalent than finishing splash plays. Additionally, his transitions in rush counters could be expedited to win quicker, and he illustrates some steep lateral tightness on the edge.
For teams that are looking to find depth later on, Keion White from Georgia Tech is an immensely talented player who is raw and needs development. Another player to keep an eye on is Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame, who has prototypical size and potential.
On Day 3, teams could target Ali Gaye from LSU, who is a fluid and smooth athlete with flashes of high-level production in college. Late Day 3 prospects like Tyrus Wheat from Mississippi State could also be valuable options for teams. Wheat has made a name for himself as a versatile tweener/hybrid defender who can set the edge, rush the passer, drop in coverage, and spy quarterbacks. While he has a stout/dense frame with good arm length to set hard edges in the run game, he needs to improve his pass-rush plan and attack different angles to become a more well-rounded player.
Overall, while Will Anderson is in a class of his own, there are other prospects in this year’s draft that could be valuable additions for teams looking to bolster their pass rush. Teams could look to draft players like Tyree Wilson or Myles Murphy in the first round or find depth with scheme-specific players like Keion White or Isaiah Foskey later on. Even Day 3 prospects like Ali Gaye or Tyrus Wheat could be valuable rotational pieces early in their careers.
2. Tight Ends
The tight end position has become increasingly important in today’s NFL. With the evolution of the passing game, tight ends have become valuable weapons in both the running and passing games. Teams looking for a tight end will have plenty of options, and even players selected on Day 3 of the draft have the potential to become starters.
One of the top tight end prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft is Dalton Kincaid from Utah. Kincaid is a physical specimen, standing at 6’5″ and weighing 245 pounds. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. The Utah product’s skillset makes him a perfect fit for a team that runs a lot of two tight end sets.
Another top tight end prospect is Darnell Washington from Georgia. Washington is a towering presence on the field, standing at 6’7″ and weighing 265 pounds. He is a physical specimen who possesses rare athleticism for his size. Washington is a dominant blocker in the running game and can be a red-zone threat in the passing game. He has soft hands and excellent body control, making him a reliable target for his quarterback.
Luke Musgrave from Oregon State is another intriguing tight end prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Musgrave is not the most athletic tight end in the class, but he is a reliable receiver with excellent hands. He is a tough, physical player who can make tough catches in traffic. Musgrave is an excellent blocker, and his toughness and physicality make him a perfect fit for a team that wants to establish the run.
Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State is a small-school prospect who could surprise at the next level. Kraft is an excellent receiver who has the speed and agility to create separation from defenders. He is a fluid athlete who can make defenders miss after the catch.
Josh Whyle from Cincinnati is a Day 3 prospect who has the potential to become a starter in the NFL. Whyle is a big, athletic tight end who can stretch the field vertically. Zack Kuntz from Old Dominion is another Day 3 prospect who could surprise at the next level.
1. Cornerbacks
It’s time to take a look at the top position in the 2023 NFL Draft class. From Day 1 to Day 3, a team can find a corner ideally suited for their scheme. Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon is the best of the bunch. With his size, speed, length, and ball skills, he has all the tools necessary to be a top-notch corner in the NFL. He’s a starting outside corner in any scheme.
Behind him sits Devon Witherspoon out of Illinois. Witherspoon had an incredible 2022 season, allowing only 22 catches for 206 yards with three interceptions and 14 pass breakups. He’s a tone-setter that brings physicality to any team who needs a game-changing corner.
Coming in at number three is Joey Porter Jr. out of Penn State. The 6’2 nearly 200-pound corner should line up on the boundary only. His long arms and feisty physicality make him a valuable asset on a press-man team.
Deonte Banks out of Maryland is an incredible athlete, running a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash with a 42-inch vertical and an 11-foot-4 broad jump at the NFL Combine. Emmanuel Forbes out of Mississippi State has tremendous ball production, with 14 interceptions and 17 pass breakups in his college career. And Cam Smith out of South Carolina has a knack for getting his hands on passes, breaking up 15 of his 70 targets over the past two seasons and intercepting four others.
Need a long corner ideally suited for Cover-3 press schemes, draft the 6’2 203-pound Georgia Bulldogs Kelee Ringo. Or on late Day 2 or early Day 3, there’s the 6’4 corner from Kansas State, Julius Brents.
Other Day 2 or Day 3 picks are Tyrique Stevenson out of Miami (FL), Garrett Williams out of Syracuse, and Tre’vius Hodges Tomlinson out of TCU. All of these cornerbacks have their own unique skill sets and are sure to make waves in the NFL.