We are on to 2023.
It is time to end the books. 2022 NFL draftAnd then, start looking ahead to next year's group. This year's group is going to be a great one. We have high-end defense stars, including an Alabama edge rusher. On offense, we have top-notch playmakers. The 2023 group is fantastic and includes two potential QB1s.
The 2023 draft is still twelve months away, and there are many things to learn about this class. Over the next few months you will learn more about the top names and their strengths. For now, let's look at a few of the top prospects.
Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, NFL draft analysts, are here to answer 11 important questions about the top players. Who is the top pick overall? Get your notebooks out, it's time start to evaluate the 2023 class. For more information on the 2023 class, see Todd McShay’s Thursday mock draft of Round 1.
Take your pick now: Who will you choose as the No. 1. pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Reid:While the popular choice will be quarterbacks, I'm taking a different route. Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. As evidenced by his national-leading 34.5 tackles to loss and 17.5sacks, Anderson is Crimson Tide's most productive edge rusher coach Nick Saban ever had. I expect him just as productive in 2022. Anderson, who stands 6'4″ and weighs in at 243 lbs, is versatile and can be both a strong opponent and a skilled and aggressive pass-rusher.
Miller:Anderson is a tough opponent, so I would be my first call. Here's another name you should be paying attention to: Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. Although he struggled in the first year of his second season, he was able to keep his cool and throw 44 touchdown passes with just six interceptions. He is a strong-armed, pocket-able quarterback. Although he has only started 12 games, there is still much to learn about Stroud. However, right now, he is the quarterback I most like for 2023.
What are the greatest strengths of quarterbacks? Bryce Young(Alabama) & Stroud?
Miller:Young is 6-foot and 194 lbs. He is a rhythm pass who is extremely accurate at all levels. Young is a dynamic passer who can use his legs to create passing windows. He can also pick up yards as an errant scrambler. He is a point guard at quarterback. Stroud, 6-3, 215, has a stronger arm that allows him to bounce back from would-be-tacklers. Stroud's greatest strengths include his field vision, arm strength, second-effort playmaking and arm strength.
What are some other quarterbacks in the Class 2023 class?
Reid:Boston College Phil JurkovecAlthough he was a popular figure in the preseason, he had to miss eight games due to a broken wrist. He returned for his senior season. Kentucky's quarterback and Kentucky's receiver are two other things to watch out for when talking about next year's top QBs. Will LevisMiami's Tyler Van Dyke.
Anderson could Anderson have been the number. Anderson could have been the No.
Miller: Absolutely! Anderson is very talented. As we saw, the NFL teams valued pass-rushers more than offensive tackles this season. Anderson has the ability to produce. Travon Walker(17.5 sacks in 2021). He looks very much like him Kayvon ThibodeauxIn terms of first-step speed, Anderson is faster than most (245). Anderson is a well-rounded pass-rusher with a great burst of power, speed, and pass rush moves.
What are the top defenders outside of Anderson?
Reid:The outlook for the 2023 defensive lines prospects is promising. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen CarterThe league already has many fans. According to one scout, “[Carter]The best player on the [Georgia]It was not close last year on defense. Carter will get a lot of attention after a stellar sophomore season. He's now draft-eligible and one of few returning stars to that Bulldogs defense.
Alabama cornerback could be another player who I think can quickly establish himself at the top positional rankings. Eli Ricks. He was a LSU player during his first two seasons, but he transferred to LSU in-conference. Ricks, at 6-2 and 190, is a long-press corner with a lot of hip fluidity, technique, and confidence.
Is there an obvious top wide receiver in next years draft?
Miller: Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-NjigbaHe will be carrying the WRU torch for Buckeyes next season, and he may actually be a more promising prospect than Garrett WilsonOder Chris Olave. JSN was able to score a total of 95 catches last year, more than 1,600 yards, and nine scores. He did all this while sharing targets at the position with two 2022 first rounders.
Stroud was his last game of the season, and he had a great chemistry with him. The two connected 60 times for 958 yard and six touchdowns. Smith-Njigba concluded his 2021 season in record fashion with a performance in the Rose Bowl against UtahHe had 15 catches and 347 yards in that game. He should resume his previous position in 2022.
This year, there were no running backs in the first round. One could be seen on Day 1 in 2023.
Reid:The early outlook shows that running back will be the strongest unit next year. Next year, the “never take back a runningback in the first round” philosophy will be tested. Bijan RobinsonAfter running for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, Texas is now considered to be one of the best prospects at the position. Alabama's running back, Alabama's quarterback, is also worth your attention. Jahmyr GibbsOle Miss Zach Evans.
What is the strength and potential for the class 2023?
Reid:It looks like there are promising positions for the quarterback, running back and wide receiver. However, a lot can happen in just a few months. We are heading towards another strong WR class, it seems. Smith-Njigba is likely to be WR1, however Kayshon Boutte(LSU). Jordan Addison(Pittsburgh, currently at the transfer portal), could be an interesting contender for the top.
Miller:The quarterback group is solid but not proven, and the defensive line class seems stacked. Anderson is a top prospect for many great reasons. But he'll be joined in the first round by potential first-rounders Carter and Nolan SmithGeorgia Bryan BreseeAnd Myles MurphyClemson is home to and BJ OjulariLSU. There is great potential for the quarterback position, but there are many proven players on the defensive side.
We should also know who is a likely first-rounder.
Reid:Northwestern offensive tackle Peter SkoronskiHe is one name you should know. He took over for Rashawn SlaterWithout any kind of drop-off in his last season, he was a first-rounder for 2021. He stands at 6-4, 294 and will need to gain weight. However, he is very good in pass protection and has a great attitude as a run-blocker. Skoronski would be an easy pick if he can repeat his last season's performance.
Miller: Alabama wide receiver Jermaine BurtonThis could be the Tide’s next great receiver. In an offense built entirely around the running game, Burton, a Georgia transfer, caught 26 passes and scored five touchdowns last season. Young has the potential for Burton to be Young's favorite option at Alabama.
Is there any possibility for top picks among Group of 5 schools
Reid: Army defensive end Andre Carter IIHe jumps constantly off the tape. At 6'7, 250, he was primarily a standup defensive end. He also plays with an inoperable motor. Carter had 15.5 sacks for 2021, and he could be the highest-drafted player out of a service academy since Mike Wahle (1998), supplemental draft.
Miller: Fresno State quarterback Jake HaenerThis is one to keep an eye on. He's a bit small at 6-1, 195, but he lit up Mountain West last season with 33 touchdowns to only eight interceptions and more than 4,000 yards. While he's not a top running threat, his field vision is impressive.
Who is the one prospect that everyone should be aware of?
Reid:Every draft has a quarterback who is making significant progress in his development to improve their stock. Keep an eye on Tennessee quarterback Hendon HookerHooker hopes to be that guy in 2023. Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech, had a great year with coach Josh Heupel's explosive offense. Heupel posted career highs in passing yards (2.945), TD passes (31) as well as a 68.2% completion percentage. At 6-4 inches and 218, Hooker is comfortable in the pocket and can catch passes to all three levels.
Miller:The 2023 class will see the quarterbacks dominate, with me mentioning Kentucky's Levis. He is a junior at 6-3 and 232 pounds, with the physical attributes to impress NFL scouts. While he has to be more disciplined with his turnovers (13 interceptions in 2013), it is possible as he gains more experience. Although Levis may not be the hot name Young or Stroud right now, he is a potential first round talent.
