Top 10 Prospects to Watch in the 2023 NFL Draft
The NFL draft has been the opening chapter for some of the greatest American football players ever. The draft system is one of the high points of American sports, and the idea is successfully mirrored in other huge sports, such as the NBA. Compared with how other leagues operate internationally, it is a solid idea that helps ensure teams do not monopolize the league and that all teams get a fair shake.
It’s not always symptomatic of a glistening career lying ahead. Some top prospects rated at the top of their draft have underwhelming careers in the paid ranks. However, you only need to look at NFL legends such as Tom Brady to see that even if you end up as the 199th draft pick, you can still carve a legacy that few other players will ever be able to match.
While it’s good to go into this discussion with a balanced mindset, it’s also exciting to view which players could enter the NFL and make an immediate impact. Today, we will highlight the top 10 prospects to watch out for next season and evaluate their chances of setting the league alight.
It can pay dividends to do plenty of research on this topic, as even though there are plenty of facts to consider, it boils down to a subjective opinion at the end of the day. One surprising angle worth checking is the bookmakers’ outright odds for trophies such as NFL Rookie of the Year.
Bookmakers often spend plenty of time and effort setting up these markets to balance value without exposing themselves to a loss. You can find the best promo codes and bonuses if you’re looking to bet on these markets to ensure you can get more value for your dollar.
10. Keion White
Georgia Tech’s defensive end could be a gamble that pays off for the franchise that decides to take a chance on him. With his colossal 6-foot 5-inch frame, it will be difficult for any offensive players looking to get the better of him.
If White were slightly younger, he would likely be higher up this list, but of all the draft picks, we would say he squeezes into the top 10 and could carve himself a solid career wherever he ends up.
9. Lukas Van Ness
Another defensive end that has analysts sitting up and taking notice is the 21-year-old who plies his trade for Iowa. Age is a factor that Van Ness has on his side. He is the same height as Keion White, but as he is three years younger, he has more time to grow in experience, skill and size.
Having already been named Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association, he could have an impressive future in the big leagues if he can avoid serious injury.
8. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Having already added the 2022 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP to his trophy cabinet, Jaxon will have been earmarked by several franchises as the one to pick. He will be a first pick, and there’s no doubt about that. As one of the most promising wide receivers in college football, he has ability and age on his side.
His precocious talent was evident years ago when he received several lucrative college scholarships offers from prestigious footballing colleges such as Notre Dame. Finally, however, he decided to choose Ohio State.
7. Nolan Smith
One impressive component about Nolan Smith’s game is that he already looks like a big game player. So many NFL talents can perform at the top level but often fail at pivotal moments. As a two-time CFP National Champion and captain of the Bulldogs while achieving these accolades, he looks like he has an excellent mentality to perform in the NFL.
One minor issue with Smith is that he has already picked up severe injuries before entering the big leagues, and this will be a factor for franchises looking to take a gamble on him as their first pick, but if we’re basing this purely on ability, it is a no-brainer of a draft pick.
6. Tyree Wilson
Towering at 6 feet 6 inches, Wilson often stands out from his peers as a highly competent outside linebacker for Texas Tech. Like Nolan Smith, he has the frightening ability of any of the top potential draft picks this year and is unplayable when firing on all cylinders. Still, a lingering issue with injuries could strike him down, and he could find himself much lower down the pecking order than his ability deserves.
5. Jalen Carter
As we enter the business end of the draft, we will start to unpack some of the potential generational talents on display in this year’s selection. Carter was a five-star recruit when the University of Georgia acquired his services. He could prove to be the most significant talent of the entire draft this year.
Like many other great talents, their biggest battle is usually with themselves. Unfortunately, Carter has already ended up in some troublesome headlines off the field before he has even been exposed to the bright lights and international recognition that comes with playing in the NFL. However, if he can iron out these issues and focus on the game, there’s no reason why the talented defensive tackle couldn’t become a star.
4. Will Anderson Jr
It’d be quicker to name the personal accolades that Anderson Jr hasn’t won in his college career than to cover those he has. However, we imagine he could be a first pick this year. This outside linebacker will have a stellar career if he can replicate half of the form he has shown during his electric years representing Alabama.
3. Devon Witherspoon
It’d be a shock if Devon Witherspoon weren’t a first round pick this year. Given that he has scooped up the Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year and joined the company of some of the finest players to have ever graced the NFL, he has already put himself in the shop window as one of the brightest talents available this year. You can find more information about Devon if you want to look at his comprehensive scouting report.
2. CJ Stroud
We’re now entering the realms of top generational talent. Stroud has broken several records at Ohio State, and the sensational quarterback is an expected first-draft pick. He could even be one of the first names picked alongside Bryce Young.
They are widely regarded as the best players in college football currently, and there’s no possibility we can envisage where Stroud doesn’t hit the ground running straight away.
1. Bryce Young
Analysts, experts and players seem to have reached a unanimous verdict that Young and Stroud are the two players to watch out for in this year’s draft. Young has dozens of accolades already, and between him and Stroud, we could be looking at one of the great quarterback battles if their careers head in the trajectory that everybody believes.
Although he didn’t rekindle the same form in 2022 that excited so many fans in 2021, if he can recapture that form, he will be one of the most considerable talents we have seen crossover for many years.
Quarterbacks are often considered the “Hollywood position” in the NFL. It is the most glamorous position, and many stars in the sport have excelled in this section of the field over the years. There’s no reason why Bryce can’t follow in the footsteps of the legends who have preceded him.
