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2023 NFL draft rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects
10:40 AM UTC
Let's get into my updated rankings of the top 25 prospects overall for the Class of 2023, with the top 10 prospects at every position at the bottom. This is my first update since Week 3 of the season. As you can see below, I still have Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. as the No. 1 overall prospect, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. He's a great prospect. After that, however, you'll see a few tweaks throughout my list. You can also check out the combined 2023 rankings of my fellow analysts Todd McShay, Jordan Reid and Matt Miller too.
Two notes on these rankings:
Jump to: Position rankings
1. Will Anderson Jr., DE, Alabama
HT: 6-4 | WT: 243 | Previously: 1
Yes, Anderson's numbers are down a little bit from last season, when his 79 pressures and 17.5 sacks led the FBS. He has 33 pressures, six sacks and 14 total tackles for loss in eight games. I'm not concerned in the slightest. This is a dominant edge rusher who might have been the No. 1 overall pick last April if he had been eligible for the draft. He's that good. He doesn't take plays off, is versatile and plays the run well. He's explosive off the line of scrimmage. Nick Saban & Co. use him as a stand-up outside linebacker, as a down defensive end and even at tackle, where he can blow up guards and centers at the snap. Anderson is a fantastic prospect, one of the best edge rushers I've scouted in the past decade.
2. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
HT: 6-3 | WT: 310 | Previously: 3
Carter has been limited by injuries this season, missing two games in October because of a knee issue and returning against Florida. Even though he was on a snap count, his impact was apparent on passing downs. Georgia had five defenders picked in Round 1 last April, and Carter arguably was more disruptive than all of them last season. He's explosive at the snap and finishes well around the ball, even though he didn't put up huge numbers (8.5 tackles for loss). He has a big frame and can play as a 3-technique tackle. I want to see him be a little more consistent, but NFL teams will bet on his ceiling.
EDITOR'S PICKS
3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 215 | Previously: 2
Stroud is still my top-ranked quarterback, but I'm watching the top three guys closely for the rest of the season. I know NFL scouts are too. Stroud has been on fire through eight games, leading the country in QBR (93.1) and touchdown passes (29) and ranking second in yards per attempt (10.7) and 20-plus-yard completions (42). He is a smooth thrower with a big arm in a 6-foot-3 frame.
The biggest question about Stroud is that he often has not needed to go through his progressions -- because his first read is usually running wide open behind the defense. Scouts want to see that aspect of his game, especially with big matchups looming. Stroud has a great chance to be the Heisman Trophy winner and eventual No. 1 overall pick.
4. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
HT: 6-3 | WT: 232 | Previously: 4
Levis' stats aren't going to impress as much as Stroud's or Bryce Young's. He doesn't have a great supporting cast of playmakers around him. He has 13 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, and his 60.1 QBR ranks 63rd in the FBS. But when I went through his first 16 starts at Kentucky, I was really impressed with his game. Levis has a rocket launcher for an arm and makes some "wow" throws. That has gotten the Penn State transfer into trouble at times, but it's clear watching him that he believes he can fit the ball into any window. My comparison is Matthew Stafford.
Levis plays in a pro-style offense at Kentucky, and he's not going to need much time to adjust to the NFL. He can maneuver the pocket and throw on the run. He's the real deal, though I want to see him limit his turnovers.
5. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
HT: 6-0 | WT: 194 | Previously: 6
Again, having Young third here is no slight against him, and the QB1 race is going to be tight until April's draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has an incredibly quick release. He's accurate, and he goes through read progressions to find his target. He's an anticipatory thrower who knows how to hit receivers where they need the ball to run after the catch. He doesn't make many mistakes.
The knock on Young is size; he doesn't have a huge frame, which NFL scouts will likely play up as we get closer to the draft. I don't think he's quite 6-foot. Still, his arm is more than good enough for him to be a great signal-caller at the next level. After a 47-touchdown, seven-interception season in 2021, Young has 18 touchdown passes and three picks this season, and his 86.9 QBR ranks seventh in the country.
6. Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
HT: 6-4 | WT: 294 | Previously: 9
I feel good about making Skoronski my top-ranked tackle over Paris Johnson Jr. He is a technician who can bend. He shrugs off quick pass-rushers and can contain rushers who try to win with power. Skoronski has started 28 games at left tackle for the Wildcats, and he keeps getting better. He has allowed just seven pressures and one sack this season, even though his team has struggled. He could be Northwestern's second top-15 offensive tackle pick in three years (Rashawn Slater in 2021).
7. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
HT: 6-0 | WT: 214 | Previously: 7
Robinson does everything for Texas. He runs inside, he runs outside, he catches passes and he scores a lot of touchdowns. I'm a big fan. Robinson's 2021 season ended when he dislocated his left elbow, but he showed elite ability in those 10 games. He led the FBS in broken tackles forced per game (4.1) and averaged 112.7 rushing yards per game. He is a cut-and-go runner with outstanding vision and explosiveness. Another thing I like about Robinson's game is: He catches passes with his hands, not his body. He has 58 catches in three seasons, averaging 13.3 yards per reception.
I don't love drafting running backs in Round 1, but Robinson deserves this ranking; I grade based on ability, not my first-round philosophy. He's going to go somewhere in the top 32 picks if he stays healthy.
play0:25Bijan Robinson busts off a 42-yard Texas TD
Bijan Robinson takes it 42 yards for the score as Texas takes a 7-3 lead.
8. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
HT: 6-4 | WT: 251 | Previously: 16
The Notre Dame offense has been up and down this season, but Mayer has been their best player. He has 47 catches for 580 yards and six scores. NFL teams want tight ends who can stretch the deep middle of the field -- and block well enough to line up next to offensive tackles. That's Mayer, who can be a force in the red zone. Linebackers simply can't cover him (and safeties struggle with his size). Mayer had 71 catches for 840 yards and seven scores in 2021. He has a wide catch radius and could produce as a pass-catcher in the NFL. He's a complete tight end.
9. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
HT: 6-6 | WT: 315 | Previously: 8
After a season at guard, Johnson has kicked outside to left tackle for the Buckeyes. He has impressed, not allowing a single sack. The former five-star prospect has a great chance to be the top tackle in this class. He moves his feet well in pass sets and in the run game, and he has the quickness to keep up with speedy edge rushers. Johnson has everything NFL teams look for in a Day 1 starter at left tackle.
10. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
HT: 6-0 | WT: 175 | Previously: 10
We discussed Addison after Week 2, when he had seven catches for 172 yards and two scores. What stands out about him is his route-running ability. He just gets open, and he can do it in so many ways. He can make up ground with late burst to track the ball. He explodes off the line of scrimmage. Addison had 100 catches for 1,592 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pitt last season. He has 39 catches for 585 yards and seven scores in 2022. He also has cut down on drops this season.
11. Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
HT: 6-5 | WT: 275 | Previously: 18
Murphy has a quick burst out of his stance and can close quickly off the corner. He also plays the run well and is physical at the point of attack. He had 11 sacks in his first two seasons at Clemson and has 5.5 this season. He moves inside to tackle at times, so that versatility will help his stock for NFL teams. I wrote in September that I want to see his sack production rise before moving him up, and he has done that, with four sacks in his past four games.
12. Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
HT: 6-5 | WT: 300 | Previously: 5
Bresee, a five-star recruit in the Class of 2020, tore his left ACL in September 2021 and played in just four games, but I was impressed with his tape. He locates the ball well and explodes into the backfield at the snap to disrupt throwing lanes and find ball carriers. He's aggressive and he hustles on every snap. He can be a major force inside at the next level. Bresee has 1.5 sacks in fewer than 200 snaps this season.
13. Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
HT: 6-0 | WT: 180 | Previously: NR
It's hard not to be incredibly impressed by Hyatt this season, as he has scored 14 times on just 45 catches and is averaging 20.1 yards per reception. He torched the Alabama defense for 207 yards and five touchdowns. In total, he has five games with multiple TDs. He's beating corners on vertical routes and also winning after the catch on crossers and short routes, showing impressive speed and burst. My slight concern with Hyatt is about why he was just OK the previous two seasons, but he has clearly made a leap in 2022. He's an electric player.
play0:45Hendon Hooker fires a dart to Jalin Hyatt for their 2nd TD
Jalin Hyatt hauls in the dime from Hendon Hooker for their second pitch-and-catch touchdown.
14. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
HT: 6-2 | WT: 200 | Previously: 17
This cornerback class is going to be a tight race all the way until April's draft. I'm a fan of Porter, a lanky and physical defender who can reroute receivers with the best of them. He is aggressive, though he has just one career interception in 29 career starts. With all corners, the testing numbers at the combine will really matter, but I like what I see from Porter on tape. He had his hands full against Ohio State, but he impressed again.
15. Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
HT: 6-6 | WT: 275 | Previously: NR
I wrote about Wilson in our draft notebook earlier this week, and my guy Jordan Reid has been on him since he watched the 2021 tape. I'm moving up Wilson now because of his consistency; he has six sacks and 11 total tackles for loss, showing off his explosion at the snap as a pass-rusher and taking on blockers and holding his ground in the run game. For edge rushers, it's all about physical traits and tools, and the 6-foot-6 Wilson has everything teams want in that regard. He has a high ceiling.
16. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
HT: 6-0 | WT: 197 | Previously: 12
I'm getting close to calling this a lost season for Smith-Njigba, who has been slowed by a hamstring injury and has just five catches. That's a tough injury to rehab in the middle of the season, and he needs to get fully healthy so he can help the Buckeyes in their run toward the College Football Playoff. Even if Smith-Njigba doesn't play another snap in 2022, though, he could still be a first-rounder in April based on his 2021 tape.
He led Ohio State in catches (95) and yards (1,606) last season, even on a team with two wide receivers drafted in Round 1 of the 2022 draft. He has stellar burst and explosiveness out of breaks. He's a hands catcher who can run the entire route tree, and he can make defenders miss after the catch. Most of Smith-Njigba's work came from the slot last season -- all but eight of his catches came while aligned there. He led the FBS in receiving yards per route run (4.0).
17. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
HT: 6-5 | WT: 232 | Previously: 14
Sanders, a rotational player on the Alabama defense in 2020 and 2021, transferred to Arkansas earlier this year and has been stellar this season, though his production has dropped off since his hot start. He has 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 65 tackles. He's playing all over the field for the Razorbacks; he has the burst and range to chase down ball carriers. He's a hit, lift and drive tackler who can fill a hole in the run game. He plays super hard and has great size for the position. Sanders likely will fit as an off-ball linebacker at the next level, but his blitzing ability makes him an intriguing player on passing downs.
What to know for the 2023 NFL draft
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18. Andre Carter II, OLB, Army
HT: 6-7 | WT: 250 | Previously: 11
As I mentioned in my way-too-early rankings in May, Army hasn't had a first-round pick since 1946. It hasn't had a non-seventh-round pick since 1969. Carter is the real deal, though, a pass-rusher with incredible length who can play in any defensive scheme. He made big plays last season, with four forced fumbles and a pick. He impacts the game in a variety of ways, and I love his 2021 tape because he's so consistent on every snap. He had 15.5 sacks last season, and he has 2.5 in five games this season.
19. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
HT: 6-1 | WT: 187 | Previously: 19
Smith's ball skills stand out on tape. He flips his hips in coverage, tracks the ball in the air and has the instincts to find it and make a play. He has six career picks in 17 starts and had 11 pass breakups last season. Smith also has excellent arm length, which helps his ability to create deflections. He has a good feel in coverage and makes things look easy.
20. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
HT: 6-6 | WT: 275 | Previously: NR
I thought Johnston was going to have a massive season, but then he had just 12 catches for 114 yards and no scores in his first four games. In the past four games, though? He has 30 catches for 536 yards and four touchdowns. He looks like a first-round wideout, towering over defenders and running through them; he is tremendous after the catch. As I wrote in October, Johnston wins contested jump balls with ease and has a rare length and speed combination. The undefeated Horned Frogs have a couple more tough games on their regular-season schedule, and I want to see him continue to dominate.
21. Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
HT: 6-3 | WT: 200 | Previously: NR
Johnson has an unspecified injury and hasn't played since the Aggies' loss to Alabama on Oct. 8, but he has first-round traits. I wrote in May that he could be the Daxton Hill of this draft. He has played everywhere for Texas A&M, performing well as a center fielder, in the slot and as a box safety, which is where he might end up in the NFL. Most of his snaps this season have come as a nickel corner. Johnson has the length and frame to make plays at the line of scrimmage. That ability to play anywhere and fill different roles will make him appealing at the next level.
22. Mike Morris, DE/OLB, Michigan
HT: 6-6 | WT: 292 | Previously: NR
It's rare to see a guy as big as Morris playing on his feet as a stand-up edge rusher, but he moves extremely well for his size. Morris could be considered a bit of a late bloomer, but he was playing behind two great talents last season (Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo); he had only a half-sack in three starts in 2021. This season, Morris has 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble, and he pops when I put on the tape because of his size and traits. He could keep rising as we get closer to the draft in April.
23. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
HT: 6-6 | WT: 321 | Previously: NR
Fashanu has been extremely impressive after taking over for Rasheed Walker on the left side of the Nittany Lions' line, and he still hasn't turned 20 years old (his birthday is in December). Fashanu already is advanced in his technique in both the run and pass game. He is just scratching the surface of his talent; he has a ton of upside. His stock is going to keep rising the more games he plays.
24. Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
HT: 6-3 | WT: 235 | Class: Senior
Smith now is out for the rest of the season after tearing his right pectoral muscle, but that shouldn't affect his draft stock. It's not a ligament injury; he should be fine after rehabbing it. He had put up three sacks and 14 pressures before the injury, and he was starting to show some more consistency. I really wanted to see him finish plays. Smith has elite speed for his size, and he forced three fumbles last season to go along with 3.5 sacks. He's another defender who will be highly coveted by NFL teams because of his physical traits, even if he wasn't super productive based on the stat sheet.
play1:03Can Georgia overcome loss of Nolan Smith for season?
Greg McElroy says Nolan Smith's season-ending injury is significant, but he believes Georgia can handle it.
25. Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
HT: 6-4 | WT: 251 | Previously: NR
Verse has made a huge impact for the Seminoles since coming over as a transfer from Albany, where he put up 9.5 sacks last season. He has an explosive get-off at the snap, and he could play either down as a defensive end or stand-up outside linebacker. He uses his hands well as a pass-rusher and can find the football in the run game. He's a natural and smooth pass-rusher. He has 4.5 sacks this season, though two came in the first game of the season.
Prospects who dropped out of the top 25 since my September update:
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
Isaiah Foskey, OLB, Notre Dame
Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
Daiyan Henley, OLB, Washington State
Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
2023 NFL draft rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
2. Will Levis, Kentucky
3. Bryce Young, Alabama
4. Anthony Richardson, Florida
5. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
6. Bo Nix, Oregon
7. Jaren Hall, BYU
8. Max Duggan, TCU
9. Jayden Daniels, LSU
10. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Just missed: Cameron Ward, Washington State; Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (FL); Tanner McKee, Stanford
Running backs
1. Bijan Robinson, Texas
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
3. Devon Achane, Texas A&M
4. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
5. Travis Dye, USC
6. Kendre Miller, TCU
7. Zach Evans, Ole Miss
8. Sean Tucker, Syracuse
9. DeWayne McBride, UAB
10. Chase Brown, Illinois
Just missed: Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State; Eric Gray, Oklahoma; Blake Corum, Michigan; Roschon Johnson, Texas; Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
play0:19Devon Achane keeps Texas A&M's hopes alive with late TD
Texas A&M comes back to within a field goal after Devon Achane's touchdown.
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State
2. Josh Whyle, Cincinnati
3. Jaheim Bell, South Carolina
4. Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
5. Brant Kuithe, Utah
6. Arik Gilbert, Georgia
7. Ryan Jones, East Carolina
8. Monte Pottebaum, Iowa
9. Tyrick James, Tulane
10. Ryan Miller, Furman
Wide receivers
1. Jordan Addison, USC
2. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
4. Quentin Johnston, TCU
5. Kayshon Boutte, LSU
6. Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
7. Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
8. Josh Downs, North Carolina
9. Zay Flowers, Boston College
10. Michael Jefferson, Louisiana
Just missed: Rashee Rice, SMU; Elijah Higgins, Stanford; Tyler Scott, Cincinnati; Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
Tight ends
1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
2. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
3. Darnell Washington, Georgia
4. Dalton Kincaid, Utah
5. Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
6. Sam LaPorta, Iowa
7. Cameron Latu, Alabama
8. Cade Stover, Ohio State
9. Davis Allen, Clemson
10. Will Mallory, Miami (FL)
Offensive tackles
1. Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
2. Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
3. Olu Fashanu, Penn State
4. Broderick Jones, Georgia
5. Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
6. Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
7. Blake Freeland, BYU
8. Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
9. Dawand Jones, Ohio State
10. Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Just missed: Zion Nelson, Miami (FL); Ryan Hayes, Michigan; Jordan Morgan, Arizona; Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
Guards
1. O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida
2. Troy Fautanu, Washington
3. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
4. Steve Avila, TCU
5. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M
6. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
7. Matthew Jones, Ohio State
8. Mark Evans, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
9. Andrew Vorhees, USC
10. Jerome Carvin, Tennessee
Just missed: Cooper Beebe, Kansas State; Braeden Daniels, Utah; Jordan McFadden, Clemson; Clark Barrington, BYU
Centers
1. John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
2. Olu Oluwatimi, Michigan
3. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
4. Luke Wypler, Ohio State
5. Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
6. Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
7. Eli Cox, Kentucky
8. Alex Forsyth, Oregon
9. Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
10. Jake Andrews, Troy
Just missed: Brett Neilon, USC; Jacob Gall, Baylor
Defensive ends
1. Myles Murphy, Clemson
2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
3. Mike Morris, Michigan
4. Jared Verse, Florida State
5. Zach Harrison, Ohio State
6. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
7. DJ Johnson, Oregon
8. Keion White, Georgia Tech
9. K.J. Henry, Clemson
10. Andre Jones, Louisiana
Just missed: Isaiah McGuire, Missouri; YaYa Diaby, Louisville; Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State
play0:30Zach Harrison snags the Ohio State INT after tipped pass
Sean Clifford's pass is tipped and Zach Harrison plucks it out of the air for an interception.
Defensive tackles
1. Jalen Carter, Georgia
2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson
3. Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
4. Keondre Coburn, Texas
5. Mazi Smith, Michigan
6. Siaki Ika, Baylor
7. Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
8. Colby Wooden, Auburn
9. Gervon Dexter, Florida
10. Tyler Davis, Clemson
Just missed: Fabien Lovett, Florida State; Calijah Kancey, Pitt; Darius Robinson, Missouri; Jaquelin Roy, LSU; Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
Inside linebackers
1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas
2. Jack Campbell, Iowa
3. Noah Sewell, Oregon
4. Trenton Simpson, Clemson
5. Daiyan Henley, Washington State
6. Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama
7. Owen Pappoe, Auburn
8. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
9. Payton Wilson, NC State
10. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Just missed: Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati; Jeremy Banks, Tennessee; Dee Winters, TCU
Outside linebackers
1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
2. Andre Carter II, Army
3. Nolan Smith, Georgia
4. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
5. Derick Hall, Auburn
6. BJ Ojulari, LSU
7. Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
8. Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
9. Isaiah Land, Florida A&M
10. Byron Young, Tennessee
Just missed: J.J. Weaver, Kentucky; Dylan Horton, TCU; Laiatu Latu, UCLA; Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech
Cornerbacks
1. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
2. Cam Smith, South Carolina
3. Kelee Ringo, Georgia
4. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
5. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
6. Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
7. Alex Austin, Oregon State
8. Carrington Valentine, Kentucky
9. Clark Phillips III, Utah
10. Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Just missed: Riley Moss, Iowa; Eli Ricks, Alabama; Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (FL); Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M; Deantre Prince, Ole Miss; Storm Duck, North Carolina
Safeties
1. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
2. Brian Branch, Alabama
3. Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State
4. Christopher Smith, Georgia
5. Jordan Battle, Alabama
6. Evan Williams, Fresno State
7. Jammie Robinson, Florida State
8. JL Skinner, Boise State
9. Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
10. Quindell Johnson, Memphis
Just missed: Jalen Catalon, Arkansas; Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State; Daniel Scott, California
play0:42Brian Branch returns a punt for a 68-yard TD
Brian Branch puts 'Bama up 55-7 with a 68-yard punt return for a TD.
Kickers and punters
1. Tory Taylor, Iowa (P)
2. Bryce Baringer, Michigan State (P)
3. Chad Ryland, Maryland (K)
4. Jake Moody, Michigan (K)
5. Joe Doyle, Memphis (P)
6. Harrison Mevis, Missouri (K)
7. Christopher Dunn, NC State (K)
8. Brad Robbins, Michigan (P)
9. Kyle Ostendorp, Arizona (P)
10. Michael Turk, Oklahoma (P)
10:40 AM UTC
Mel Kiper Jr.Football analyst
Let's get into my updated rankings of the top 25 prospects overall for the Class of 2023, with the top 10 prospects at every position at the bottom. This is my first update since Week 3 of the season. As you can see below, I still have Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. as the No. 1 overall prospect, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. He's a great prospect. After that, however, you'll see a few tweaks throughout my list. You can also check out the combined 2023 rankings of my fellow analysts Todd McShay, Jordan Reid and Matt Miller too.
Two notes on these rankings:
- ▪
There is a lot of projection involved here, particularly for my Big Board. Many of these prospects have started only a handful of games, so I'm not yet writing up detailed scouting reports. I expect many of the players to be stronger, faster and better as we get closer to April's draft, so I'll adjust my rankings as the season moves on. - ▪
Heights and weights are based on what we have from schools; we don't get official numbers until the 2023 combine in March.
Jump to: Position rankings
1. Will Anderson Jr., DE, AlabamaHT: 6-4 | WT: 243 | Previously: 1
Yes, Anderson's numbers are down a little bit from last season, when his 79 pressures and 17.5 sacks led the FBS. He has 33 pressures, six sacks and 14 total tackles for loss in eight games. I'm not concerned in the slightest. This is a dominant edge rusher who might have been the No. 1 overall pick last April if he had been eligible for the draft. He's that good. He doesn't take plays off, is versatile and plays the run well. He's explosive off the line of scrimmage. Nick Saban & Co. use him as a stand-up outside linebacker, as a down defensive end and even at tackle, where he can blow up guards and centers at the snap. Anderson is a fantastic prospect, one of the best edge rushers I've scouted in the past decade.
2. Jalen Carter, DT, GeorgiaHT: 6-3 | WT: 310 | Previously: 3
Carter has been limited by injuries this season, missing two games in October because of a knee issue and returning against Florida. Even though he was on a snap count, his impact was apparent on passing downs. Georgia had five defenders picked in Round 1 last April, and Carter arguably was more disruptive than all of them last season. He's explosive at the snap and finishes well around the ball, even though he didn't put up huge numbers (8.5 tackles for loss). He has a big frame and can play as a 3-technique tackle. I want to see him be a little more consistent, but NFL teams will bet on his ceiling.
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3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio StateHT: 6-3 | WT: 215 | Previously: 2
Stroud is still my top-ranked quarterback, but I'm watching the top three guys closely for the rest of the season. I know NFL scouts are too. Stroud has been on fire through eight games, leading the country in QBR (93.1) and touchdown passes (29) and ranking second in yards per attempt (10.7) and 20-plus-yard completions (42). He is a smooth thrower with a big arm in a 6-foot-3 frame.
The biggest question about Stroud is that he often has not needed to go through his progressions -- because his first read is usually running wide open behind the defense. Scouts want to see that aspect of his game, especially with big matchups looming. Stroud has a great chance to be the Heisman Trophy winner and eventual No. 1 overall pick.
4. Will Levis, QB, KentuckyHT: 6-3 | WT: 232 | Previously: 4
Levis' stats aren't going to impress as much as Stroud's or Bryce Young's. He doesn't have a great supporting cast of playmakers around him. He has 13 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, and his 60.1 QBR ranks 63rd in the FBS. But when I went through his first 16 starts at Kentucky, I was really impressed with his game. Levis has a rocket launcher for an arm and makes some "wow" throws. That has gotten the Penn State transfer into trouble at times, but it's clear watching him that he believes he can fit the ball into any window. My comparison is Matthew Stafford.
Levis plays in a pro-style offense at Kentucky, and he's not going to need much time to adjust to the NFL. He can maneuver the pocket and throw on the run. He's the real deal, though I want to see him limit his turnovers.
5. Bryce Young, QB, AlabamaHT: 6-0 | WT: 194 | Previously: 6
Again, having Young third here is no slight against him, and the QB1 race is going to be tight until April's draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has an incredibly quick release. He's accurate, and he goes through read progressions to find his target. He's an anticipatory thrower who knows how to hit receivers where they need the ball to run after the catch. He doesn't make many mistakes.
The knock on Young is size; he doesn't have a huge frame, which NFL scouts will likely play up as we get closer to the draft. I don't think he's quite 6-foot. Still, his arm is more than good enough for him to be a great signal-caller at the next level. After a 47-touchdown, seven-interception season in 2021, Young has 18 touchdown passes and three picks this season, and his 86.9 QBR ranks seventh in the country.
6. Peter Skoronski, OT, NorthwesternHT: 6-4 | WT: 294 | Previously: 9
I feel good about making Skoronski my top-ranked tackle over Paris Johnson Jr. He is a technician who can bend. He shrugs off quick pass-rushers and can contain rushers who try to win with power. Skoronski has started 28 games at left tackle for the Wildcats, and he keeps getting better. He has allowed just seven pressures and one sack this season, even though his team has struggled. He could be Northwestern's second top-15 offensive tackle pick in three years (Rashawn Slater in 2021).
7. Bijan Robinson, RB, TexasHT: 6-0 | WT: 214 | Previously: 7
Robinson does everything for Texas. He runs inside, he runs outside, he catches passes and he scores a lot of touchdowns. I'm a big fan. Robinson's 2021 season ended when he dislocated his left elbow, but he showed elite ability in those 10 games. He led the FBS in broken tackles forced per game (4.1) and averaged 112.7 rushing yards per game. He is a cut-and-go runner with outstanding vision and explosiveness. Another thing I like about Robinson's game is: He catches passes with his hands, not his body. He has 58 catches in three seasons, averaging 13.3 yards per reception.
I don't love drafting running backs in Round 1, but Robinson deserves this ranking; I grade based on ability, not my first-round philosophy. He's going to go somewhere in the top 32 picks if he stays healthy.
play0:25Bijan Robinson busts off a 42-yard Texas TDBijan Robinson takes it 42 yards for the score as Texas takes a 7-3 lead.
8. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre DameHT: 6-4 | WT: 251 | Previously: 16
The Notre Dame offense has been up and down this season, but Mayer has been their best player. He has 47 catches for 580 yards and six scores. NFL teams want tight ends who can stretch the deep middle of the field -- and block well enough to line up next to offensive tackles. That's Mayer, who can be a force in the red zone. Linebackers simply can't cover him (and safeties struggle with his size). Mayer had 71 catches for 840 yards and seven scores in 2021. He has a wide catch radius and could produce as a pass-catcher in the NFL. He's a complete tight end.
9. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio StateHT: 6-6 | WT: 315 | Previously: 8
After a season at guard, Johnson has kicked outside to left tackle for the Buckeyes. He has impressed, not allowing a single sack. The former five-star prospect has a great chance to be the top tackle in this class. He moves his feet well in pass sets and in the run game, and he has the quickness to keep up with speedy edge rushers. Johnson has everything NFL teams look for in a Day 1 starter at left tackle.
10. Jordan Addison, WR, USCHT: 6-0 | WT: 175 | Previously: 10
We discussed Addison after Week 2, when he had seven catches for 172 yards and two scores. What stands out about him is his route-running ability. He just gets open, and he can do it in so many ways. He can make up ground with late burst to track the ball. He explodes off the line of scrimmage. Addison had 100 catches for 1,592 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pitt last season. He has 39 catches for 585 yards and seven scores in 2022. He also has cut down on drops this season.
11. Myles Murphy, DE, ClemsonHT: 6-5 | WT: 275 | Previously: 18
Murphy has a quick burst out of his stance and can close quickly off the corner. He also plays the run well and is physical at the point of attack. He had 11 sacks in his first two seasons at Clemson and has 5.5 this season. He moves inside to tackle at times, so that versatility will help his stock for NFL teams. I wrote in September that I want to see his sack production rise before moving him up, and he has done that, with four sacks in his past four games.
12. Bryan Bresee, DT, ClemsonHT: 6-5 | WT: 300 | Previously: 5
Bresee, a five-star recruit in the Class of 2020, tore his left ACL in September 2021 and played in just four games, but I was impressed with his tape. He locates the ball well and explodes into the backfield at the snap to disrupt throwing lanes and find ball carriers. He's aggressive and he hustles on every snap. He can be a major force inside at the next level. Bresee has 1.5 sacks in fewer than 200 snaps this season.
13. Jalin Hyatt, WR, TennesseeHT: 6-0 | WT: 180 | Previously: NR
It's hard not to be incredibly impressed by Hyatt this season, as he has scored 14 times on just 45 catches and is averaging 20.1 yards per reception. He torched the Alabama defense for 207 yards and five touchdowns. In total, he has five games with multiple TDs. He's beating corners on vertical routes and also winning after the catch on crossers and short routes, showing impressive speed and burst. My slight concern with Hyatt is about why he was just OK the previous two seasons, but he has clearly made a leap in 2022. He's an electric player.
play0:45Hendon Hooker fires a dart to Jalin Hyatt for their 2nd TDJalin Hyatt hauls in the dime from Hendon Hooker for their second pitch-and-catch touchdown.
14. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn StateHT: 6-2 | WT: 200 | Previously: 17
This cornerback class is going to be a tight race all the way until April's draft. I'm a fan of Porter, a lanky and physical defender who can reroute receivers with the best of them. He is aggressive, though he has just one career interception in 29 career starts. With all corners, the testing numbers at the combine will really matter, but I like what I see from Porter on tape. He had his hands full against Ohio State, but he impressed again.
15. Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas TechHT: 6-6 | WT: 275 | Previously: NR
I wrote about Wilson in our draft notebook earlier this week, and my guy Jordan Reid has been on him since he watched the 2021 tape. I'm moving up Wilson now because of his consistency; he has six sacks and 11 total tackles for loss, showing off his explosion at the snap as a pass-rusher and taking on blockers and holding his ground in the run game. For edge rushers, it's all about physical traits and tools, and the 6-foot-6 Wilson has everything teams want in that regard. He has a high ceiling.
16. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio StateHT: 6-0 | WT: 197 | Previously: 12
I'm getting close to calling this a lost season for Smith-Njigba, who has been slowed by a hamstring injury and has just five catches. That's a tough injury to rehab in the middle of the season, and he needs to get fully healthy so he can help the Buckeyes in their run toward the College Football Playoff. Even if Smith-Njigba doesn't play another snap in 2022, though, he could still be a first-rounder in April based on his 2021 tape.
He led Ohio State in catches (95) and yards (1,606) last season, even on a team with two wide receivers drafted in Round 1 of the 2022 draft. He has stellar burst and explosiveness out of breaks. He's a hands catcher who can run the entire route tree, and he can make defenders miss after the catch. Most of Smith-Njigba's work came from the slot last season -- all but eight of his catches came while aligned there. He led the FBS in receiving yards per route run (4.0).
17. Drew Sanders, LB, ArkansasHT: 6-5 | WT: 232 | Previously: 14
Sanders, a rotational player on the Alabama defense in 2020 and 2021, transferred to Arkansas earlier this year and has been stellar this season, though his production has dropped off since his hot start. He has 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 65 tackles. He's playing all over the field for the Razorbacks; he has the burst and range to chase down ball carriers. He's a hit, lift and drive tackler who can fill a hole in the run game. He plays super hard and has great size for the position. Sanders likely will fit as an off-ball linebacker at the next level, but his blitzing ability makes him an intriguing player on passing downs.
What to know for the 2023 NFL draft
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18. Andre Carter II, OLB, ArmyHT: 6-7 | WT: 250 | Previously: 11
As I mentioned in my way-too-early rankings in May, Army hasn't had a first-round pick since 1946. It hasn't had a non-seventh-round pick since 1969. Carter is the real deal, though, a pass-rusher with incredible length who can play in any defensive scheme. He made big plays last season, with four forced fumbles and a pick. He impacts the game in a variety of ways, and I love his 2021 tape because he's so consistent on every snap. He had 15.5 sacks last season, and he has 2.5 in five games this season.
19. Cam Smith, CB, South CarolinaHT: 6-1 | WT: 187 | Previously: 19
Smith's ball skills stand out on tape. He flips his hips in coverage, tracks the ball in the air and has the instincts to find it and make a play. He has six career picks in 17 starts and had 11 pass breakups last season. Smith also has excellent arm length, which helps his ability to create deflections. He has a good feel in coverage and makes things look easy.
20. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCUHT: 6-6 | WT: 275 | Previously: NR
I thought Johnston was going to have a massive season, but then he had just 12 catches for 114 yards and no scores in his first four games. In the past four games, though? He has 30 catches for 536 yards and four touchdowns. He looks like a first-round wideout, towering over defenders and running through them; he is tremendous after the catch. As I wrote in October, Johnston wins contested jump balls with ease and has a rare length and speed combination. The undefeated Horned Frogs have a couple more tough games on their regular-season schedule, and I want to see him continue to dominate.
21. Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&MHT: 6-3 | WT: 200 | Previously: NR
Johnson has an unspecified injury and hasn't played since the Aggies' loss to Alabama on Oct. 8, but he has first-round traits. I wrote in May that he could be the Daxton Hill of this draft. He has played everywhere for Texas A&M, performing well as a center fielder, in the slot and as a box safety, which is where he might end up in the NFL. Most of his snaps this season have come as a nickel corner. Johnson has the length and frame to make plays at the line of scrimmage. That ability to play anywhere and fill different roles will make him appealing at the next level.
22. Mike Morris, DE/OLB, MichiganHT: 6-6 | WT: 292 | Previously: NR
It's rare to see a guy as big as Morris playing on his feet as a stand-up edge rusher, but he moves extremely well for his size. Morris could be considered a bit of a late bloomer, but he was playing behind two great talents last season (Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo); he had only a half-sack in three starts in 2021. This season, Morris has 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble, and he pops when I put on the tape because of his size and traits. He could keep rising as we get closer to the draft in April.
23. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn StateHT: 6-6 | WT: 321 | Previously: NR
Fashanu has been extremely impressive after taking over for Rasheed Walker on the left side of the Nittany Lions' line, and he still hasn't turned 20 years old (his birthday is in December). Fashanu already is advanced in his technique in both the run and pass game. He is just scratching the surface of his talent; he has a ton of upside. His stock is going to keep rising the more games he plays.
24. Nolan Smith, OLB, GeorgiaHT: 6-3 | WT: 235 | Class: Senior
Smith now is out for the rest of the season after tearing his right pectoral muscle, but that shouldn't affect his draft stock. It's not a ligament injury; he should be fine after rehabbing it. He had put up three sacks and 14 pressures before the injury, and he was starting to show some more consistency. I really wanted to see him finish plays. Smith has elite speed for his size, and he forced three fumbles last season to go along with 3.5 sacks. He's another defender who will be highly coveted by NFL teams because of his physical traits, even if he wasn't super productive based on the stat sheet.
play1:03Can Georgia overcome loss of Nolan Smith for season?Greg McElroy says Nolan Smith's season-ending injury is significant, but he believes Georgia can handle it.
25. Jared Verse, DE, Florida StateHT: 6-4 | WT: 251 | Previously: NR
Verse has made a huge impact for the Seminoles since coming over as a transfer from Albany, where he put up 9.5 sacks last season. He has an explosive get-off at the snap, and he could play either down as a defensive end or stand-up outside linebacker. He uses his hands well as a pass-rusher and can find the football in the run game. He's a natural and smooth pass-rusher. He has 4.5 sacks this season, though two came in the first game of the season.
Prospects who dropped out of the top 25 since my September update:
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
Isaiah Foskey, OLB, Notre Dame
Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
Daiyan Henley, OLB, Washington State
Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
2023 NFL draft rankings at every positionQuarterbacks
1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
2. Will Levis, Kentucky
3. Bryce Young, Alabama
4. Anthony Richardson, Florida
5. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
6. Bo Nix, Oregon
7. Jaren Hall, BYU
8. Max Duggan, TCU
9. Jayden Daniels, LSU
10. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Just missed: Cameron Ward, Washington State; Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (FL); Tanner McKee, Stanford
Running backs
1. Bijan Robinson, Texas
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
3. Devon Achane, Texas A&M
4. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
5. Travis Dye, USC
6. Kendre Miller, TCU
7. Zach Evans, Ole Miss
8. Sean Tucker, Syracuse
9. DeWayne McBride, UAB
10. Chase Brown, Illinois
Just missed: Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State; Eric Gray, Oklahoma; Blake Corum, Michigan; Roschon Johnson, Texas; Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
play0:19Devon Achane keeps Texas A&M's hopes alive with late TDTexas A&M comes back to within a field goal after Devon Achane's touchdown.
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State
2. Josh Whyle, Cincinnati
3. Jaheim Bell, South Carolina
4. Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
5. Brant Kuithe, Utah
6. Arik Gilbert, Georgia
7. Ryan Jones, East Carolina
8. Monte Pottebaum, Iowa
9. Tyrick James, Tulane
10. Ryan Miller, Furman
Wide receivers
1. Jordan Addison, USC
2. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
4. Quentin Johnston, TCU
5. Kayshon Boutte, LSU
6. Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
7. Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
8. Josh Downs, North Carolina
9. Zay Flowers, Boston College
10. Michael Jefferson, Louisiana
Just missed: Rashee Rice, SMU; Elijah Higgins, Stanford; Tyler Scott, Cincinnati; Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
Tight ends
1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
2. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
3. Darnell Washington, Georgia
4. Dalton Kincaid, Utah
5. Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
6. Sam LaPorta, Iowa
7. Cameron Latu, Alabama
8. Cade Stover, Ohio State
9. Davis Allen, Clemson
10. Will Mallory, Miami (FL)
Offensive tackles
1. Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
2. Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
3. Olu Fashanu, Penn State
4. Broderick Jones, Georgia
5. Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
6. Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
7. Blake Freeland, BYU
8. Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
9. Dawand Jones, Ohio State
10. Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Just missed: Zion Nelson, Miami (FL); Ryan Hayes, Michigan; Jordan Morgan, Arizona; Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
Guards
1. O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida
2. Troy Fautanu, Washington
3. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
4. Steve Avila, TCU
5. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M
6. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
7. Matthew Jones, Ohio State
8. Mark Evans, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
9. Andrew Vorhees, USC
10. Jerome Carvin, Tennessee
Just missed: Cooper Beebe, Kansas State; Braeden Daniels, Utah; Jordan McFadden, Clemson; Clark Barrington, BYU
Centers
1. John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
2. Olu Oluwatimi, Michigan
3. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
4. Luke Wypler, Ohio State
5. Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
6. Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
7. Eli Cox, Kentucky
8. Alex Forsyth, Oregon
9. Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
10. Jake Andrews, Troy
Just missed: Brett Neilon, USC; Jacob Gall, Baylor
Defensive ends
1. Myles Murphy, Clemson
2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
3. Mike Morris, Michigan
4. Jared Verse, Florida State
5. Zach Harrison, Ohio State
6. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
7. DJ Johnson, Oregon
8. Keion White, Georgia Tech
9. K.J. Henry, Clemson
10. Andre Jones, Louisiana
Just missed: Isaiah McGuire, Missouri; YaYa Diaby, Louisville; Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State
play0:30Zach Harrison snags the Ohio State INT after tipped passSean Clifford's pass is tipped and Zach Harrison plucks it out of the air for an interception.
Defensive tackles
1. Jalen Carter, Georgia
2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson
3. Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
4. Keondre Coburn, Texas
5. Mazi Smith, Michigan
6. Siaki Ika, Baylor
7. Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
8. Colby Wooden, Auburn
9. Gervon Dexter, Florida
10. Tyler Davis, Clemson
Just missed: Fabien Lovett, Florida State; Calijah Kancey, Pitt; Darius Robinson, Missouri; Jaquelin Roy, LSU; Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
Inside linebackers
1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas
2. Jack Campbell, Iowa
3. Noah Sewell, Oregon
4. Trenton Simpson, Clemson
5. Daiyan Henley, Washington State
6. Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama
7. Owen Pappoe, Auburn
8. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
9. Payton Wilson, NC State
10. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Just missed: Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati; Jeremy Banks, Tennessee; Dee Winters, TCU
Outside linebackers
1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
2. Andre Carter II, Army
3. Nolan Smith, Georgia
4. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
5. Derick Hall, Auburn
6. BJ Ojulari, LSU
7. Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
8. Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
9. Isaiah Land, Florida A&M
10. Byron Young, Tennessee
Just missed: J.J. Weaver, Kentucky; Dylan Horton, TCU; Laiatu Latu, UCLA; Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech
Cornerbacks
1. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
2. Cam Smith, South Carolina
3. Kelee Ringo, Georgia
4. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
5. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
6. Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
7. Alex Austin, Oregon State
8. Carrington Valentine, Kentucky
9. Clark Phillips III, Utah
10. Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Just missed: Riley Moss, Iowa; Eli Ricks, Alabama; Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (FL); Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M; Deantre Prince, Ole Miss; Storm Duck, North Carolina
Safeties
1. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
2. Brian Branch, Alabama
3. Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State
4. Christopher Smith, Georgia
5. Jordan Battle, Alabama
6. Evan Williams, Fresno State
7. Jammie Robinson, Florida State
8. JL Skinner, Boise State
9. Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
10. Quindell Johnson, Memphis
Just missed: Jalen Catalon, Arkansas; Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State; Daniel Scott, California
play0:42Brian Branch returns a punt for a 68-yard TDBrian Branch puts 'Bama up 55-7 with a 68-yard punt return for a TD.
Kickers and punters
1. Tory Taylor, Iowa (P)
2. Bryce Baringer, Michigan State (P)
3. Chad Ryland, Maryland (K)
4. Jake Moody, Michigan (K)
5. Joe Doyle, Memphis (P)
6. Harrison Mevis, Missouri (K)
7. Christopher Dunn, NC State (K)
8. Brad Robbins, Michigan (P)
9. Kyle Ostendorp, Arizona (P)
10. Michael Turk, Oklahoma (P)
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