X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

2023 NFL Draft - Top 50 Prospect Rankings

Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Andrew's top 50 NFL rookies rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft. He breaks down the best 2022 NFL rookies expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The 2023 NFL Draft is just three days away, and draft rumors are heating up. This article will take a look at my top 50 draft prospects in this class, after a close review of film and analytical profiles.

The 2023 class features two top quarterback prospects and three more possible top-ten picks. There are two RB prospects destined for fantasy greatness, and a handful of tight ends with a chance to be valuable fantasy assets. As for WR, this class is not as loaded as in past years, which is reflected in my rankings.

Overall, this class may not produce as many All-Pro's as in past years, but there will plenty of contributing starters found all the way through Day 3. And after last year's QB class disappointed, 2023 should represent a replenishing of young talent at that position.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

NFL Draft Big Board

 

 

2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Top 10 Rookies

1. Bryce Young - QB, Alabama

Bryce Young is an improvisational wizard. He dominated at Alabama and shows the instincts, playmaking, and processing of a top NFL QB. You can read my full film breakdown of Young here.

2. C.J. Stroud - QB, Ohio State

C.J. Stroud has elite accuracy and is as natural as it gets as a passer. He can be a calm assassin while leading his team in the NFL. You can read my full film breakdown of Stroud here.

3. Will Anderson - EDGE, Alabama

Will Anderson doesn't have the bend of elite pro pass rushers, but his play strength is phenomenal. He has no issues against the run and projects as an above-average starter from day one in the NFL.

4. Paris Johnson - OT, Ohio State

Paris Johnson is suffering a bit from prospect fatigue, as his film is excellent. He shows great hand placement, knee bend, and the ability to climb to the second level in the run game. He may struggle with NFL strength against bull rushes, but that's his only real negative.

5. Darnell Wright - OT, Tennessee

Darnell Wright can be late recognizing quickness, but he has all the tools to be a terrific pro tackle at 6-5, 333 pounds. He shined in his matchup against Will Anderson and shows the play strength and anchor to be an impact OL at the next level.

6. Jalen Carter - DT, Georgia

Jalen Carter has character concerns, but his film is outstanding. His ability to play with heavy hands and shed blocks is special, and his blend of handwork and quickness as an inside pass rusher makes him the most talented prospect in the draft. At some point, a team is going to take the risk. Without access to interviews, I'll hedge a little and place him at No. 6.

7. Tyree Wilson - EDGE, Texas Tech

Tyree Wilson is a 6-6, 271-pound defensive end with a one-arm stick move to walk back opposing tackles. He's fast in pursuit and can shed blocks against the run. His size and athleticism make him a great bet to be a solid starter or better.

8. Christian Gonzalez - CB, Oregon

Christian Gonzalez is a tall, long corner with 4.38 speed and natural coverage instincts. He's smooth and fluid in man and reacts to the ball quickly in zone. He has a great chance to be a true CB1 in the NFL.

 

9. Bijan Robinson - RB, Texas

Bijan Robinson has all the traits of a foundation back, including outstanding receiving skills and pass-protecting prowess. It's hard to defend taking a RB in the first round in 2023, but the team that does it can point to his passing game impact as a big reason why. You can read my full film breakdown of Robinson here.

10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR, Ohio State

JSN is the clear-cut WR1 in this class. He's lightning quick with an advanced understanding of route-running and terrific hands. With no obvious WR2, he should be a hot commodity on draft night. You can read my full film breakdown of JSN here.

 

2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #11-20

11. Devon Witherspoon - CB, Illinois

Devon Witherspoon is physical and quick and breaks on the ball well at the short and intermediate levels. His balance isn't elite in covering receivers down the field, but his ability to play both inside and out and contribute in the run game makes him a solid bet in the top half of the first round.

12. Deonte Banks - CB, Maryland

Deonte Banks has the speed and natural coverage instincts NFL teams covet. He's physical and can turn his head to locate the ball down the field in man coverage.

 

13. Anthony Richardson - QB, Florida

Anthony Richardson has every physical trait that teams want in a franchise QB. There are flashes of brilliance on film, especially throwing the deep ball. While the upside is massive, it's fair to have concerns about his modest production and accuracy issues. You can read my full film breakdown of Richardson here.

14. Broderick Jones - OT, Georgia

Broderick Jones is light on his feet with powerful hands and ran a 4.98 40 at 6-5, 311. His tendency to duck his head is a concern but the rest of his game is reminiscent of Tyron Smith.

15. Jahmyr Gibbs - RB, Alabama

Even with two RBs in my top 15, I promise I understand math. I just don't love this draft class overall and think both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are dynamic receiving threats. Gibbs is blazing fast with incredible quickness and outstanding hands. Some guys run fast 40s but don't play to their timed speed. Gibbs plays to his 4.36 40.

You can read my full film breakdown of Gibbs here.

16. Nolan Smith - EDGE, Georgia

Nolan Smith is just 6-2, 238 pounds, but his 4.39 speed shines on film. He has the get-off and quickness of an effective pro pass rusher. His size might be an issue against the run, but he'll present problems for opposing tackles on the edge with his ability to dip and get after the quarterback.

17. Myles Murphy - EDGE, Clemson

Myles Murphy is one of the best pass rushers in this class at converting speed to power, and he can play with heavy hands to move pass blockers. Quick, athletic, and big, Murphy projects as a solid pro in any scheme.

18. Will McDonald - EDGE, Iowa State

Will McDonald is just 6-3, 239, but his get-off is as good as anyone in this class. He projects best as a standup pass rusher.

19. Dalton Kincaid - TE, Utah

Dalton Kincaid is one of the best-receiving TEs I've ever scouted. He has great hands, an awesome burst after the catch, and can make contested catches at all levels of the field. My only concern with his transition to the pro game is if his fast and spirited playstyle will lead to durability issues.

 

20. Joey Porter Jr. - CB, Penn State

Joey Porter is a long, tall corner with terrific speed. He comes from NFL bloodlines and shows the ability to locate the ball. He projects best as a Cover 3 corner in the NFL.

 

2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #21-30

21. Lukas Van Ness - EDGE, Iowa

Lukas Van Ness plays with a great motor and made a lot of plays in pursuit at Iowa. He didn't win his matchup with Paris Johnson, but flashed quickness in terms of inside moves and spins against other competition. Van Ness is inconsistent but has upside as a playmaker. He actually blocked two punts in one game for the Hawkeyes.

22. Peter Skoronski - OL, Northwestern

Peter Skoronski has great feet and the nastiness you want from your offensive linemen. He can be serviceable at tackle but probably projects best at guard due to his short arms and issues with hand placement. There are way too many reps of his hands outside and he pushes rather than strikes at times. He's a high-floor prospect, but I think the other tackles offer more upside.

23. Zay Flowers - WR, Boston College

Zay Flowers is an exciting playmaker in the Antonio Brown mold. He's received a ton of hype this draft season to the point where some might make you believe his only weakness is size. Flowers' film is inconsistent as he had some drop issues and a horrible blocking technique. His highs make him look like Brandin Cooks, but he needs to become more consistent to reach his ceiling.

24. Jordan Addison - WR, USC

Jordan Addison is not particularly fast (4.49) for his size (5-11, 173), and didn't exactly light the world on fire at USC this past season. However, his WR-specific traits are top-notch in terms of route-running and hands. As a receiver coach, I love his game. As a draft analyst, his profile is concerning. Addison projects as a solid No. 2 at the next level but it's fair to question his translation as a relatively slow receiver with a small frame who struggles against press.

25. Marvin Mims Jr. - WR, Oklahoma

Marvin Mims Jr. has some of the most impressive film of any WR in this year's class. He has legit deep speed (4.38) but stands just 5-11, 183. His frame is a little more compact than some of the other small receivers in this class and his explosive lower body makes him a threat from anywhere on the field. In terms of ball-tracking and coordination, especially on high-difficulty catches, Mims is outstanding. I wonder if there's something behind the scenes about him that people don't like because the film shows a great bet to continue making plays at the next level.

26. Steve Avila - OG, TCU

Steve Avila is a day-one starter in the NFL, and his pass-blocking film is outstanding. He has the size (6-3, 333) and tools of a Pro Bowl interior OL.

27. Bryan Bresee - DT, Clemson

Bryan Bresee shows flashes of terrific play as an interior disruptor, but some choppy footwork shows inconsistencies. He's big and quick but didn't look great against Syracuse and struggled with fatigue later in games. His upside is a solid starter.

28. Emmanuel Forbes - CB, Mississippi State

Emmanuel Forbes weighed in at just 166 pounds at the combine, but his ball production was phenomenal at Mississippi State. 14 interceptions and six touchdowns is an absurd career stat line for a corner, especially in the SEC. He breaks on the ball well but his tackling could be a huge issue. Putting on weight and improving play strength will be crucial to his transition to the NFL.

29. Michael Mayer - TE, Notre Dame

Michael Mayer is a fine player with a chance to be a Pro Bowl tight end. He plays like a natural receiver with a huge body (6-4, 249). His play strength leaves a lot to be desired, as there were too many instances of him getting bullied or using his shoulder, especially on cross-cut slice blocks. There's definitely a market for a huge receiving threat who can run a plethora of different routes and make every catch, but I don't know if he'll ever be a top-five TE in the league.

30. O'Cyrus Torrence - OG, Florida

O'Cyrus Torrence is a massive guard prospect at 6-5, 330, and he shows flashes of dominance on film. He plays with a wide base and great knee bend. When he lands his hands inside, Torrence has awesome power to move defenders. He's an easy starter in the NFL.

 

2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #31-40

31. John Michael Schmitz - C, Minnesota

John Michael Schmitz is a solid-as-a-rock center prospect who can be the leader on his offensive line. He had dominant college film and shows the ability to pass protect and work up to the second level in the run game. I expect him to be a starting center for a long time in the NFL.

32. Drew Sanders - LB, Arkansas

Drew Sanders transitioned from EDGE to off-ball LB for the Razorbacks and showed flashes of brilliance at his new position this past year. Instinctive and athletic, Sanders does a terrific job at slipping blocks and messing up OL angles against the run. He's also solid in coverage. Sanders did miss too many tackles, but if he can get better in that area he can develop into a Pro Bowler.

33. Jalin Hyatt - WR, Tennessee

Jalin Hyatt is coming off a monstrous year in which he put up 1,257  yards and 15 touchdowns and dominated Alabama. His speed shines on film. However, there are legitimate questions about his transition to the pro game. There isn't much evidence that he can defeat press coverage and he's coming from a wide-split scheme unlike anything in the NFL. He can take the top off the defense but will need to learn how to play receiver at the next level to become more versatile.

34. Will Levis - QB, Kentucky

Will Levis has a cannon for a right arm and can make every throw. He's also tough. However, there are questions about his production and accuracy. You can read my full film breakdown of Levis here.

35. Josh Downs - WR, North Carolina

Josh Downs is a small, slot-only prospect with great hands. He will need to clean up some route-running inconsistencies but has the quickness to win on the inside at the next level. Despite his small stature, Downs makes tough contested catches at all levels of the field.

36. Mazi Smith - DT, Michigan

Mazi Smith has great quickness for a 323-pound defensive tackle. He can shed blocks in the run game and has some juice as an interior rusher as well, utilizing a rip move to get after quarterbacks.

37. Brian Branch - S, Alabama

Brian Branch is a solid tackler who made a lot of plays at Alabama. However, he's a 4.58 safety who doesn't have the coverage skills to be trusted in man. I also don't know if he has the range to play deep. I'm not sure a safety who excels in the box is the best use of a high draft pick in 2023.

38. B.J. Ojulari - EDGE, LSU

B.J. Ojulari can dip and bend and plays with active hands on the edge. His speed and explosiveness shine on film.

39. Keion White - EDGE, Georgia Tech

Keion White moves well for his size and had 7.5 sacks last year for Georgia Tech. He doesn't play with great awareness and is a little out of control but his athleticism can't be taught.

40. Isaiah Foskey - EDGE, Notre Dame

Isaiah Foskey put up 22 sacks in his final two years at Notre Dame and has natural pass-rushing ability on the edge. With some minor technique corrections, he can be a productive pro EDGE.

 

2023 NFL Draft Rankings - Rookies #41-50

41. Anton Harrison - OT, Oklahoma

Anthon Harrison has left tackle size (6-4, 315), and left tackle feet. He needs to work on hand placement, but he moves well and shows the ability to shock defenders as a run blocker and pass protector.

42. Calijah Kancey - DT, Pittsburgh

Calijah Kancey is just 6-1, 281, but when his get-off is right he's as quick as any DT in this class. Short arms are an issue, and he may struggle against the run at the next level.

43. Zach Charbonnet - RB, UCLA

Zach Charbonnet has a special feel for the game and runs with enough power and elusiveness to be a starting NFL RB. He can also catch passes. His contact balance, vision, and hands make him a very intriguing day-two RB. While legit RB1 is in his range of outcomes, so is a middling plodder. He lacks elite quickness.

44. Devon Achane - RB, Texas A&M

Devon Achane runs like he found a turbo boost in a video game. His 4.32 40 shines on film, but his biggest question mark is size. Achane makes defenders bounce off him because he runs with an intentionally low pad level and has an elite burst. There just aren't many 5-8, 188-pound RBs who make it in the NFL.

45. Cody Mauch - OL, North Dakota State

Cody Mauch is an FCS prospect who showed out at the Senior Bowl. I don't think he has the quickness to play tackle, but he can be a fine guard. His ability to get to the second level in the run game is a huge plus.

46. Kelee Ringo - CB, Georgia

Kelee Ringo is physically imposing and had a bunch of highlight plays for Georgia. He's 6-1, 207 with 4.36 speed, fluid hips, and a ton of experience producing for the best defense in the country. Sometimes he's a little behind in route recognition, but he has all the tools to be coached into a quality starter.

47. Felix Anudike-Uzomah - EDGE, Kansas State

FAU has length and explosiveness and shows the ability to shed at the top of his rush. He's stout and strong but durability questions cloud his future.

48. D.J. Turner - CB, Michigan

D.J. Turner projects as a solid nickel corner. He's small at just 5-11, 178, but has natural coverage instincts and isn't afraid to tackle.

49. Quentin Johnston - WR, TCU

Quentin Johnston was relatively productive for TCU and has an exciting mix of size and play speed. However, his film shows some receiver-specific question marks. He doesn't play to his size and has questionable hands.

50. Hendon Hooker - QB, Tennessee

Hendon Hooker has a lot working against him. He's an older prospect coming off an injury and played in an offensive scheme unlike the one he's going to need to learn in the NFL. However, he's a solid passer with athleticism and showed an ability to lead an offense at Tennessee. I wouldn't be willing to make a bet on him until the middle of the second round, but I expect him to go much higher.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more draft content in the coming days.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More NFL Draft Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday

Bears Draft Luther Burden In Round 2
Buffalo Bills

Bills Move Up To 41st Pick In Trade With Bears

Patriots Add TreVeyon Henderson To The Backfield At Pick No. 38
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Acquire 37th Pick From Raiders, Draft Jonah Savaiinaea

Browns Add Quinshon Judkins To Backfield With 36th Pick
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Acquire 35th Pick From Titans, Select Nick Emmanwori

Texans Select Jayden Higgins 34th Overall
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3

Tyler Shough Could Come Off The Board Before Shedeur Sanders
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Isaiah Spiller

Raiders Waive Isaiah Spiller
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
NFL

Several Teams Trying To Trade Up Early In Round 2
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Moises Ballesteros

Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Ryan Weathers

To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday
Colby Thomas

Heating Up At Triple-A
Emmanuel Rodriguez

Has Quiet Start To 2025
Jeff McNeil

Hitting Eighth In Season Debut
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF