During this holiday season, it’s time to take stock of the estimated value of certain prospects for the 2023 draft. Not all of them have declared themselves and still have the possibility of returning to college, the registration deadline being set for January 16.
Continuation and end of the overview of the forces present with, for certain positions, the preferential role in parentheses.
EDGE RUSHERS
1. Will Anderson (Alabama)
2. Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)
3. Myles Murphy (Clemson)
4. Isaiah Foskey (Our Lady)
5. Jared Verse (Florida State)
6. BJ Ojulari (LSU)
7. Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State)
8. Nolan Smith (Georgia)
9. Derick Hall (Auburn)
10. Byron Young (Tennessee)
Other players mentioned: Andre Carter II (Army), Adisa Isaac (Penn State), Mike Morris (Michigan), Lukas Van Ness (Iowa).
A man, and a pack behind. If Will Anderson is unanimously recognized as a top 3 of this vintage, the fate still seems a little more hazardous for the five to six other prospects expected in the first round. The density is such that the promising Andre Carter II, who could obtain permission from the Army’s military school to join the big league, does not pass the cut by little. We will closely follow the progress of certain more or less recent injuries, such as that of Tyree Wilson, of Texas Tech, or Nolan Smith, of Georgia, two men praised for their versatility.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. Jalen Carter (Georgia)
2. Bryan Breese (Clemson)
3. Gervon Dexter (Florida)
4. Tuli Tuipulotu (USC)
5. Mazi Smith (Michigan)
6. Siaki Ika (Baylor)
7. Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh)
8. Jaquelin Roy (LSU)
9. Zacch Pickens (South Carolina)
10. Gabe Hall (Baylor)
Other players mentioned: Jayson Ademilola (Notre Dame), Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin), Moro Ojomo (Texas).
Again, probably more choice than it seems. Jalen Carter is above the fray, but everyone is waiting for the decision of a Bryan Breese with seemingly infinite potential. The Baylor line is in the spotlight, with arguably the best pure nose in this class, Siaki Ika, and Mazi Smith of Michigan continues to maintain a certain rating, despite recent problems with American justice.
Mazi Smith, a real force on the inside of the Wolverines line.
LINEBACKERS
1. Trenton Simpson (Clemson)
2. Drew Sanders (Arkansas)
3. Jack Campbell (Iowa)
4. Noah Sewell (Oregon)
5. Ivan Pace Jr. (Cincinnati)
6. Henry To’oto’o (Alabama)
7. DeMarvion Overshown (Texas)
8. Dorian Williams (Tulane)
9. Daiyan Henley (Washington State)
10. Owen Papoe (Auburn)
Other players mentioned: SirVocea Dennis (Pittsburgh), Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State), Mikel Jones (Syracuse).
A class in the image of modern linebackers, therefore with real athletic specimens. At this little game, Clemson has been able to pull off a few in recent years, and Trenton Simpson is no exception to the rule. If Drew Sanders was initially pass rusher and Jack Campbell mainly run stopper, the two men have developed a real instinct that could allow them to invite themselves to the first round in the event of confirmation during the draft process. Some outstanding athletes also owe themselves a little revenge in the spring, starting with Noah Sewell (Oregon) and DeMarvion Overshown (Texas) who have been too dilettante in recent months on their respective campuses…
CORNERBACKS
1. Kelee Ringo (Georgia)
2. Christian Gonzalez (Oregon)
3. Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)
4. Cam Smith (South Carolina)
5. Clark Phillips (Utah)
6. Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State)
7. Devon Witherspoon (Illinois)
8. Garrett Williams (Syracuse)
9. Kyu Blu Kelly (Stanford)
10. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU)
Other players mentioned: Jaylon Jones (Texas A&M), DJ Turner (Michigan).
Attention density … There is one, Kelee Ringo acted as the big favorite to be the first cornerback selected. This still remains true, but the rating of Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. continue to climb and opposes the Bulldog’s lackluster start to the season. Lower in the hierarchy, if his Stanford team has continued to regress, Kyu Blu Kelly has been a constant defensive value and has everything to gain during the draft process.
Christian Gonzalez, regular and capable of causing turnovers.
SAFETIES
1. Brian Branch (SS, Alabama)
2. Antonio Johnson (FS, Texas A&M)
3. Christopher Smith (FS, Georgia)
4. Jy’Air Brown (SS, Penn State)
5. Jordan Battle (SS, Alabama)
6. Brandon Joseph (FS, Notre Dame)
7. JL Skinner (SS, Boise State)
8. Malachi Moore (FS, Alabama)
9. AJ Finley (FS, Ole Miss)
10. Jammie Robinson (FS, Florida State)
Other players mentioned: Quindell Johnson (Memphis), Rashad Torrence II (Florida), Jay Ward (LSU).
Proof that the defensive backfield of Alabama remains supplied with athletes, it is not less than three prospects who could feed the vintage of safeties from Tuscaloosa. Brian Branch is slowly starting to become the defensive back that everyone is going to crave, thanks to his ability to cover and especially to blitz. Very hot there are still twelve months, Jordan Battle and Brandon Joseph must find momentum to confirm old seasons more glorious.
