NFL’s 2023 Draft – Initial questions about next year’s draft class, including QBs to know, #1 pick predictions, top prospects, more

We are going to 2023.

It’s time to start binding books on Draft 2022 NFL and start looking forward to next year’s group. And oh boy, it’s a good one. We have top-notch defensive stars, including a standout winger from Alabama. We have elite players on offense. And if the lack of great 2022 quarterback midfield prospects disappoints you, the 2023 team will be excellent, starting with two potential QB1s right at the top.

Of course, the 2023 draft is still 12 months away, and there’s a lot to learn about the class. And over the next few months, you’ll learn more and more about the top names out there and their strengths. But for now, let’s take a quick look at what could be a standout set of leads.

NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid are here to answer 11 big questions about the top players, who might be #1 overall, and who’s flying under the radar in prime time. . Get your notebooks ready – it’s time to begin the 2023 classroom assessment. And for more on what to expect from the class of 2023, check out Todd McShay’s early test draft of Round 1 on Thursday. .

Make your pick now: Who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft?

Reid: The quarterback would be a popular choice, but I’m going a different route: the Alabama sidecar Will Anderson Jr. He is the most effective offensive player the Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has ever had, as demonstrated by his nation’s top 34.5 tackles in losses and 17.5 covers, and I hope he has such a good season in 2022. Six feet -4 and 243 pounds tall, Anderson is a versatile player who is sure to resist runs and an aggressive tackle. and cunning as a passer.

Miller: It’s very difficult to play against Anderson, and he will also be my early call here. But here’s another name to keep an eye out for: Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud. The player who started his second year struggled at the start of the 2021 season but controlled himself and launched 44 touchdown passes with just 6 interceptions. He is a powerfully armed midfielder who can play from the pocket. There’s still a lot to learn about Stroud as he’s only started 12 games, but for now, he’s my favorite midfielder for 2023.

What is the strongest point of the midfielder? Bryce Young (Alabama) and Stroud?

Miller: Young (6 feet, 194 pounds) was a rhythmic passer who was extremely precise at all levels on the court. He’s active enough with his feet to make pass windows and can pick up yards like a jogger. He is a point guard in midfield. And Stroud (6-3, 215) has a stronger arm and can defeat arch-enemies. Stroud’s foresight, arm strength and second-hand play are his strongest points.

Who are the other full-backs we should know in Class of 2023?

Reid: Boston College Phil Jurkovic made a lot of headlines before last season, but broken right wrist surgery forced him to miss eight games and he’s back for his senior season. Two others keep an eye on who has been repeatedly brought up when discussing next year’s top QBs: Kentucky’s Will Levis and Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke.

Will Anderson be the #1 pick if he qualifies for the 2022 draft?

Miller: Sure! Anderson is a talent, and as we’ve seen, NFL teams have appreciated this year’s passing players over attacking tackle and midfield. Anderson produced Travon Walker none (17.5 sacks in 2021). He is very similar Kayvon Thibodeaux In terms of agility in his first move, he plays with much more power despite being listed as 10 pounds (245) lighter. Anderson is a poised, polished passer with explosive dribbles, power and truly exceptional speed.

Besides Anderson, who are the top defenders to know?

Reid: The initial outlook for the 2023 defensive line outlook looks promising. Georgia settles defense Jalen Carter there were a lot of fans in the tournament. An area scout told me, “[Carter] is the best player on [Georgia] defense last year, and it wasn’t close. “After a standout second season, Carter will be getting more attention now that he’s qualified for the draft and is one of the few stars back in that Bulldogs defence.

Another player who I think can quickly cement himself in the discussion at the top of the standings with a strong season is the Alabama cornerback. Eli Ricks. He played at LSU for his first two seasons but made the transfer in conference to the Crimson Tide. At 6-2, 190, Ricks is a far-flung corner who displays a lot of hip flexibility, technique and confidence.

Are there clear receivers on a wide scale in next year’s draft?

Miller: Ohio State Jaxon Smith-Njigba will bring the WRU torch to the Buckeyes next year and he might actually be a more likely customer Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave. JSN was successful last year with 95 catches, over 1,600 yards and nine points. And he did it while sharing a goal with the two to get into the first round of 2022 in the position.

His chemistry with Stroud at the end of the season was intriguing, as the two connected 60 times for 958 yards and six touchdowns in the last five games. Smith-Njigba ended his 2021 season with a record-setting performance in Rose Bowl vs Utah, of which he made 15 catches and 347 yards. He will start in 2022 right where he left off.

There was no run back in the first round of this year. Could we see one on Day 1, 2023?

Reid: Based on the initial outlook, rerun is one of the strongest units next year. The “never run again in the first round” philosophy will be put to the test next year. Bijan Robinson (Texas) has been tipped as one of the top prospects in the position after plunging 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. The other two to keep an eye on are Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs and Ole Miss’ Zach Evans.

What is the strength of the class of 2023?

Reid: Midfielders, running back, wide receiving and defense all look promising, and it looks like the offensive class will be much stronger than in the 2022 season, but much could change in a matter of months. Looks like we’re headed for another strong WR class. Smith-Njigba will probably be WR1, but Kayshon Boutte (LSU) and Jordan Addison (Pittsburgh, currently in the transfer window) could make it an exciting race at the top.

Miller: For me, the midfield is very strong but unproven, while the defense is completely stackable. Anderson is the top prospect for many good reasons, but he will be joined by potential early adopters like Carter and Nolan Smith in Georgia, Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy at Clemson, and BJ Ojulari at LSU. While there is a lot of potential in midfield, there are plenty of proven players in defence.

Who is one of the other potential firsts we should know about?

Reid: Solve the Northwest Attack Peter Skoronski is a must-know name. He took over for Rashawn Slater (first round in 2021) without any form of relegation last season. At 6-4, 294, he will need to keep adding weight, but he has clean ice in defending the pass and showing plenty of attitude as a running blocker. Given last season’s repeat performance, it wouldn’t be surprising that Skoronski finished with the top 15 picks.

Miller: Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton potentially Tide’s next great receiver. Moving from Georgia, Burton received 26 passes for five touchdowns last year in an offense built entirely around the running game. Now in Alabama, Burton has the potential to be Young’s go-to pick.

Are there any potential top picks from the Group of 5?

Reid: End of army defense Andre Carter II continuously jump out of the ice. At the age of 6-7, 250, he mainly played as a stand-alone defender at the end of last season and he plays with an engine that doesn’t turn off. Carter has had 15.5 layoffs in 2021, and he has the highest chance of becoming an enlisted player from the service academy since Mike Wahle (1998, additional draft).

Miller: Fresno State midfielder Jake Haener is the one to see. He’s a bit short (6-1, 195) but lit up the Mountain West last year with a 33 touchdown period down to just 8 interceptions and over 4,000 yards. He’s not a major running threat, but his accuracy and foresight are impressive.

Who is one of those potential customers that everyone should know?

Reid: There always seems to be a QB in the draft who make huge strides in their development to dramatically increase their stock. Follow Tennessee’s quarterback Hendon Hooker become that guy in 2023. After moving from Virginia Tech, Hooker had a hugely successful year under coach Josh Heupel, peaking his career in passes (2,945 ), pass TD (31) and completion rate (68.2%). At 6-4, 218, he was comfortable inside and outside the pocket and he could make passes at all three levels of the pitch.

Miller: Midfielders will once again dominate the conversation in the class of 2023, and I must mention Levis of Kentucky here. He’s a 6-3, 232-pound student with the arms and physical features to excite NFL scouts. He has to cut his spins (13 interceptions last year), but as he gains experience, it’s very doable. Levis is not a hot name like Young or Stroud right now, but he is a potential talent in the first round.