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Our top ten big board rankings consist of three Georgia bulldogs, two Alabama Crimson Tide, and two Ohio State Buckeyes to start the 2022 college football season. Our top prospect is Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson who would have been the top prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 2023 class looks like a very strong interior defender class with two names in the top ten of our top 50 big board and 4 in the top 20. We have eight defensive linemen in our initial top 20 rankings if you combine edge defenders with interior defenders.
After Further Review NFL Draft Player Evaluations
Don't forget to check out After Further Review on our Youtube Channel. We evaluate individual prospects at a deeper level. We discuss play style and scheme fit, player comparisons, and do a film review of the top NFL Draft prospects. So whether you are looking for an edge in your dynasty fantasy football league or just want to learn more about NFL draft prospects, After Further Review has, you covered.
1). Edge Will Anderson, Alabama, 6-4, 235lbs
Anderson is an explosive edge player that combines size, speed, and power to win off the edge. Anderson can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He provides three-down versatility as a pass rusher and a run defender. As a sophomore, Will Anderson achieved 1st team All-American Status, All-SEC 1st team, and won the Nagurski Award in 2021. If eligible to be drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Anderson would have been considered the top prospect on our draft board.
2). IDL Jalen Carter, Georgia, 6-3, 310lbs
Carter is a disruptive physical force. Carter combines a quick first step and feet like a running back to shoot into gaps. At 6-3, 310lbs, Carter is a densely proportioned twitchy player with quick hips and elite lateral ability. Carter wins with strength generated from his dense lower half; combined with his elite positional athleticism and quick hands, Carter is a problematic defender to block. Carter will need to improve his ability to handle and move off of double teams at the next level.
3). Edge Myles Murphy, Clemson, 6-5, 275lbs
In terms of ceiling grades, Murphy possesses one of the highest grades in the 2023 class. He has the athletic and physical tools you want in today's NFL edge rusher. At 6-5, 275lbs, Murphy possesses the elite length needed to go one-on-one with today's top NFL tackles. On tape, Murphy exhibits an elite first step combined with elite-level lateral quickness for his position. His athleticism allows him to accelerate into a gap, or he can execute stunts using his high-level agility. His assets do not end with quickness; he can win with speed or power at the point of attack. Using his dense frame and elite strength, Murphy can anchor and hold the edge in the run game or bull through a blocker on his way to the QB.
4). QB Bryce Young, Alabama, 6-0, 194lbs
Bryce Young is a solid athlete with a better-than-average arm. He wins with his decision-making and his ability to work through his progressions. Based on our assumptions that Bryce Young will likely declare for the 2023 NFL Draft after one more year of seasoning, he already has shown enough on his tape to have been considered the top QB in this past draft ahead of Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and Desmond Ridder.
5). CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia, 6-2, 205lbs
Ringo is another Georgia Bulldog with top-ten NFL Draft potential. Ringo is a lengthy press man corner at 6-2, 205lbs; he plays with aggression. Ringo uses his strength and long arms to attack the catch point with good body control muscling the football away from the receiver. The former 10.43sec 100M track star can run with the fastest receivers on the field. In addition, he possesses the twitchiness and fluidity needed to play at a high level in the NFL. Ringo does not allow receivers to gain a step very often; when they do, he has the explosiveness to close fast. Ringo must learn to use his aggression as needed at the NFL level. His physicality in the NFL might be deemed too aggressive and lead to penalties in coverage. He will need to improve eye discipline; he can get caught by play action, pump fakes, and double moves by receivers.
6). QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State, 6-3, 218lbs
Stroud is accurate with a strong arm. He can fit the football into tight windows, especially on layered throws between LB's and safeties down the middle. His ability to throw outside the numbers beating coverage, and placing the football only where his receiver has the best chance stands out on tape. C.J. Stroud possesses arm talent in critical areas of the measure. He can throw with touch at all levels, get the ball out quickly when needed, and fire a laser down the seam. Stroud does a good job feeling and handling pressure, but there are moments where you would like to see him use his legs a bit more to keep a play alive.
7). ED Nolan Smith, Georgia, 6-3, 235lbs
Smith is an edge player with excellent athleticism for his position. in high school, he reportedly ran a 4.5 40 and posted a near 40in vertical, which correlates to his elite first step and downhill explosiveness. Smith also possesses elite lateral quickness for his position. He has good power for an edge defender his size at 6-3, 235lbs. Smith likes to place a blocker in conflict. He can bend a tackle wide with speed, use his quick twitch ability to freeze the blocker, and then attack his weakest leverage on his way to the QB. Smith's athleticism allows him to play in coverage as needed.
8). WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU, 6-0, 200lbs
Boutte took the reigns as LSU's next big-time WR in 2021 before succumbing to an ankle injury midway through the season. Boutte would miss seven games in 2021 but still led the Tigers in receiving yards and TD's. He is a mismatch for opposing DB's, and his after-the-catch ability is next level. We project Kayshon Boutte as a top ten overall talent in the 2023 NFL Draft.
9). IDL Bryan Bresee, Clemson, 6-5, 300lbs
Bresee possesses elite instant impact upside, and he is a player who has top ten NFL Draft potential even after missing 2/3 of the 2021 college football season. At 6-5, 300lbs, Bresee possesses elite length. On tape, Bresee has an explosive first step combined with the elite positional strength needed to be a success at the NFL level. He also possesses elite lateral quickness and twitchiness for an interior defender. He can shoot through a gap in a hurry on one play to force a bad throw, and on the next play, he can shoot through a hole to close off a run lane. Bresee can play different techniques along the line, but he projects as a 3-tech in the NFL.
10). WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State, 6-0, 198lbs
Smith-Njigba waited his turn at Ohio State, and when it was his time to shine, he stepped up in a big way a season ago. In the 2022 Rose Bowl game, Smith-Njigba became the Buckeye's number one receiver after Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson opted out. Njigba is not the flashiest receiver; he is a good route runner with excellent hands. He is also fearless and willing to pick up the tough yards over the middle—Smith-Njigba projects as a slot receiver at the next level. At 6-0, 198 lbs, he is a gritty player who can make defenders miss in space like a running back after the catch. He can stop on a dime and displays good lateral movement and loose hips. He attacks the catch point and can muscle the ball away from defenders in traffic.