Day 1 Grades
1. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The best prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft is the star pass rusher out of Alabama. Will Anderson is virtually unblockable in one-on-one situations, possessing a dazzling array of pass-rushing moves in his arsenal. Anderson is a capable run defender and will continue to rack up gaudy statistics wherever he lands in the NFL.
2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
We don’t have to look far to find the next entry in this list, as Anderson’s college teammate, Bryce Young, ranks No. 2 overall on the final Big Board. Young’s size is a fair concern, as he would immediately become the smallest starting quarterback in the league when drafted. That is where the concern ends.
Young is deathly accurate, showcasing poise in the pocket that few of his peers can match. He has plenty of arm talent, can reach all levels of the field relatively easily, and never shies away from the big moments. Drafting Young is a risk given his size, but he has the makeup to be a legitimate top-of-the-line starter on Sundays.
3. Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski is the best offensive lineman I have evaluated over the past two draft cycles — and it is not particularly close. The Northwestern star is impeccable with his hand usage, exhibiting teach-tape technique in pass protection and as a run blocker.
Skoronski’s short arms might scare people away from playing him at tackle, but I believe he has the chops to hold up on the outside. Either way, at a minimum, you are getting an All-Pro guard on a rookie contract.
4. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Jalen Carter drops a few spots on the Big Board, partially because of the off-the-field issue in January. A look back at the tape also reveals a handful of plays where Carter gave uninspiring effort. However, there is no arguing about his talent when locked in.
The former Georgia Bulldog is a wrecking ball from the interior. He eats up double teams, stuffs multiple gaps, and creates pressure on the pocket, collapsing it from the inside. Any NFL team would love a player with Carter’s talent and skillset. Where he goes in the 2023 NFL Draft depends on which team thinks they can get 100% effort every snap.
5. CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
CJ Stroud is the victim of some slanderous accusations the past month leading up to the draft. The Buckeye signal-caller is being called everything under the sun: uncoachable, a poor teammate, a slow processor behind center, and much more. The weirdest part? None of it is true. Asks anyone who knows Stroud, they will tell you.
On tape, the superstar quarterback flashed some of the best anticipation I have watched. He routinely threw his receivers open and put the ball in places only his teammates could catch. Stroud gets through his progressions well and is a better mover than he gets credit for. His mechanics under pressure must continue improving, but the OSU alum will be a long-time starter in the NFL.
6. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Running backs typically get pushed down the Big Board due to other positional needs outweighing them. However, Bijan Robinson is a truly remarkable talent worthy of going early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson is a gifted runner, showing elite vision, top-tier patience, and a shiftiness that results in several missed tackles.
Even more, the Texas running back is a phenomenal pass catcher, highlighted by his elite hands and body control downfield. I am unsure how early Robinson goes, but very few players in this class possess a higher upside.
7. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Personally, Joey Porter Jr. is far and away my favorite player in the 2023 NFL Draft. He plays with the swagger and confidence necessary to be a shutdown cornerback on Sundays. JPJ boasts a massive wingspan and thrives in one-on-one situations. While he is not quite a Sauce Gardner grade, the gap is smaller than most would think. CB1.
8. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
All that praise for Joey Porter Jr., and guess what? I have more for Christian Gonzalez. The Colorado transfer put his name on the map for the Oregon Ducks in 2022. Gonzalez displayed freaky athleticism, elite route recognition, and ball skills that saw him snatch four interceptions on the year.
Gonzalez possesses the ideal frame for a boundary cornerback, but at 20 years old, he is still learning to play confidently. Regardless, Gonzalez proved capable as a tackler and a run defender, so that will smooth over any lapses in coverage. In a stacked cornerback class the former Duck could wind up the best.
9. Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson is an interesting evaluation because the traits are present, but the production is not always there. This happens because Wilson has yet to develop much diversity as a pass rusher. Right now, he wins with his long arms, converting speed to power and bullying his way into the backfield.
In the NFL, that becomes a more difficult task. But Wilson projects to be a top-end run stuffer from the moment he arrives. Add that to his impressive power moves, and an NFL defensive coordinator is cooking with grease. Teaching Wilson to be more flexible and introducing finesse to his game is the final piece to the puzzle.
10. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Anthony Richardson is not a finished product; no one would argue otherwise. He only started 13 games in his collegiate career, and it was a roller-coaster week in and week out. Richardson still showed enough on tape to warrant an early selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Why? Well, simply put, Richardson is the only quarterback to ever possess the physical traits he possesses. His arm strength is incredible, having the ability to throw the ball to the moon or fire a 100 mph fastball to fit a tight window. Not to mention his 4.4-speed and 240+ pound build, which allows him to withstand hits and create positive plays out of nothing.
The former Florida Gator is better in the pocket than some analysts say, showing a great feel for pressure and using his eyes to manipulate defenders downfield. Richardson can start from day one and could surprise folks with the impact he makes as a rookie.
11. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
If Peter Skoronski fails to hold up at offensive tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. is the leader in the clubhouse for the best career of any blindside blocker in the class. Johnson is built to play offensive line, with a physically-imposing frame and sneaky agility out in space.
Johnson is still improving as a run blocker, mostly in the way of keeping his balance and not lunging, but his time at Ohio State saw only three sacks charged to the star lineman in 925 career pass-block reps.
At a minimum, a team is getting an elite pass blocker. At best, Johnson rounds out his game more and becomes a premier left tackle in the NFL.
12. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
I said earlier that Joey Porter Jr. was my favorite player in the 2023 NFL Draft, but my favorite tape overall from this class came from the Illinois secondary. The leader of that unit is Devon Witherspoon, who plays with the ferocity of a thousand rabid wolverines.
Witherspoon is smaller when compared to others at the position, but nobody plays as hard as him. The Illini defender lives for physicality, and several times each game is involved in a mini-car crash. Witherspoon brings polished technique and positional versatility, proving he is more than just a ‘rah-rah’ guy.
13. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy is a former five-star recruit coming off a strong career for the Tigers. He recorded 20 sacks in three seasons and posted a stellar run-defense grade (via PFF).
As far as traits go, Murphy has them all. He is a phenomenal athlete and displays versatility, giving the team that drafts him options on the defensive front. Murphy could get lower as he pursues the quarterback, oftentimes giving up leverage when he fails to do so.
Off the field, Murphy is well-respected and held in high regard by head coach Dabo Swinney. After three productive seasons at Clemson, Murphy hopes his best football is still ahead of him — and I believe it is.
14. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Speaking of athletes, Nolan Smith is arguably the best one in the 2023 NFL Draft. His performance at the NFL Combine was nothing short of magnificent, helping add context to Smith’s tape. He frequently looked to be moving on a different plane of existence at Georgia.
Smith’s first step is otherworldly, and his ability to change direction at nearly 240 pounds is awe-inspiring. He has a few pass-rushing tools in his tool belt, but that is not even the best part of his game. Smith is a forceful run defender. Even with a slightly slimmer frame, he loves meeting a ball carrier head-on, usually coming out victorious.
His medicals are a question mark, but given all his traits on the field and his A+ leadership and personality off it, the sky is the limit for Smith if he takes care of his body and stays on the field.
15. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Darnell Wright gets type-casted as a “right tackle only” prospect. Rather than an insult, let’s view this in a more positive light. As far as right tackle goes, Wright easily possesses the highest upside in the 2023 NFL Draft. His play in 2022 stamped that.
Wright allowed zero sacks in 500+ pass-blocking reps in 2022. Sure, Tennessee’s offense prides itself on getting the ball out fast, but it still takes extraordinary effort to keep a quarterback so clean. Wright did so with flawless hand usage and grip strength. If he latches on, there is no getting away.
As good of a pass protector as Wright is, he has equally as much work to do as a run blocker. His patented strength helps, but Wright doesn’t always use his mobility efficiently. An NFL coaching staff needs to clean up his footwork and technique as a run blocker, but the Tennessee alum is a plug-and-play starter as a rookie for a pass-happy scheme.
16. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Another “my guy” appears on the Big Board, and this time it is Zay Flowers. He is a spark plug for any offense, highlighted by his elite explosion and twitchiness. Flowers is a threat to score any time the ball goes his way, whether on a screen, a deep crosser, or a go-route… Zay is going to burn you.
Although concentration drops show up on tape, I would argue Flowers’ form as a pass catcher is not the issue. He rarely lets the ball travel to his chest and shows strong hands to come down with passes in traffic. Flowers tracks the deep ball well, and for a player of his size, does an amazing job in jump ball situations.
His limited size will force some to underrate his talent, but make no mistake, Flowers will stand alone as the top receiver from the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a day-one personality and a day-one talent.
17. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Not too far behind Zay Flowers is a wide receiver who wins in very different ways. While Flowers and JSN possess shiftiness with the ball and feature reliable hands, a few key differences are clear. Flowers is the more explosive player, but Smith-Njigba is the most refined of the two.
The Ohio State pass catcher is the best route runner in the class and displays alien-like short-area agility. JSN creates separation effortlessly and showed several times on tape that he’s capable of coming back to the football and finding the open area when a play breaks down.
Smith-Njigba very well could be the first wide receiver off the board, and I would not bat an eye. He is the next great superstar receiver out of Ohio State, poised to join reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, among others.
18. Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Brian Branch can play pretty much anywhere in the secondary. At Alabama, he served as the ROVER of the defense, which regularly saw him lining up against bigger and faster pass catchers. Branch held up admirably, helping the Crimson Tide defense make plays at crucial points of the season.
His projection to the NFL is tricky because a defensive coordinator must have a plan. To get the best out of Branch’s coverage ability, run defense, and deceptive athleticism, he is best suited as a slot defender. This looks different depending on the scheme but essentially think of a more souped-up version of CJ Gardner-Johnson.
19. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
The best linebacker in the 2023 NFL Draft is Iowa’s Jack Campbell. His tape is spotless, and everything about his build and play style screams All-Pro MIKE linebacker. Campbell’s biggest knock heading into the NFL Combine was a perceived lack of athleticism. He put this to bed by posting an impressive 9.98 RAS.
Campbell is a team captain who demands excellence from all those around him. He is a tone-setter that will lead by example, using his god-given talent to impact the game in coverage and run support. Campbell is even a sneaky blitzer from time to time! What’s not to love about this guy?
20. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer was my TE1 in June 2022, my TE1 in November 2022, and yes, you guessed it, he is still my TE1 in April 2023. The Notre Dame tight end is as well-rounded as they come, lacking one true weakness in his game. If I had to nitpick, his form gets sloppy as a blocker.
However, Mayer’s sure hands, polished route running, and sly yards after-the-catch ability make him an instant contributor in the passing game. Mayer possesses all the traits necessary to be a dominant blocker, and once he unlocks this part of his game on a consistent basis, he will become one of the best at his position in the NFL.
21. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
This ranking might read as an insult to Broderick Jones, but I love him as a prospect and would happily take him on the first day of the 2023 NFL Draft. My reasoning for having him lower than most others is his overall rawness, both in a technical sense and an experience sense.
Jones only logged one full season as a starter but flashed high-end potential frequently on tape. His power is unmistakable, using exceptional leverage for a player of his size to drive his opponent backward. Jones has the agility to improve in pass protection, but he still has work to do with consistent footwork, balance, and hand usage.
The upside is too hard to ignore, but it comes with risk. Jones may never put it all together in the NFL, but if he does, the Georgia Bulldog is a franchise player. Worth the shot later on day one.
Fringe Day 1 Grades
22. Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
If Keion White was a couple of years younger, we would be talking about him as a top-10 prospect in the class. Alas, the 24-year-old is one of the older players available this cycle. Thankfully, White saved his best for last and jumped off the screen regularly for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in 2022.
White is powerful, explosive off the snap, and displays consistently low leverage when working his way into the backfield. Where White lacks is his pass-rushing bag. He is incredibly raw and fails to put together a secondary move after his first one is stifled.
NFL coaching can do wonders for White in this regard, as well as improving his recognition in the run game. White possesses immense upside, but his rawness at the advanced age of 24 keeps him on the fringe of my day-one grades.
23. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
I know what they say about “ifs” but the “ifs” are the only things keeping this section off my first-round grades. For Emmanuel Forbes, his “if” is “if he weighed 180-185 pounds, he’d be in the JPJ-Gonzo-Witherspoon tier”. However, at 166 pounds, he checks in well below that number.
Still, Forbes’ talent is enough to justify taking him late in round one or early on day two. He possesses the best ball skills in the class and owns an NCAA record, taking six of his 14 career interceptions back for a touchdown. Forbes mirrors receivers well and shows the ability to play in zone by using his quick first step and fluid hips to change direction. He may never be an average tackler, but he is always willing.
24. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The next cornerback on the list is the polar opposite. Deonte Banks is the prototypical size for a boundary corner, and he put on a show at the NFL Combine, proving he is among the best pure athletes to enter the draft in the past five years. This speed, strength, and explosiveness show up on tape.
Banks has a knack for forcing receivers off their mark, disrupting the timing, and resulting in incompletions more times than not. This physicality brings up his red flag, which is over-aggressiveness.
Banks tries to assert himself too much, and there are instances on tape where he panics when the ball is in the air, causing him to start grabbing. Cleaning up his footwork and cutting out wasted movements would allow him more comfort working downfield. Expect NFL coaches to bring the best out of the fiery Banks.
25. Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
Lukas Van Ness is my final “if” player, I promise! If Van Ness logged more snaps in college or lined up more on the edge, his projection would be significantly easier. However, Iowa cares more about being competitive on Saturdays than developing players for Sundays, although their track record speaks for itself when it comes to sending high-quality prospects to the NFL.
Van Ness has the best bull rush in the 2023 NFL Draft, and this move is what he primarily uses to rush the passer. While effective in college, it is fair to question if the move will hold the same weight in the NFL, especially considering Van Ness has no other calling card.
What makes Van Ness a safer choice in the top 25 is his ability as a run defender. He uses a long wingspan to stuff multiple gaps and exhibits superb technique as a tackler. One reason to believe Van Ness can add more to his bag is how he performed at the NFL Combine, showing more burst and agility than initially thought on tape.
Early Day 2 Grades
26. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Anton Harrison is an elite pass blocker from day one but has a ways to go in the run game. His size and effectiveness as a pass protector will have teams looking his way at the end of day one or early day two. It could take a year or two before we see the best of Harrison, but he has all the traits to be an above-average starter on the blindside.
27. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
I expect Calijah Kancey to come off the board on day one, but his size concerns are enough to push him to the top of day two on my board. Kancey is a polished pass rusher and a freaky athlete. If his body holds up and he finds a niche role, the Pittsburgh star could take the NFL world by storm. He is not Aaron Donald, but that was always an unfair comparison.
28. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Dalton Kincaid is a pseudo-wide receiver, using his big body and blazing speed to terrorize opposing defenses. He has the best hands in the class and shows elite body control when tracking the ball downfield and on the sideline. Kincaid can improve as a blocker, but the passing game is where he butters his bread.
29. O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
O’Cyrus Torrence is a bulldozing lineman out of Florida. He boasts arguably the strongest anchor of any lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft, entrenching himself into the turf and never moving off his spot. In the run game, Torrence clears lanes easily and profiles as a plus-run blocker early in his career.
30. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Jahmyr Gibbs is going to be a household name in the near future. The Crimson Tide running back is next in a long list of successful ball carriers, but he does it differently. Gibbs wins primarily in space rather than being the typical bell cow we think of with Alabama.
Gibbs is a dawg as a pass catcher, using Alvin Kamara-like acceleration to leave defenders in his dust. When Gibbs sticks his foot in the ground and cuts back, it leaves oncoming tacklers tripping over themselves. His lack of ideal size might keep Gibbs from carrying a massive workload, but he doesn’t have to carry it 30 times to be a game-changer.
31. Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
Adetomiwa Adebawore tore up the NFL Combine by posting numbers that players of his size never had. His tape is a mixed bag, as the traits are present, but Adebawore often does not have a plan when rushing the passer. In the same way that Tariq Woolen was an unfinished project, Abebawore is a player whose upside gets you an extension, while his floor gets you fired.
32. Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo was never a top-10 prospect for me, but the discourse around the Georgia defender is becoming too extreme. Sure, Ringo is stiff in man coverage at times, looking clunky and getting beat as a result. However, Ringo’s athletic ability shows up in different ways, mainly as a hard-hitter in run support and a reactionary player in zone coverage.
In the NFL, Ringo needs to be in a zone-heavy scheme. He profiles as a potential All-Pro at safety given his traits, his young age, and a work ethic that the Georgia brass marvels over. As a man-cornerback, Ringo is not worth a top-50 selection. As a safety, he is not too far off from being a first-rounder.
33. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Cam Smith rivals Devon Witherspoon in terms of intensity. Both guys possess similar builds, but you would guess they were 6-foot-4, 225 pounds watching them play. Smith is a thumper who thrives in one-on-one situations. He is a fluid mover and has a nose for the football. The South Carolina defensive back needs to shore up his tackling form, but he is a starting cornerback in the NFL.
34. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston gets caught in the “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” trope at times on tape. He should be more dominant at the catch point than he is, and he can get pushed off his spot by press-man coverage.
All that being said, Johnston is 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, and runs like a gazelle in the open field. He wasn’t asked to run a wide array of routes at TCU, but the routes he did run were mostly crisp. If Johnston plays as big as he is, he is a handful to deal with in coverage.
35. Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Bryan Bresee has the talent of a top-10 player but the medical history and 2022 tape of a fringe top-35 player. The 2020 and 2021 versions of Bresee were multi-faceted, serving as an effective run stuffer and regularly putting pressure on the pocket from the interior. Which version of Bresee will we see in the NFL?
36. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Drew Sanders originally starred for Alabama before transferring to Arkansas for a more expansive role. The Razorbacks deployed Sanders as a linebacker, allowing him to flex his extraordinary pass-rush ability and sideline-to-sideline mobility. He has work to do in coverage, but there is superstar potential here in the correct scheme.
37. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a productive pass rusher out of Kansas State, but he could have been even more productive. Through no fault of his own, FAU had 11 sacks that were only stopped by offensive holding. He had the quarterback dead to rights, and all the lineman could do was hold Anudike-Uzomah to prevent the sack.
He is disruptive off the snap, utilizing a sudden first step and several different pass-rushing moves to get home. Anudike-Uzomah’s motor never runs out of gas, and he typically gets better as the game grows old, something most pass rushers cannot say.
38. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Here we go, start up the “Hunter Haas hates Will Levis” hype train. Relative to the top three quarterbacks on my board, perhaps this does come off as disrespectful, but I still can see a path to Levis being successful in the NFL. He is built like a statue, possesses ample arm strength, and is a real threat to create with his legs.
My issues with Levis come from a fundamental standpoint. First, he lacks the proper feel in the pocket to avoid pressure. This results in Levis speeding up his process once he feels pressure, forcing him into sloppy lower-body mechanics, ultimately hurting his accuracy.
Another concern is his tendency to play ‘hero ball’. It happens sometimes with guys that have insane arm talent, but it doesn’t always translate well from college to the NFL. Levis threw several interceptions in college and had many more turnover-worthy plays. The upside is there, but at age 24, he is too unpolished for my liking on day one. Well worth it on day two, though.
39. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The third tight end on this list looks like he is from another planet. Darnell Washington is nearly 6-foot-7 and weighs more than 260 pounds. He ran a 4.64 40-yard dash with a 1.61 10-yard split. Read that again… there are no typos.
Washington looks the part on tape, ranking toward the top of the country in explosive play rate, thanks to his 17.2 yards per reception in his career. Now, Washington has been limited in terms of route running and must prove he can separate at the next level, but at minimum, a team gets a superstar blocker with immediate red-zone chops.
40. Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
My favorite center in the 2023 NFL Draft is Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann. Tippmann was unable to work out this off-season, but I trust the tape, and the tape says he is the best athlete at the position — by a long shot. The Badger center is refined, agile, powerful, and a natural-born leader. Everything a team wants in the middle of the offensive line.
41. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner finally makes an appearance at No. 41. Don’t let the grade fool you, because I see Jordan Addison as a stalwart in the NFL for the next decade if he can stay healthy. He is an adept route runner, consistently coming out his breaks clean and utilizing his elite fluidity to change directions on a dime. Addison’s hands are reliable, and he is a deceptive threat after the catch.
My reason for keeping him outside of day one is his build. He is unbelievably slim and did not fare well against press coverage vs. Oregon State. Addison will struggle to keep weight on his meager frame, and this could result in durability issues. While guys like DeVonta Smith have started to buck the trend, there is a long list of sub-180-pound receivers that never reached their potential.
42. Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
Derick Hall is being slept on in a deep EDGE class. He graded above 80 as a pass rusher (via PFF) all three seasons as a primary player for Auburn. Just as important, Hall is a devastating run defender. He loves to stop a ball carrier in his tracks and bury him in the turf.
Hall mostly won in college by “out-talenting” his opponents, but in order to continue producing on Sundays, he must introduce more moves into his pass-rushing arsenal. He could change direction better, but that is less of a concern given his instincts and pristine tackling angles.
43. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Trenton Simpson is a tricky evaluation because he essentially needs a position created for him. Simpson is not big enough to be a stack linebacker, but he is too big to be a standard defensive back in the slot. His explosion as a blitzer and tackler gives a glimpse of the role he could fill for a defensive unit.
Ideally, Simpson will take on a role similar to former Clemson alum Isaiah Simmons. Panthers’ Jeremy Chinn is another guy used in a myriad of ways, giving whatever team that drafts Simpson a blueprint. Still, the jack-of-all-trades but the master-of-none concern is a valid one.
44. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Dawand Jones is built like a school bus and moves like one too. Jones is 6-foot-8 and weighs 374 pounds while boasting a mind-blowing 89.5-inch wingspan. His size allows Jones to dominate in the run game, and his length helps slow down pass rushers off the edge.
But the size is not always a good thing. His long arms get locked up at times, and he tends to play with a high-pad level, resulting in defenders gaining leverage, ultimately mitigating his power. Jones can move well for his size, but the obvious limitations bring his ceiling down as a right tackle.
45. Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Julius Brents is not Tariq Woolen, but he is pretty darn close. The difference between the two is top-end speed and Brents’ rawness in man coverage. Both guys stand at 6-foot-4 and weigh north of 205 pounds, but where the Kansas State cornerback has the edge is as a tackler.
Brents is willing and able to help in run support and further downfield after the catch. He always squares up his target and wraps up consistently. This trait helps Brents excel in zone coverage, allowing him to use his absurd short-area agility to shut down his section of the field. If he cleans up his ability in man coverage, Brents could be a top player at the position, ala Woolen.
46. Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
Will McDonald IV is as good at getting to the quarterback as there is in the class. He has plenty of moves at his disposal and possesses ideal length off the edge.
Where I have issues with McDonald is his ability as a run defender. He lacks the play strength to be a difference-maker in this area and fails to diagnose the play as it unfolds. His upside is Yannick Ngakoue range, a former first-rounder. I just cannot stomach using a day-one pick on a one-trick pony.
47. BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
BJ Ojulari fits a lot of the same points I made about Will McDonald. What puts McDonald ahead of Ojulari is his length, as the LSU pass rusher possesses short arms, hampering his ability to effectively set the edge. Nonetheless, Ojulari is a captivating watch as he pursues the quarterback.
He has a slew of moves to throw at opposing linemen, combining them with his natural burst to pressure the quarterback. Ojulari is a bit more polished as a pass rusher at this point, but he scares me more in the run game than McDonald. Ultimately, both are worth taking early on day two.
48. Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
A former pass catcher at Nevada, Daiyan Henley flipped to the defensive side of the ball and found his calling. After transferring to Washington State, Henley used his experience on offense to develop an extraordinary feel for the game. He can sniff out play actions, diagnose plays pre-snap, and is exceptional in coverage.
Given his physical traits, Henley’s game stretches from sideline to sideline. He even shows promise as an occasional blitzer. His inexperience and lack of ideal size keep him from day-one status, but he is one of my favorite players on day two.
49. Sydney Brown, SAF, Illinois
Sydney Brown joins Devon Witherspoon in the top 50, with another Illinois defensive back not too far behind. Brown is a former track star who uses his speed to generate monster hits on unsuspecting ball carriers. He graded in the 87th percentile in explosion via RAS.
Brown is versatile, serving as a box safety and deep safety during his time with the Illini. He processes the game at a high speed, regularly seeing plays before they unfold. Brown is undersized, and his style of play could lead to durability issues down the line, making him a day-two grade.
Mid Day 2 Grades
50. Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
For whatever reason, Mekhi Blackmon does not appear on many top 100 Big Boards, let alone the top 50. But I see a legitimate starting cornerback with some of the best man coverage traits in the class. The former Colorado defensive back battled through injuries most of his career but saved his best for last after transferring to USC in 2022.
Blackmon posted the best coverage grade of any cornerback in the country (via PFF) and showcased slippery hips and elite mirroring ability in man coverage. As a zone defender, Blackmon locks down his area of the field and is always willing to help out as a tackler.
This is where the size concerns come into play. While I believe in Blackmon’s talents, it is impossible to look past his injury history and minuscule size. He is also an older prospect who didn’t break out until his final season in college. I acknowledge the risks, but the talent is enough to keep him in my top 50.
51. Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
52. DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
53. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
54. John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
55. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
56. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
57. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
58. Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
59. Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
60. Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
61. Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
62. Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
63. Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
64. Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
65. Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse
66. Steve Avila, OL, TCU
67. Jartavius “Quan” Martin, DB, Illinois
68. Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
69. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
70. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
71. Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue
72. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
73. Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
74. Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
75. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
76. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
77. Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
78. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
79. Chandler Zavala, OL, NC State
80. YaYa Diaby, DL, Louisville
81. Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
82. DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
83. Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
84. Jordan Battle, DB, Alabama
85. Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
86. Byron Young, DT, Alabama
87. Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
88. Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Late Day 2 Grades
89. Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
90. Tyler Steen, OL, Alabama
91. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
92. Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
93. Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
94. Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
95. Jammie Robinson, DB, Florida State
96. Ji’Ayir Brown, DB, Penn State
97. Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
98. Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah
99. Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
100. Christopher Smith, DB, Georgia
101. Colby Wooden, DL, Auburn
102. Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
103. Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
104. Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
105. Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati
106. Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
107. Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
108. Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
109. Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Fringe Day 2 Grades
110. Andrew Vorhees, OL, USC
111. KJ Henry, EDGE, Clemson
112. JL Skinner, SAF, Boise State
113. Jaylon Jones, DB, Texas A&M
114. Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
115. Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
116. Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
117. AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest
Early Day 3 Grades
118. Brandon Joseph, SAF, Notre Dame
119. Nick Saldiveri, OL, Old Dominion
120. Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
121. Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
122. Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
123. Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville
124. Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
125. Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
126. Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
127. Viliami Fehoko, DL, San Jose State
128. Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
129. Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
130. Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
131. Mike Morris, DL, Michigan
132. Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
133. Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
134. Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
135. Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville
136. Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
137. Aubrey Miller Jr., LB, Jackson State
138. Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
139. Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
140. Mark Evans II, OL, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
141. Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
142. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
143. Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
144. Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
145. Tank Dell, WR, Houston
146. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
147. Andre Carter, EDGE, Army
148. Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
149. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
150. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
151. Jon Gaines, OL, UCLA
152. Ali Gaye, DL, LSU
153. Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU
154. DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
155. Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
156. Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
157. Hunter Luepke, FB, North Dakota State
158. Isaiah Land, LB, Florida A&M
159. Anthony Bradford, OL, LSU
160. Daniel Scott, DB, California
161. Jay Ward, DB, LSU
162. Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepherd
163. Habakkuk Baldonado, EDGE, Pittsburgh
164. Rejzohn Wright, CB, Oregon State
Mid Day 3 Grades
165. Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
166. Nick Broeker, OL, Ole Miss
167. Dee Winters, LB, TCU
168. Anthony Johnson, CB, Virginia
169. Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
170. Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
171. Jonah Tavai, DL, San Diego State
172. Jalen Redmond, DT, Oklahoma
173. DJ Johnson, EDGE, Oregon
174. Myles Brooks, CB, Louisiana Tech
175. Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
176. McClendon Curtis, OL, Chattanooga
177. Joey Fisher, OL, Shepherd
178. Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
179. Jaxson Kirkland, OL, Washington
180. Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
181. Will Mallory, TE, Miami
182. Robert Beal Jr., LB, Georgia
183. Jeremy Banks, LB, Tennessee
184. Bumper Pool, LB, Arkansas
185. Puka Nucua, WR, BYU
186. Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
187. Mekhi Garner, CB, LSU
188. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
189. Emil Ekiyor, OL, Alabama
190. Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan
191. Matt Landers, WR, Arkansas
192. Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
193. Jerrod Clark, DT, Coastal Carolina
194. Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas
195. Brenton Cox, EDGE, Florida
196. Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
197. Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
198. Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
199. Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
Late Day 3 Grades
200. Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
201. Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah
202. Antonio Mafi, OL, UCLA
203. Jadakis Bonds, WR, Hampton
204. BJ Thompson, EDGE, Stephen F. Austin
205. Nick Hampton, EDGE, App State
206. Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
207. Dontay Demus, WR, Maryland
208. Ronnie Hickman, DB, Ohio State
209. Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State
210. Nic Jones, CB, Ball State
211. Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
212. Devonnsha Maxwell, DL, Chattanooga
213. Tavius Robinson, DL, Ole Miss
214. Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan
215. Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan
216. Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
217. Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
218. Dylan Horton, EDGE, TCU
219. Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State
220. Jake Andrews, OL, Troy
221. Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
222. Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue
223. Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
224. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
225. Benny Sapp III, DB, Northern Iowa
226. Tyler Richardson, DB, Tiffin
227. Michael Irons, CB, Cornell
228. Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern
229. SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
230. Henry Bainivalu, OL, Washington
231. Jake Moody, K, Michigan
232. Thomas Incoom, EDGE, Central Michigan
233. Asim Richards, OL, North Carolina
234. Mitchell Tinsley, WR, Penn State
235. Derius Davis, WR, TCU
236. Dallas Daniels, WR, Jackson State
237. Carter Warren, OL, Pittsburgh
238. Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
239. Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia
240. Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
241. Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
242. Jordan Howden, DB, Minnesota
243. Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
244. Mo Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota
245. Eku Leota, EDGE, Auburn
246. Ryan Hayes, OL, Michigan
247. Chamarri Conner, DB, Virginia Tech
248. Kaevon Merriweather, DB, Iowa
249. DeMarcco Hellams, DB, Alabama
250. Michael Turk, P, Oklahoma
251. Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
PFA/UDFA Grades
Jalen Wayne, WR, South Alabama
Jalen Cropper, WR, Fresno State
Jack Colletto, FB, Oregon State
Derek Parish, FB, Houston
Ochaun Mathis, EDGE, Nebraska
Trevor Reid, OT, Louisville
Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan
Trey Dean III, DB, Florida
Jason Taylor II, DB, Oklahoma State
Quindell Johnson, DB, Memphis
Cameron Brown, CB, Ohio State
Camerun Peoples, RB, App State
Tiyon Evans, RB, Louisville
RaJae Johnson-Sanders, WR, Troy
Jake Bobo, WR, UCLA
Starling Thomas V, CB, UAB
Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State
Cam Jones, LB, Indiana
Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Texas
Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
Elijah Cooks, WR, San Jose State
Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, LSU
Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
Jacob Copeland, WR, Maryland
Shaquan Davis, WR, South Carolina State
Steven Gilmore, CB, Marshall
Arquon Bush, CB, Cincinnati
Ventrell Miller, LB, Florida
Brandon Hill, DB, Pittsburgh
Gervarrius Owens, DB, Houston
Monte Pottebaum, FB, Iowa
Lonnie Phelps, EDGE, Kansas
DJ Coleman, EDGE, Missouri
Deuce Watts, WR, Tulane
Jadon Haselwood, WR, Arkansas
Xazavian Valladay, RB, Arizona State
Tyler Lacy, DL, Oklahoma State
Truman Jones, DL, Harvard
Noah Gindorff, TE, North Dakota State
Blake Whiteheart, TE, Wake Forest
CJ Johnson, WR, East Carolina
Isaac Cochran, OL, Air Force
Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor
Desjuan Johnson, DL, Toledo
Cory Durden, DT, NC State
Jordan McFadden, OL, Clemson
Tanner McCalister, DB, Ohio State
Kearis Jackson, WR, Georgia
Haas Football 