2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking the top 50 prospects

2023 NFL Draft Big Board prospects #21-32

21. Zay Flowers — Wide Receiver, Boston College

Mid-Late R1 – 5’9/182lbs

Could blossom into the best receiver in the class in a few years. Electrifying to watch, he is lightning in space and devastating throughout his routes. Has the best change of direction out of all of the receivers on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board and is extremely creative after the catch, slashing through defenders at will. Flowers’ timing through the catch is brilliant and always snags the ball in his stride. An exciting weapon for the next level.

22. Dalton Kincaid — Tight End, Utah

Late R1 – 6’4/246lbs

His body control is outstanding, and Kincaid can contort his body in preparation for the catch after the ball has been released by his QB, which is a sight to behold. It is outstanding how he makes such incredible adjustments with the ball in the air at his size.

These traits allow him to consistently win on 50/50 chances, and even 30/70 chances where the defensive back has an advantage. He is simply an excellent receiving weapon and has the build of an ideal modern-day tight end. Route running is also strong, but there is still room for improvement with his blocking. Nevertheless, a selection in round one would not be unwarranted.

23. Jonathan Mingo — Wide Receiver, Ole Miss

Late R1 – 6’2/220lbs

An exceptional frame and ability to play inside and out hint at his potential to become a true feature receiver at the next level. Mingo’s stock is scorching hot right now and he is shooting up draft boards. Tracks the ball in the air exceptionally well and is a gliding route runner, which is impressive for a bigger-bodied threat. This size enables him to box out defenders well and he displays soft hands. Great testing numbers highlight an explosive athlete, too, but the cat may be out of the bag after recently appearing in Peter Schrager’s first-round mock.

24. Dawand Jones — Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Late R1 – 6’8/374lbs

An absolute behemoth of a man. There have been tackles with similar measurables in recent drafts who have garnered hype simply due to their size and then flopped due to an inability to use such natural gifts correctly. Jones is not one of those and carries his weight well, moving smoothly on his feet and not overbalancing when reaching to make a block. This means that his momentum is not easily used against him and he can stay in control of reps. He has an exceptional length (36 3/8″ arms) and can simply bully and overpower defenders. Overlooked by many, Jones has immense potential and is the third-rated offensive tackle on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board.

25. Quentin Johnston — Wide Receiver, TCU

Late R1 – 6’3/208lbs

Not the finished product, but has immense potential as a real X-factor in the passing game. Johnston has a varied release, an excellent body for the position, and surprising speed. Has excellent ability after catch with the ball in his hands for a man of his size, but does not have the best hands; an area where he has to improve to reach his superstar potential.

26. Paris Johnson — Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Late R1 – 6’6/313lbs

Looks like a franchise left tackle. Has the measurables that most teams will covet and is the best natural mover of all the tackles on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. Possesses great feet, and advanced pass-protection mechanics for such a young prospect (21 years old). Johnson plays with control and when beaten, can recover well. He is not as much of a mauler in the run game as the tackles ranked higher, but will be able to improve his strength and power as he continues to develop his body. High ceiling and should stick at left tackle.

27. Drew Sanders — Linebacker, Arkansas

Early Round 2 – 6’4/235lbs

Plays with his hair on fire. Intriguing positional versatility as he can play either as a traditional middle linebacker or stand-up edge rusher and is a defensive weapon at the second level. Sanders will be asked to attack in any number of ways and will be just at home rushing the passer as he will be in coverage. He can comfortably sift through traffic against the run and will become a three-down, heart and soul player for whoever drafts him.

28. Bryan Bresee — Interior Defensive Lineman, Clemson

Early R2 – 6’5/298lbs

Great get-off and twitch, when Bresee is on, he is an extremely impressive talent and moves unlike many others at his position. He can win with both quicks and power and has an ideal frame and skillset to play three-tech. Whilst never quite fulfilling his potential at the collegiate level from a stat-sheet perspective, he still has plenty of high-level flashes that hint at a player who can do whatever job asked of him across the defensive line when he reaches the NFL.

29. Cedric Tillman — Wide Receiver, Tennessee

Early R2 – 6’3/213lbs

Injuries saw him struggle in 2022, but Tillman showed everything he is capable of the year before, finishing with 12 touchdowns across 1,081 yards for the Volunteers. That season highlighted a player with ideal size and strength to play outside, but also the skill, speed, and route running of a wideout who can line up anywhere. With top-notch ability in contested catch situations and tough across the middle of the field, Tillman is the more complete of the two Tennessee receivers who are expected to be taken in the first few rounds. His ranking on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board reflects this opinion.

30. Adetomiwa Adebawore — Edge, Northwestern

Early R2 – 6’2/282lbs

Blew the doors off at the combine after excelling at the Senior Bowl, Adebawore was named as the National team’s defensive line practice player of the week during the event in Mobile. He showed what a force of nature he is at the combine, running a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, with a 1.61 split at 282 pounds. His natural length and explosion scream first-rounder as he will be able to win from multiple alignments along the defensive line. May never become a double-digit sack artist, but he will have to be planned for as a constant disruptor in a similar way to how offenses feared Michael Bennett in the 2010s.

31. Broderick Jones — Offensive Tackle, Georgia

Early R2 – 6’5/311lbs

Screams potential, but just has a few areas where he is not quite as polished as some of his peers ranked above him on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. Hands and technique to truly dominate and stun his opponent are not quite there yet, but he certainly has the raw power and athleticism required to develop into a high-level starter. Jones is good in space and moves well with excellent powers of recovery. Future starter.

32. Josh Downs — Wide Receiver, North Carolina

Early R2 – 5’9/171lbs

Sensational downfield threat, has plenty of shake and wiggle to get open underneath, and clearly has an instinctive feel for the position. Downs lacks height but has the leaping ability and timing to pluck the ball out of the air above the head of the defender. Indeed, his size is the only real question mark regarding Downs’ transition to the next level.