Only five days to go until the annual Player Selection Meeting is finally underway and the time is fast approaching to decide who exactly you want for your team on day one. All of the players on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board are worthy selections on Friday, but only the top 18 carry early to mid-first-round grades.
Check out my most recent first-round mock draft (to be updated before the big event next week.)
2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking the top 50 prospects
Grade: Early Round 1 – 6’4/236lbs
The upside in Richardson is undeniable and he is the number one player on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. He profiles as a bonafide superstar and possesses the highest ceiling of all the signal-callers in this year’s draft. He may not hit these lofty projections until year two or three, but he is more polished than the casual NFL Draft fan may realize.
Richardson has an exceptional arm, is much more advanced in terms of his processing than many will lead you to believe, and has legitimate “face of the NFL” potential. He may not start immediately but is a long-term investment worth taking as high as number one overall.
He plays in a system that requires him to make pre-snap adjustments, and protection calls and is closer to a pro-style offense than the schemes within which some of his draft peers have been developed.
Richardson most certainly is not the finished article but displays the sheer physical brilliance that will appeal to any franchise.
Early R1 – 6’0/222lbs
The best runner to enter the league over the last half-decade, Robinson can do it all and is an unfortunate victim of the depreciation of running backs. He deserves to be a top-five pick.
Robinson has terrific size, vision, and power through the tackle. His initial burst is excellent and is equally effective moving North/South as he is East/West.
The ex-Longhorn has a real lateral quickness and can explode to the edge on outside runs and moves through the gears smoothly in the open field, demonstrating real elusiveness.
Robinson is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield and will immediately become an upper-echelon, three-down back when he reaches the NFL.
Early R1 – 6’4/229lbs
Far too many analysts have spent too long nitpicking Levis for what he cannot do. The loss of his OC and several weapons in 2022, compounded by awful protection and a string of injuries tempered his stat line and performances last year.
The fact remains that he has effortless velocity on his throws to all levels of the field and runs a more advanced offense than some of his peers. Levis truly has a (self-proclaimed) “cannon” that is the most powerful in the class, alongside a physical profile that will tantalize evaluators, allowing him to also be a threat as a runner.
His potential is off the charts and if developed in the right environment, the sky is the limit.
Early R1 – 6’4/253lbs
Premium ability, premium collegiate background, premium character. Anderson is the safest pick in the top 10. Arguments can be made for Tyree Wilson possessing a higher upside at the position, but Anderson provides a high floor and will instantly become a leader in whichever locker room he ends up in. Production took a dip in 2022, but he remains an effective pass rusher who has a great feel for the game and he has to be closely accounted for on every snap.
Early R1 – 6’3/214lbs
Stroud was the presumptive first-overall pick as recently as a month ago, but his odds have since tumbled. Irrespective of this, he still has every claim on the top spot and is only the third-ranked QB in these rankings because he does not quite have the physical prowess or the stratospheric ceiling of Richardson or Levis.
If it is floor you are after, Stroud has it. With poise in the pocket, touch on his throws to all levels of the field, and the best accuracy in the class, the Ohio State product could end up with the most successful career of them all if he lands in the right spot.
Some concerns remain about his mobility and ability to create outside of structure, but he went some way to dispelling this projection against Georgia and that will satiate some scouts. He is also more reliant on taking his reads from the sideline than the other three signal callers in the class, but the fact remains that Stroud is well above average across all aspects of quarterback play and should be a top-ten pick.
Early R1 – 5’10/204lbs
Young is currently the odds-on favorite to go number one overall to the Carolina Panthers and it is easy to see why. A natural playmaker with an ability beyond what some simply describe as a “point guard” at the position, Young can process at a high level and throw with advanced anticipation.
He has decent mobility and can throw on the run as required, but also does a great job in keeping focussed on plays developing downfield in order to make the big play where possible. Young has a decent arm, but it does not ‘wow’ like his peers in this draft and sometimes lacks a little zip.
Having said that, he possesses excellent accuracy and will be an immediate leader within the Panthers locker room, if he is drafted with the first overall selection.
Early R1 – 6’0/181lbs
An ultra-competitive corner who hits like a freight train, Witherspoon is just so sudden and twitchy. He is one of the most exciting defensive players to watch in the draft and his style just leaps off the screen. Fluid in coverage, Witherspoon changes direction in an instant and what he lacks slightly in oily hips, he makes up for with incomparable burst and explosion. A natural playmaker, he finished with three interceptions and 14 passes defended in 2022.
Early R1 – 6’6/271
Enticing length, raw power, and a ceiling higher than Will Anderson’s, Tyree Wilson has the potential to be the first defender off the board if a team falls in love with the idea of what he could become.
He flashes on tape and if you just watch his highlights, then it would be easy to proclaim him the best player on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. His pass-rush fundamentals are still developing, but he is already able to beat blockers with relative ease using his lateral quickness, bend, and powerful swipe.
Will be effective rushing both off the edge and shaded inside thanks to his pterodactyl frame and ability to convert a quick first step to real power. If Wilson can become more refined with his plan of attack, he has the potential to be a real threat to QBs in the NFL and become a double-digit sack artist.
Early R1 – 6’5/333lbs
The best pure tackle in the draft. Wright may be limited to the right side, but he will become a stalwart in this position for whoever drafts him.
He is an explosive prospect and plays with considered patience utilizing his huge frame effectively. This physical ability allows him to lock on to his opponent and redirect them easily in both the pass and run game. Has better feet than expected for such a big man and finishes his blocks with an aggression that is exciting to watch.
Shut down Will Anderson during the 2022 season and is a real bully on the outside. Has a great anchor, it is nigh-on impossible to go through him, and is a powerful blocker in the run game. Best in the class in that regard.
Early R1 – 6’4/249lbs
See complete tight end rankings by clicking this link with more on why Mayer is TE1 within this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board.
The best tight end in the class. Possesses short area burst and agility with an exceptional ability to make contested catches with bodies draped all over him. Mayer has soft hands with a huge catch radius, always managing to highpoint the ball. He is an effective blocker with room to grow in this area and embraces contact. Not afraid to do the dirty work. Simply the most well-rounded tight end prospect and excels across a multitude of areas needed to play the position to an elite level.
Defense dominates picks #11-20 in the 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Early R1 – 6’4/313lbs
An exceptional left tackle at the collegiate level for Northwestern, Skoronski deserves a shot to compete to play on the blind side but is likely to end up at guard. All-Pro potential inside, Skoronski is a technician with great awareness and balance. He lacks the ideal length, but has good overall mass and power, displaying a sound anchor and ability to be able to drive his man backward. Safe pick and scheme versatile, the top interior offensive lineman on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board.
Early-Mid R1 – 6’1/197lbs
With length, great instincts for the position, and the fluid athleticism required to stay close to his man in coverage, Gonzalez has CB1 potential at the next level. He has a prototypical body and an excellent ability to compete at the catch point. Is not as twitchy as Witherspoon, but a smooth mover and has impressive jets for a bigger corner, running a 4.38 forty at the combine.
Erupted for jumps of 41.5″ (vertical) and 11’1″ (broad) at the event, highlighting an explosive athlete. Tackling and angles in pursuit can be inconsistent, but he is willing and will continue to improve across the board as the level of opposition increases.
Early-Mid R1 – 6’3/314lbs
Eyebrows may be raised at Carter being so low, but the concerns around this prospect off the field are loud enough to warrant a serious pause for thought. He has a legitimate claim to be the best player overall, but this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board is not just based on potential, it is also a projection of how likely each prospect is to achieve their ceiling. Carter is much maligned and murmurings about his passion for the game could prevent him from reaching the upper echelons of the NFL elite.
His natural talent shows a player who can dominate his opponent and win against double teams consistently. He has speed off the snap and can shoot a gap before offensive linemen have a chance to react. Even when he is knocked off course, his ability to contort his body and wriggle free without losing an ounce of power is exceptional.
Carter’s pass-rush instincts are among the best in the class, he plays with controlled violence and can comfortably plug the run when required. Overall, he is an extremely well-rounded player and if his light bulb turns on, will be among the best of the best and one team will have gotten themselves a steal if he is drafted outside the top four or five picks.
Early-Mid R1 – 6’1/196lbs
The most technically sound and top receiving prospect on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board, Smith-Njigba does much of his damage in the slot. He immediately comes into the league with a high floor and he will have an impact as an effective weapon who can tough it out across the middle of the field.
Questions remain about his ceiling though; can he hit the giddy heights of a bona fide WR1? Smith-Njigba is a decisive route runner, who is smooth through his breaks. He is able to consistently extend and catch the ball in stride, ripping the ball away from defenders in contested catch situations.
Change of direction is off the charts for a bigger slot and he runs with a purpose and real vision. Has enough speed and acceleration to be effective on deeper shots, but this is not his game. The safest bet to become a solid WR2 at the very least.
Mid R1 – 6’0/197lbs
A feisty, sticky cornerback who simply competes on every play. Banks recorded a sensational 4.35 forty and a 42-inch vertical at the combine to go along with an 11’4″ broad jump. He looked smooth for a big corner during drills and has a physical, defined frame. CB3 on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board and will be suited to any scheme.
Mid R1 – 6’5/272lbs
Van Ness is an incredibly enticing prospect and could go higher than this after an impressive combine. His potential to play across the defensive line is limitless. Plays with a violent mentality along with the bend and agility of a man twenty pounds lighter. Can win in a multitude of different ways and will be a threat rushing the passer both inside and outside of the tackles.
Mid R1 – 6’1/281lbs
Parallels to Aaron Donald raise unfair expectations of Kancey, but his collegiate background and play style naturally lead to such bold predictions. Kancey has an exciting combination of short-area bust, pass-rush moves, and violent explosion that allow him to be a menacing QB hunter.
The Pitt product should become a penetrative three-tech at the next level, but size limitations may mean that he never becomes a true three-down defender. His frame may not allow him to be able to absorb double teams consistently due to his smaller frame and shorter arms. Regardless, he deserves his place in round one and is a dynamic player who will wreak havoc in the NFL.
Mid R1 – 6’4/239lbs
The most naturally explosive pass rusher on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. McDonald almost appears too quick for himself sometimes! He is long and bendy and possesses a devastating spin move that is well-documented after his impressive Senior Bowl week.
Despite a more slender frame than some of his peers, run defense is not a major worry for McDonald as he maintains excellent play strength and contact balance. His smooth movement skills around the arc are complemented by effective hand counters and McDonald is likely to become a sack artist playing within a 3-4 OLB at the next level.
Mid-Late R1 – 5’11/178lbs
Legitimate man-to-man skills and an ultra-competitive demeanor make Turner an exciting prospect. A 4.26 forty matches Tariq Woolen from last year and will turn heads. Displayed real explosiveness at the combine and was undoubtedly the most impressive corner at the event. Turner has excellent hips, precise movement in coverage, and the desire to hit. Should find a home in the first round.
Mid-Late R1 – 6’3/323lbs
Smith has the potential to become an NFL force on the interior of the defensive line. He will absorb blockers, allowing others to eat, as well as providing his brand of pocket-collapsing havoc. Smith possesses overwhelming size and unparalleled athletic traits and will make any defensive line immediately more intimidating.
A combination of raw power, the ability to get off blocks and contort his massive body into unexpected positions hint at a sky-high ceiling. Only scratching the surface of his potential, Smith has not yet become a player who can fill up a stat sheet, but the upside in this area of his game is crying out to be developed. Best football is still ahead of him.
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.
2023 NFL Draft Big Board prospects #33-50
33. Myles Murphy — Edge, Clemson
Early R2 – 6’5/268lbs
Some see him as the next best edge prospect after Will Anderson, others see him as a player who has taken it easy throughout his collegiate career, knowing that he can get by on his superior athletic gifts. The reality is that he is somewhere in between, meaning that he receives a high second-round grade in this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board.
As alluded to, Murphy is a phenomenal natural athlete and is a big end prospect. He has dominant reps but often leaves you wanting more and appears slightly stiff. If he can put it all together, he will outperform this grade because the traits are enticing.
34. Steve Avila — Interior Offensive Lineman, TCU
Early R2 – 6’3/332lbs
Impressive Senior Bowl performance catapulted him up these rankings. Top interior lineman, Avila has overwhelming strength, an impressive anchor, and can play multiple spots on the line. Aggressive mentality and is a tone-setter with no discernible difference of ability in the pass or run game.
35. Brian Branch — Safety, Alabama
Early R2 – 6’0/190lbs
Slipped a little after being deemed only an average athlete by many, Branch remains a Rolls Royce of a defender on the back end. Could be a slot-corner convert at the next level, Branch can cover multiple slots and has a high-level understanding of the game. Will go higher than this thanks to his smarts and pedigree.
36. John Michael Schmitz — Interior Offensive Lineman, Minnesota
Early R2 – 6’4/301lbs
Likely an instant starter at the center position and is likely to be a safe pick at the back end of round one. Schmitz uses his hands well and can consistently win the leverage battle thanks to his ideal frame, timing, excellent pad level, and wrestling background. A real Senior Bowl winner and has two-contract potential according to Jim Nagy.
37. Derick Hall — Edge, Auburn
Mid R2 – 6’3/256lbs
Versatility in terms of how he opts to rush the passer, good testing profile, and excellent collegiate production. Hall has a motor that always runs hot, is an alpha on defense, and could hear his name called on day one.
38. Joey Porter Jr — Cornerback, Penn State
Mid R2 – 6’3/193lbs
A first-round talent in the eyes of many, Porter has is all from a physical standpoint – size, length, ball skills, strong hands that can reroute receivers and toughness. In certain schemes, he will be a clear CB1, but he may not be everyone’s cup of tea as he is not the quickest to react and does have slower feet than all corners ranked higher on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. Porter is also extremely grabby during routes and will pick up flags regularly in the NFL unless he cleans this area of his game up. Oozes potential, but needs refinement.
39. Nolan Smith — Edge, Georgia
Mid R2 – 6’2/238lbs
Smith is an impressive athlete who dominated at the combine, but it is difficult to envisage his three-down role in the NFL. He is a tough run defender at the college level, but questions will be asked about his size and how it will hold up in this phase of the game at the next level. If he was to put on additional bulk, it is possible that he could slow down and lose some of his explosion, which will give him the tweener label in the eyes of some.
As a linebacker, he is not overly impressive in coverage and so his best position may be as a designated pass rusher. No matter what, Smith will find a home in the pros thanks to his overall technique and alpha character. An interesting prospect to follow as he embarks upon his pro career.
40. Jahmyr Gibbs — Running Back, Alabama
Mid R2 – 5’9/199lbs
Lethal in the passing game with soft hands, Gibbs has star potential out of the backfield. If he was a touch bigger, he would be a first-round talent on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. Gibbs put the Alabama offense on his back at times last year with his 44 receptions and thanks to his blazing 4.36 speed is a threat to take one to the house on any play. Does not have tons of power and is not a major threat running inside, but his lateral movement, quick, choppy feet, and lightning acceleration are a perfect complement to his vision outside. He will make almost any defender miss in space and has Christian McCaffrey upside.
41. Julius Brents — Cornerback, Kansas State
Mid R2 – 6’3/198lbs
At the combine, Brents recorded a 4.05 shuttle and 6.63-second three-cone – outstanding times for a corner of his size. A 4.53 forty is only disappointing when viewed in a vacuum versus some of the other times set down and will be more than sufficient. Brents has 34-inch arms and registered a 41.5-inch vertical jump alongside a 11’6″ broad jump which are exceptional marks. He is a dream prototype in zone, but has the instincts and blend of size and burst to play successfully in man. Will go higher than expected.
42. Zach Charbonnet — Running Back, UCLA
Mid R2 – 6’0/214lbs
Charbonnet has terrific size and runs with real authority, vision, and contact balance. He is not the quickest of running backs on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board, but has plenty of long speed and is able to use decisive footwork, sudden lateral cuts, and power to breeze through traffic. He rarely goes down on first contact and is a genuine tackle-breaker. Possessing solid hands in the receiving game, Charbonnet has three-down, lead-back potential.
43. Kelee Ringo — Cornerback, Georgia
Mid R2 – 6’2/207lbs
Tricky prospect to evaluate as far as his draft value stands. Has been in plenty of first-round mocks, but has an equal number of detractors who see him as a stiff athlete in coverage who gets beaten too easily. As a result, some see him as a safety convert. Likely to have some great admirers though, as he has the prototypical size and tantalizing upside to play as a perimeter corner if his rough edges can be coached smooth.
44. Keeanu Benton — Interior Defensive Lineman, Wisconsin
Mid R2 – 6’4/309lbs
Benton is a rising prospect who deserves to be taken on day two. He has a real fluidity to his game which is impressive to see at 309 pounds and is a genuine pass-rush threat on the interior. The ex-Badger is also a stout run defender with a strong anchor and powerful frame that allows him to plug gaps no matter where he is aligned whether that be at nose tackle or three tech.
45. Keion White — Edge, Georgia Tech
Mid R2 – 6’4/285lbs
Major upside, albeit a touch older, White is quite the physical specimen. He may start out in a rotation but has the upside to grow into a starter and play multiple alignments once his technical issues are ironed out. Double-digit sack potential if he can put it all together.
46. Jack Campbell — Linebacker, Iowa
Mid R2 – 6’5/249lbs
The best true MIKE in the 2023 NFL Draft, ‘Captain Jack’ ticks both the character and agility boxes to play the position for a long time at the next level. Tested better than expected at the combine; among linebackers, he topped the three-cone and shuttle drills with excellent times of 6.74 and 4.24 seconds respectively and came second and third in the broad and vertical jumps, too. His forty is a fast enough 4.65, but the agility drills will catch the eye of most. Excellent in coverage and plays with a real old-fashioned physicality in the run game.
47. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge — Kansas State
Mid R2 – 6’3/255lbs
Plays with intent and impressive strength for his weight class, the Kansas State alum has been extremely productive over the past two seasons with 19.5 sacks and 25.5 TFL in that timeframe. Anudike-Uzomah is undoubtedly an opportunistic playmaker but lacks a little refinement. The raw tools are there though and if he can translate his intensity into a pass rush plan and an ability to counter effectively, then he will accumulate an above-average number of sacks at the NFL level too.
48. Joe Tippmann, Interior Offensive Lineman — Wisconsin
Mid R2 – 6’6/313lbs
Reportedly an excellent and calm communicator with a high football IQ, Tippmann is a clean prospect who could immediately come in and start for a center-needy team. He is an effortless mover for a center of his height who is forced to play in such tight quarters and does not often lose the leverage battle despite his size. Having the requisite athleticism to be able to adjust and react to changing angles, Tippmann should enjoy a long career in the NFL.
49. Sam LaPorta, Tight End — Iowa
Mid R2 – 6’3/245lbs
LaPorta is a chain mover. He is less showy than either of the two tight end prospects ranking ahead of him on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board but the ex-Hawkeye has a good build, is effective after the catch, and breaks tackles in the open field.
Less flashy than Kincaid in the passing game and not quite as sure-handed as Mayer, LaPorta nonetheless is an exciting prospect with a legitimate NFL skillset. He already has a varied route tree and will not be overawed when he reaches the NFL. During his collegiate career, LaPorta lined up inline, as a big slot and out wide often, and was effective across the formation, even used as part of the screen game.
50. Michael Wilson, Wide Receiver — Stanford
Mid R2 – 6’2/213lbs
There is no doubt that Michael Wilson deserves a home within the top 50 of this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board. He has great size and speed and has all the attributes to become a seriously good all-around receiver at the next level. He does not have any glaring weaknesses, can play inside and out, and is an intelligent and nuanced route runner. The concern is his injury history. Has not completed a season since 2029. If it was not for this, he would have much more hype and be ranked a lot higher.
Like what you see? Disagree with some of the rankings on this 2023 NFL Draft Big Board? Let me know on Twitter @BenAMatthews. Prospects 50-100 coming soon…