NFL Draft prospects 2023: Updated big board of top 50 players overall, position rankings

For college football's returning top performers, the kickoff of the 2022 season is also the first step in their path toward a high pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Some of the biggest stars from the biggest programs will see limited change in their stock from September through April, while others are bound to go up and down based on their play. There also will be several players who will crash the party later as sudden risers.

For now, here are the 50 prospects NFL teams should have highest on their watchlist:

MOCK DRAFT: Alabama, Georgia, Clemson rule first round; Notre Dame, Ohio State also flex

NFL Draft prospects 2023: Big board of top 50 players

1. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 235 pounds)

Anderson is a freakish combination of strength, power, quickness and explosiveness. He has put it all together for top-flight production and is both relentless and technically sound. He will be hard to pass up at No. 1 overall, even vs. a franchise QB.

2. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 215 pounds)

Stroud is a sturdy and cerebral pocket passer. He reads the field and leads his team with superior intangibles. HIs arm and athleticism don't wow as individual elements, but he is very accurate and adept at sidestepping pressure to deliver downfield.

3. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson (6-5, 275 pounds)

Murphy has awesome explosive qualities and power for his size, too, to stand out as the second-best pass rusher in the class behind the incomparable Anderson. Murphy has terrific smarts, instincts and moves to help maximize his production.

4. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (6-3, 310 pounds)

The Bulldogs' post-national championship front now has a clear anchor with Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt all finding NFL homes. Carter is n  absolute disruptive force inside, combining all those recent draftees' qualities into a complete package.

5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (6-0, 197 pounds))

Smith-Njigba is following in the massive playmaking footsteps of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson as a complete go-to receiver for Stroud. He can take over games with his speed, quickness and route-running.

6. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (6-0, 194 pounds)

Young has special athleticism and intangible qualities beyond his age. He also has a strong fluid arm and easy motion with which to generate the right zip for intermediate and downfield throws. He can work within an explosive passing game with accuracy but also offers some dazzling improv.

7. Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama (6-2, 196 pounds)

Ricks has incredible size and length that allows him to stay with the biggest wide receivers in coverage. He can also outrun smaller wideouts and shows an extra gear in closing to make plays on the ball.

8. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (6-4, 251 pounds)

Mayer is a top-10 overall prospect because of exceptional athleticism, hands and route-running skills for his position. He has still room to grow to use his frame and physicality even better as a receiver and blocker.

9. Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (6-0, 190 pounds)

Boutte is right there with Smith-Njigba in being a smooth well-rounded receiver with speed, quickness, hands and route-running. He can stretch the field on the outside and also can be fearless positioning his body to make tougher catches inside.

10. Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson (6-5, 300 pounds)

What Bresee doesn't have in pure quickness and explosiveness, he makes up for with strong technique and footwork to get into position to stuff the run. He also can get to the quarterback at times inside and is relentless in working his blocker.

11. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (6-0, 215 pounds)

Robinson has unique burst with the big-play ability to take any run the distance with enough speed, vision and determination. He's light on his feet for his size, a quick cutter who can shoot through holes. Robinson, given his receiving skills and classic profile as a feature back, is a rare first-rounder for the position.

12. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (6-0, 205 pounds)

Ringo is an extremely athletic and physical corner, using every bit of size and frame well in aggressive coverage. He can make big plays on the ball but he just needs to work on being more consistent with his downfield technique.

13. Jordan Addison, WR, USC (6-0, 175 pounds)

Addison was the highest-profile transfer of the offseason, leaving Pitt for a different wide receiver factory. He has terrific athleticism and speed with which to stretch the field. Like some recent previous Trojans, his best role in the NFL at first might be as a dynamic slot.

14. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame (6-4, 257 pounds)

Foskey is technically sound and well-rounded pass rusher who also has a favorable blend of power and explosiveness. He could get better by becoming stronger vs. the run.

15. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (6-3, 225 pounds)

Simpson is a tough and fast freight train of a second-level defender. He reads plays well and has good on-ball instincts. He is well-balanced vs. run and pass.

16. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (6-3, 250 pounds)

Noah is the younger brother of former Oregon offensive tackle Penei, who was a first-round draft pick of the Lions last year. Noah is a terror for offenses as a tackling and playmaking machine. He still has room to grow his game while in coverage.

17. Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Alabama (6-2, 225 pounds)

To'oToo is the typical athletic and rangy 3-4 linebacker for NIck Saban. He covers a lot of ground and is technically sound. He is relentless in his pursuit against the run and finishes with pop as a tackler.

18. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 188 pounds)

Smith is another physically intriguing corner who uses his size and explosiveness well in coverage. He needs a little more work on technique and run support.

19. Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern (6-4, 315 pounds)

Much like former Northwestern star turned Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater, Skoronski has a great athletic profile. He has rare speed and quickness for his size and is a smooth and smart pass protector. He has good pedigree as the grandson of Packers legend Bob Skoronski.

20. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (6-3, 232 pounds)

Levis, a transfer from Penn State, is a well-rounded prospect who has show the arm, accuracy and athleticism to be an NFL starter soon. He is a solid pocket passer who excels at getting the ball out of his hands quickly.

21. Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland (6-6, 320 pounds)

Duncan stands out because of his experience and powerful, quick frame. Watch out for him rounding out his footwork and technique to become a more valued asset in pass protection.

22. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (5-11, 200 pounds)

Gibbs is a game-breaking runner with the required elements of pure speed, quickness and explosiveness. He also reads his blocks well with good vision.

23. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (6-4, 215 pounds)

From his size to his field-stretching speed, Johnston profiles well as a potential perimeter No. 1 in the NFL. He can make big plays but can also has reliable hands to help his consistency.

24. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (6-6, 310 pounds)

Johnson finishes well with his athleticism and footwork in pass protection. He is a willing strong run blocker with the mentality for it but he needs some refinement to be more effective in that area.

25. Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas (5-10, 201 pounds)

Catalon is a havoc-wreaking upfield safety. He can shoot upfield to be a tackling machine in run support and also is a fine blitzer. He is a classic strong safety type who could further boost his stock with improved coverage skills.

26. Tre'Vius Hodges Tomlinson, CB, TCU (5-9, 180 pounds)

Tomlinson is a smooth and fluid cover man, from short area to downfield. Because of his size, he projects as a long-time ace for the slot.

27. Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma (5-11, 184 pounds)

Mims makes a ton of big plays and he doest it both ways: Stretching the field deep and also showing the toughness and quickness to be a major force after the catch everywhere.

28. BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU (6-3, 245 pounds)

Ojulari uses his smarts, instincts, array of moves and classic finishing burst to win as a pass rusher. He needs to work on getting stronger and more physical against the run.

29. Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame (6-1, 192 pounds)

Joseph is a flat-out playmaker on the ball with dynamic athleticism and speed to cover all over the field. He is solid against the run and should regain his first-round status replacing Kyle Hamilton for Marcus Freeman.

30. Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (6-5, 316 pounds)

Nelson could have come out in 2022 but opted to go back to school to ensure a first-round grade. He is a smart and smooth pass protector who needs to round out his game a little more.

31. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia (6-3, 235 pounds)

Smith joins Carter in leading the latest iteration of Kirby Smart's defense with his pure explosiveness and speed as a pass rusher. He also is quick enough to get after against the run and in pass coverage.

32. Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M (6-3, 195 

Johnson uses his wide range to make a lot of plays on the ball in coverage. He gets around everywhere well and is also reliable in run support.

33. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (6-2, 198 pounds)

The son of the former Steelers star pass rusher has tremendous size and physicality for coverage and uses his reliable speed to make plays on the ball. He just needs to become more fluid and consistent.

34. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)

Battle is a well-rounded cover safety with the speed and quickness needed to stay with inside receivers. He needs to use his return to school to become a more reliable run supporter and better tackler.

35. Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-6, 275 pounds)

Wilson is a versatile pass rusher with a massive frame. He is very athletic for his size and could be used at multiple front seven positions in the NFL.

36. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State (6-8, 359 pounds)

Jones is a smart and sturdy pass protector who can blossom into a first-rounder in learning to use his footwork and quickness better.

37. Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland (6-0, 190 pounds)

Jarrett is a route-running and hands technician who can settle into a strong slot receiver in the NFL.

38. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (5-10, 175 pounds)

Downs has the athleticism and quickness to make a ton of big plays when working the open field on short-to-intermediate routes, especially after the catch.

39. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State (6-6, 272 pounds)

Harrison has the ideal frame and athleticism to become a dominant pro pass rusher with better usage of footwork, technique and leverage.

40. Arik Gilbert, TE, Georgia (6-5, 255 pounds)

Gilbert is a solid route-runner with great hands for the position. He needs to use his frame to get better at getting open in traffic and also become a more physical presence after the catch.

41. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee (6-7, 270 pounds)

Wright makes the watchlist because of his massive frame and athleticism to match. His season will be all about all-around refinement.

42. Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn (6-3, 256 pounds)

Hall has the suddenness, quickness and explosiveness to excel in the NFL and can raise his stock with another smooth, productive season.

43. Andrew Vorhees, G, USC (6-6, 325 pounds)

Vorhees is the traditional strong and powerful interior run blocker. He uses both his hands and feet to win his battles.

44. Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford (6-1, 190 pounds)

Kelly is what one might expect given his size, speed and aggressiveness profile. he is a big corner who goes after big plays in the Trevon Diggs mold but could benefit from more consistent coverage.

45. Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (6-4, 224 pounds)

Van Dyke pops well with his ideal frame, starring with his mighty arm and standout athleticism. He has a chance to be 2023's Kenny Pickett.

46. Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss (6-0, 215 pounds)

Evans has great speed, quickness and burst. He can excel as a receiving-dedicated back in the NFL.

47. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (6-4, 249 pounds)

LaPorta is the typical sturdy inline Hawkeyes tight end who has great hands and burst as a receiver on top of being a strong blocker.

48. Carter Warren, OT, Pitt (6-5, 325 pounds)

There's no questioning that Warren is a smooth and agile pass protector for the Panthers, but to get into the first round, he needs to use his size and strength better in the running game.

49. Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn (6-0, 213 pounds)

Bigsby is a well-round power runner who also incorporates some gamebreaking qualities with good toughness between the tackles.

50. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington (6-4, 241 pounds)

Tupuola-Fetui is a lanky pass rusher who gets the job done with quickness and athleticism. The question lies in developing the needed power and strength with a smaller frame to hold up against bigger, stronger NFL blockers.

NFL Draft 2023 prospect rankings by position 

Quarterbacks

1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
2. Bryce Young, Alabama
3. Will Levis, Kentucky
4. Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
5. Phil Jurkovec, Boston College
6. Tanner McKee, Stanford
7. Anthony Richardson, Florida

Running backs

1. Bijan Robinson, Texas
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
3. Zach Evans, Ole Miss
4. Tank Bigsby, Auburn
5. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Wide receivers

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
2. Kayshon Boutte, LSU
3. Jordan Addison, USC
4. Quentin Johnston, TCU
5. Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
6. Rakim Jarrett, Maryland
7. Josh Downs, North Carolina
8. Parker Washington, Penn State

Tight ends

1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
2. Arik Gilbert, Georgia
3. Sam LaPorta, Iowa
4. Erick All, Michigan
5. Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

Offensive linemen

1. Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
2. Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
3. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
4. Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
5. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
6. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
7. Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
8. Carter Warren, OT, Pitt
9. Emil Ekiyor, G, Alabama
10. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
11. John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

Edge rushers 

1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
2. Myles Murphy, Clemson
3. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
4. B.J. Ojulari, LSU
5. Nolan Smith, Georgia
6. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
7. Zach Harrison, Ohio State
8. Derick Hall, Auburn
9. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington
10. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Defensive tackles 

1. Jalen Carter, Georgia
2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson
3. Tyler Davis, Clemson
4. Mazi Smith, Michigan
5. Gervon Dexter, Florida

Linebackers 

1. Trent Simpson, Clemson
2. Noah Sewell, Oregon
3. Henry To'o To'o, Alabama
4. Mohamoud Diabate, Utah

Cornerbacks

1. Eli Ricks, Alabama
2. Kelee Ringo, Georgia
3. Cam Smith, South Carolina
4. Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
5. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
6. Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
7. Garrett Williams, Syracuse
8. Emmanuel Forbes, Ole Miss
9. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Safeties

1. Jalen Catalon, Arkansas
2. Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
3. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
4. Jordan Battle, Alabama
5. Tykee Smith, Georgia
6. Brian Branch, Alabama
7. Christopher Smith, Georgia

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