2023 NFL Draft Offensive Big Board From Ryan McCrystal

Building an NFL draft board is a work in progress throughout the offseason. The NFL combine is always a significant step towards completing the process, and as players work through their pro days, the final touches can be put on the board.

Here’s how my top offensive prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft look right now. These rankings are based on my personal estimation of each player’s value, based on the assumption each prospect lands in an offensive scheme suited to his skill set.

• 2023 NFL Draft Big Board & Top 100 From Ryan McCrystal
• 2023 Defensive Big Board From Ryan McCrystal
• 2023 NFL Mock Draft From Ryan McCrystal
• 2023 NFL Mock Draft From Brendan Donahue

NFL Draft Offensive Big Board

1. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Stroud’s accuracy and processing ability should allow for a reasonably smooth transition to the NFL. He also throws a beautiful deep ball, which should immediately be featured in his new offense. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

At times, Stroud can be risk averse, which limits his production under pressure. He doesn't make many costly mistakes, but he’ll need to get more comfortable making decisions under pressure and taking calculated risks. 

Good team fits: Panthers, Texans, Colts, Seahawks, Lions, Raiders

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Smith-Njigba can win from the slot or the outside with precise routes and great hands. There’s a Keenan Allen-like quality to his game, in the sense that he’s greater than the sum of his parts. He just knows how to get open. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He’s not going to create separation with pure speed, which gives experienced cornerbacks a chance to stick with him. Essentially missed the entire 2022 season with a hamstring injury 一 teams will want to know more about why a seemingly minor injury lingered for so long. 

Good team fits: Falcons, Bears, Texans, Patriots, Packers, Steelers

3. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Young will be an immediate starter and should have some success right off the bat due to his processing ability. He’ll fit best in an offense built around the short, quick passing game.

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

It’s been well documented that Young is an outlier in terms of his size, both height and build. That’s less of a concern in terms of his production 一 his vision helps make up for it 一 but it is a factor in terms of projecting his health. A larger concern is his lack of top-tier arm strength 一 a good offensive staff can work around it, but in the wrong system, he’ll struggle.  

Good team fits: Texans, Colts, Lions

4. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Johnson has starting experience at guard and tackle, but his athleticism points to a long-term role at left tackle. His pass protection skills should quickly translate to success in the NFL. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

There’s not a lot of power to his game. Johnson doesn’t turn 22 until July, so there’s reason to believe it can be developed with time, but it could be a short-term issue. Anyone with a run-heavy offense looking for immediate production may have concerns. 

Good team fits: Bears, Jets, Commanders, Steelers, Raiders

5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Johnson is a three-down running back who should immediately be among the top 10-15 most talented ball carriers in the league. He wins with a blend of power and agility and is capable of contributing in the passing game. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Any criticism of Robinson sounds like nitpicking. That said, he could benefit from being more decisive as a runner 一 he gets caught dancing in the backfield a little too often. 

Good team fits: Texans, Patriots, Lions, Commanders, Chargers, Bills, Bengals, Saints, Eagles

6. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Jones looks like a prototypical NFL tackle with the length, strength, and athleticism to excel in any scheme. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can he make a smooth transition to a more traditional pass-heavy offense? Jones was not regularly asked to hold up on an island in a lot of traditional pass sets. Although he fared well in pass protection due to his raw skills, his inexperience showed in certain matchups, as he’d lose battles to some more polished edge-rushers with lesser talent. 

Good team fits: Bears, Jets, Commanders, Steelers

7. Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Skoronski was a three-year starter at left tackle who could potentially stay at tackle but also fits the physical profile of a top-tier interior lineman. He can fit into any blocking scheme, though potentially at different positions depending on the team. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Does he have the length and athleticism to hold up in pass protection at left tackle? Northwestern adjusted its passing attack significantly against top-tier competition like Ohio State and Michigan to put less stress on the offensive line. As a result, Skoronski doesn’t have a ton of reps in pass protection against NFL talent, and his measurables don’t quite stack up to the league’s top talent at the position.  

Good team fits: Bears, Eagles, Jets, Commanders, Buccaneers, Jaguars

8. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Jones is a behemoth of a right tackle, who wins with his length and power. He can play in any scheme, but it’s worth noting he excelled in a zone-heavy scheme at Ohio State. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can he handle speed rushers at the next level? His length makes him a tough matchup for anyone, but quick, bendy edge-rushers may be able to exploit Jones’s lack of quickness. He also must cut down on his penalties. 

Good team fits: Commanders, Steelers, Chargers, Ravens, Bills, Bengals, Chiefs

9. O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Torrence is a plug-and-play guard. He’ll fit any scheme but is especially well suited for a team hoping to lean on the power run game.  

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He’s not a great athlete and struggles in space. He’s going to lose some reps against more athletic interior pass-rushers and you’ll just have to live with that. 

Good team fits: Commanders, Steelers, Eagles, Bengals, Giants

10. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Kincaid is a pass-catching tight end with a nice blend of athleticism and size. He can stretch the field from the seam and will likely emerge as a useful red zone weapon. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Although he has the size for it, Kincaid is not consistently effective as a blocker and it could keep him off the field on early downs. It’s also worth noting that, although he’s a good athlete, he is not in an elite tier 一 typically tight ends who can’t block are tolerated due to special athletic traits. Certain teams just won’t see enough value in his combination of attributes. 

Good team fits: Commanders, Bengals, Buccaneers, Raiders, Patriots

11. Steve Avila, IOL, TCU

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Avila is a wide-bodied interior lineman with impressive length for the position. He wins with power and leverage and has the tools to start immediately at guard. His position versatility (he’s also started at right tackle and center) gives a boost to his value. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Quicker interior pass-rushers can cause problems 一 Avila lacks the light, quick feet to recover. He’ll also need to prove he can transition out of the Air Raid offense, into a scheme that requires more of him in pass protection. 

Good team fits: Steelers, Bills, Cowboys, Giants, Raiders, Titans 

12. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Harrison is a developmental left tackle prospect, who has already shown flashes of dominance in pass protection. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He played in two gimmicky schemes at Oklahoma under Lincoln Riley and then Jeff Lebby, which didn’t put much stress on the offensive line in pass protection. As a result, his NFL readiness in pass protection is a bit of an unknown. He also must cut down on the mental mistakes which led to 14 penalties over the last two seasons. 

Good team fits: Chiefs, Steelers, Cardinals, Rams, Titans

13. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Mayer is a throwback in-line tight end, who provides as much value with his blocking as receiving skills. He’s a three-down tight end, who should start immediately. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

If you’re looking for a dynamic weapon, Mayer isn’t your guy. In the passing game, he won’t be the focal point of the offense. He’s more of a security blanket for the quarterback 一 think of former Steelers tight end Heath Miller. 

Good team fits: Lions, Cowboys, Bengals, Packers, Commanders, Chargers, Jaguars, Dolphins

14. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Johnston is a developmental prospect with the physical tools of a prototypical number-one outside receiver in the NFL. At TCU, he did most of his damage after the catch and should make an immediate impact in the short passing game. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

To reach his potential Johnston needs to learn how to use his size to create separation downfield and make plays in contested situations. 

Good team fits: Chiefs, Giants, Cowboys, Vikings, Chargers, Bills, Texans, Cardinals

15. Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Wright is built like a boulder and excels in the run game. He primarily played tackle at Tennessee, but has some experience at guard and some teams will view him as an interior lineman. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can he handle NFL edge rushers? Tennessee’s quick passing game didn’t put a ton of pressure on the offensive line to hold up during extended dropbacks, so we haven’t really seen Wright continuously tested in pass protection. His athleticism is average at best for a tackle, and he may be forced inside. 

Good team fits: Jets, Titans, Commanders, Chargers, Bills, Giants, Buccaneers, Jaguars

16. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Charbonnet is a physical downhill runner with the vision and patience to excel in any scheme. He’s also a reliable pass-catcher and a quality check-down option in the passing game. He’ll fit best as an early-down back, who is capable of playing on passing downs.

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

If you’re looking for an explosive weapon, Charbonnet probably isn’t your guy. He lacks breakaway speed and doesn’t provide big-play ability in the passing game. 

Good team fits: Chargers, Commanders, Panthers, Eagles, Bills, Cowboys

17. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Levis is built like a prototypical pocket passer but also has mobility and the physical running style to be a threat with his legs. He wins with a strong arm and the fearlessness to attempt any throw.  

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Decision making and accuracy are Levis’ two greatest weaknesses 一 which, in combination, is often a fatal flaw. As a two-year starter with five years of experience in college, the decision-making issues are particularly concerning. He often gets tunnel vision and fails to see defenders. He also must speed up his processing from the pocket, as he tends to take unnecessary sacks. He’s a developmental prospect but, given his experience, should probably be thrown into the fire to work through his issues on the field. 

Good team fits: Texans, Titans, Colts, Buccaneers, Vikings

18. Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Addison is a pure slot receiver who can create quick separation in the short passing game. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Physical cornerbacks can give Addison problems, and there will be certain matchups in which he’s taken away. His hands aren’t necessarily an issue, but they’ve never been a strength 一 if he’s going to be a high-volume receiver from the slot, ideally you’d like him to be more consistent. 

Good team fits: Vikings, Seahawks, Steelers, Cardinals, Rams 

19. Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Bergeron is a quality run blocker, who wins with his physical strength. He elevated his stock in 2022 by proving he could handle pass protection in a more aggressive passing attack under offensive coordinator Robert Anae. He has extensive experience at left and right tackle and has the length for the position, though he could also be an asset at guard. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Does he have the quickness and footwork to stay at tackle? He tends to struggle against more athletic edge rushers, which may necessitate a shift to guard. 

Good team fits: Cowboys, Packers, Rams, Patriots, Titans, Commanders

20. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Downs is a polished slot receiver who wins with precise routes and great hands. His route proficiency indicates he could likely transition to a larger role on the outside as well. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

At 5’9”, he lacks the ideal size to play on the outside and also lacks the game-changing speed to make up for it. After the catch, he’s not a dynamic playmaker. Though he could be a reliable high-volume target in the slot, he may lack the traits to ascend to the number-one weapon in an offense. 

Good team fits: Colts, Panthers, Titans, Bills, Ravens, Falcons, Saints

21. Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Tillman has the physical tools of a traditional number-one receiver on the outside, with enough speed to stretch the field and the size to win in contested situations. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

This offensive scheme 一 an off-shoot of Art Briles’s Baylor offense 一 has failed to produce quality NFL receivers. The system excels at creating easy opportunities, which doesn’t allow for receivers to develop their route tree. Since Tillman lacks elite athletic traits, this is especially concerning, as he’ll need to create separation with efficient routes. He should be treated as a high-upside developmental prospect who will need time to adjust to a pro offense. 

Good team fits: Chiefs, Bills, Giants, Titans, Colts, Broncos, Cardinals, Panthers

22. Joe Tippman, IOL, Wisconsin

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Tippman is a plug-and-play center who has the athleticism/strength combination to be a scheme-versatile player. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Is he too tall? There aren't many 6'6″ centers out there and some teams will view him as a better fit at guard or tackle, where he has limited experience. 

Good team fits: Giants, Seahawks, Bills, Cardinals, Browns

23. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

LaPorta is an athletic tight end who can stretch the field down the seam. He primarily played an in-line role at Iowa but has the tools to produce from the slot. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can his blocking be further developed? Coming from a program like Iowa, which values blocking in its tight ends, you would expect LaPorta to be more effective in this area. It's possible they pushed him as far as he'll go in that area.

Good team fits: Bengals, Saints, Packers, Lions

24. Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Mims is an explosive slot receiver with reliable hands and after-catch ability. He'll fit best in the slot but has the explosive tools to stretch the field from the outside as well. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Like all Oklahoma receivers in recent years, Mims ran a limited route tree, even after Lincoln Riley left for USC. He might be viewed as a slot-only option for some teams. 

Good team fits: Ravens, Panthers, Seahawks, Giants, Cardinals, Packers

25. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Richardson is an incredible athlete who puts stress on the defense with his mobility and arm strength 一 you have to defend the entire field against him at all times. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

If Richardson can’t improve his accuracy it will be his fatal flaw. He consistently ruins well-executed plays with balls that are either uncatchable or off-target to such a degree it hinders the after-catch ability of his receivers. At this stage of his career, he’s incapable of processing in a collapsing pocket 一 though this isn’t shocking given his lack of experience. If you draft him, be prepared to keep him on the bench in 2023, suffer through some lumps in 2024, and hopefully he’s ready by 2025. Drafting Richardson will require full buy-in from ownership 一 any offensive coaching changes during this developmental time will further set him back. 

Good team fits: Raiders, Falcons, Lions, Seahawks, Vikings, Ravens

26. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Explosive athlete who should have an immediate impact in the passing game.

27. John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota

A what-you-see-is-what-you-get center, who lacks exciting traits but should immediately solidify the position for a center-needy team.

28. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

Purely a project, but has all the traits necessary to succeed at left tackle.

29. Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Developmental prospect who ran an extremely limited route tree from the slot, but has the speed to stretch the field from anywhere.

30. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Undersized receiver who wins with precise routes and fits best in the slot, but inconsistent hands and modest after-catch production might limit his ceiling.

31. Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State

College tackle who probably fits best at guard but may need a year to develop the strength to handle the transition.

32. Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

Size and athleticism of a three-down back, though his projection requires some guesswork as he's transitioning from a spread offense which was extremely friendly to running backs.

33. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

Athleticism should allow him to immediately impact the passing game but may need time to refine his blocking skills to earn a starting job.

34. Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

High ceiling, low floor who wins with top-tier traits but lacks the refined skills to make a smooth transition to the league.

35. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

An outlier due to his massive frame 一 will immediately produce as a run blocker, but pass game upside is limited due to straight-athleticism. 

36. Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh

Size/athleticism combination sets a high ceiling, but he'll need to develop an ability to run between the tackles and fight through contact in order to win a three-down role.

37. Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

Ascending prospect who wins with pure speed but might be limited to a slot-only role.

38. Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton

Size/speed combination sets an exciting ceiling and especially stands out in this class of tiny slot receivers.

39. Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

Size to play on the outside but fits best as a big slot who produces after the catch due to his physical running style.

40. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Older prospect, coming off an injury and coming from an offense that has little in common with NFL schemes 一 but he's a good athlete with the arm and accuracy to potentially develop into a starter. 

41. Ricky Stromberg, IOL, Arkansas

Potential starter at center but may need to develop functional strength and prove he can hold up in pass protection in a more traditional offense after playing in the Briles scheme.

42. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

Flashy runner with home run speed and could be a weapon on passing downs, but extensive injury history likely pushes him further down most draft boards.

43. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

Reliable pass catcher and an effective blocker but lacks any explosive traits to set a high ceiling 一 should be a low-end starter or a valuable number-two tight end. 

44. Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas

Downhill, between-the-tackles runner who doesn't have much upside in today's NFL but should be a viable early-down back.

45. Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State

Ascending prospect who stands out of his young age in an older group of centers 一 not as developed as the others in this class, but may have a higher ceiling. 

46. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

An extreme outlier due to his size (188 pounds) but has elite speed in the open field and he'll produce immediately as a return specialist.

47. Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

Straight-line athlete with disappointing production after the catch 一 but his pure speed will be an asset to stretch the field. 

48. Tyler Steen, IOL, Alabama

College tackle who should probably shift inside to guard 一 he already has the strength and his athleticism to be an asset there.