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 defensive 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 a defensive scheme suited to his skill set.
- 2023 NFL Draft Big Board & Top 100 From Ryan McCrystal
- 2023 Offensive Big Board From Ryan McCrystal
- 2023 NFL Mock Draft From Ryan McCrystal
- 2023 NFL Mock Draft From Brendan Donahue
NFL Draft Defensive Big Board
| Rank | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Will Anderson Jr. | EDGE | Alabama |
| 2 | Tyree Wilson | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 3 | Christian Gonzalez | CB | Oregon |
| 4 | Lukas Van Ness | EDGE | Iowa |
| 5 | Nolan Smith | EDGE | Georgia |
| 6 | Calijah Kancey | DT | Pittsburgh |
| 7 | Drew Sanders | LB | Arkansas |
| 8 | Jalen Carter | DT | Georgia |
| 9 | Cam Smith | CB | South Carolina |
| 10 | Trenton Simpson | LB | Clemson |
| 11 | Emmanuel Forbes | CB | Mississippi State |
| 12 | Devon Witherspoon | CB | Illinois |
| 13 | Bryan Bresee | DT | Clemson |
| 14 | Joey Porter Jr. | CB | Penn State |
| 15 | BJ Ojulari | EDGE | LSU |
| 16 | Myles Murphy | EDGE | Clemson |
| 17 | Brian Branch | S | Alabama |
| 18 | Tuli Tuipulotu | EDGE | USC |
| 19 | Kelee Ringo | CB | Georgia |
| 20 | Ji'Ayir Brown | S | Penn State |
| 21 | Darius Rush | CB | South Carolina |
| 22 | Deonte Banks | CB | Maryland |
| 23 | Tyrique Stevenson | CB | Miami FL |
| 24 | Jack Campbell | LB | Iowa |
| 25 | JL Skinner | S | Boise State |
| 26 | Sydney Brown | S | Illinois |
| 27 | Quan Martin | S | Illinois |
| 28 | Tre'Vius Tomlinson | CB | TCU |
| 29 | Yasir Abdullah | EDGE | Louisville |
| 30 | Isaiah McGuire | EDGE | Missouri |
| 31 | Cory Trice Jr. | CB | Purdue |
| 32 | Kyu Blu Kelly | CB | Stanford |
| 33 | Jakorian Bennett | CB | Maryland |
| 34 | DJ Turner | CB | Michigan |
| 35 | WIll McDonald IV | EDGE | Iowa State |
| 36 | Ade Adebawore | DL | Northwestern |
| 37 | Jammie Robinson | S | Florida State |
| 38 | Keeanu Benton | DL | Wisconsin |
| 39 | Mazi Smith | DL | Michigan |
| 40 | Nick Herbig | LB | Wisconsin |
| 41 | Gervon Dexter | DL | Florida |
| 42 | Antonio Johnson | S | Texas A&M |
| 43 | Zacch Pickens | DL | South Carolina |
| 44 | Moro Ojomo | DL | Texas |
| 45 | Zach Harrison | EDGE | Ohio State |
| 46 | YaYa Diaby | EDGE | Louisville |
| 47 | Clark Phillips III | CB | Utah |
| 48 | Daiyan Henley | LB | Washington State |
| 49 | Dorian Williams | LB | Tulane |
| 50 | Derick Hall | EDGE | Auburn |
| 51 | Marte Mapu | S | Sacramento State |
| 52 | Julius Brents | CB | Kansas State |
1. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Anderson wins with an elite burst off the edge. His athleticism is a challenge for any offensive tackle to match, and his quickness regularly forces them into mistakes in an effort to keep up. The smooth transition he made from high school to the SEC bodes well for his jump to the pros, and he should be expected to make an immediate impact.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
When college pass rushers consistently win with speed, sometimes there’s a learning curve in the NFL as they need to refine their pass-rush repertoire. As a result, the few tackles who can match Anderson’s athleticism may cause him problems as he learns how to win in other ways.
Good team fits: Texans, Cardinals, Colts, Lions
2. Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Wilson is built like an offensive tackle, but with a burst of athleticism relatively few tackles can match. He has a well-rounded game, which should allow him to step into a role as a three-down defender as a rookie.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Where was this production prior to 2022? Wilson was almost unblockable last fall but had never consistently maintained that level of production in years prior. He’ll also need to prove he can win with more than just pure power.
Good team fits: Texans, Cardinals, Colts, Falcons, Bears
3. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Gonzalez possesses a special blend of length and athleticism that gives him an impressive ability to make plays on the ball. He’ll start immediately and has the traits to develop into a top-tier lockdown corner.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Gonzalez is more dangerous in man coverage, where his raw athleticism takes over. In zone, he plays more passive and will need to gain the confidence to be more aggressive in that scheme.
Good team fits: Colts, Seahawks, Raiders, Falcons, Lions
4. Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Van Ness’s versatility and ability to win from multiple spots on the defensive line elevates his value. Per Sports Info Solutions, he ranked third in the Big Ten in pressure rate generated on the edge and also ranked third on the interior. Expect him to primarily play on the edge, but his interior production could allow him to shift inside on passing downs.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Does he have enough speed to consistently win on the edge? His versatility sets a high floor, but to reach his ceiling Van Ness will need to also be an explosive threat on the edge.
Good team fits: Lions, Bears, Eagles, Texans, Patriots
5. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Smith is an explosive weapon off the edge who should make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher. He has a similar physical profile to Micah Parsons and could be developed into a similar hybrid edge/linebacker.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Does he have the strength to hold up as a three-down edge defender? If Smith plays strictly on the edge, his physical profile will be an outlier. He’s light and lacks prototypical length for the position.
Good team fits: Falcons, Bears, Eagles, Texans, Packers, Chargers
6. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Few players can create disruption from the interior like Kancey, who should immediately make his presence felt on passing downs. He fits best in the three-tech role, but could potentially play defensive end in three-man fronts.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
There are plenty of examples of undersized interior linemen having success, but even among those Kancey’s short arms make him an outlier. Some teams will question his ability as a three-down defender and may view him strictly as a pass-rusher.
Good team fits: Raiders, Bears, Eagles, Texans, Bengals, Saints
7. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Anyone in need of a blitzing linebacker will love what Sanders has to offer. He’s on the Micah Parsons spectrum, as someone with off-ball linebacker traits who can get after the quarterback like a pure edge rusher.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
He’s a converted edge rusher who spent just one year at linebacker, so his open-field tackling and coverage skills are understandably raw. He can’t be trusted as a three-down linebacker until the tackling improves.
Good team fits: Falcons, Bears, Patriots, Packers, Lions, Rams, Browns
8. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Carter is a three-down defensive tackle with the size and strength to be a force against the run, and the athleticism to be disruptive as an interior pass-rusher. He’ll fit best at the three-tech position but has the well-rounded skill set to shift along the line.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can you trust him off the field? Carter has given teams every reason to question his decision-making away from the football field and it’s hard to invest a high pick in someone you can’t trust. He’s a top-five talent in this class, but this ranking reflects the added volatility of his off-field concerns.
Good team fits: Seahawks, Eagles, Patriots, Bills, Ravens, Bengals
9. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Smith has the tools to start as an outside corner in any coverage scheme and wins with exceptional ball skills.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Although he doesn’t have any red flags in his testing numbers, he also doesn’t have elite length or speed. Those modest traits could potentially limit his ceiling.
Good team fits: Lions, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Bengals, Saints
10. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Simpson is an exceptional athlete with the traits to excel in all phases of the game as an off-ball linebacker. He’ll fit best with a coaching staff that wants to take advantage of his athleticism on blitzes.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
As a pass-rusher, Simpson relies heavily on pure speed and will need to develop his repertoire of moves. In coverage, he’s too reactionary and needs more experience to develop his anticipation skills.
Good team fits: Lions, Vikings, Bills, Browns, Rams
11. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Forbes is an experienced, athletic outside corner with top-tier ball skills. He’s capable of starting as a rookie and is best suited for a zone scheme.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can he bulk up and, if not, how much will his size hold him back? Forbes is built like a pencil at 6-foot-1 and 166 pounds. It never created problems at Mississippi State, but there could be some long-term durability concerns if he can’t add bulk.
Good team fits: Commanders, Chargers, Ravens, Bills, Bengals, Chiefs
12. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Witherspoon excelled as an outside corner in a man-heavy coverage scheme last fall at Illinois, displaying excellent ball skills. Few players enter the league with his level of experience in man coverage.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Considering the massive improvement by every Illinois defensive back in 2022, you have to wonder if they were all a product of a great scheme run by defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, who joined the team in 2021. Witherspoon saw significant action throughout his four years with the Illini but had never previously been a threat in the secondary.
Good team fits: Lions, Patriots, Steelers, Raiders, Saints
13. Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Bresee has all the traits to develop into a disruptive force and a three-down interior lineman. He excels when lined up as a three-tech, but can also play end in three-man fronts.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Bresee has struggled to stay on the field, most notably due to a torn ACL in 2021. As a pass-rusher, he tends to play without a plan, leaning too heavily on his athleticism. He may need time to develop his technique before he’s ready to start.
Good team fits: Packers, Eagles, Steelers, Rams, Bengals
14. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Porter is a physical, aggressive corner with strong ball skills who could excel in a press-man scheme.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Can he handle the transition to the NFL and maintain his production from 2022? Prior to his breakout year last fall, Porter was consistently a liability in the Penn State secondary. He played an out-of-control style that allowed for too many big plays and penalties. He may need to be eased into the NFL so he doesn’t revert back to his undisciplined ways.
Good team fits: Lions, Patriots, Steelers, Saints
15. B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Ojulari is a weapon on the edge, operating at his best from a two-point stance. His pass-rush repertoire is extremely well-polished for a guy who turns 21 just weeks before the draft.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Despite elite length and good all-around size, there’s not much power to his game 一 though it's easy to speculate that will improve as his body continues to mature. He may not be an early-down defender early in his career, especially for a team operating primarily in four-man fronts.
Good team fits: Seahawks, Vikings, Falcons, Patriots, Buccaneers, Chargers
16. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Murphy was a five-star recruit and the traits are exciting. He excels against the run and has the tools to become a three-down lineman in the future. He’s best suited to play on the edge in four-man fronts.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
The pass-rush productivity never matched the traits, which is especially concerning given all the talent around him. He tends to lean on his speed rush, but that won’t translate to the NFL 一 he’ll need to develop his counter moves to have success getting to the quarterback.
Good team fits: Bengals, Lions, Chiefs, Colts, Browns, Raiders
17. Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Branch is a plug-and-play strong safety who excels against the run and has plenty of experience in coverage in the slot. His football IQ is his strength, and he should be expected to quickly emerge as an on-field leader.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
The measurables are unimpressive, both in terms of size and athleticism. His anticipation skills more than covered up those weaknesses in college, but they could become more noticeable in the NFL.
Good team fits: Packers, Bengals, Lions, Patriots, Rams
18. Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Tuipulotu’s pass rush production on the interior and the edge indicates he’ll make his presence felt wherever he lines up. At his current weight (266 at the combine) it looks like he’s best suited for a role on the edge, but his potential versatility adds to his value.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Does he have the length and athleticism to stay on the edge? Does he have the size to shift back inside? Certain teams will see more value in his ‘tweener traits than others. Regardless of his role, he needs to add some functional strength to hold up against the run and might begin his career as a pass-rush specialist.
Good team fits: Cowboys, Chargers, Chiefs, Browns, Seahawks
19. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Ringo is a physical, athletic outside corner. He has the traits and the aggressive approach to develop into a lockdown corner who could excel in a press-man scheme.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Ringo needs to learn to anticipate 一 he survived in college based on having the athletic tools to react and recover. The interview process will be important for him. If teams are comfortable with his developing football IQ, they’ll see a high ceiling once he becomes less reactionary and more proactive in coverage.
Good team fits: Vikings, Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Falcons, Saints
20. Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Brown is a ball hawk in the deep secondary but has experience lining up in the box and the slot as well.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Despite playing in the box at times, Brown was not a great wrap-up tackler, which might limit his position versatility. He also did not test as well as expected at the combine.
Good team fits: Eagles, Bengals, Rams, Vikings, Chargers
21. Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Rush is an outside cornerback who excels at making plays on the ball and might fit best in a press-man scheme.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Rush flashes a high ceiling due to his athleticism and size, but efficient route runners got the better of him at times. There will be concerns about him giving up too many big plays downfield if he doesn't adjust.
Good team fits: Commanders, Eagles, Giants, Ravens, Broncos
22. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Banks has extensive experience as an outside corner and has the explosive traits which set a high ceiling for his potential. He has experience in a variety of schemes, having played for three different defensive coordinators.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
With modest production during his career, Banks is mostly a traits-based projection and may not be ready for a significant role in 2023. His lack of production on the ball is a concern, and he must cut down on penalties.
Good team fits: Ravens, Steelers, Raiders, Saints, Falcons, Lions, Jets
23. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami FL
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Stevenson is a polished outside cornerback who wins with his physical style and an ability to locate and play the ball. He’s a scheme-versatile player, with the physicality to handle press-man coverage but also the anticipation skills to excel in zone.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
His athletic traits are modest and he may lack the speed to play on an island against some of the game’s top receivers. For the same reasons, he may lack the versatility to shift inside against smaller, quicker slot receivers.
Good team fits: Rams, Seahawks, Vikings, Ravens, Steelers, Cardinals, Jets, Giants
24. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Campbell is a physical downhill defender who excels against the run but has enough pass-game skills to deserve a shot as a three-down defender. His testing numbers are encouraging for further development.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
Where did those testing numbers come from? On the field, he does not play like a linebacker with top-tier explosive athleticism. He tends to be more reactionary than anticipatory in his play, especially in coverage.
Good team fits: Raiders, Buccaneers, Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Bills, Browns, Dolphins
25. JL Skinner, S, Boise State
Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL
Skinner mostly played in the slot or in the box at Boise State but flashed exceptional on-ball production when lining up in the deep secondary. He could potentially start in any safety role but might have the highest ceiling in a centerfielder role.
What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?
At 6'4″ Skinner has the usual concerns for a taller defensive back. Can he cover smaller, quicker receivers in the slot? The height might limit his versatility, or at the very least force you to pay close attention to matchups.
Good team fits: Eagles, Cardinals, Bills, Ravens
26. Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Versatile safety prospect with great range against the run and strong on-ball production in coverage.
27. Quan Martin, S, Illinois
Top-tier athlete in the secondary with experience at corner and safety, potentially fitting best in the slot.
28. Tre'Vius Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Undersized corner who probably needs to shift to the slot in the NFL, but plays with a physicality that allows him to handle bigger receivers.
29. Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville
Vastly undersized but explosive edge-rusher at Louisville, who also has the movement skills of an off-ball linebacker 一 should be a fun puzzle piece for a creative defensive coordinator to move around.
30. Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
Young, ascending prospect who wins with a blend of length and power and probably fits best on the left side in four-man fronts.
31. Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue
Long outside corner with impressive ball skills, but could slide due to concerns over an ACL injury in 2021.
32. Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
Lacks elite traits, but generated strong on-ball production and is a great fit on the outside in a zone-heavy scheme.
33. Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
Slightly undersized, but a top-tier athlete with impressive ball skills 一 might be a candidate to shift to the slot.
34. DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
Raw prospect who is slightly undersized but has quick-twitch athleticism to excel in coverage against speed slot receivers.
35. Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
Coming off a disappointing season, but has explosive traits on the edge and could produce as a pass-rusher in sub-packages.
36. Ade Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
Flashy traits but minimal production 一 could develop into a valuable, movable piece along the defensive line.
37. Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Productive and versatile with the football IQ to overcome size limitations.
38. Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin
Nose tackle with enough athleticism to provide some pass-rush production from the position, and have versatility at other roles on the interior.
39. Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
Pure space-eating nose tackle who will impact the run game and come off the field on passing downs.
40. Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
Edge/linebacker ‘tweener who might fit best as a strong-side linebacker for a defensive staff looking to take advantage of blitzing prowess.
41. Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
Developmental prospect who has a high ceiling as an interior pass-rusher and could have an immediate in sub-packages.
42. Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Strong safety who is at his best against the run but needs to develop his coverage skills to stay on the field.
43. Zacch Pickens, DL, South Carolina
Served as an undersized nose tackle in college but lacks the power for that role 一 could potentially excel as a defensive end in three-man fronts.
44. Moro Ojomo, DL, Texas
Well-rounded prospect who probably fits best as an end in a three-man front, but has the athleticism to further develop his interior pass-rush skills.
45. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
Top-tier edge-rusher in terms of physical traits, but he never quite put it together 一 developmental prospect with a high ceiling and low floor.
46. YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
Played on the interior at Louisville but has the traits to shift to the edge 一 could also be an early-down edge who plays inside on passing downs.
47. Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Slot corner with impressive on-ball production, but a lack of recovery speed will make certain matchups difficult.
48. Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Off-ball linebacker with good range against the run and the athleticism to stick with running backs and tight ends in coverage.
49. Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Developmental off-ball linebacker with elite range and has shown flashes of impressive coverage skills 一 extensive special teams experience helps elevate his floor.
50. Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
Pass-rusher who wins the speed and length, but might be limited to playing in sub-packages.
51. Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State
Older prospect with some injury concerns, but has an exciting blend of safety and linebacker traits and that versatility holds value in the right system.
52. Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Traits-based projection who has the length certain teams covet, but it hasn't led to consistent on-ball production yet.