Gaelic Gridiron’s NFL Draft Preview
Luke’s 2023 Top 10 NFL Draft Prospects
With the NFL draft coming down the line, let’s check out the top 10 NFL Draft prospects tipped for greatness.
10. Jaxson Smith-Njigba – WR – OSU
Jaxson smith-Njigba is the second ranked Wide receiver in this year’s draft according to statistics; boasting 9 TD’s, 1606 receiving yards and a QB rating of 141.8 when targeted as a sophomore with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He caught a massive 15 targets in the Rose Bowl that year for a record 347 yards.
With a disappointing junior season in 2022 due to a hamstring injury, his college career was cut short before declaring for the NFL draft.
Running a 4.52 in the 40 yard dash, Jaxson can provide cover in the slot or on the outside proving to still be productive in an offence where he was officially the 3rd starting WR.
9. Quentin Johnston – WR – TCU
Hailing out of TCU, Quentin Johnston is the top rated WR draft prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. With a more consistent trend of performances throughout his 3 years at TCU boasting a total of 13 TD’s and 1995 yards over 30 games, Johnston has proven to keep up performances. Running a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash with excellent hands and moves to provide separation most scouts are expecting Johnston to come off the board first for those WR needy teams.
8. Devon Witherspoon – CB – Illinois
2022 Big 10 Tatum-Woodson Defensive back of the year, Devon Witherspoon had a year to remember to finish out his college career with Illinois. Logging 32 tackles, 7 assists and making 16 stops and while covering he had 14 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and an outstanding QB rating when targeted of 24.6 – he had an elite year. Boosting his stock enormously from his junior year he is the top ranked CB in this year’s NFL draft. He has the aggression, length, speed and smarts to run with any NFL wide receiver with the confidence to hit the ground running on week 1.
7. Bijan Robinson – RB – Texas
Robison had an elite year with the Longhorns in 2022 as a Junior running for 1575 yards on 257 attempts with 18 TD’s and just 2 fumbles. This tough bruiser of a RB can be a workhorse in the backfield with a total of 33 TDs rushing and 8 TDs receiving in his 3 years in Texas and boasting 3410 total yards in 479 attempts throughout.
Robinson runs a 4.46 in the 40 yard and brings nice blend of strength, speed and power to an offence. He has good vision and instincts to hit holes and cut back when open and will likely be the first Running Back off the board.
6. Myles Murphy – DE/Edge – Clemson
This 5 star recruit out of high school continued his domination in the NCAA after signing for Clemson. In 3 total seasons before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, Murphy finished his junior season playing 13 games with 586 snaps, recording 23 tackles, 10 assists while making 22 stops. As a pass rusher he produced 34 total pressures and had 21 QB hurries along with 7 QB hits and 6 sacks.
This versatile player brings speed, power with powerful leg drive to push blockers back. His spin move is already NFL calibre and he possesses the length and power to ward off offensive tackles.
5. Peter Skoronski – OT – Northwestern
Irish football fans got a taste of Peter Skoronski’s talents when he came to play in Dublin for the Aer Lingus football Classic last year, with Northwestern overcoming favourites Nebraska on their way to their only wiin of the year.
Although Northwestern had a disappointing season, Skoronski was a standout for them. Playing 12 games in his junior season and 881 snaps he only gave up 3 QB hurries, 2 QB hits and one sack while playing left tackle. His exceptional athleticism, high football intelligence and crisp hand techniques has landed Skoronski as the top ranked Offensive tackle in this year’s NFL Draft.
4. Jalen Carter – DE – Georgia
Hailing from the national champions Georgia Bulldogs, Carter is an impressive talent with elite quickness and agility considering his size. His strength and size makes it hard for any offensive tackle to deal with meaning in 2022 Carter recorded 18 tackles, 7 assists while making 20 stops. As a pass rusher he produced 25 total pressures which included 17 QB hurries, 5 QB hits and 3 sacks all in only 10 games, missing 5 games with an MCL injury. Carter’s ability to rush the passer along with his improved run defensive ability has risen his stock this year making him the top DE prospect in this year’s Draft.
3. C.J Stroud – QB – OSU
A finalist for the Heisman trophy in 2021 and 2022 CJ Stroud’s stock is sky high at the moment. After leading the statistically best team in 2021 at Ohio State with an average of 561.2 yards per game and scoring 45.7 points per game Stroud continued his momentum in 2022. As a junior throughout 14 games he threw for 3684 yards on 390 attempts with 41 touchdowns leading the nation in pass efficiency rating with a 177.7.
Stroud is known as a smart pocket passer but has proven escapability, as shown vs the Bulldogs in the college football semi-final. He is a rhythm passer who gets the ball out quickly and works well under pressure. Overall he is the second ranked QB prospect in this year’s draft and is expected to be gone in the first 5 picks.
2. Will Anderson Jnr – LB/Edge – Alabama
Will Anderson Jnr has been a massive part of the Alabama defense for the last 3 seasons. As a freshman he saw action in 13 games recording 32 tackles, 36 QB hurries, 16 QB hits and 8 sacks. Incredible statistics for a freshman. He continued his dominance in his sophomore year and in his final year as a Junior playing 12 games producing 59 total pressures, 23 tackles and an outstanding 14 sacks.
Possibly the best draft prospect in this year’s draft and an outright starter in any NFL team, Anderson is an amazing athlete with an elite combination of speed and strength. His spin move is NFL caliber for beating offensive linemen and he can destroy the double team on his way to the ball runner. An exciting prospect that will be off the board in the top 3 picks for sure.
1. Bryce Young – QB – Alabama
Our overall number 1 draft prospect goes to the Quarterback hailing out of Alabama, Bryce Young. This elite Heisman trophy winner boasts some incredible statistics throughout his young career, with 3325 passing yards for 32 TD’s and gaining 306 yards on the ground with his legs. Throwing only five interceptions he shows the maturity and smarts of a quarterback well beyond his years. His instincts when avoiding the rush is as if he has eyes in the back of his head. This well rounded Quarterback throws very consistentl and well placed balls to his receivers along with his straight line speed when running, which has boosted his stock considerably. Being compared to Russell Wilson, his smarts and good use of the football has made Young the frontrunner for the number 1 pick in the draft.
