The NFL Draft is one of the most important events of the year for football fans and teams alike. It is an opportunity for teams to acquire top talent that can help them win games and compete for championships. In preparation for the draft, teams spend months evaluating players and compiling their own "big boards" of the top prospects. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top players on the 2023 NFL Draft big board.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux - Defensive End, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux is widely considered to be the best player in the 2023 draft class. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end has all the tools to be a dominant force at the next level. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism, and he consistently disrupts opposing offenses with his pass rush skills. Thibodeaux is projected to be a top-five pick in the draft and could potentially go first overall.
2. Derek Stingley Jr. - Cornerback, LSU
Derek Stingley Jr. is a lockdown corner who excels in man coverage. He has great instincts and ball skills, and he is able to shut down some of the best receivers in college football. Stingley is also a dangerous return man and could contribute on special teams at the next level. He is projected to be a top-10 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top five.
3. Evan Neal - Offensive Tackle, Alabama
Evan Neal is a massive offensive tackle who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs over 360 pounds. Despite his size, he is surprisingly nimble and agile, which allows him to dominate in both the passing and running game. Neal is projected to be a top-15 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 10.
4. Sam Howell - Quarterback, North Carolina
Sam Howell is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 draft class. He has a strong arm and great accuracy, and he has shown the ability to make plays both inside and outside of the pocket. Howell is projected to be a top-20 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 15.
5. Kyle Hamilton - Safety, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton is a rangy safety who can cover a lot of ground in the secondary. He has good ball skills and is a sure tackler. Hamilton is also a versatile defender who can play multiple positions on defense. He is projected to be a top-25 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 20.
These are just a few of the top players on the 2023 NFL Draft big board. As the draft approaches, teams will continue to evaluate players and adjust their rankings accordingly. It will be interesting to see where these top prospects end up and how they will contribute to their new teams at the next level.
6. George Karlaftis - Defensive End, Purdue
George Karlaftis is a dominant force on the defensive line. He has great size and strength, and he uses his hands well to shed blocks and get to the quarterback. Karlaftis is also a solid run defender who can hold up at the point of attack. He is projected to be a top-30 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 25.
7. Kenyon Green - Offensive Guard, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green is a powerful offensive guard who excels in the running game. He has good footwork and balance, and he is able to move defenders off the ball with ease. Green is also a solid pass protector who can hold his own against some of the best defensive linemen in college football. He is projected to be a top-40 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 35.
8. Drake Jackson - Edge Rusher, USC
Drake Jackson is a versatile edge rusher who can line up in multiple positions on defense. He has good speed and athleticism, and he is able to get to the quarterback with ease. Jackson is also a solid run defender who can make plays in the backfield. He is projected to be a top-50 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 45.
9. Zion Nelson - Offensive Tackle, Miami (FL)
Zion Nelson is an athletic offensive tackle who has great feet and quickness. He is able to mirror defenders in pass protection and he is also a solid run blocker. Nelson still needs to add some strength to his frame, but he has all the tools to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. He is projected to be a top-60 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 55.
10. Ahmad Gardner - Cornerback, Cincinnati
Ahmad Gardner is a ball-hawking cornerback who has great instincts and ball skills. He is able to read quarterbacks well and he has good closing speed to make plays on the ball. Gardner is also a solid tackler who is not afraid to come up and support the run. He is projected to be a top-70 pick in the draft and could potentially go in the top 65.
Overall, the 2023 NFL Draft class is loaded with talented players who have the potential to make an impact at the next level. It will be interesting to see how these players perform during their final year of college football and how their stock fluctuates leading up to the draft.
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