NFL Experts Debate the 2023 Draft: Which Rookie Classes Could Have an Instant Impact?
The 2023 NFL Draft is still more than a year away, but experts are already debating the potential impact that the rookies could have in the upcoming season. With numerous college football stars expected to declare for the draft, it’s safe to say that there will be plenty of talent available for teams to choose from.
Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about rookie classes for the 2023 NFL Draft, along with some expert analysis on who could have an instant impact in the league.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
There’s no denying that Alabama is a powerhouse when it comes to college football, and that success has translated into numerous top-tier NFL talents over the years. As such, it’s no surprise that they have a number of prospects who are expected to be taken early in the 2023 NFL Draft.
“Alabama is always going to be a team to watch when it comes to the draft,” said NFL analyst John Clayton. “They consistently produce top-level talent, and that trend isn’t going to stop anytime soon.”
One player who is generating a lot of buzz is quarterback Bryce Young. The sophomore has already shown tremendous potential during his time at Alabama, and experts believe he could be a top-five pick in the 2023 draft.
“Bryce Young is the real deal,” said draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “He’s got all the tools you want in a quarterback, and he’s shown the ability to put the team on his back and win games. He’s going to be a star in the NFL.”
In addition to Young, Alabama has a number of other players who are expected to make an impact in the pros. Wide receiver John Metchie III, linebacker Will Anderson Jr., and defensive lineman Tim Smith are just a few of the names to keep an eye on.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Another perennial powerhouse in college football, Ohio State is expected to have a strong showing in the 2023 NFL Draft. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is a player who is generating a lot of attention, as he has all the tools to succeed in the pros.
“C.J. Stroud is a phenomenal athlete,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “He’s got a rocket arm and he’s incredibly accurate. He’s going to be a top pick in the draft, no doubt about it.”
In addition to Stroud, Ohio State has a number of other players who could make an impact in the NFL. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson and offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere are two players who are expected to be taken early in the draft.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is another team that is expected to produce a number of NFL-ready prospects in the 2023 draft. Quarterback Brock Vandagriff is a player who has been generating buzz lately, as he has all the tools to succeed in the pros.
“Brock Vandagriff has a lot of potential,” said NFL analyst Todd McShay. “He’s got a great arm and he’s incredibly mobile. He’s going to be a player that teams are excited to build around.”
In addition to Vandagriff, Georgia has a number of other players who could make an impact in the NFL. Linebacker Adam Anderson and defensive tackle Jalen Carter are just two names to keep an eye on.
4. Clemson Tigers
Clemson has been a staple in the college football playoff over the past few years, and they’re expected to have a number of players taken early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is generating a lot of buzz, as he has shown tremendous potential during his time at Clemson.
“D.J. Uiagalelei has a ton of talent,” said ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg. “He’s got a great arm and he’s incredibly tough. He’s going to be a player that teams are excited to build around.”
In addition to Uiagalelei, Clemson has a number of other players who could make an impact in the NFL. Wide receiver Justyn Ross and defensive lineman Bryan Bresee are two names to keep an eye on.
Conclusion
While the 2023 NFL Draft is still a ways away, experts are already predicting that there will be a number of players who could make an instant impact in the league. From the powerhouse programs like Alabama and Ohio State to up-and-coming teams like Georgia and Clemson, there’s no shortage of talent available for teams to choose from. Only time will tell which rookies end up being the most successful, but one thing is for sure: there will be plenty of exciting new faces to keep an eye on in the coming seasons.