10 Favorite Defensive Players in 2023

Favorite players. Not the best players.

These are the guys who I found myself rooting for, like their game, character or just can’t explain it at all. I think every fan has a few players that they like and we don’t have to justify that. Jalen Hurts is a previous favorite player of mine and even though I didn’t expect him to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl so early in his career, I have always rooted for his success. Here are 10 players in the 2023 draft that I find myself rooting for so far. 

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

After a 17.5 sack season in 2021 and finishing 5th in Heisman voting, Will Anderson backed up his stellar sophomore year with a very solid junior season. Anderson recorded 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss - all while being the focal point of every offense in the SEC. Anderson is a special talent and even though I don’t want to use the “G” word - generational - Anderson is special and guys like him don’t come around too often. I don’t want to live in an NFL world where guys like Anderson could fall out of the top five picks. 

Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Murphy is much different than Will Anderson but could play a similar role in the NFL. Murphy is a much bigger player at 6’5, 275 pounds and would be an ideal fit for a team looking to add strength and length opposite their speed rusher. Since Day 1 at Clemson I’ve been a fan of Murphy and the Clemson defensive line. The young group was asked to replace legends and ended up carving out their own place in Clemson history. 

Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama

Every time I do a mock draft I think about Brian Branch to the Patriots. He just feels like a Belichick guy to me. Branch is hard-hitting, versatile and smart. The ability to line up all over the field will have defensive coordinators drooling and his willingness to play against the run will be jaw dropping. Go turn on his tape if you haven’t yet. 

Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

In his junior and senior seasons alone Campbell tallied 265 total tackles - in just two seasons! That’s a solid career in college football. Campbell was all over the field for the Hawkeyes and at 6’5, 245 pounds he is hard to miss. With an old-school feel to his game Campbell is a sure tackler and, surprise, more athletic than he is given credit for. 

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Speaking of athletic! Trenton Simpson is one of the most athletic prospects in this class. I hate to make comparisons to players from the same school but Simpson has a lot of the same traits Isaiah Simmons had. Both great in coverage, both solid pass rushers and both can line up at multiple positions. Not many linebackers can run like Simpson and it shows on tape too!

Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

Ol’ McDonald comes in a little small at 6’3, 236 pounds but I’m still a fan. In fact, McDonald plays bigger than he is listed and quietly posted back-to-back double digit sack seasons at Iowa State. Guys like McDonald and Brock Purdy led some impressive Matt Campbell teams at Iowa State and the Cyclones are going to miss him getting after the quarterback. 

Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

One of my favorite things about Phillips is that he started in every game he played - all 31! His quick feet and coverage ability won him the job as soon as he got to campus and even though he was targeted often he was able to keep the job. Having a three interception game on your resume doesn’t hurt either. 

Andre Carter II, DE, Army

How can you not be a fan of an outstanding player from a service academy? Andre Carter will thankfully get his shot at the NFL but regardless of how that career goes I think we will all be rooting for this player. Carter pops off the screen with his exceptional length at 6’7 and his 15.5 sacks in 2021 didn’t hurt either. 

Christopher Smith, S, Georgia

I’m a sucker for a hard-hitting safety and that’s one of the things Smith brings to a defense. Smith also seems to have a nose for the ball and the big play - and Georgia gave him a huge stage multiple times. Even though he is a little undersized for the NFL that won’t keep teams from taking him this April in the draft. 

Ali Gaye, DE, LSU

Gaye didn’t even start playing football until he was in the 8th grade and has exceeded expectations at every level so far. I hope to see that trend continue in the NFL. His quick first step and heavy hands are key to being a pass rusher in the NFL but his work ethic and drive are the kind of things you need to make a career out of playing football.