2023 NFL Draft: Preseason Big Board

Our scouts go deep on the best players in the nation with less than 50 days before the college season kicks off.

1. Will Anderson, OLB, Alabama

You can expect Anderson to sit atop this list for the entire season. There’s even a solid argument to be made that he would have been the No. 1 overall player last year. Reminds Us Of: Von Miller

2. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Carter is a beast as a versatile defensive lineman; he can play 3-technique to 6-technique as a pass-rusher and is stout against the run. Turn on last year’s tape and No. 88 is a force. Now he has to prove he can get it done without multiple first-rounders surrounding him. Reminds Us Of: Fletcher Cox

3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud has the arm talent to wow scouts with throws to all levels of the field and showed dramatic improvement over the course of his first season as a starter in 2021. The tools are all there—but we would like to see him improve as a mobile threat (more willing to run) and speed up his progressions. That’s being very picky, as Stroud has elite traits. Reminds Us Of: Justin Herbert (Oregon)

4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

While he’s not the biggest or strongest receiver, Smith-Njigba is the craftiest we’re likely to see in college this year. Remember, he outshined his teammates Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave at times last year and both were top 15 picks in the ‘22 NFL draft. Reminds Us Of: Justin Jefferson

5. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Small at 6’0” and 190 pounds, Young is a point guard in the pocket with awesome field vision, timing, anticipation and touch. The only questions are about his lack of size and what that means for his durability, and how well he’ll perform without superstar receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie III at his disposal this year. Reminds Us Of: Kyler Murray