2023 NFL Draft: The Draft Scout Big Board

The official pre-combine big board of The Draft Scout team

Below are the top 32 players for the 2023 NFL draft class—complete with initial analysis and a player grade. The grade is based on an NFL standard 8-point scale—8.0 being elite and going down to a 5.0 for undrafted free agents.

You’ll notice there are not 32 first round grades. That’s common. A first-round grade is only given to a player who would be a first rounder in most drafts. This class has fewer than most.

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1. Will Anderson, OLB, Alabama

Analysis: Anderson would have been the No. 1 overall pick last year but wasn’t draft eligible. He’s a game-wrecker off the edge with awesome first-step quickness, power in his hands, and a motor that runs redhot. He has the ability to be a Von Miller or Khalil Mack type pass-rusher with very few questions to his game. He’s a high-caliber leader and a smart football player. The team that drafts Anderson has a Day 1 leader.

Grade: 8.0

2. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Analysis: Carter is revered by many as the top talent on the famed 2021 Georgia defense. He doesn’t have elite production but has the traits to be a very good 3-technique in the NFL. He is not on a level with Aaron Donald as a prospect but is more Jonathan Allen or Quinnen Williams from a play type comparison. Carter is loaded up with potential but needs to show he can remain on the field as an every down player after rotating and being injured during the last two seasons.

Grade: 7.5

3. Bryce Young, QB, Georgia

Analysis: If Young were only 6’3” and 220 pounds instead of 5’11” and 195 pounds, he would be one of the top graded quarterbacks of the last decade. Young has awesome accuracy to every level of the field and plays with poise, vision and instincts you don’t expect from a two-year starter. He’s the total package outside of his frame. Coaches at Alabama rave about his leadership and maturity. He’s loved there. Young is a rookie starter and is the only quarterback in this class we would give that grade to.

Grade: 7.3

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

Analysis: A productive winner as a two year starter at Ohio State, Stroud saved his best for last with a dominant performance against Georgia in the College Football playoff. Stroud has a good arm but great accuracy, showing an understanding of where to place the ball for ultimate YAC opportunities. He will be questioned about the scheme and talent around him at Ohio State, but Stroud can’t control those. He can point to two years of dominance at the position against real-time NFL caliber talent on opposing defenses.

Grade: 7.3

5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Analysis: A do-it-all, game-changing running back who blends power, vision, speed, and agility into the perfect package. If it were 2010, Robinson would be the top pick in the draft. As it stands, he’s a top five talent and arguably the most talented player overall in the class. He’s a faster Saquon Barkley and should be an immediate starter and immediate fantasy play for you in 2023. Robinson is more likely to be drafted outside the top 20 picks, but he’s a real deal top talent.

Grade: 7.3