2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud nipping on the heels of elite defenders in top-25 prospect rankings

With the Super Bowl officially in the rearview mirror, attention shifts to the 2023 NFL Draft. More than two months remain until draft night but the hay is in the barn, so to speak, as there are no games left to play; just the NFL combine, pro days and individual workouts. 

Here are my personal top-25 prospect rankings at this time:

1. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

It is difficult to find impactful interior defensive linemen so those who do have that potential are often pushed higher in the rankings. Carter is quicker than fast and has the natural strength to push the pocket. He recorded just six sacks over the past two years but that was largely because of the scheme and the reality that he was playing alongside two first-round interior defensive line picks: Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt. Look at the impact Chris Jones, Jeffery Simmons and other interior defenders are able to have lining up over the quickest gap to the quarterback.

2. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Over the past three seasons, Anderson has accumulated 34.5 sacks. He has showcased knockback power and the speed, quickness to rush the passer. More impressive, however, is his awareness. When he works too deep in his rush, he works back. When his rush is not going to get home, he peels off and attempts to get his hands into passing lanes. Anderson can continue developing counter moves and add more mass to reach his full potential, but he is an immediate impact player.

3. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Young does a good job of processing the field and getting the ball out quickly. He has good mobility and an innate ability to make plays off-script. One area of concern is his lack of ideal size. Is he closer to 5-foot-9 or 6-foot? Some want to see him weigh in around 200 pounds but that is less important than the weight he would carry during an actual season. Size is going to be a concern for some teams. However, the California native should excel during the interview process and is the type of leader who teams want as part of the franchise. 

4. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Robinson is a complete running back and should be a first-round pick. He has great size along with the body control and balance to break his feet down in space and redirect. The Arizona native shows patience to follow his blocks and the hands to be an effective pass-catcher. He has active eyes and is willing to stick his nose in pass protection. 

5. C.J….