I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this upcoming draft class. It depends on the mood I’m in when you ask me. If I’m well-rested and definitely not stressed out, this could be the most important draft class yet (much like each election is the most important yet – that kind of deal). If you ask me after I’ve watched eight offensive linemen in a day and I just want to close my eyes and drift away, I might say this draft class sucks. I don’t know. I don’t feel as strongly about it as I did last year’s class, but last year’s class was definitely aided by the covid year and guys sticking around to improve their stock only to flood the draft a year later.
Where I ultimately landed was “there are six rounds worth of third rounders” in this class. It’s deep with guys who have potential and upside, but there’s not a lot of sure things at the top of the class. I’d actually only call nine guys “bona fide” first rounders (whatever the fuck that means). Anyway, here’s where I think the best value is in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Deepest Position Groups in the 2023 NFL Draft
6. Tight end – I don’t think I’m as high on this tight end class as everyone else. Michael Mayer and Darnell Washington look like sure bets to me, but beyond those two, every prospect has some major issues, or they have some developing to do. There’s a hearty class of “just guys” in this year’s pool, and I do think that gives this group a relatively high floor compared to other positions in the draft. But, I’m not sure I’m willing to call it a “generational” class the way some are. Best value: Payne Durham, Cameron Latu.
5. Offensive line – I understand why some aren’t sold on this year’s offensive line class. It’s not top heavy, and that may be putting it lightly. If I’m betting on sure things, I’m taking Paris Johnson, Jr., John Michael Schmitz, and that’s it. But, the quality of this class lies in the later rounds. This offensive line class is littered with high upside guys that will be available late and have either the skill set, the traits, or the competitive fire to push for a starting role. Best value: Emil Ekiyor Jr., Joey Fisher, Jordan McFadden
4. Defensive line – I love this class of defensive tackles and old school defensive ends. Whatever you like in a defensive front, you can get it in this class. You need the dominant nose tackle? We got Siaki Ika for you. You need some twitchy interior pass rush help? How about Calijah Kancey? That’s not even mentioning the Jalen Carters or Tomi Adebawores of this class! There’s a whole subset of edge-setting defensive ends in this class too – Isaiah McGuire, Dylan Horton. Guys like Keeanu Benton, Moro Ojomo, and Karl Brooks all have high floors. It’s a great draft to be in need of defensive tackle help. Best value: Jalen Redmond, Moro Ojomo
3. Pass rusher – Like the defensive line class, this year’s pass rusher class has a little bit of everything. Whatever you’re looking for, you can get it, and you can get it in pretty much any round you need to. From Will Anderson Jr. to YaYa Diaby, the depth is there. But, the real strength of this class is at the top of it. There are probably 10 guys who could be in play for first round selections come Thursday. Best value: Nick Hampton, Lonnie Phelps, Jr.
2. Cornerback – Is it really that spicy to suggest that six cornerbacks could be selected in the first round? Is it spicy to suggest that you can get a contributor…a guy who’s going to push for playing time…in the last couple of rounds? When we’re talking about guys like Mekhi Blackmon and Darius Rush being mid-to-late round picks, that ought to signal just how loaded this group is at the top. I wouldn’t be surprised to see three go in the first 12 picks either. Best value: Darius Rush, Darrell Luter Jr.
1. Running back – If this were 2005, there may be at least five running backs taken in the first round. That’s how good this class is – I think there are five guys who have bell cow floors, but there’s 18 who could not only see the field, but make a real difference for a team’s running game. It’s wild to think about how devalued the running back position has become throughout the years. There are going to be guys drafted in the 5th round who will be starting games, I’d be willing to bet. There are many more that I’ve watched who could very easily become RB1s in the right situations. Two-thirds of the NFL could come out of this draft with a play-maker at the running back position. Best value: Camerun Peoples, Evan Hull, Keaton Mitchell
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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