2023 NFL Draft Primer: DL Big Board Rankings (DT & 3-4 DE)
2023 NFL Draft Primer: DL Big Board Rankings (DT & 3-4 DE)
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"As we celebrate our 21st year of independent scouting analysis, NFLDB is excited to provide a preview of the 2023 DL Draft Class. Before we begin, it's important to note that the NFL Draft Bible Big Board categorizes the defensive line into two categories: defensive tackle and 3-4 defensive end!" - Ric Serritella, NFLDB
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*Before we get started, it is important to note that the NFL Draft Bible Big Board breaks down the defensive line into two categories: defensive tackle and 3-4 defensive end.
The 2022 NFL Draft was dominated by the Georgia Bulldogs, as five players from their legendary defense were chosen in the first round, which set a new record for the most players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft from the same school. Kirby Smart has churned out future NFL starters at a rampant pace at his new, dominant football factory in Georgia and could see quite a few more Bulldogs drafted in the first round once again.
There are many in the scouting community who believe that Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is a higher rated prospect than his former teammate Travon Walker, who was the number one overall pick from that aforementioned 2022 NFL Draft. Blessed with few weaknesses, Carter blends, size, strength, athleticism and savvy. Clearly, he is a bona fide candidate to be chosen number one overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Could more history be on the way? Only once in draft history has the back-to-back top overall pick hailed from the same school. Oklahoma quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (2018) and Kyler Murray (2019) recently became the first ever to do so.
One player who could rise up during the draft process is Calijah Kancey of Pittsburgh. The ultimate technician, Kancey owns a unique skill-set with his ability to provide an interior pass-rush. However, his size could make some NFL decision-makers a bit queasy (see; Donald, Aaron). Few players elevated their draft profile during the all-star game circuit more than Boise State brawler Scott Matlock. After dominating throughout the week at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Pasadena, the All-Mountain West selection made his way out to Las Vegas for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Once again, he won over talent evaluators in attendance with a stout anchor, along with impressive stack and shed ability. His stock is on the rise!
Taking a look at the five technique prospects, these players typically have either length concerns, which prevent them from living on the edge, or height/size concerns that make them vulnerable on the interior. Other times, in a case such as Mike Morris of Michigan, he just projects best at that position in the NFL. Of course, that is of an opinion. There will be some NFL teams who view him as a defensive end in the 4-3 scheme and there may even be others who want to play him at outside linebacker, like the Wolverines did at times this past season. He possesses rare quickness and get off for a man of his size, in addition to being strong as an ox.
Some teams value athletic traits, others really try to get to know the individual, while every organization loves speed. On the flipside, there are a handful of franchises who have gone light on the interrior. That's the beauty of scouting, there's a wide variety of opinions and unlimited ways on how to evaluate. What history has shown is that Day Three players become Day Two selections, Day Two projections can morph into players that can suddenly provide dazzling performances on the biggest of stages in the trenches.
Below, you will find our latest big board rankings for the Defensive tackle position. We will continue to post updates, so keep it locked for exclusive coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City.
2023 NFL DRAFT BIBLE BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Jalen Carter | Georgia | DT | #88 | Jr | 6031 | 314 | 4.90e | Apopka, FL | 10.06.01 (21.11) | Rd1
One Liner: Rare athleticism for his size with tremendous strength, explosiveness, and versatility.
Evaluation: Blessed with rare athleticism, a lightning quick first step and violent hands, Carter makes a living in the opponents' backfield. His combination of size, agility, explosiveness, tremendous strength and versatility makes him the best pure talent in the 2023 NFL Draft. His versatility also bodes well, as Carter has been moved up and down the defensive line. A one-man wrecking crew, Carter is fast, physical and powerful with All Pro characteristics. It would benefit him to add some bullk/strength to help with his bull-rush against some of the mammoths at the next level. Pending an off-field incident earlier this year, Carter is not expected to slip out of the top ten. There were some whispers within in the scouting community prior to his off-field arrest about his character and maturity, leading to mass speculation that Carter could plummet come draft day. More concerns were raised after an atrocious pro day workout, in which Carter appeared to be vastly out of shape, something that also showed up during the College Football Playoffs. Despite several red flags, Carter is a better overall prospect than last year’s top selection and teammate Travon Walker. An instant impact player, NFL teams need to feel comfortable with the person but as a player, Carter has no limits.
Quotable: “There’s been a lot of questions about Jalen, which probably was inevitable anyway. You just try to be honest and talk about the experiences we had. Jalen did not have to come back and play after his first injury, nor his second injury. Both times he begged us to put him in in games he was hurt. The competitive character he’s shown I think has been good. Jalen earned the respect of his teammates. That’s a lot of things you can say about him.” -- Kirby Smart
Background: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured arrest warrants on Carter, stemming from his involvement in a fatal car accident on January 15th, which resulted in the death of Georgia football staffer Chandler LeCroy and teammate Devin Willock. Carter entered pleas of no contest to charges of racing and reckless driving, according to his attorney, Kim Stephens. He was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 50 hours of community service and completion of a state-approved defensive driving course A five-star recruit from Apopka High School; Also competed in basketball and weightlifting, placing second in the heavyweight division with bench press of 395 pounds. Often compared to former Apopka product and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Warren Sapp. Susan and Mark Tomlinson Family Football Scholarship. Repped by Drew Rosenhaus.
Another Name I Really Like: Bryan Bresee
BRYAN BRESEE, #Clemson | DT | #11 | rSo | 6054 | 298 | 4.86 | Damascus, MD | 10.06.01 (22.11) | Rd1
Evaluation: A defensive lineman who boasts experience on the biggest stages and exhibits impressive unidirectional movement skills, power and length, Bresee can be an elite defender if he grows more consistent with his technique. The Maryland native boasts a thick, long frame and notable lower- and upper-body strength. He flashes the ability to use his length well, sometimes leading with his hands to initiate contact. He is an explosive linear and lateral mover with a good first step to penetrate or get into opponents’ frames early. He displays strong hands to throw around or otherwise disengage from linemen. Bresee is completely capable of winning leverage and driving opponents back at contact. The former five-star recruit pairs his stellar movement with somewhat-varied hand usage. Likewise, he understands blockers’ mistakes and can capitalize. His rare burst and speed at his size make him an exciting option on stunts. Against the run, Bresee typically practices clean gap discipline and has the length, burst and power to obstruct rushing lanes well - even while engaged. He, at times, shows off a strong anchor against single or double teams. He is a solid tackler. Bresee plays with a high motor, regularly maintaining leg drive and hand work through the whistle. All in all, Bresee is a rare athlete with dominant flashes and elite potential; still, he raw and currently profiles as an early-career impact backup. Background: Combine invite; timed 1.71 ten-yard split, with 22 bench-press reps, 29-inch vertical jump, 10-inch hands, 33-inch arms. Former top recruit in nation. In partnership with Clemson, created the “Ella Strong” game dedicated to his younger sister amid her battle with brain cancer. Played at Damascus High School. Repped by Athletes First.
An NFL Scouting Combine snub, Karl Brooks of Bowling Green is one to watch for; we previously discussed his upside at the next level here. For in-depth scouting reports on over 500 prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft
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2023 NFL DRAFT BIBLE BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Jalen Carter, Georgia, Jr, 6030, 314, 4.80e, 1028, 3348, NIC, Rd1
Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh, rJr, 6010, 281, 4.67 (1.64), 0928, 3058, 7300, 33”, 9-04, NIC, Rd1
Bryan Bresee, Clemson, rSo, 6054, 298, 4.86 (1.71), 1028, 3248, 22, 29”, 4.38, 7.41, NIC, Rd1
Mazi Smith, Michigan, rJr, 6030, 323, 4.95e, 0968, 3368, 34, 29.5”, 8-11, NIC, Rd2
Siaki Ika, Baylor, rJr, 6027, 335, 5.39 (1.88), 1028, 3238, 7578, 4.99, 7.80, NIC, Rd2
Zacch Pickens, South Carolina, Sr, 6040, 291, 4.89 (1.74), 1038, 3438, 8178, 22, 30.5” , 9-8, 4.62, NIC, Rd3
Keeanu, Benton, Wisconsin, Sr, 6036, 309, 5.09 (1.79), 0968, 3378, 8168, 25, 29.5”, 9-3, 4.65, 7.34, SRB, NIC, R3
Cameron Young, Mississippi State, rSr, 6030, 304, 5.10 (1.80), 1000, 3448, 8238, SRB, NIC, Rd3
Gervon Dexter, Florida, Jr, 6055, 310, 4.88 (1.81), 0948, 3228, 22, 31”, 9-2, 4.70, 7.50, NIC, Rd4
Byron Young, Alabama, Sr, 6030, 294, 5.03e, 1100, 3438, 8158, 24, 26”, 9-0, 7.68, Rd3, NIC, SRB, Rd4
Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma, rJr, 6020, 291, 4.81 (1.71), 1018, 3258, 7800, 27, 34”, 9-8, 4.51, SRB, NIC, Rd4
Scott Matlock, Boise State, rSr, 6041, 296, 4.98, 0900, 3268, 7838, 29, 29.5”, 9-05, 4.59, 7.31, NFLPA, Rd4
DJ Dale, Alabama, Sr, 6007, 302, 5.26 (1.81), 0968, 3278, 7958, 25.5”, 8-2, 4.80, 7.69, SRB, NIC, Rd5
Moro Ojomo, Texas, rSr, 6025, 292, 5.03 (1.77), 1038, 3448, 8338, 27, 33”, 9-4, 4.60, 7.45, EWS, NIC, Rd5
Keondre Coburn, Texas, rSr, 6015, 332, 5.22 (1.82), 0928, 3148, 7700, 27.5”, 8-5, 4.70, 7.56, EWS, NIC, Rd5
PJ Mustipher, Penn State, rSr, 6037, 320, 5.41 (1.88), 0900, 3268, 8018, 19, 27.5”, 8-0, 5.03, 8.01, EWS, NIC, Rd5
Dante Stills, West Virginia, rSr, 6034, 286, 4.85 (1.72), 0958, 3238, 7828, 20, 28.5”, 9-5, 4.61, 7.38, EWS, NIC, Rd6
Jaquelin Roy, LSU, rJr, 6030, 305, 5.13, 1018, 3268, 26” 5.00, 8.01, NIC, Rd6
Jacob Slade, Michigan State, rSr, 6031, 285, 4.95, 0948, 3238, 8100, 24, 31”, 9-02, 4.52, 7.63, NFLPA, Rd7
Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State, rSr, 6040, 279, 5.11 (1.72), 1078, 3328, 7958, 30, 28.5”, 9-8, 7.60, SRB, NIC, Rd7
Nesta Jade Silvera, Arizona State, rSr, 6020, 304, 5.16 (1.77), 0978, 3278, 7848, 21, 29.5”, 9-2, SRB, NIC, PFA
Cory Durden, North Carolina State, rSr, 6042, 292, 4.97e, 0978, 3428, 8318, NFLPA, PFA
Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina, rSr, 6035, 334, 5.25 (1.82), 0968, 3368, 8200, 27.5” , 8-6, 4.83, 7.60, SRB, NIC, PFA
Taron Vincent, Ohio State, rSr, 6013, 304, 5.15, 0900, 3228, 7748, 26, 26.5”, 8-00, 4.80, 8.00, EWS, PFA
Jerron Cage, Ohio State, rSr, 6020, 311, 5.35, 0978, 3278, 7978, 26”, 8-11, 4.98, 7.89, EWS/HULA, PFA
Desjuan Johnson, Toledo, Sr, 6021, 285, 5.04, 0968, 3168, 7748, 24, 29”, 9-00, 4.50, 8.03, EWS, PFA
Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga, Sr, 6014, 299, 5.06e, 0968, 3300, 8000, EWS/HULA, PFA
Jayson Ademilola, Notre, Dame, rSr, 6031, 280, 5.15, 1028, 3368, 8000, 25, 33”, 9-02, 4.63, 7.83, NFLPA, PFA
Jordon Riley, Oregon, 6053, 338, 5.30e, 0958, 3458, 8112, NFLPA/CGS, PFA
Eli Huggins, Kansas State, Sr, 6036, 291, 5.04e, 0948, 3178, 7678, NFLPA, PFA
Jeffery Johnson, Oklahoma, rSr, 6016, 319, 5.60, 0968, 3314, 7912, 21, 22”, 7-09, 5.10, NFLPA/HULA, PFA
Robert Cooper, Florida State, rSr, 6015, 309, 5.25e, 1028, 3128, 7618, HULA, PFA
Chris Smith, Notre Dame, rSr, 6012, 302, 5.08, 0978, 3128, 7628, 37, 31”, 9-01, 4.60, 7.25, PFA
Calvin Avery, Illinois, rSr, 6014, 345, 5.38, 1000, 3248, 8178, 31, 30.5”, 8-05, 5.00, 8.01, NFLPA, PFA
Terrance Lang, Colorado, rSr, 6040, 282, 5.02, 0938, 3468, 8268, 18, 29.5”, 9-04, 4.72, 7.76, CGS, PFA
Anthony Watts, Marshall, Sr, 6031, 281, 4.85e, 1000, 3238, 7938, 19, 21.5”, 7-05, 5.06, CGS, PFA
Ifeanyi Maijeh, Rutgers, rSr, 6011, 289, 5.02e, 1000, 3258, 7958, 25, 28”, 8-01, CGS, PFA
Dom Peterson, Nevada, rSr, 6000, 300, 5.08, 0858, 2818, 7428, 29, 27”, 4.78, 8.00, CGS, PFA
Caleb Sampson, Kansas, Sr, 6030, 306, 5.08, 1018, 3218, 7858, 23, 26.5”, 8-06, 5.03, 7.88, HULA, PFA
Spencer Waege, North Dakota State, Sr, 6045, 280, 4.80e, 0968, 3200, 7918, HULA, PFA
Taishan Holmes, Northwestern, rSr, 6020, 322, 5.62, 0918, 3138, 7638, 23, 24.5”, 4.89, 8.14, PFA
Keenan Agnew, Southern Illinois, Sr, 6002, 295, 5.19, 1028, 3228, 7718, 30, 28”, 9-05, 4.62, 7.37, CGS, PFA
Lorenzo Fauatea, BYU, rSr, 6030, 296, 5.62, 19, 22”, 7-10, 4.93, 8.18, PFA
Ellison Hubbard, Sam Houston State, rSr, 6003, 285, 4.95e, 0978, 3228, 7428, CGS, PFA
Isaiah Forte, UAB, rSr, 6015, 280, 5.31, 1028, 3168, 7638, 17, 22”, 8-01, 5.08, 8.58, UDFA
Shakel Brown, Troy, Sr, 6032, 295, 4.92, 0958, 3218, 7828, 30, 32.5”, 8-09, 4.44, 7.58, CGS, UDFA
Chibueze Onwuka, Boston College, rSr, 5111, 286, 5.14, 0968, 3278, 7928, 25, 30”, 8-03, 4.72, 7.47, CGS, UDFA
Darel Middleton, Bethel, Sr, 6060, 306, 5.15e, 1018, 3300, 8038, HULA, UDFA