The 2023 NFL Draft once again featured some top defensive talent in the first round. While we did see more quarterbacks go earlier than in the previous draft we also saw several difference-makers on the defensive side. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the first 5 picks were all defensive players and they all made a significant impact. Sauce Gardner ended up winning the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and rightfully so. Can another cornerback win the award this year? Let’s break down some of the key candidates.

Devon Witherspoon – CB (Seattle Seahawks)

Witherspoon was the first cornerback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft and he went to a great situation. Head coach Pete Carroll is known to develop young defensive talent and turn them into stars. Unfortunately, Witherspoon has dealt with a hamstring injury for much of training camp which has dampened his buzz. Make no mistake though when he comes back healthy, he will be a stud for Seattle.

Current Odds: +1000

Tyree Wilson – EDGE (Las Vegas Raiders)

Like Witherspoon, Tyree Wilson is also dealing with an injury to start his rookie season. Wilson is an athletic freak at the EDGE position and has the tools to be an elite pass rusher. The thought of him lined up opposite Maxx Crosby is frightening for opposing offenses. I see 5+ sacks for Wilson in his first season for the Raiders.

Current Odds: +1000

Will Anderson Jr. – EDGE (Houston Texans)

If the Chicago Bears didn’t trade out of the first pick they would’ve selected Will Anderson. Anderson is another stud defensive player from the University of Alabama. He was a dominant force in the SEC totaling 27.5 sacks in his last two seasons. Anderson is not only an elite pass rusher but he is also an excellent run defender. Along with his sacks he had 152 total tackles in his Sophomore and Junior seasons. Anderson Jr. is the most pro-ready prospect from this draft and he will get 10+ sacks this year.

* Our Pick – Current Odds: +400

Jalen Carter – DL (Philadelphia Eagles)

Somehow Jalen Carter fell to the Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter is another stud SEC defender who was dominant at Georgia. The off the field issues are a concern but if Carter can stay out of trouble he will make a big impact in Philly. Pairing him with one of the top defenses in 2022 seems almost unfair. I could see Carter starting when the season begins.

Current Odds: +700

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. – CB (Washington Commanders)

Emmanuel Forbes was a turnover machine for Mississippi State. He broke the all-time record for pick-sixes with 6 during his college career. The tall and lanky cornerback plays much bigger than his size and is more than willing to make a tackle when needed. Forbes will get plenty of chances to make his mark as he is expected to start for the Commanders in week 1. Expect to see 5 interceptions for Forbes in his rookie season.

Current Odds: +2000

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BACKGROUND

Tyree Wilson is an outside linebacker prospect out of Texas. He had a dominant senior season where he had 126 tackles and five forced fumbles. His commitment to colleges went through different routes. At first, he was committed to playing for Washington State but he decommitted before his final year. As a senior, Rivals listed him as a three-star weakside defensive end prospect. In the end, he committed to play for Texas A&M.

COLLEGE CAREER

In his first season at Texas A&M, he redshirted his true freshman season. In his redshirt freshman season, he played in 11 games but was able only able to get 12 tackles and a sack. After the season, he went to the transfer portal and ultimately went to Texas Tech. He was able to play immediately due to the NCAA giving him a waiver and he improved as the season progressed. He ended his first season with the Raiders with 38 tackles and seven sacks.

2022-2023 COLLEGE CAREER

He had a blazing start to his final season where he gathered 61 tackles and seven sacks in five games. However, he suffered a season-ending injury against Kansas in his sixth game of the season. Even with the injury, he was named to the First-team All-Big 12 and First-team All-American.

STRENGTHS: Physical Dominance

Standing at 6’6″ and 271 lbs, Tyree is one of the more impressive human beings in this draft. His mix of length and power makes it a difficult matchup for any offensive lineman. He has an explosive first step and he’ll be too athletic to face guards. His experience can put him as a 3-4 outside linebacker as well.

WEAKNESSES: Need To Add More Moves

As the game goes on, he needs to add more moves to make an impact. Sometimes, he becomes too stagnant and becomes a non-factor in the play. He’s not as fluid as people hoped and this shows when he cannot go through smaller gaps.

PLAYER COMPARISON: Matt Judon

TEAMS WHO COULD DRAFT HIM

Tyree Wilson has a lot of fans as he seems to be a lock to be in the Top 10. EDGE players have so much impact on the game that getting a premium prospect can be a cornerstone player for a decade. Teams like Atlanta and the Raiders are perfect fits for him as they need to improve their defense.

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