NFL Draft 2023: Trends That Will Affect Top Picks

As the big day approaches, suspense is growing as NFL draft hopefuls are soon to know their future fate. But what can they expect after getting drafted?

With the NFL 2023 Draft just around the corner, NFL fans are ready to see where top picks end up going during the April 27 -29 event. However, they should also expect to see some new developments, especially during the first rounds of the Draft. Changes in athletic defenses and college football rules, successful Air Raid offenses, and more amendments are set to impact selected players once the NFL Draft starts, as well as how the NCAA conducts business.

Here are some key trends to note as we head into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Well-Built Cornerbacks

One of the apparent trends of the 2023 NFL Draft is that many of the cornerbacks have big athletic bodies with plenty of accomplishments attached to their names. For instance, Joey Porter Jr is a well-built 6,2 player from Penn State. Son of Joey Porter, the renowned All-Pro linebacker, Joey Jr finished the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine at Indianapolis in a mere 4.46 seconds. Another notable name is Kelee Ringo from Georgia, who completed the 40 within 4.36 seconds and stands at 6,2.

More Subcompact Receivers

Over previous seasons, prospects who appeared to be lighter than the heavyweight defenders were shunned from college football and NFL teams. However, thanks to the widespread success of Air Raid offenses, featherweight receivers are now in the running for top pick spots during the 2023 NFL Draft. For instance, the anticipated first-round picks during the draft include Josh Downs from North Carolina, who weighs 171 pounds; Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee at 176; Nathaniel Dell from Houston at 165; and Jordan Addison from Southern California at 173.

Stunning Athletes as Tight Ends

This year’s tight-end class features several prospects who wouldn’t look out of place on an NBA court, with skills ranging from adequate to extraordinary. For instance, NFL fans have been amazed by Darnell Washington’s physique, especially when showcased in montages showing defenders bouncing off his 6,7 and 264 pounds frame.

Another towering tight end is Zach Kuntz from Old Dominion, who has a 40-inch vertical jump and is 6,7. Luke Musgrave from Oregon State measures 253 pounds and is 6,6, and he achieved amazing workout results at the combine.

Versatile and Huge Linebackers

It is a well-known fact that the rugged-looking and lead-footed linebackers featured in the 1980s are now an extinct species. Despite how menacing the growls are, college and professional defenses will rarely draft a player who can easily get carried off by a tight end or running back during pass coverage. The 2023 NFL Draft class consists of decent-sized linebackers, including Trenton Simpson, Drew Sanders, Henry To’oTo’o, Jack Campbell, and many more, who have plenty of pace and versatility in their locker.

Flagging of Older NFL Prospects

Several NFL teams have age restrictions, but they may need to modify such restrictions to promote the lengthening of college football careers. For instance, Hooker, who is 25 years old, is expected to be a second-round pick, despite his impressive football career of playing six or seven college football seasons.

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