The Athletic - 12 college players to watch for the 2023 draft

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QB — Bryce Young (Jr., Alabama)

The Heisman Trophy winner, Young (6-0, 194) set Alabama single-season marks for passing yards (4,872) and touchdowns (47) while leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC title and a runner-up College Football Playoff finish. Young’s passing yards were the second-most nationally as were his 47 touchdown passes. In Alabama’s first game against Georgia, Young set the SEC Championship record with 461 total yards and 421 through the air. He threw for three touchdowns and rushed for one more that afternoon.

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DL — Jalen Carter (Jr., Georgia)

Even among the nation’s most talented defensive players, Carter (6-3, 310) found a way to stand out last year for the Bulldogs. Now with several members of that unit off to the NFL, expect a dominant campaign from Carter. Last year, he registered 37 tackles, 33 quarterback pressures, 8.5 tackles for loss and blocked two kicks. According to Pro Football Focus, Carter’s pass-rush grade tied for first among Power 5 players. He also was one of the nation’s best run stoppers.

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Edge — Will Anderson (Jr., Alabama)

If any player is going to push a quarterback off the top line next year, it’s Anderson. It’s not hyperbolic to suggest Anderson (6-4, 243) is one of college football’s greatest pass rushers — ever. Last year, Anderson led the country with 17.5 sacks and put up 34.5 tackles for loss. He was a unanimous first-team All-American and the Nagurski Award winner as the nation’s best defender. If he was eligible for the 2022 draft, Anderson might have been selected No. 1 overall.

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CB — Cam Smith (RS Soph., South Carolina)

The Gamecocks regularly positioned Smith (6-0, 185) in man-press, and no returning cornerback nationally was graded higher in that coverage by Pro Football Focus. Smith finished with three interceptions and 11 pass breakups, allowed only 15 catches all season and gave up multiple catches just in just two games last year. As a credit to his athletic ability, Smith made dynamic interceptions and can play outside or in the slot.

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S — Jordan Battle (Sr., Alabama)

No safety in the country combined power against the run with coverage skills like Battle (6-1, 206) did in 2021. Battle intercepted three passes, brought back two for touchdowns and he ranked fourth for the Crimson Tide with 86 tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, which named Battle a first-team All-American, Battle has the best grade of any safety over the last two seasons. Battle also hasn’t given a touchdown catch since October 2020.

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