2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 5 players at each position
By Jakob Ashlin
2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Defensive tackle
866. . . . CALIJAH KANCEY. 1. player
Kancey raised his draft stock with an excellent combine performance. He was the fastest defensive tackle in both the 40-yard dash (4.67 seconds) and the 10-yard split (1.64 seconds).
Furthermore, his 4.67-second 40-yard dash was the fastest by a defensive tackle in the history of the combine, per NFL.com. Fellow Pittsburgh alum Aaron Donald was the previous record holder.
With eight sacks and 30 pressures in 2022, he projects to be an elite interior pass rusher at the next level.
814. . . . Jalen Carter. 2. player
Carter’s draft stock will be one of the biggest storylines of the first round. He appeared to be locked in as a top-three pick. Then, he was arrested on charges for reckless driving and racing due to his connection with an accident that killed a Georgia teammate and a staffer.
At his Pro Day, he was nine pounds heavier and could not finish the drills.
I’m really not sure where to rank Carter right now.
3. player. 851. . . . Moro Ojomo
In 2022, Ojomo had five sacks and 20 pressures. His 90.6 PFF grade was eighth among FBS defensive tackles. At the combine, he finished third at his position in the bench press (29) and second in the vertical jump (33.00 inches).
. . Bryan Breese. 4. player. 879.
Breese is an interesting prospect. He is listed at 6-foot-5 and 298 pounds, and he ran a 4.86-second 40-yard dash and 1.71-second 10-yard split. That combination gives him the ability to line up at multiple spots on the defensive line. Last season, he logged snaps at A gap, B gap, over tackle, outside tackle, and off ball.
Breese does only have four total sacks over the last two seasons, but his 17 hurries in 2022 inspire confidence.
901. . . . Jonah Tavai. 5. player
Tavai has surprisingly flown under the radar. Over the last two seasons, he has racked up 22 sacks and 86 hurries. Critics will point to his 6’0″ height, but the production speaks for itself.
Honorable mentions: Mazi Smith, Siaki Ika, Kobie Turner
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Offensive Tackles | Interior Offensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties