The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone, but that doesn’t stop us from looking ahead to 10 players who could be future stars in next year’s class.
You can figure that the 2022 Heisman winner, USC quarterback Caleb Williams, will probably be at the top of the list.
How about the rest of the class?
From fellow quarterbacks to eye-popping pass catchers, next year’s draft could be one of the most anticipated in eons. If your team stinks this fall, take heart.
They’ll likely get a high draft pick in one of the most exciting NFL Draft classes we’ve seen in quite some time.
Let’s break down 10 names we’re keeping an eye on, even though there are plenty more enticing prospects who will warrant top-10 consideration.
QB Caleb Williams, USC
Williams should be the most anticipated quarterback to ascend to the NFL from the college ranks since Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence.
The reigning Heisman winner should have the Trojans slated as national title contenders this fall.
NFL teams supposedly don’t tank, but for Williams, some teams may not mind losing a bunch of games this fall.
QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
As Williams could go first in next year’s draft, Maye could easily go second as a stellar concession prize for the team that loses out on taking Williams.
Maye stunned college football fans this past fall at North Carolina, and he’ll likely look even better in his pre-NFL Draft campaign.
He’s got all the hallmarks of an NFL quarterback, and he’ll have plenty of fans by next spring.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The human highlight reel that is Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. should be the most popular non-quarterback prospect next year.
The son of former NFL receiver Marvin Harrison will be the most anticipated wide receiver to enter the draft process since LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, and he could step on an NFL field for his rookie season and already be a top-five player at the position.
His upcoming season at Ohio State will involve a quarterback change with C.J. Stroud gone, but Harrison should still dominate.
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Bowers has been college football’s best tight end since the heyday of former Florida star Kyle Pitts, and he should tear it up in the NFL.
Conventional wisdom says don’t draft a tight end high, but when one as talented as Bowers comes along, you can’t say no.
If your team needs a pass catcher in next year’s draft class, Bowers should be the second-best option available.
OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Fashanu could’ve declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, but he decided to spend another year in Happy Valley.
Next year, he will be a highly sought-after offensive lineman who could start for an NFL team on day one as a left tackle.
Any team set at quarterback and picking high next year could have its eyes on the elite play of Fashanu.
OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Like Fashanu, Alt will be one of the most coveted offensive linemen in next year’s draft class.
You’ll also have draft fans who prefer one or the other as the top offensive tackle in the class.
Either way, Alt is a stellar prospect who figures to anchor an offensive line when he more than likely gets selected next spring.
DE Jared Verse, Florida State
If your team needs a pass rusher next spring, it could do a lot worse than by drafting Verse.
The Florida State edge could’ve declared for this year’s draft, but he decided to give college football another year before his professional debut.
It’s possible another strong season in Tallahassee could position him as the top defensive player in next year’s draft.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Clemson has a strong track record as of late with producing first-round defensive talent, and Trotter could be the next man up to be taken early in the NFL Draft.
While the Tigers had a down 2022 season, they’ll be leaning on Trotter on defense to help their rebound.
In the NFL, he could be an instant starter in the middle of a defense and will have plenty of football fans closely watching how his upcoming season goes.
OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama
It’d feel weird if there wasn’t at least one Alabama player on here, so we’ll mention the next big pass rusher that should ascend from the Crimson Tide.
After outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. went to the Houston Texans at pick No. 3 in this year’s draft, Turner could be a top-10 player if he has a strong fall for Alabama.
NFL teams love SEC pass rushers, and Turner could intrigue plenty of franchises next spring.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Let’s include another Alabama defender while we’re at it.
McKinstry could be the next great Bama defensive back to go high in the NFL Draft, and he’s certainly poised to play a major role for the Crimson Tide this fall.
As it stands, he could also be the best bet for a team looking to draft a cornerback in next year’s draft.
