The 2023 NFL draft class is proving to be one of the best in recent years in the early going. We have enjoyed watching so many guys, not just first-round picks flourish in their young careers. Here are our favorite nine rookies at the midway point of the season.
1 - QB CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud was our top quarterback in the 2023 draft class and he’s done nothing to change our mind. He’s been so impressive and poised if you didn’t know it, you’d never believe he’s a rookie.
2 - DT Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles
All those pre-draft critics of Carter are pretty quiet as Carter has dominated all season long.
3 - CB Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
This cornerback class has been so good there are several guys who could be in this spot but we love what Witherspoon has done in a heavy role on the defense.
4 - CB Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots
It wouldn’t take much to swap Gonazlez and Witherspoon here as both guys have been excellent and the top cornerbacks from the draft class.
5 - LB Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings
Pace was one of our favorite prospects and the fact he was overlooked by the entire league.
6 - Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Nacua took advantage of his opportunity to start for the Rams and now has dominated through taking advantage of his opportunities.
7 - CB Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
It took the Steelers too long to get Porter into the starting lineup but he’s quickly become a lockdown cornerback.
8 - WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs might have finally found their new No. 1 receiver as Rice gets more comfortable in the offense.
9 - RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
We would have Bijan Robinson much higher on this list if the Falcons coaching staff understood how to scheme an NFL offense.
