Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft brought two more rounds and exponentially more curveballs to this year’s rookie gala. Friday’s 72-pick spree covered every position from quarterback to kicker… and still, the five-star cornerback who sealed Georgia’s first national title in four decades remained unchosen.
Kelee Ringo leads the list of the top available prospects at as Round 4-7 loom. He’s not the only NCAA star still waiting to hear his name called. Veteran players from across the Power Five conferences remain in NFL limbo, waiting to see who’ll step up and add them to their roster — for training camp, at least.
With 102 picks in the books, several potential starters are stuck waiting for their turn. These are the 10 best.
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1
CB Kelee Ringo
School: Georgia
Who is he? Ballhawk cornerback who rises up in big moments but may move to safety in the NFL. Either way, he’s got a penchant for big plays in big moments and the athleticism to recover from whatever rookie mistakes might follow him into the league.
Potential fits: Bears, Texans, Falcons, Colts
2
EDGE Adetomiwa Adebawore
School: Northwestern
Who is he? A bit small but quick-footed and powerful defensive lineman who can get inside and wreak havoc. He may be a tweener, or he may be a few pounds away from being a Pro Bowl defensive lineman.
Potential fits: Packers, Texans, Dolphins, Titans
3
OT Dawand Jones
School: Ohio State
Who is he? Sun-eclipsing tackle who can swallow up edge rushers but has to refine his game. Jones is a bit raw, but his size and talent suggest he can have a Trent Brown-like impact at the next level.
Potential fits: Panthers, Packers, Raiders, Jets
4
S Antonio Johnson
School: Texas A&M
Who is he? Big hitting safety who can work from the slot but may be limited to playing Sundays in the box. He does his best near the line of scrimmage, blowing up screens and brining value as a blitzer.
Potential fits: Bengals, Rams, Browns, Patriots
5
CB Clark Phillips III
School: Utah
Who is he? Smaller cornerback who tested poorly at the combine, but his on-field production (eight interceptions, 19 passes defensed the last two seasons) cannot be ignored. Need someone in the slot?? Phillips is your guy.
Potential fits: Titans, Eagles, Rams, Bears
6
LB Henry To'oto'o
School: Alabama
Who is he? Ever-present part of the defense for both Alabama and Tennessee who makes everyone else better. In a draft filled with solid inside linebackers To’oto’o may be the most fundamentally sound.
Potential fits: Falcons, Patriots, Raiders, Bengals
7
LB Noah Sewell
School: Oregon
Who is he? Either the wrecking ball we saw in 2021 or merely the “pretty good” linebacker from 2022. He’s not super athletic, but his power and nonstop motor make him an asset.
Potential fits: Falcons, Patriots, Raiders, Bengals
8
RB Israel Abanikanda
School: Pittsburgh
Who is he? Shifty runner with great moves and first-step acceleration to find and then blast through holes. Proficient in turning an ounce of daylight into pounds of production.
Potential fits: Buccaneers, Cowboys, Cardinals, Browns
9
EDGE Nick Herbig
School: Wisconsin
Who is he? Undersized but tenacious defender who had 20 sacks his last two seasons. The latest in a line of underrated Badger linebackers who get work done.
Potential fits: Lions, Packers, Rams, Titans
10
OT Blake Freeland
School: BYU
Who is he? Big-bodied blocker with strong physical traits who’ll need to up his playing strength at the next level. His athleticism makes him a worthwhile Day 3 gamble.
Potential fits: Bengals, Raiders, Jets Commanders
