Mel Kiper Jr. previews possible climbers on 2023 big board
The latest Big Board is here for ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., releasing his top 25 players for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Some big names are at the top, including three quarterbacks being ranked inside the top five. However, there is still room for players to shoot up the first round with about a month of the college football season remaining.
When asked who could be possible climbers, Kiper said he will be watching CBS at 3:30 ET this Saturday for the Georgia–Tennessee game. He thinks Bulldogs offensive tackle Broderick Jones could see his stock improve with a good game. Kiper said an elite tackle is still being looked for in the class. Jones could be that guy.
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“I think you look at the O-Line — Broderick Jones, the offensive tackle from Georgia,” said Kiper. “Going to see him against Tennessee. Coming off the edge, Byron Young is a pass rusher from Tennessee. So, I think he’s a guy who could climb because we’re still looking for that elite tackle. You got Paris Johnson Jr. at Ohio State, Peter Skoronski at Northwestern — could be a guard. I think Broderick Jones, this Tennessee game will tell us a lot about that.”
Jones took over the starting left tackle spot for Georgia this time last year, sealing the role against Missouri on Nov. 6, 2021. The redshirt sophomore has not looked back, protecting quarterback Stetson Bennett ever since.
Mel Kiper breaks down potential wide receiver climbers
Wide receiver was the next position discussed by Kiper, beginning with a couple of slot guys from the ACC. Bigger, outside receivers are always thought about at the top of the first round. Kiper said there will be “really good” slot players available.
“You got a lot of guys trying to climb up there,” Kiper said. “You got those slot guys that are really good. Zay Flowers at Boston College and Josh Downs at North Carolina.”
The next name brought up was TCU‘s Quentin Johnston. Kiper said he could still establish himself as the top wide receiver in the class, especially with quarterback Max Duggan playing so well. Already one of the best in the Big 12, Johnston is somebody to look out for.
“I think the size and physicality of a guy like Quentin Johnston from TCU– with Max Duggan really emerging — I think Quentin Johnston is a guy who could really rise up. Talk about wide receiver one, who’s going to be first off the board. Quentin Johnston, once he tests. If he keeps putting those numbers up, he’s certainly going to be in that mix.”