2023 NFL Draft Biggest Wild Cards
Every year there are a select group of prospects who are the draft’s wild cards. Last year some names like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Charles Cross and Kyle Hamilton were viewed as a great prospects but were all over the map in terms of projection. This year will likely be no different headlined by some top names who either had highlight combine performances or maybe off-field concerns that could cause a draft fall. Either way there will be some surprises this year and here are a few names that I believe will be wild cards this year:
ANTHONY RICHARDSON | QB | FLORIDA
The Florida QB is an ultra athletic passer who had question leading up to the combine and answered many of them with his impressive display or arm and leg talent. The 6-4, 240 lb. QB put up incredible measurables at the combine including a 4.43 40 yard dash time that only made media and some scouts likely fall in love with the young talent. Unlike other QB prospects like Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, Richardson’s rookie season is likely to be a redshirt year to give him time to learn his team’s playbook and develop his skills as a passer. That being said, Richardson has the most upside of any QB in this year’s class and could go anywhere from 1-3 to 4-7 in the draft. Either way Richardson is the most interesting player in the draft and will garner likely end up being a top 4 pick in April.
BIJAN ROBINSON | RB | TEXAS
Every year there is at least one RB who many think should be a first round pick, and this year’s option is Bijan Robinson. The Texas star rushed for over 1,500 yards and averaged over 6 yards per carry for the Longhorns in 2022 and is widely regarded as maybe the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. Robinson is a complete RB will can complement any NFL offense and would be a huge asset for a few teams who are in need of a rushing upgrade. Its fair to say that Robinson will likely not be a top 10 pick but it wouldn’t be shocking if he went in the top 20 but also could fall to one of the last picks in the first round. It will be interesting to see how teams value Robinson this year and based on talent, he deserves to be a first round pick.
JALEN CARTER | DL | GEORGIA
Leading up to the combine, many people had Georgia DL Jalen Carter as the top non-QB in the draft and the top defender. The dominant lineman is one of the more complete defenders that we’ve seen in the last couple years and would likely be a top 5 pick in most drafts but due to recent events that might change. Carter was reportedly involved in an off-field situation that not only involved law enforcement but caused him to have to leave the combine and miss important meetings and drills. The situation is quote serious and has led some to question whether or not he would still be drafted in the top 5. Shortly after the Georgia’s pro day, Carter reportedly showed up almost 10 lbs. heavier and was not able to complete every drill. If the draft was purely based on talent, Carter would unquestionably be a top 3 pick but considering the recent events, it would not be surprising to see Carter fall out of the top 7 picks but only time will tell if a team in the top 10 falls in love with his upside and takes the plunge.
TYREE WILSON | EDGE | TEXAS TECH
Tyree Wilson is this year’s physical freak in the draft. The 6-7, 270 lb. pass rusher has freakish length to pair with NFL ready size and athleticism which most teams will salivate over for their defense. Unlike the top edge rusher, Will Anderson Jr., Wilson has not had the same production during his 4 years at Texas Tech illustrated by his lack of sack production. While some teams may not want to take the risk on an edge rusher in the top 5 who hasn’t had more than 7 sacks in a college season, Wilson’s potential is as high as any defender in this class and could go anywhere from 3 to 20.
NOLAN SMITH | EDGE | GEORGIA
Another Georgia defender on this list is Nolan Smith who was once regarded as a future top 10 pick. Smith was one of the highest rated high school athletes entering his freshman season at Georgia and was considered not only a star defender but a leader which is important at the NFL level. During the combine, Smith showed out with a great 40 time and displayed his explosiveness which certain teams will love for their defense. The two biggest question marks that teams will likely have for Smith is his health and his size. Smith measured in at 6-2, 238 lbs. at the combine which pigeon holes him into specific defenses and regarding his health, Smith only played complete seasons in 2 out of 4 years at Georgia. If Smith can remain healthy and his size isn’t an issue, Don’t be surprised if a team in the top 10-12 picks takes a chance on the pass rusher.