The 2023 NFL draft class has seen some players take little time to establish themselves as stars, in particular some of the top defensive prospects in the class.
Throughout the draft process a year ago most analysts considered Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. the two best defensive players in the 2023 NFL draft. That has held firm as the defensive rookie of the year is a tight race between the two of them.
Carter and Anderson Jr. have highlighted the defensive rookie of the year race, but there are plenty of other rookies deserving of recognition for their play this season which we will do in this article.
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Five Defensive Rookies of the Season
Honorable Mentions
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Patriots
While Christian Gonzalez only played four games this season, he still warrants an honorable mention as he was on track to be a defensive rookie of the year award contender before a shoulder injury ended his season. Gonzalez has all the tools to develop into a star corner as his change of direction and movement skills are amongst the best in the league.
Mekhi Blackmon, CB, Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings found great value with their third-round selection in USC corner Makhi Blackmon who had an interception and eight pass breakups in 15 appearances as the third highest graded rookie cornerback in the 2023 season.
Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Vikings
Ivan Pace Jr. went undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft due to concerns about his lack of size, however he proved this season that many teams made a mistake passing on him. Pace Jr. led all rookies in tackles with 70 and was PFF‘s highest-graded rookie linebacker.
Byron Young, ED, Rams
Despite not having a first round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams still managed to put together a good draft class. Byron Young has already paid dividends as he started all 17 games and registered 50 pressures this year, which was third amongst rookies.
Tuli Tuipulotu, ED, Chargers
The other Los Angeles team also found good value in an edge rusher on day two as Tuli Tuipulotu had a very good rookie season after being drafted in the second round. Tuipulotu appeared in 11 games as a key piece of the Chargers defense and put the second most pressures of any rookie with 51.
Kobie Turner, DT, Rams
Landing just outside the top five in this defensive rookie ranking is Kobie Turner. A strong argument can be made for Turner to be as high as three on this list. After being drafted in the third round, Turner had a great rookie season as he was a force alongside Aaron Donald on the Rams’ defensive line registering 48 pressures and producing fourth best PFF grade of any rookie defender.
5. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers used the second-round pick at 32nd overall which they acquired in the Chase Claypool trade to draft Joey Porter Jr. who is already a key piece on the Steelers defense. Porter Jr. quickly emerged as the Steelers top corner as he hasn’t shied away from taking on difficult assignments and has found success.
4. Brian Branch, CB, Lions
Brian Branch was tabbed as one of the highest floor players in the 2023 NFL draft class and the Detroit Lions found good value drafting him in the second round. Branch is already one of the top nickel corners in the NFL as his three interceptions and 11 pass breakups were both second best amongst rookies.
3. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seahawks
Devon Witherspoon was a player who rose quickly up draft boards after a phenomenal senior season at Illinois and ended up being the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. That selection is already proving to be a wise decision by the Seattle Seahawks as Witherspoon showcased the tackling and coverage skills that made him a top five pick.
2. Will Anderson Jr., ED, Texans
Will Anderson Jr. made a very strong case for himself to be the defensive rookie of the year this year. The Houston Texans’ decision to trade up for the edge rusher was questioned at the time however after Anderson’s rookie year it’s proved to be the right call.
The former Alabama star led all rookies with 59 pressures as he’s been an integral part of the Texans defense. There’s no doubt that the Texans landed a cornerstone type of player in Anderson who has been a big part of their AFC South winning squad.
1. Jalen Carter, DT, Eagles
Jalen Carter fell on draft night to ninth overall due to off-the-field concerns however nobody doubted his talent on the team as many analysts considered him the best player in the draft class. Jalen Carter hit the ground running with the Eagles as he’s already solidified himself as one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league.
Carter was PFF’s fifth-highest-graded interior defensive lineman this season as his 89.0 grade was also the highest of any rookie defender.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
