Preview 2023 NFL draft – Collegefootballfan.com’s Top Defenders seen in action

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Pro selections draw nearer as we approach the 2023 NFL draft from April 27-29. One note: I haven’t focused in this topic as much as I usually do. I am totally immersed this spring working on a new book I hope to publish in June well before the 2023 college season kicks off.
The working title is called, Fifty years . It will be based on my original book published in 2011, Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ’em all! The new book starts with the adventures taken from the first book telling of the first time I attended a game played by every FBS team. Then, I “fast-forward” from there to basically the best of games I attended played by each FBS since. You will find I attended many great exciting and significant games played by every FBS team, all 131 and counting. So much great down to the last-minute action! Stories revel in players’ and coaches’ names you still recognize today, and others whose moments were fleeting, but still a significant part of their school’s gridiron history.

Bringing history up to date

In Fast Forwards, I take liberty to analyze and give my opinions on the current status of changes currently impacting the great sport of college football. You may agree or disagree with what I say, but the main thing I’d like to do is create awareness of what is happening and the possible ramifications and possible alternative solutions for this great game in the future. These topics in some cases can be considered as what I determined to be the rising “ugly” side of college football.

In the end, I also present my “bucket list” – more from the fun side. Entering my sixth decade attending college football games every weekend (655 since 1979) when I started doing this religiously, I plan to continue doing this as long as I can. Games to attend, venues to visit, game action to enjoy, and great fans to meet! Watch for updates regarding Fifty Years very soon. Back to the 2023 NFL draft.

Today, we introduce Collegefootballfan.com’s Top Defenders seen in action eligible for selection! Over the last three seasons, we’ve done our scouting having attended 44 NCAA football games. Would’ve been over 20 more if not for Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. Only got to attend three that season, but witnessed pro talent among six squads in action.

We note many of the players we’ve seen rank right up at the top of the mock drafts announced. Based on what we saw for ourselves, we don’t always agree with all the soothsayers have to say. They watch highlight films. We watch entire games in person. Already, we envision some of their top picks as flops. Hopefully, our photo files contain some more glimpses of a few gems we picked out on our own. Take a look for your enjoyment and fantasy league selections.

Agility, quickness, and toughness sought first at next level

We captured some of the best here. Surely some of these guys will be key pro performers for years to come. Four months and one day until our 44th season kicks off on August 26.

Here come some of the best defenders for the 2023 NFL draft:

Alabama All American LB Will Leonard
Will Anderson Jr (31), seen here in action taking on the challenge of Utah State in Bama’s 55-0 onslaught. No doubt to go as the premier LB in the 2023 NFL draft. Also seen here for The Tide, LB Henry To’o To’o will probably go by the third round.
Georgia DT Jalen Carter (88) leads Dawgs against Kentucky for short gain. Though his value may have dropped due to legal consequences, he will go in the first found.
Georgia DT Jalen Carter (88) leads Dawgs against Kentucky for short gain. Though his value may have dropped due to legal consequences, he will go in the first found.
Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass and turned to race downfield the spot the ball on the 47. He will go in round 1-2 of 2023 NFL draft.
Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo (5) hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass and turned to race downfield to spot the ball on the 47. He will go in Round 1-2 of 2023 NFL draft.
A pride of Nittany Lions led by S Ji Ayir Brown prey on QB in win at Auburn. Brown won Team and Rose Bowl MVP in 2022. recorded 44 tackles., 4.5 for loss, and four INTs. Round 1-2 selection in NFL 2023 draft.
A pride of Nittany Lions led by S Ji Ayir Brown (16) prey on QB in win at Auburn. Brown won Team and Rose Bowl MVP in 2022. Recorded 74 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and four INTs. Round 1-2 selection in NFL 2023 draft.
Another PSU DB expected to go high in 2023 NFL draft, CB Joey Porter, Jr. (9) seen here at Purdue.
Another PSU DB expected to go high in 2023 NFL draft, CB Joey Porter, Jr. (9) seen here at Purdue.
Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness (91) shut out Kentucky in 2022 Music City Bowl. Van Ness projected to go in Round 2-3 of 2023 NFL Draft.
Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness (91) shut out Kentucky in 2022 Music City Bowl. Van Ness projected to go in Round 2-3 of 2023 NFL Draft. Second team All Big Ten in 2022 with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Blocked two kicks.
Baylor DT Siaki Ika, second from top in white, looks to be a run stopper at 6'3", 335 lbs. Expected to go in Round 4-5 this year.
Baylor DT Siaki Ika, second from top in white, looks to be a run stopper at 6’3″, 335 lbs. Seen here against Texas State in 2021. Expected to go in Round 4-5 this year.
Army LB Andre Carter (34) is first West Pointer to be drafted in many years. Long and lean and having played against lesser teams among the FBS, he will be a work in process. Look late in Round 6-7.
Army LB Andre Carter (34) is first West Pointer to be drafted in many years. Long and lean and having played against lesser teams among the FBS, he will be a work in process. Look late in Round 6-7.
EDGE rusher Derrick Hall of Auburn (29) Hall led the Tigers with 12 TFLs and seven sacks in 2022. He tallied 60 total tackles, intercepted a pass, and forced two fumbles to earn first-team All- SEC honors. Projected to be taken in second round of 2023 NFL draft.
EDGE rusher Derrick Hall of Auburn (29) led the Tigers with 12 TFLs and seven sacks in 2022. He tallied 60 total tackles, intercepted a pass, and forced two fumbles to earn first-team All- SEC honors. Projected to be taken in second round of 2023 NFL draft.

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