2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the Big Ten’s top 10 prospects entering the regular season

The Big Ten produced seven first-round picks as part of the 2022 NFL Draft. Five member institutions were represented. It’s too early to tell whether or not the conference will replicate similar numbers next year, but it’s clear there’s talent scattered across the Big Ten’s footprint again.

Here are the conference’s top preseason draft prospects:

10. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

LaPorta isn’t a flashy player but he does everything pretty well. It is not necessary to remove it from the field. Although he has an average top speed, LaPorta is able to land shots away from his frame. According to TruMedia, 71.7% of his receptions went for a first down or touchdown, which ranks him 26th among all pass catchers with at least 40 receptions. The Illinois native is physical through his routes and does a good job of absorbing contact as a blocker.

His target share has grown every year at Iowa City reaching a crescendo of 53 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns last season.

9. Jaelyn Duncan, Occupational Therapist, Maryland

Duncan looks like an NFL offensive tackle: good size, good athleticism and long arms. All the tools are there for him to be a top player. There’s a bit of a shock in his hands but he can do a better job of landing punches. The Maryland native has shown improvement throughout the season. There were some passing issues in his passing position and this often resulted in inside pressure from the defender.

Fellow Terps offensive lineman Spencer Anderson is another one to watch. He played in several positions but seemed more comfortable as an inside player.

8. Devon Witherspoon, BC, IL

Witherspoon has good height and average top speed to play on the boundary. It is able to reach top speed quickly and is aggressive downhill. The Florida native shows a good understanding of route distribution but is known to play. Illinois defensive backs have gained a lot of confidence and the coaches are holding them accountable.

7. Joey Porter Jr., BC, Penn State

The former NFL linebacker’s son has two years of significant playing experience at Happy Valley. Carry has good size for the position and good overall speed to stay in the receiver’s hip pocket. Opposing teams have completed 50.8% of passes against the California native in primary coverage. Ball production was limited at this stage of his career.

Wide receiver Parker Washington and point carrier Adisa Isaac are two other Nittany Lions to watch.

6. Durell Nchami, EDGE, Md.

The Maryland native nearly missed the 2021 season entirely due to an upper body injury. In his limited time on the court, he has shown an ability to defend the edge and bend to the high side of his rushes. Nchami is able to reach his top speed quickly but needs to develop more counter moves.

According to TruMedia, he generated pressure on 18.3% of his pass rushes. He recorded three sacks in four games.

5. Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland

Jarrett had one of the wildest recruitings in recent memory. After being initially committed to LSU for nearly eight months, the 5-star wide receiver returned to the original public school on national signing day. While productive in 2021, Jarrett has an ever-higher ceiling now that he’s settled into his role. The second showed backhand versatility, as well as good flurry and soft hands.

He recorded 62 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns in 2021.

4. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

The former 5-star rookie has massive wingspan allowing him to disrupt passing lanes when his rushing attempts don’t go home. Harrison has excellent top speed and great size for the position. He has the athleticism to cover road leaks out of the backfield. Despite all the physical traits, he only has 8.5 total sacks in his career. If the Columbus-area native is able to put it all together, then he could find himself in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Smith-Njigba quietly racked up 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns despite all the notoriety belonging to eventual first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. The stage is his in 2022. The Texas native displays good range and has a natural sense of play allowing him to settle into weak spots in an area.

Smith-Njigba caught 84.8% of the passes in which he was the primary target, which was seventh best, according to TruMedia.

2. Peter Skoronski, Occupational Therapist, North West

Skoronski does a good job adjusting his hands and feet once engaged. Although he played at left tackle last season, some wonder whether or not he would be better served moving inside to guard or cross. In a league starved for quality attacking tackle play, Skoronski should and likely will be given the chance to play edge first. He was credited with allowing 20 presses on 416 pass-blocking snaps, according to TruMedia.

Cornerback AJ Hampton Jr. is another one to watch. He showed good covering skills over a long period of playing time.

1. CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud has good arm strength, in addition to throwing with touch and good ball placement on the court. His throwing motion and footwork have improved throughout the season, which is a testament to the time and energy he puts into preparation. The California native has a natural sense of the game and is able to improvise depending on the defensive approach.

In his first full season as a starter, the 6-foot-3 quarterback completed 317 of 441 attempts for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. According to TruMedia, he had the second-highest passer efficiency, fourth-highest completion percentage (71.9%), and fifth-best quarterback sack rate (2.6%).

Paris Johnson Jr.’s move to left tackle should benefit him this coming season, but his inclusion on the roster would have been more of a projection and less based on what the movie showed.

Michigan and Wisconsin aren’t particularly absent from this list, but each team has a lot of potential. The Wolverines rely on several new contributors, including safety RJ Moten and running back Blake Corum. Edge rusher’s recent addition, Eyabi Anoma, may also be a key contributor. For the Badgers, the plot is at the line of scrimmage. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and point carrier Nick Herbig have already been productive. Similar to Johnson, Jack Nelson’s switch from right guard to left tackle should benefit him immensely.