Analysis
6/25/22
3 min read
2023 NFL Draft Watch List: Tiering the Best College Defensive Linemen
The conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft means that teams and fans alike can start looking forward to next year's crop of players. While it is far too early to have conclusive opinions on where each player will rank due to a full season of games and the player development ahead of us, this tier ranking previews how these players go into the season ranked against their position group. These tiers are subject to change but give a quick outlook on the expectations of these players.
Read our 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Tier List Here
Read our 2023 NFL Draft Quarterback Tier List Here
Read our 2023 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Tier List Here
Read our 2023 NFL Draft Tight End Tier List Here
Read our 2023 NFL Draft Offensive Line Tier List Here
​​Tier 1: The Top Talents
Jalen Carter, Georgia
Jaquelin Roy, LSU
Fabian Lovett, FSU
Myles Murphy, Clemson
Derick Hall, Auburn
Members of Tier 1 stand out above the rest because of their combination of explosiveness, athleticism and dominating play style thus far. Players of this caliber have the potential to be every down starting linemen and some show position versatility on the inside and outside. They have dominated as underclassmen and juniors but will need to continue this trend in order to be considered towards the top of this upcoming draft class.
Tier 2: Elite Traits or Play Style
PJ Mustipher, Penn State
Tyler Davis, Clemson
Robert Cooper, FSU
Siaki Ika l Baylor
BJ Ojulari, LSU
Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
Zach Harrison, Ohio State
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
Tier 2 of this group are all very good players in their own regard but may be missing consistent play or high-end traits. The potential of this tier has starter-level ability with the traits to develop into top players in next year's draft. The 2022 season will be the time for them to show the strides they have made as defensive linemen and athletes in preparation for next spring.
Tier 3: Potential Draft Picks
Taron Vincent, Ohio State
Nathan Pickering, Mississippi State
Keeanu Berton, Wisconsin
Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
Jayson Jones, Oregon
Ali Gaye, LSU
KJ Henry, Clemson
Jordan Burch, South Carolina
Tier 3 is a collection of players that show the ability to succeed primarily against one phase of the offense. These players have shown they have the traits to be effective pass rushers or run defenders in the right system. Some may be lacking the size or athleticism to be considered top talents for the draft. This group shows the potential to develop into role players or possibly even starters at the professional level.
Tier 4: Next Year's Sleepers
Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina
Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State
Darnell Jefferies, Clemson
Khari Coleman, TCU
Ochan Mathis, TCU
Adisa Isaac, Penn State
Tier 4 is a list of players who have more to prove as far as play quality and development are concerned. These players are missing some combination of size, speed, or length that would put them further up team’s boards at the moment. Certain players will be stepping into bigger roles this year which will answer some questions regarding their abilities. The 2022 season will be the time for these players to show off their development and boost their stock for the upcoming draft.
