The NFL draft is one of the most anticipated events in the sports calendar, and every year, analysts and experts release their rankings of the best college prospects. ESPN’s Todd McShay is one of the most respected voices in the industry, and his Big Board is eagerly awaited by fans and teams alike. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into McShay’s Big Board for the 2023 draft, analyzing the top prospects and what makes them special.
What is the Todd McShay Big Board?
The Todd McShay Big Board is a ranking of the top college football players eligible for the NFL draft. McShay is a highly respected ESPN analyst who has been covering college football for over two decades, and his Big Board is considered one of the most accurate and well-researched rankings in the industry. McShay’s rankings take into account a player’s skills, production, and potential, as well as factors such as injury history and off-field concerns.
Top 5 Prospects on the 2023 Big Board
So who are the top prospects on McShay’s 2023 Big Board? Let’s take a look:
1. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Rattler is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the 2023 draft class, thanks to his impressive arm talent, mobility, and ability to make plays outside the pocket. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns as a freshman in 2020, and is expected to have another big year in 2021.
2. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Stingley is a shutdown corner who has been a standout for LSU since his freshman season in 2019. He has excellent speed and athleticism, and is known for his ability to make plays on the ball. He will be a highly coveted prospect for teams in need of a lockdown cornerback.
3. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Thibodeaux is a dominant pass rusher who had 9.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss in his sophomore season in 2020. He has excellent size and athleticism, and is a disruptive force in the backfield. He has the potential to be a game-changing player at the next level.
4. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Neal is a massive offensive tackle who has started for Alabama since his freshman season in 2019. He has excellent size and strength, and is a mauler in the run game. He also has the athleticism and footwork to hold up in pass protection. He will be a top offensive line prospect in the 2023 draft.
5. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Hamilton is a rangy safety who has been a standout for Notre Dame since his freshman season in 2019. He has excellent size, speed, and athleticism, and is known for his ability to make plays in coverage and in run support. He will be a highly coveted safety prospect in the 2023 draft.
Other Top Prospects on the 2023 Big Board
While the top five prospects on McShay’s Big Board are likely to be the most talked-about players leading up to the draft, there are plenty of other talented prospects to keep an eye on. Here are a few more players to watch:
George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Karlaftis is a disruptive pass rusher who had 7.5 sacks and 17.0 tackles for loss in his sophomore season in 2020. He has excellent size and strength, and is a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave is a dynamic playmaker who had 50 catches for 729 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020. He has excellent speed and quickness, and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Ross missed the 2020 season due to a congenital spinal issue, but is expected to return to the field in 2021. He was a standout for Clemson in 2018 and 2019, and has excellent size, speed, and hands.
Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Howell is a talented quarterback who threw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns in his sophomore season in 2020. He has excellent accuracy and touch, and is known for his ability to make plays on the run.
Conclusion
The Todd McShay Big Board is a valuable resource for NFL teams and fans alike, offering an in-depth look at the top college prospects in the country. While the 2023 draft is still a long way off, it’s never too early to start scouting the next generation of NFL stars. Keep an eye on these players as they look to make a name for themselves in the coming years.