The outside linebacker group is shaping up to be one of the top position groups for the 2023 NFL Draft. Two players from that position are in ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s top 25 players on the board, and he broke down the top 10 outside linebackers, as well.
It’s no surprise Alabama star Will Anderson tops the list of best outside linebackers. He’s widely projected to be a top-five pick in April’s draft after another impressive season with the Crimson Tide. He had 51 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks and an interception one year after leaving his mark on the SEC. In 2021, Anderson totaled 101 tackles, 31.0 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks.
Here’s Kiper’s full top 10 outside linebackers:
- Will Anderson, Alabama
- Andre Carter II, Army
- Mike Morris, Michigan
- Nolan Smith, Georgia
- Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
- Derick Hall, Auburn
- BJ Ojulari, LSU
- Laiatu Latu, UCLA
- Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan
- Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
Just missed: Nick Hampton, Appalachian State; Byron Young, Tennessee; Eyabi Okie, Michigan; Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Carter’s situation took a few turns this week even though he sat at No. 2 in Kiper’s rankings. A bill introduced in Congress put his draft status into question and said he’d have to fulfill his military service before turning professional. However, new language stated Carter would be eligible to play in the NFL and defer his service, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.
Carter had a big year for Army this season, totaling 41 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks after an impressive sophomore season in 2021. That season, he had 17 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks to go with 41 total tackles for the Black Knights. He’s No. 22 on Kiper’s overall board.
The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on April 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.
