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A new rookie class of players in all positions enter the NFL each season. The new group is mostly represented by all college football players who were selected during the NFL draft and also signed as undrafted free agents. Each comes with a different set of expectations depending on where they were selected as well as the team situation they are entering in their first NFL season.
The 2023 rookie class is no exception to this concept. Many players will outperform their expectations, while just as many others will fail to live up to the hype.
That said, the following five players are expected to be high picks in the 2023 NFL draft, but come with a relatively high risk of being a bust.
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#1 - Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter is one of the most talented prospects in the 2023 rookie class. He served as the centerpiece for the Georgia Bulldogs' dominant defensive unit that helped carry them to two consecutive national championships. Not many scouts are concerned at all about his skillset as he profiles to be a top-five pick this year.
The problem with Carter is the recent off-the-field issue that has come up. He was reportedly involved in an illegal street race that resulted in a fatal car crash. A teammate and staff member were killed in the incident. While this may have been a mistake, off-the-field issues are always cause for concern. Ongoing controversial behavior has been known to derail NFL careers.
#2 - Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson is one of the biggest winners from the 2023 NFL Combine. He has the ideal frame that scouts look for as his size fits the profile of the stereotypical NFL quarterback. He also possesses an elite athletic ability that rivals any quarterback in Combine history. He ran one of the fastest times ever in the 40-yard dash while setting all-time quarterback records in broad and vertical jumps.
The impressive performance likely helped Richardson's stock ahead of the 2023 NFL draft as he's basically solidified himself as a top-10 pick. What puts him in serious danger of being a bust is his relative lack of proven success with the Florida Gators and his lack of arm strength. His athletic ability can be used as a weapon, but if his arm doesn't improve, he may not be a franchise quarterback.
#3 - Will Anderson
Will Anderson put together a solid college football career with the Alabama Crimson Tide as one of the highest-rated pass rushers in the country. He is considered by almost everyone around the NFL to be the most talented edge rusher in the 2023 draft class. He is expected to be one of the first non-quarterbacks selected in the draft this year.
Anderson has all of the skills and attributes that teams look for in an edge-rushing prospect, but there's some reason to be concerned. His production severely dropped off in his final season, recording fewer sacks and pressures than his previous year. There's also evidence of him taking plays off and not giving full effort all the time.
It's fair to wonder how a multi-million dollar contract will affect his motivation on the field when there's already questionable evidence in his college career. Jadeveon Clowney and Ed Oliver are recent examples of players who have entered the league with similar concerns.
#4 - Jordan Addison
Jordan Addison has been one of the top-rated wide receivers in the 2023 draft class for almost the entire 2022 NFL season. His dominant career with the USC Trojans is one of the reasons why, as well as his favorable size and athletic profile. Some of his hype has transformed into concerns following a concerning 2023 NFL Combine performance.
Addison measured smaller and slower than initially expected at just 5'11" and a 4.49-second 40-yard dash. He also struggled a bit during the receiving drills, further failing to impress scouts. He's still projected to be a first-round pick, but maybe he shouldn't be with his apparent lack of physical gifts.
#5 - Will Levis
Will Levis enters the 2023 NFL draft with an interesting dilemma. He has all of the tools and attributes that every scout is looking for in a pro quarterback prospect. He has a massive frame and one of the strongest arms in the draft class, while also possessing the required mobility to move around in the pocket. This makes him a projected top-10 pick at worst.
The issue is that his potential hasn't exactly translated to an impressive college football career. His statistics regressed during his two seasons as the starter for the Kentucky Wildcats and he also has some concerning habits on the field. He has built a reputation for staring down receivers and sometimes failing to recognize pressure.
This resulted in a concerning 23 interceptions in his final 24 games, while also absorbing way too many hits. Levis will likely need to clean things up to protect his longevity as a potential franchise quarterback.
