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The 2023 NFL Draft is bound to produce some top talent, given the names entering the pool. With the competition for cornerback spots heating up, it's likely that only a handful will be able to make it to the big stage.
This article analyzes the top five best prospects that could join the NFL next year and become household names in the near future.
#5 Cam Smith, South Carolina
Cam Smith has been a solid member of the South Carolina Gamecocks for the past few seasons. The 22-year-old has managed an impressive 27 tackles with one interception this season.
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Last season, Smith put up three picks and nine pass breakups. It's hard to argue why he won't be among the top cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
#4 Clark Phillips III, Utah
Despite being 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds, Clark Phillips always seems to get the better of his opponents in a game. The Utah Utes star also loves putting on a show for the crowd. He has managed 24 tackles and six interceptions this season, which earned him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Last year, he stacked up an exceptional 61 tackles. However, there are still concerns over his size. Hence, fans are eager to see what he can do when he joins the NFL.
#3 Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Joey Porter had a six-deflection showing against Purdue in Week 1. However, the Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback managed only five more deflections for the remainder of the campaign.
Nonetheless, Porter has shown that he can be trusted to deal with top-notch offenses over the years. Last season, he racked up 51 tackles and one interception.
#2 Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Kelee Ringo will be another top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft due to his athleticism and size combination. The Georgia Bulldogs cornerback has recorded 36 tackles and two interceptions this season.
Ringo has had a few moments of inconsistency with his technique and ball tracking at times. However, there's nothing that can't be sorted out with some help from top coaches. He also possesses fluidity and explosive foot speed to keep receivers at bay in the final third.
#1 Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Devon Witherspoon seems to have all it takes to become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. The 20-year-old is blessed with speed and agility. He also has the toughness to shrug off the most physical receivers.
Witherspoon enjoyed another stellar season with the Illinois Fighting Illini, with 42 tackles and three interceptions. He has managed over 30 tackles in each of his last four years in Illinois. He is also expected to be picked in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
