The 2023 NFL Draft is just a month away and while all 32 teams are counting down the days until they can make their selections, there isn’t quite as much buzz for this year’s prospects as previous draft classes.
The lack of pre-draft buzz surrounding the best players in the 2023 NFL Draft class is a reflection of several factors. Jalen Carter, the consensus No. 1 prospect, diminished his draft stock with off-field issues and a concerning performance at his Pro Day. As for the top quarterback prospects, both Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have specific concerns with traits that keep them from being viewed as generational talents.
Related: 2023 NFL draft order
There is certainly plenty of hype surrounding many of the 2023 draft prospects. While some of it is warranted and some other players are flying under the radar, a view top prospects might be receiving too much buzz heading into April.
Let’s dive into the most overrated prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Will Levis, quarterback, Kentucky
It’s obvious why NFL teams like Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. Standing at 6-foot-4, he offers the prototypical tools that coaches identify with a franchise-caliber passer. Levis also boasts the strongest arm in the 2023 NFL Draft, offering tantalizing potential that some in the league can be molded into him becoming the next Josh Allen.
However, there are quite a few issues. Going off Bill Parcels’ rules for drafting a quarterback, Levis falls short in several areas. While Levis is a graduating senior and completed 65.4 percent of his passes as a starter at Kentucky, he won just 17 games as a two-year starter and posted a 19-10 TD-INT ratio as a senior.
- Will Levis stats (career): 46-25 TD-INT ratio, 145.6 QB rating, 5,876 pass yards in 38 games
Levis also struggled in a lot of notable games. He posted an 8-7 TD-INT ratio against SEC opponents this year, compared to a 7-1 TD-INT line against MAC opponents. He also attempted a high number of passes behind the line of scrimmage (23.4% per Pro Football Focus) and he was pedestrian (75.5 NFL QB rating) on deep throws.
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Inconsistent mechanics, volatile accuracy, a poor track record against SEC competition and struggling with pressure, there are enough reasons to be concerned about Levis. Any general manager and coach that drafts him with a top-10 pick is betting their career on a wildcard.
Jordan Addison, wide receiver, USC
While the NFL Combine benefitted a lot of prospects, USC Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison wasn’t one of them. Already viewed as a below-average athlete, the 5-foot-11 wideout only elevated those concerns with his testing in Indianapolis.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings
Addison earned a 5.84 Relative Athletic Score thanks to his athletic testing, landing in a company with the likes of Jasper Collins, Chris Thompson, Jalen Saunders and Mathew Sexton. Already lacking the athleticism to truly be a difference-maker at the next level, Addison also lacks NFL-caliber play strength and runs into trouble with physical cornerbacks.
Unfortunately, it’s not the only issue with Addison. While he only dropped 3.6% of passes thrown his way in 2022, it was a far bigger issue for him in previous seasons (8.6% in 2021). He still profiles to be a quality No. 2 receiver, but there’s a chance he might not be a top-25 pick.
Related: Jordan Addison scouting report
Myles Murphy, edge rusher, Clemson
Clemson Tigers edge rusher Myles Murphy came out of the regular season as a projected top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5 pass rusher’s draft stock has steadily slid down since the pre-draft process began and he might now be fighting to be a top-25 selection.
There are certainly plenty of qualities to like about Murphy. He offers the length, athleticism and motor that entices NFL scouts and coaches. He’s also a versatile player who can be moved around and Clemson raves about him as a person in the locker room.
Unfortunately, he might never reach the ceiling that his athleticism would suggest is possible. He lacks an array of pass-rushing moves, can struggle to get off blocks and he doesn’t bend around the edge quite as easily as you’d expect for someone with his athleticism. Murphy can be a Week 1 starter, but it’s possible he doesn’t become a 10-sack per season player.
Jalin Hyatt, wide receiver, Tennessee
Speed captures everyone’s attention and Jalin Hyatt is certainly one of the fastest players in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jalin Hyatt enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, with his record-breaking performance against Alabama paving the way to the Fred Biletnikoff Award. Despite his success this past year, Hyatt could be a slow starter in the NFL.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft quarterback rankings
The Volunteers’ offense created mismatches that don’t exist at the next level. Hyatt will immediately encounter more physical cornerbacks, players with the size to disrupt his routes and timing. Less space to operate and more speed opposite of him immediately limits big-play opportunities for the All-American wide receiver.
Hyatt’s route-running is a work in progress and he faces a steep learning curve with NFL offenses. While some want him to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the reality is that there are receivers who can make a more immediate impact available in Round 2.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft running back rankings
Kelee Ringo, cornerback, Georgia
Many viewed Georgia Bulldogs star Kelee Ringo as the best cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft heading into last season. While the 6-foot-2 defensive back earned All-SEC honors, he didn’t quite deliver on the expectations everyone had for him.
The lofty expectations were generated by Ringo’s pure tools. Cornerbacks with that size and athleticism can become All-Pro defensive backs, especially with the help of Georgia’s coaching staff. Yet, Ringo only flashed that ability at times in his final season.
Ringo allowed 13.1 yards per reception, per PFF, but his low moments were concerning. He allowed 70-plus receiving yards twice and five separate opponents went after him for at least 50-plus receiving yards. He was just as inconsistent in 2021, which seems to indicate a troubling lack of development in two years.