NFL Draft News & Analysis

2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 interior defender's highest-graded season

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (8) reacts after recording a sack against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Tennessee won 34-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Projecting a 2023 NFL draft prospect to the NFL isn’t simply about looking at production from the 2022 season, as measurables and career bodies of work also come into play.

Still, it’s interesting to see when some of the best players in the draft had their best season in college football. Here, we look at the top 10 interior defenders on PFF’s big board and highlight their best season by PFF grade, adding some stats for context.

JALEN CARTER, GEORGIA

CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH

BRYAN BRESEE, CLEMSON

MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN

SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR

KEEANU BENTON, WISCONSIN

MORO OJOMO, TEXAS

KOBIE TURNER, WAKE FOREST

Jaquelin Roy, LSU

Gervon Dexter Sr., Florida

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