- The Texans’ two first-round picks have shone: C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson both lead their respective positions in PFF overall grade through two seasons
- Puka Nacua tops the list: The Rams’ fifth-round pick in 2023 owns the highest PFF overall grade in the class, regardless of position.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get access to player grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy football rankings, all of the PFF fantasy draft research tools and more!
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
The 2025 NFL Draft came and went, and as the excitement and tension surrounding the spectacle continues to wane, we look forward to when the players take the field in earnest.
For now, we’re looking back at the 2023 NFL Draft and examining the highest-graded player at every position.
QB: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (85.2)
Before there was Jayden Daniels, there was C.J. Stroud. The Texans quarterback had, arguably, one of the greatest ever seasons by a rookie signal-caller in 2023, completing 63.9% of his pass attempts for 4,103 yards and 23 touchdowns while throwing only five interceptions.
Stroud’s 83.2 PFF overall grade was the highest ever for a rookie quarterback, and his play mirrored that of a ten-year veteran, helping the Texans to a 10-win season and their first AFC South title since 2019.
The 2024 season presented more challenges, and Stroud was sacked 52 times behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Despite the struggles, Stroud earned a 79.9 PFF overall grade and has comfortably been the best quarterback in the 2023 class to date.
RB: De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (91.3)
Achane was the next step in the Dolphins’ plan to overrun the NFL with speed. The former Texas A&M running back brought his 98th-percentile speed to an offense that was already littered with game-breaking talent, and Achane took the league by storm in his rookie year. His 92.1 PFF overall grade in year one was the highest among all running backs, and he averaged a hard-to-believe 7.8 yards per carry while scoring 11 touchdowns on 130 touches.
Although his volume hasn’t been as high as that of Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs, Achane has been efficient with his touches, and his 3.6 yards after contact per attempt average since 2023 ranks third among running backs.
De’Von Achane’s Career PFF Grades
WR: Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (92.1)
Nacua set the record for the most catches and receiving yards by a rookie receiver in 2023, recording 105 grabs for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. And his 87.9 PFF overall grade ranked 10th among all receivers. One year later, he recorded the highest PFF overall grade among wide receivers in just 11 games.
His two-year career to date has been wildly impressive, and his 92.1 PFF overall grade leads all receivers drafted in 2023. It also places him second among all receivers in the NFL. The sky is the limit for the former fifth-round pick.
TE: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (77.8)
LaPorta hit the ground running at a position where few produce early in their careers. In his rookie season, he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a 76.5 PFF overall grade and helping the Lions’ offense become one of the best in the NFL.
He caught fewer passes in 2024, just 60, but LaPorta became more of a big-play threat, averaging 12.1 yards per reception while flashing his ability to produce after the catch. Through two seasons, LaPorta has the highest PFF overall grade among tight ends drafted in 2023, and his impact has outweighed that of every other tight end in the class.
T: Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears (74.8)
Wright was the second offensive tackle off the board in 2023, landing with the Chicago Bears to help them fix a shaky offensive line. The former Tennessee tackle struggled with penalties and pressures in his rookie season, earning a 62.4 PFF overall grade, but rebounded in 2024, posting a 79.3 mark while allowing 21 fewer pressures and six fewer penalties than in his rookie season.
Only six tackles recorded a higher PFF run-blocking grade than Wright in 2024, and his ability to maul defenders in space with his 6-foot-5 frame means he’ll likely be a big scheme fit in Ben Johnson’s incoming offense.
G: Matthew Bergeron, Atlanta Falcons (68.1)
The Falcons drafted Bergeron with the No. 38 pick, providing him with an excellent ecosystem to grow. The former Syracuse guard was a day-one starter for the team, earning a 59.1 PFF overall grade in his first season and allowing 33 pressures. His grade improved to 70.9 in 2024, and no guard drafted in 2023 has a better career grade than Bergeron.
A big part of his improvement is in run blocking. In 2024, the Falcons posted the second-highest team PFF rushing grade and ranked eighth in EPA per rush, and Bergeron earned a 73.1 PFF run-blocking grade.
C: Joe Tippmann, New York Jets (70.3)
Tippmann flashed in 2024, even on a bad Jets offensive line. The former second-round pick earned a 73.4 PFF overall grade, the eighth highest among centers, and his 77.8 run-blocking grade was a massive improvement from his rookie campaign.
Five centers from the 2023 NFL Draft have played significant snaps for their teams, but none have logged more than Tippmann, who has been a near-constant for the Jets in two seasons. Ultimately, his 70.3 PFF overall grade leads the position class.
DI: Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles (85.1)
Carter has been a force to be reckoned with since stepping onto an NFL field. As a rookie, he earned an 89.0 PFF overall grade, registering 49 pressures and seven sacks in the regular season while finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The former No. 9 pick has already asserted himself as one of the best interior pass-rushing options in the league, and though his PFF overall grade in 2024 dropped to 74.1, Carter still notched 53 pressures and 12 quarterback hits.
Big players shine in big moments, and Carter went on a tear in the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl. He tallied 22 pressures and two sacks in four games and earned a 79.4 PFF pass-rushing grade. In just two years in the NFL, Carter has elevated himself to an All-Pro level.
EDGE: Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans (88.1)
Anderson was the second of the Texans’ two first-round picks in 2023 and was viewed as one of the safest picks in the draft — a toolsy, powerful defensive end with a high floor as a run defender and the traits to rush the passer. So far, Anderson has lived up to the billing. He owns the highest PFF overall grade among all edge rushers drafted in 2023 and has 110 pressures in his first two seasons.
His 85.1 PFF overall grade in 2024 ranked 10th among all edge rushers, and his 77.0 mark against the run was a top-20 figure at the position. Anderson is already one of the best every-down edge defenders in the NFL.
LB: Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings (74.1)
Some players are just perfect fits for their systems, and Pace is the perfect example. The Vikings’ linebacker boasts the highest grade among those in the 2023 class, despite being an undrafted free agent. Pace plays quick and smart downhill and has been an excellent blitzer in Brian Flores’ defense, registering 34 pressures in two seasons.
He has logged 174 total tackles in two seasons with the Vikings and earned an 85.4 PFF grade against the run in 11 games in 2024.
CB: Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks (85.0)
Witherspoon was a top-five pick for the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft and has since been the highest-graded cornerback from the 2023 class, earning an 85.0 mark in two seasons. The former Illinois defensive back has been excellent in coverage, allowing just 10.4 yards per reception in two seasons, the 30th-lowest mark among cornerbacks.
Where Witherspoon has really stood out is as a run defender. He’s an excellent tackler in space, and has nine tackles for loss or no gain against the run since 2023 — the third-most at the position. Witherspoon earned a 90.0 PFF grade against the run in 2024, also the third-highest mark at the position.
S: Ronnie Hickman Jr., Cleveland Browns (87.0)
The Browns picked up Hickman as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft, but the former Ohio State Buckeye has been the highest-graded safety in a class that featured Brian Branch. Hickman has been a good rotational safety covering the back end for a Cleveland defense that was red-hot in 2023 but struggled in 2024.
He has allowed only 6.4 yards per reception on 19 targets, and he earned an 81.7 PFF grade against the run in 2024. Hickman is more often used as a roaming free safety and has proven to be a valuable tool for the Browns’ defense thus far.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Is this Travis Kelce’s last season? NFL insider shares why Chiefs legend is at a crossroads
The Kansas City Chiefs' push for the playoffs ended on a heartbreaking note, sparking speculation about the future of one of the NFL's most iconic duos. After years of dominance, including three Super Bowl championships together, tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes may have played their last snap as teammates. This news has sent shockwaves through the league and left fans wondering what the next chapter holds for both stars. Travis Kelce looks dejected and drained after Chiefs' playoff exitSunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers brought more disappointment than expected. A 16-13 loss not only knocked the Chiefs out of playoff contention but also saw Mahomes suffer a torn ACL, ending his 2025 campaign prematurely. Surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process will be required, sidelining one of the league's brightest talents for an extended period. The injury […]
Cowboys collapse again and Michael Irvin calls out Prescott-led offense: “You need some Viagra”
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season has taken a disappointing turn after a stretch of victories had fans dreaming of playoff success. From Week 11 to Week 13, Dallas seemed unstoppable, stringing together wins that showcased their potential and fueled high expectations. But consecutive losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings abruptly derailed those hopes, leaving the franchise teetering on the edge of postseason elimination. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey shows how to make the perfect kickHall of Famer Michael Irvin didn't hold back in expressing his frustration with what he's seen play out."When you see a team beat the reigning champions and other perennial powerhouses, you start to believe in their potential," Irvin said on the "It Is What It Is" podcast. "Then you watch them lose to teams they should have handled, like Minnesota. "How do you measure […]
Could Tom Brady save the Raiders? Stephen A. Smith thinks so
Stephen A. Smith, ESPN's outspoken personality, has delivered some bold advice for the Las Vegas Raiders, one that involves Tom Brady in a far more influential role than he currently holds. Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, splits his time between his ownership stake and a highly lucrative broadcasting career at Fox Sports, where he earns more than $37 million annually. Smith argues that Brady should step up and run football operations for the franchise, especially given the team's disastrous 2025 season.Travis Kelce gets an unexpected request from longtime rival Derwin James Jr.The Raiders are mired in a 2-12 record, reflecting deep organizational problems both on and off the field. Their struggles began in the offseason, with questionable decisions at quarterback. The team traded for Geno Smith and signed him to a contract extension, only to see him regress […]
QB Arch Manning will return to Texas in 2026 despite NFL Draft speculation
The Longhorns will have Arch Manning for another season.Manning's father, Cooper Manning, told ESPN's Dave Wilson on Monday night that his son would be "playing football at Texas next year." That had long been the expectation from Texas officials, though Manning could have declared for the NFL Draft or hit the transfer portal if he wanted to.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThough it was a rough start to the season for the Longhorns, who started out as the No. 1 team in the country, Manning led the team on a 6-1 run to end the campaign. That nearly got them into the College Football Playoff, especially after an upset win over Texas A&M in their final game of the regular season.Instead, after going 9-3 on the year, No. 13 Texas will take on Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl later this month.Manning finished this season, […]
The debt led by Shohei Ohtani that the Dodgers used to ruin MLB baseball
The Los Angeles Dodgers have found the recipe for success, and no one can argue they aren't the clear favorites to repeat as World Series champions. Behind this overwhelming organizational triumph lies a deliberate strategy: acquire the game's biggest stars, offer them lucrative deals, and - most importantly - guarantee them the chance to win.Juan Soto and Starling Marte steal the show with a surprise appearance on Bad Bunny's stageIt happened again with the signing of Edwin Díaz. Beyond the stats that justify the move (his ERA, save totals), what truly stands out is the structure of his contract payments.Edwin Díaz's contract and the Dodgers' deferred debtPart of the money owed to the former New York Mets closer won't begin being paid for over a decade, with payments stretching all the way to 2047 - a tactic that's hardly new […]
Week 15 Fantasy playoffs TRUST METER: Is Kyle Pitts a LEAGUE WINNER? + WAIVER WIRE adds for Week 16
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy ForecastWelcome to our second edition of the 'Fantasy Playoffs Trust Meter' with Justin Boone and Scott Pianwoski. The dynamic duo asks the question for some of the most important players we've been relying on all season: Can we trust them in the fantasy playoffs? The two put them through the meter ahead of Week 16.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(2:00) - Fantasy fallout: Jayden Daniels out for season, Bhayshul Tuten out for fantasy postseason, Davante Adams week-to-week(12:30) - Fantasy Playoffs Trust Meter intro(13:00) - Trust meter: Kyle Pitts, JJ McCarthy + Justin Jefferson, Tyler Shough, DJ Moore, Terry McLaurin(31:20) - Trust meter: Chiefs offense, Chargers offense, Colts offense, Trevor Lawrence + Brian Thomas Jr., Dalton Kincaid(52:05)- Trust meter: Quinshon Judkins, Bucs RBs, Seahawks RBs, Jawhar Jordan, Michael Carter(1:09:55) - Top Waiver Wire adds for Week 16Welcome to our second edition of […]
Related
Is this Travis Kelce’s last season? NFL insider shares why Chiefs legend is at a crossroads
The Kansas City Chiefs' push for the playoffs ended on a heartbreaking note, sparking speculation about the future of one of the NFL's most iconic duos. After years of dominance, including three Super Bowl championships together, tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes may have played their last snap as teammates. This news has sent shockwaves through the league and left fans wondering what the next chapter holds for both stars. Travis Kelce looks dejected and drained after Chiefs' playoff exitSunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers brought more disappointment than expected. A 16-13 loss not only knocked the Chiefs out of playoff contention but also saw Mahomes suffer a torn ACL, ending his 2025 campaign prematurely. Surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process will be required, sidelining one of the league's brightest talents for an extended period. The injury […]
Cowboys collapse again and Michael Irvin calls out Prescott-led offense: “You need some Viagra”
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season has taken a disappointing turn after a stretch of victories had fans dreaming of playoff success. From Week 11 to Week 13, Dallas seemed unstoppable, stringing together wins that showcased their potential and fueled high expectations. But consecutive losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings abruptly derailed those hopes, leaving the franchise teetering on the edge of postseason elimination. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey shows how to make the perfect kickHall of Famer Michael Irvin didn't hold back in expressing his frustration with what he's seen play out."When you see a team beat the reigning champions and other perennial powerhouses, you start to believe in their potential," Irvin said on the "It Is What It Is" podcast. "Then you watch them lose to teams they should have handled, like Minnesota. "How do you measure […]
Could Tom Brady save the Raiders? Stephen A. Smith thinks so
Stephen A. Smith, ESPN's outspoken personality, has delivered some bold advice for the Las Vegas Raiders, one that involves Tom Brady in a far more influential role than he currently holds. Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, splits his time between his ownership stake and a highly lucrative broadcasting career at Fox Sports, where he earns more than $37 million annually. Smith argues that Brady should step up and run football operations for the franchise, especially given the team's disastrous 2025 season.Travis Kelce gets an unexpected request from longtime rival Derwin James Jr.The Raiders are mired in a 2-12 record, reflecting deep organizational problems both on and off the field. Their struggles began in the offseason, with questionable decisions at quarterback. The team traded for Geno Smith and signed him to a contract extension, only to see him regress […]
QB Arch Manning will return to Texas in 2026 despite NFL Draft speculation
The Longhorns will have Arch Manning for another season.Manning's father, Cooper Manning, told ESPN's Dave Wilson on Monday night that his son would be "playing football at Texas next year." That had long been the expectation from Texas officials, though Manning could have declared for the NFL Draft or hit the transfer portal if he wanted to.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThough it was a rough start to the season for the Longhorns, who started out as the No. 1 team in the country, Manning led the team on a 6-1 run to end the campaign. That nearly got them into the College Football Playoff, especially after an upset win over Texas A&M in their final game of the regular season.Instead, after going 9-3 on the year, No. 13 Texas will take on Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl later this month.Manning finished this season, […]
The debt led by Shohei Ohtani that the Dodgers used to ruin MLB baseball
The Los Angeles Dodgers have found the recipe for success, and no one can argue they aren't the clear favorites to repeat as World Series champions. Behind this overwhelming organizational triumph lies a deliberate strategy: acquire the game's biggest stars, offer them lucrative deals, and - most importantly - guarantee them the chance to win.Juan Soto and Starling Marte steal the show with a surprise appearance on Bad Bunny's stageIt happened again with the signing of Edwin Díaz. Beyond the stats that justify the move (his ERA, save totals), what truly stands out is the structure of his contract payments.Edwin Díaz's contract and the Dodgers' deferred debtPart of the money owed to the former New York Mets closer won't begin being paid for over a decade, with payments stretching all the way to 2047 - a tactic that's hardly new […]
Week 15 Fantasy playoffs TRUST METER: Is Kyle Pitts a LEAGUE WINNER? + WAIVER WIRE adds for Week 16
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy ForecastWelcome to our second edition of the 'Fantasy Playoffs Trust Meter' with Justin Boone and Scott Pianwoski. The dynamic duo asks the question for some of the most important players we've been relying on all season: Can we trust them in the fantasy playoffs? The two put them through the meter ahead of Week 16.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(2:00) - Fantasy fallout: Jayden Daniels out for season, Bhayshul Tuten out for fantasy postseason, Davante Adams week-to-week(12:30) - Fantasy Playoffs Trust Meter intro(13:00) - Trust meter: Kyle Pitts, JJ McCarthy + Justin Jefferson, Tyler Shough, DJ Moore, Terry McLaurin(31:20) - Trust meter: Chiefs offense, Chargers offense, Colts offense, Trevor Lawrence + Brian Thomas Jr., Dalton Kincaid(52:05)- Trust meter: Quinshon Judkins, Bucs RBs, Seahawks RBs, Jawhar Jordan, Michael Carter(1:09:55) - Top Waiver Wire adds for Week 16Welcome to our second edition of […]
Be the first to leave a comment