Underrated Draft Classes - Re-Ranking the 2023 Defensive Backs

The defensive backs—those unglamorous but essential players whose success often shows up in what doesn’t happen on the field.

But as we head into the 2025 season, that narrative’s shifting fast. With two years of development, tape, and emerging roles, it's clear that the 2023 DB class was deeper, sharper, and more impactful than it was given credit for.

Let’s revisit that group, reshuffle the rankings, and spotlight who’s quietly become indispensable and who’s made a few GMs look like geniuses (or not).

1. Devon Witherspoon (CB, Seattle Seahawks)

Original Pick: Round 1, Pick 5
Re-Ranked: Still No. 1

Witherspoon was the rare early DB pick in 2023, and he’s backed it up every step of the way. He exploded out of the gate—3 sacks, a pick, and relentless energy in his first six games—and immediately became a tone-setter for Seattle’s defence.

He’s shown elite man-coverage traits, position versatility, and leads all 2023 DBs in defensive stops. There’s no debate here—Witherspoon looks like a decade-long Pro Bowler.

2. Brian Branch (S/NB, Detroit Lions)

Original Pick: Round 2, Pick 45
Re-Ranked: Top 10 Overall

Branch dropped on draft night over speed concerns. Detroit couldn’t care less. He’s been one of the smartest, toughest, and most versatile defenders in the league since Day 1—playing deep, in the box, and everything in between.

He’s drawn comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker, and his debut pick-six was a sign of things to come. Fans tracking rookie award markets on betting sites with a welcome bonus watched his odds surge for DROY—and that arc’s still climbing.

3. Ji’Ayir Brown (S, San Francisco 49ers)

Original Pick: Round 3, Pick 87
Re-Ranked: Early 2nd Round

Brown didn’t get much buzz in 2023, but on a stacked Niners defense, he’s emerged as a glue guy—physical, instinctive, and dependable. With Tashaun Gipson gone, Brown’s stepping into a starting role with Pro Bowl upside.

His 4 INTs and consistent tackling already flash starter-caliber play. Don’t be surprised if his name starts popping up on All-Pro ballots soon.

4. Clark Phillips III (CB, Atlanta Falcons)

Original Pick: Round 4, Pick 113
Re-Ranked: Top 50 Overall

Phillips slipped due to size concerns, but the tape told a different story. Now, he’s making regular starts in Atlanta, holding his own in man coverage, and allowing just 58.3% completions when targeted—better than some first-rounders.

With Raheem Morris expected to lean more into man coverage in 2025, Phillips’ arrow is firmly pointing up.

5. Christian Gonzalez (CB, New England Patriots)

Original Pick: Round 1, Pick 17
Re-Ranked: Late Round 1

Gonzalez looked the part right away—smooth, fast, and technically sound—before a shoulder injury ended his rookie year early. It’s not a knock on his talent, just a nod to the durability question. If he returns to form in 2025, he could re-enter the top-10 mix easily.

Risers Worth Watching

• Sydney Brown (S, Eagles): Tough, physical, still refining zone instincts but plays with juice.
   
• Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (CB, Rams): Undersized but twitchy; flashes elite burst from the slot.
   
• Jartavius Martin (DB, Commanders): Versatile, toolsy, and climbing the depth chart fast.

What Scouts Missed—and What We Should Learn

Looking back, this was a class defined more by football IQ and technical polish than raw athleticism. And in a league shifting to sub-package-heavy defenses, versatility matters more than ever. The teams that valued instincts over combine metrics have found plug-and-play starters all over the board.

Lesson learned: don’t get blinded by speed and size alone. What’s on tape still matters most.

For Fans Following the Numbers

With the rise of fantasy, IDP formats, and performance props, DB stats are no longer background noise—they’re front and center. Sites with a welcome bonus often let fans bet on pass breakups, tackles, even live INT props, adding a whole new layer of engagement.

So yes, knowing who’s shadowing WR1s—or who’s calling the coverage—can now win you more than just bragging rights.

Final Word

The 2023 defensive back class has aged like fine wine. While some early picks like Witherspoon and Gonzalez hit immediately, the real revelation has been the wave of Day 2 and Day 3 players who’ve carved out starting roles, earned trust, and elevated entire defenses.

Whether you’re scouting for your team, your fantasy roster, or a value play on your favorite betting platform, one thing’s clear: this group was anything but average.

And two years in, they’re just getting started.