Defensive Back Rankings 2023 NFL Draft

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Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) returns an interception in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) returns an interception in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE BACK PROSPECT RANKINGS 2023 NFL DRAFT

The 2023 class of DBs is loaded with pro-level players both at corner and safety. Our current favorite and top-ranked corner is Devon Witherspoon who has produced at an elite level throughout 2022 and has been simply outstanding while playing for Illinois, he's unlikely to last past the midpoint of the first round.
At safety, we have Alabama's Brian Branch as our top prospect. He's put up amazing stats as a slot corner over the past couple of years and in addition, to being great in coverage he's an elite run defender who rarely misses a tackle.

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LAST UPDATED: 04/23/2023

Player Rankings - Defensive Back

Corners Only
Safeties Only
# Player Pos Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
1
Devon Witherspoon Illinois Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Devon
 Witherspoon

 CB
SEA Mascot
SEA Mascot
181lbs 6-0 4.45 2 13.3
90.0
MORE>>
 Witherspoon is an outstanding pro corner, he's super aggressive without being particularly handsy, has the speed that allows him to stay...
2
Christian Gonzalez Oregon Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Christian
 Gonzalez

 CB
NE Mascot
NE Mascot
197lbs 6-1 4.38 1 8.7
89.0
MORE>>
 Christian Gonzalez has elite speed and quickness showcased by his almost Olympic track time. He's got ideal size at 6-1 and 200 lbs and was...
3
Brian Branch Alabama Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Brian
 Branch

 S
DET Mascot
DET Mascot
190lbs 6-0 4.58 4 19.4
88.8
MORE>>
 Brian Branch is a quality pro prospect who can play all over the defensive backfield. He possesses good quickness combined with disciplined...
4
Joey Porter Jr. Penn State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Joey
 Porter Jr.

 CB
PIT Mascot
PIT Mascot
193lbs 6-2 4.46 3 17.8
88.7
MORE>>
 Joey Porter Jr. is a super-talented cornerback who has improved each and every year at college until 2022 where he played at an elite...
5
Emmanuel Forbes Mississippi State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Emmanuel
 Forbes

 CB
WSH Mascot
WSH Mascot
166lbs 6-1 4.35 8 41.2
87.8
MORE>>
 Emmanuel Forbes is an athletic prospect with excellent tight-man coverage skills, the elite speed required to run with the fastest...
6
Kelee Ringo Georgia Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Kelee
 Ringo

 CB
PHI Mascot
PHI Mascot
207lbs 6-2 4.36 6 39.8
87.5
MORE>>
 Ringo is a super athletic powerful and speedy classic outside corner who looks like he is chiseled out of stone. There is no doubting his...
7
Deonte Banks Maryland Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Deonte
 Banks

 CB
NYG Mascot
NYG Mascot
197lbs 6-0 4.35 5 28.4
87.4
MORE>>
 Deonte Banks is a quality raft prospect who has ideal size, is a dominant run defender as well as an outstanding tackler, combined with...
8
Antonio Johnson Texas A&M Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Antonio
 Johnson

 S
JAX Mascot
JAX Mascot
198lbs 6-2 4.52 9 53.1
87.1
MORE>>
 Antonio Johnson is a quality pro prospect who has excellent overall athletic ability, good speed, and tackles like a linebacker. He'll...
9
Cam Smith South Carolina Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Cam
 Smith

 CB
MIA Mascot
MIA Mascot
180lbs 6-1 4.43 7 41.1
87.0
MORE>>
 Cam Smith is an excellent pro prospect who has played at an elite level over the past two years - allowing a class-leading QB rating when...
10
Julius Brents Kansas State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Julius
 Brents

 CB
IND Mascot
IND Mascot
198lbs 6-3 4.53 11 65.2
86.0
MORE>>
 Julius Brents is an outstanding prospect, he possesses elite athletic ability which he demonstrated at the combine. He also has...
11
DJ Turner Michigan Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DJ
 Turner

 CB
CIN Mascot
CIN Mascot
178lbs 5-11 4.26 12 67.4
85.9
MORE>>
 DJ Turner is a super athletic, speedy corner who'll most likely put up crazy numbers at the combine. He's much more than just a twitchy...
12
Jordan Battle Alabama Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

Jordan
 Battle

 S
CIN Mascot
CIN Mascot
209lbs 6-1 4.55 16 76.5
85.7
MORE>>
 Battle has great natural ability with ideal size for a strong safety, is a natural leader, and has proved super smart while leading the...

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Back

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Back

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.