Defensive Back Rankings 2023 NFL Draft

DEFENSIVE BACK PROSPECT RANKING 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.

Want to contribute to NFL Draft Buzz?

Aspiring college or profootball journalist? Super informed fan? Techie with an interesting slant on player evaluation? NFL Draft Buzz is on the lookout for new contributors who would like a chance showcase their perspectives on the NFL draft.

If you think you would like to contribute an article or even just a well thought out hot take - that like minded NFL draft fanatics would enjoy, email us at contact@nfldraftbuzz.com or hit us up on twitter @nfl_draft_buzz.
LAST UPDATED: 03/27/2023

Player Rankings - Defensive Back

# Player Pos Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
1

Devon
Witherspoon

CB
Illinois   Mascot
Illinois Mascot
181lbs 6-0 4.39 4 22.4
90.0
Witherspoon is an outstanding pro corner, he's super aggressive without being particularly handsy, has the speed that allows him t...
2

Christian
Gonzalez

CB
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
197lbs 6-1 4.38 1 14.4
89.0
Christian Gonzalez has elite speed and quickness showcased by his almost Olympic track time. He's got ideal size at 6-1 and 200 lb...
3

Joey
Porter Jr.

CB
Penn State   Mascot
Penn State Mascot
193lbs 6-2 4.46 2 16.3
88.8
Joey Porter Jr. is a super-talented cornerback who has improved each and every year at college until 2022 where he played at an el...
4

Brian
Branch

S
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
190lbs 6-0 4.58 3 17.1
88.8
Brian Branch is a quality pro prospect who can play all over the defensive backfield. He possesses good quickness combined with di...
5

Emmanuel
Forbes

CB
Mississippi State   Mascot
Mississippi State Mascot
166lbs 6-1 4.35 10 46.6
88.5
Emmanuel Forbes is an athletic prospect with excellent tight-man coverage skills, the elite speed required to run with the f...
6

Kelee
Ringo

CB
Georgia   Mascot
Georgia Mascot
207lbs 6-2 4.36 6 31.2
88.0
Ringo is a super athletic powerful and speedy classic outside corner who looks like he is chiseled out of stone. There is no doubt...
7

Cam
Smith

CB
South Carolina   Mascot
South Carolina Mascot
180lbs 6-1 4.43 5 29.4
87.5
Cam Smith is an excellent pro prospect who has played at an elite level over the past two years - allowing a class-leading QB rati...
8

Deonte
Banks

CB
Maryland   Mascot
Maryland Mascot
197lbs 6-0 4.35 11 52.5
87.4
Deonte Banks is a quality raft prospect who has ideal size, is a dominant run defender as well as an outstanding tackler, combi...
9

Antonio
Johnson

S
Texas A&M   Mascot
Texas A&M Mascot
198lbs 6-2 4.52 7 34.3
87.1
Antonio Johnson is a quality pro prospect who has excellent overall athletic ability, good speed, and tackles like a linebacker. ...
10

Jordan
Battle

S
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
209lbs 6-1 4.55 12 63.3
85.9
Battle has great natural ability with ideal size for a strong safety, is a natural leader, and has proved super smart while leadin...
11

DJ
Turner

CB
Michigan   Mascot
Michigan Mascot
178lbs 5-11 4.26 19 73.2
85.9
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 ...
12

Eli
Ricks

CB
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
188lbs 6-2 4.49 14 69.7
85.6
Eli Ricks is an impressive physical outside corner with elite size, good speed, and overall athletic talent. He's still q...

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.