Which cornerbacks were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft? Which teams drafted those CBs, and how does the 2023 class compare to previous years?
Which Cornerbacks Were Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Let’s take a look at the cornerbacks drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Devon Witherspoon, Illinois | Seattle Seahawks
Round 1, Pick 5
Arguably the top defensive back in the 2023 class, Devon Witherspoon might be viewed as a statement pick for the rising Seahawks — a franchise trying to build on their somewhat shocking playoff appearance last season. To go further, they must shore up their defense. Entering the draft, they had a hole to fill at cornerback. Witherspoon will fill it, and more.
Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State | Washington Commanders
Round 1, Pick 16
Projected by PFN college football analysts as more of a Day 2 pick, Emmanuel Forbes instead found a home in the middle of the first round. Washington yielded the fourth-fewest passing yards last season, yet also garnered the fifth-fewest interceptions. Realistically, Forbes will serve as a multi-year upgrade in the Commanders’ secondary. The big question is whether he’s a first-round-caliber talent.
Christian Gonzalez, Oregon | New England Patriots
Round 1, Pick 17
The Patriots traded back three spots with the Steelers in the first round, leading one to wonder if they felt confident Christian Gonzalez would fall to them. Or perhaps they had multiple top-tier options remaining on the board, and simply wanted to cash in on an extra fourth-rounder in the meantime.
Whatever the reason, New England landed (perhaps) one of the three or four best defensive players in this draft. They netted the third-most sacks and interceptions last season, but still missed the postseason. Gonzalez is the type of player they’ll need to compete in the ferocious AFC East.
Deonte Banks, Maryland | New York Giants
Round 1, Pick 24
The Giants traded up one spot to land Deonte Banks. That’s how much they wanted him — and how concerned they were that the Jags (or a Jags trading partner) might have wanted him, too. The talented Banks should see plenty of snaps as a rookie, and will be tasked with helping to elevate the Giants’ secondary as this franchise tries to return to the postseason.
Joey Porter Jr., Penn State | Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 2, Pick 32
The last time the Steelers took a Nittany Lion this early was Franco Harris. It’s a fitting selection for a franchise that has drafted hometown heroes over the years, including Kenny Pickett in the first round last year. It’s also a fitting selection for a cornerback whose father was a Steelers legend. Porter Jr. will be an immediate upgrade in Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Julius Brents, Kansas State | Indianapolis Colts
Round 2, Pick 44
The last time the Steelers took a Nittany Lion this early was Franco Harris. It’s a fitting selection for a franchise that has drafted hometown heroes over the years, including Kenny
Cam Smith, South Carolina | Miami Dolphins
Round 2, Pick 51
The last time the Steelers took a Nittany Lion this early was Franco Harris. It’s a fitting selection for a franchise that has drafted hometown heroes over the years, including Kenny
Tyrique Stevenson, Miami | Chicago Bears
Round 2, Pick 56
The last time the Steelers took a Nittany Lion this early was Franco Harris. It’s a fitting selection for a franchise that has drafted hometown heroes over the years, including Kenny
DJ Turner, Michigan | Cincinnati Bengals
Round 2, Pick 60
A potentially great get for the title-hungry Bengals. DJ Turner has blazing speed (4.26 40-yard dash) and the versatility to thrive in the NFL, particularly on a team loaded with offensive and defensive talent. In other words, he won’t be tasked with acclimating on Day 1. Instead, on a Cincy squad that led posted the league’s lowest opposing QB completion percentage, he should have the time and space to develop as a rookie before the all-important playoffs hit.
Round 3-7
10) Garrett Williams, Syracuse
R3-P72 | Cardinals
11) Riley Moss, Iowa
R3-P83 | Broncos
12) Mekhi Blackmon, USC
R3-P102 | Vikings
13) Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
R4-P104 | Raiders
14) Kelee Ringo, Georgia
R4-P105 | Eagles
15) Clark Phillips III, Utah
R4-P113 | Falcons
16) Darius Rush, South Carolina
R5-P138 | Colts
17) Cameron Mitchell, Northwestern
R5-P142 | Browns
18) Darrell Luter Jr., South Alabama
R5-P155 | 49ers
19) Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
R5-P157 | Ravens
20) Terell Smith, Minnesota
R5-P165 | Bears
21) Eric Scott Jr., Southern Mississippi
R6-P178 | Cowboys
22) Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville
R6-P180 | Cardinals
23) Josh Hayes, Kansas State
R6-P181 | Buccaneers
24) Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
R6-P182 | Rams
25) Christian Braswell, Rutgers
R6-P202 | Jaguars
26) Jarrick Bernard-Converse, LSU
R6-P204 | Jets
27) Ameer Speed, Michigan State
R6-P214 | Patriots
28) Dee Winters, TCU
R6-P216 | 49ers
29) Travis Bell, Kennesaw State
R7-P218 | Bears
30) Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M
R7-P221 | Colts
31) DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
R7-P224 | Falcons
32) Carrington Valentine, Kentucky
R7-P232 | Packers
33) Cory Trice, Purdue
R7-P241 | Steelers
34) Isaiah Bolden, Jackson State
R7-P245 | Patriots
35) DJ Ivey, Miami (FL)
R7-P246 | Bengals
36) Nick Jones, Ball State
R7-P250 | Chiefs
37) Alex Austin, Oregon State
R7-P252 | Bills
How Many Cornerbacks Were Drafted in 2023?
The 37 cornerbacks taken in this year’s draft is on par with what we’ve observed in recent years. However, there were slightly fewer “elite” and “near-elite” prospects selected than in the average draft since 2013.