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2023 NFL Draft Betting Predictions: Cornerbacks Odds

by Matt Zitt - 4/17/2023

NFL Draft betting predictions cornerbacks odds Devon Witherspoon

Last year and this year bring back-to-back solid classes at the cornerback position. With the young wide receiver talent the past few seasons, and now at cornerback, should make for some good matchups in the future of the NFL. Last year four corners were taken in the first round, with two of them going in the first four selections. The year 2021 saw five corners selected in the first round and 2020 saw six. Trends point to more and more corners being selected early on with the NFL becoming a pass-heavy league. This year’s over/under is set at 5.5. We’ll take a look below at the top players projected to be selected early on in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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2023 NFL Draft – First Cornerback Drafted Odds

Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) -190

Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) +110

Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) +2000

Cam Smith (South Carolina) +5000

Kelee Ringo (Georgia) +5000

CB Favorites Analysis for the 2023 NFL Draft

Devon Witherspoon (-190)

Witherspoon possesses tremendous ball skills and carries a confidence about his play that few players have. While playing press man coverage in 2022, he allowed one catch the entire season. ONE!!!!! Saying he was dominant is an understatement. Overall, he allowed 22 receptions and was only targeted 63 times. He recorded three interceptions, 14 passes defended and did not allow a receiver to find the endzone. His size is the only downfall, but that is not stopping teams from being interested in drafting him. The Cardinals, Lions and Bears have shown the most interest, as the two-time All-Big Ten selectee is looking to be the first corner taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Christian Gonzalez (+110)

Another clear-cut favorite to be the first corner drafted this April, he played his final season at Oregon after transferring from Colorado. He is long and athletic, which makes him perfect for covering taller outside receivers that the NFL features. He finished his sophomore campaign with four interceptions, seven passes defended and 35 solo tackles. Gonzalez has shown 4.3ish speed, toughness as a tackler, and elite explosion. He has developed more into a ball-hawk the past two seasons and should easily go in the first 15 picks of this upcoming draft. The Eagles, Lions, and Patriots have kept close eyes on the future NFL corner.

Joey Porter Jr. (+2000)

Penn State has never had a cornerback drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, but that should change at the end of April. The son of a Pittsburgh Steelers legend, Porter Jr. is a highly-sought-after prospect. The expectations were high in Happy Valley in 2022 as the Nittany Lions needed a lockdown corner to go up against the Michigan’s and Ohio State’s of the Big Ten. He only gave up 15 receptions all season on 30 targets during his 275 coverage snaps. With his size, length, and speed, he showed NFL scouts he can take away any receiving options that he is lined up against. The Patriots, Steelers, and Commanders have shown the most interest in the Penn State product.

Cam Smith (+5000)

Smith played on an overall bad defense in 2022, but SEC quarterbacks stayed away from targeting the cornerback. He excels with his speed, hands, and overall toughness. His downfall is his build at 6-foot-even and weighing only 190 pounds. Smith’s potential could make him a menace in the NFL, especially at slot corner. The past two seasons at South Carolina, he saw 70 targets and broke up 15 passes while intercepting four of them. He had a private workout with the Saints, and the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers have expressed mutual interest. Pro Football Network notes that Smith should be a first-round selection and will not go past the Panthers second round pick.

Kelee Ringo (+5000)

Ringo turned heads at the Combine, flashing 4.36 speed. He has great size, speed, playmaking ability, and ideal length for the NFL. Not just a playmaker in the air, he has established himself as a great tackler against the run. He needs to cut down on the penalties but is projected to be a late first round selection or into the second round. His huge play sealed the 2021 national title against Alabama and had four career interceptions in his collegiate career. Ringo has the potential to be an NFL starter on Day 1.

CB Predictions for the 2023 NFL Draft

First Cornerback off the board: Gonzalez (+110)

Under 5.5 Cornerbacks selected in the first round (-110)

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