The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday. Unpredictability is expected all throughout. The Carolina Panthers are expected to draft quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall selection. The outcome from that point forward is anybody’s guess.

The NFL draft delivers a handful of surprises annually. Nobody expected Cole Strange to be a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. With uncertain measures in mind, we’ve swiftly identified three prospects with a legit opportunity to creep into the top 32.

ADETOMIWA ADEBAWORE EDGE, NORTHWESTERN

Adetomiwa Adebawore arguably put forth one of the greatest performances in NFL Scouting Combine history. The 6-foot-1, 282-pound Adebawore ran a silly 40-yard dash time of 4.49 seconds, which places him in the 97th percentile among all-time performers at his position. Lower-body explosion was evident via a 125-inch broad jump (90th percentile) and 37.5-inch vertical (88th percentile).

Adebawore possesses raw natural strength, which he put on display through 27 reps on the bench press. On film, Adebawore is an extremely versatile defender that has been utilized at EDGE, as a 3-tech, 5-tech, and 4i. Adebawore’s inside-outside appeal will satisfy potential suitors. He’s viewed as a three-down defender due to his ability to move around formations and play in different packages.

The New Orleans Saints (No. 29 overall), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 30), and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs (No. 31) all require an EDGE defender. Adebawore possesses a terrific opportunity to hear his name called within the opening 31 draft selections.

JOE TIPPMANN CENTER, WISCONSIN

Many analysts expect Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz to be the first center drafted, but Joe Tippmann is ready to rival him. Tippmann’s odds to be drafted in the first round recently experienced a monumental shift to -140 via certain betting markets. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The New York Giants (No. 26 overall) feel like a natural fit for Tippmann’s services. Giants general manager Joe Schoen lost starting center Jon Feliciano in free agency. Tippmann would flawlessly step into the starting lineup as Brian Daboll’s potential pivot for the next 10 seasons.

Tippmann is a tough and nasty interior offensive lineman that was credited with handing out 102 pancake blocks throughout his senior campaign. Tippmann blends incredible power with raw athleticism. Tippmann routinely latches and anchors. Tippmann is a technically advanced run blocker, and he also mirrors pass rushers in condensed spaces.

DERICK HALL EDGE, AUBURN

Auburn’s Derick Hall is another quarterback hunter with a terrific opportunity to get drafted toward the conclusion of Thursday’s opening round. Hall departs the Tigers after recording 19.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss across the previous three campaigns. Hall was extremely productive in college football’s most competitive conference. NFL franchises are aware of Hall’s abilities.

Hall was a standout performer at the combine. Hall ran an electric 4.45 with an elite 1.59 10-yard split (87th percentile). Hall also leaped an explosive 127-inch broad. Hall made an abundance of Top 30 private visits throughout the pre-draft process. Interest is soaring.