1. Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young — Alabama
After making a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears, the Carolina Panthers now are slated to pick first in the 2023 NFL Draft. New head coach Frank Reich has always been known as somewhat of an offensive guru. As such, it comes as no surprise to see the Panthers leap up to grab what they perceive to be their franchise signal-caller.
Young seemingly is the guy Carolina has zeroed in on. We can’t really blame the Panthers. Aside from Young’s height being a slight deterrent, he checks the boxes in every other category. The Los Angeles native plays with terrific poise, is battle-tested from his days in the SEC, has enough whip on his throws to be effective, and — above all else — is a winner. For a franchise needing a jolt of professionalism, Young is the building block in creating a winning culture.
2. Houston Texans: QB C.J. Stroud — Ohio State
This is not a bad consolation prize for new head coach DeMeco Ryans. Stroud will be available here when the Texans are picking. If selecting the Southern California native, Houston is getting a competitive player with terrific leadership qualities. He absolutely tore up the the Big Ten — especially when throwing the ball downfield.
With that said…there is some smoke that Houston could trade out of this slot. Tennessee is rumored to be a team that could jump up. The Texans might be more inclined to collect more picks and take a shot at a QB later in the draft…or potentially not at all in 2023. Stroud might be selected here, but his final destination may end up outside of Houston.
3. Arizona Cardinals: DE Tyree Wilson — Texas Tech
After missing out on the postseason, the Cardinals could be looking at major changes in the coming months. In addition to replacing Steve Keim at General Manager, Arizona hired Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to run the ream. Rebuilding an aging and stale roster is also of importance.
Needless to say, the Cardinals need talent everywhere — particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While Will Anderson had been pegged here for months, Tyree Wilson is rising on draft boards. He’s a freak, fast-twitch athlete in the mold of a Chase Young or Nick Bosa. The Cardinals desperately need to add some pop off the edge. Also — don’t be shocked if this pick is flipped somewhere else to a franchise wanting to move up and select a quarterback.
4. Indianapolis Colts: QB Will Levis — Kentucky
Will Levis’ numbers were down in ’22, but his arm talent and playmaking ability may make him a top-10 pick. Playing for Kentucky, Levis isn’t afforded the same type of supporting cast as some of his peers. His numbers have suffered as a result. Though, scouts rave about his physical tools including having arguably the strongest arm in the class. We know how much teams value physical traits, and nobody wants to miss out on the next Josh Allen or Justin Herbert.
The Colts have continuously attempted the plug-and-play veteran strategy to no avail. After failed runs with Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan, it seems like Colts management is finally ready to accept reality: This franchise needs to address the QB position through the draft. Selecting Levis would signal a new era in Indy.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): DL Jalen Carter — Georgia
This is an upside pick for Seattle. The front office has done a really nice job in rebuilding the roster. Geno Smith is under contract, and — all things considered — the Seahawks are set up really well for the future. Taking Carter here is a gamble without a doubt. When motivated and ‘on his game’, you could be looking at the most talented player in this draft.
Seattle has a need for an impact defensive tackle, and there’s none better than Carter. You worry a bit about the work ethic, as well as the off-the-field issues. Still, if there’s one defensive mind in this league to get Carter maxed-out potential wise, it’s Pete Carroll. Playing up in Seattle away from the ‘spotlight’ might serve Carter best.
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): DE Will Anderson — Alabama
A no-brainer pick for Dan Campbell and the upstart Lions. Anderson is elite at one thing: Getting after opposing quarterbacks. Alabama lined him up all over the field, and Anderson produced with ridiculous first-step quickness and an instinctual prowess well above most of his peers.
He might not have the overall upside of a Tyree Wilson (Anderson is smaller). Still, possessing an Alabama pedigree does say something. Anderson should be a highly productive player (assuming he stays healthy) for a long time.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: DB Devon Witherspoon — Illinois
The Raiders really do need help everywhere at this point. It’s a weird time in Las Vegas — where the team feels caught in-between a rebuild and a push towards a playoff spot. Upgrading the talent at corner is something the team could stand to do. Witherspoon checks off plenty of boxes across the board.
Looking back to the New England days, Bill Belichick often sought to get players who had supreme positional versatility. Witherspoon can play as a boundary corner or inside as a slot guy. He’s a very good tackler, and an elite athlete for the position. When factoring in all of those aspects, the Raiders would be doing cartwheels if he landed here.
8. Atlanta Falcons: DB Christian Gonzalez — Oregon
With skill positions on offense set in place, the Falcons will have to address the defensive side of the ball with their top-10 selection. Atlanta’s pass rush has been anemic for quite some time. Over the last two seasons, the Falcons have recorded the fewest sacks in the league (39). To put that total in perspective, 17 teams surpassed 39 sacks in 2023 alone.
However, if Gonzalez drops to them at this point in the draft, it’s almost a certainty the Falcons would pounce on him. A.J. Terrell needs a running mate on the opposite side of the field. The Oregon product (by way of Colorado originally) has terrific size, length, and a nose for the football. Duly, Gonzalez’s ball skills give him a chance to be a very good Day 1 starter for the Falcons.
9. Chicago Bears: OL Paris Johnson — Ohio State
Paris Johnson Jr. has been the nation’s best offensive lineman. The Ohio State standout started his career at right guard, but has since made the move to left tackle which will surely boost his NFL stock. Johnson Jr. did not allow a sack or get flagged for a penalty all season. In fact, Johnson Jr. hasn’t been responsible for allowing a sack since 2020.
Chicago’s rebuild will include the need for an NFL-ready tackle. The Bears allowed nearly 60 sacks last year — a number which cannot be sustainable if they expect to keep Justin Fields healthy.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): OL Peter Skoronski — Northwestern
Another top offensive lineman out of Northwestern, Peter Skoronski hopes to follow in the footsteps of his college teammate Rashawn Slater and become a first-round pick. Skoronski has been starting since he was a freshman for the Wildcats, earning All-Big Ten honors in each of his first two campaigns. Prior to his junior year, Skoronski was named a Preseason All-American. He lived up to that distinction throughout the year, allowing just one sack all season.
Philadelphia’s Super Bowl roster from a year ago was dismantled in free agency. That isn’t to say this is no longer a contending group, but the once-stacked Eagles now have a few needs to address. The departures of Andre Dillard and Isaac Seumalo was a significant blow to depth across the offensive line. Philly’s savvy front offices pounces at the chance to land Skoronski with this selection, and allow him to sit and learn from the league’s best offensive lines.
11. Tennessee Titans: QB Hendon Hooker — Tennessee
Here we go! We’ve seen reports indicate that the Titans may move off Ryan Tannehill in search of a younger, cheaper option. Hooker starred right down the road this year in Knoxville for the Vols. While his age (25) and injury history (coming off knee surgery) might be a deterrent for some, he actually makes a lot of sense here.
His accuracy at Tennessee was stupendous, as he threw for 58 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions in two years. Hooker’s arm strength enables him to make throws to all levels/parts of the field. While not an overly fluid athlete, he is mobile enough to chug forward for positive yardage when necessary. When throwing in his leadership skills and high character, he could be a plug-and-play guy immediately for the Titans (assuming his knee is ready).
12. Houston Texans (via CLE): OLB/DE Nolan Smith — Georgia
Smith very well could be off the board by the time Houston picks (watch for the Eagles). You’re looking at an excellent athlete — clocked at a 4.39 in the 40 despite weighing 240 pounds. He can play with his hand in the dirt, or standing up in space.
Houston’s new head coach DeMeco Ryans is obviously rooted on the defensive side of the football. When he commanded San Francisco’s defense, he loved utilizing versatile guys who could get after the passer. Smith is exactly that type of player — and even shares the commonality with Ryan as both being ex-SEC standouts.
13. New York Jets: TE Dalton Kincaid — Utah
The Jets have built up a young and competitive roster. While QB is still an issue, it seems likely that a veteran (aka Aaron Rodgers) will be asked to fill in for 2023 after the team has seemingly struck out on a pair of top-3 QB selections (Sam Darnold followed by Zach Wilson). With a number of offensive line holes potentially needing to be filled, the Jets could look at someone like Broderick Jones out of Georgia.
Or…the Jets could zag and take a TE earlier than anyone would’ve thought (potentially to appease Rodgers). Kincaid might not be a household name. However, he’s a fantastic athlete — and a vacuum when catching the football. He’s not a traditional in-line tight end. Kincaid’s bread-and-butter is accelerating forward and exploiting seams across the middle of the field. However, he’s also physical enough to seal the edge and block in space.
14. New England Patriots: OT Broderick Jones — Georgia
New England has made a number of moves this offseason to address the offensive line, but they still lack a long-term answer at either tackle spot. Starting left tackle Trent Brown has struggled to stay healthy his entire career, and projected starting right tackle Riley Reiff will be 35 next season. With Broderick Jones still on the board, the Pats pounce at the chance to snag a cornerstone tackle at this point in the draft.
The former 5-star prospect is a very good athlete. Jones is solidly built, and possesses the frame to be a total mauler in the run game (as it pertains to setting the edge). However, he’s also explosive enough to get upfield when meeting defenders. His best football surely seems to be ahead of him — and it wouldn’t be surprised to see Jones get a look inside at guard as well early in his career.
15. Green Bay Packers: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba — Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba would have likely been a first-round pick had he been allowed to leave school for the NFL draft last year. Instead, the Ohio State pass catcher returned for his junior year and was mostly sidelined due to injury. However, Smith-Njigba’s 2021 was a campaign to remember. Last season, Smith-Njigba led Ohio State in receptions (95) and receiving yards (1,606). As a 19-year-old. For a team that had Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave who were both first-round picks. Despite a down ’22, Smith-Njigba will hear his name called in the first few picks of the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Packers will have to spend big on a WR sooner than later. Smith-Njigba paired with Christian Watson would make for an intriguing duo. Whether he’s catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, or some other quarterback, Smith-Njigba would be a home run pick here for the Packers.
16. Washington Commanders: DB Joey Porter Jr. — Penn State
The Commanders have the roster in place to potentially compete for an NFC East crown. However, QB is still an area of concern. Predictably, Carson Wentz did not play well in his first year in Washington. Backup Taylor Heinicke bolted for Atlanta. In free agency, Washington landed former Browns starter Jacoby Brissett to likely serve as the backup for Sam Howell.
While we aren’t completely ruling out a QB selection here, the Commanders are likely priced out of the top prospects unless a trade is in the works. This might be a bit high for Porter Jr. However, he’s got the pedigree and the physical tools to be a good player.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Emmanuel Forbes — Mississippi State
Forbes was one of the SEC’s top corners. He has all of the physical tools to be a great cover man at the next level with elite size (6-foot-1) and speed (4.35-second 40-yard dash). However, the biggest positives as it pertains to Forbes’ game are his ball-skills. He’s exceptionally gifted at attacking the ball in the air and converting turnovers. Forbes finished his career at Mississippi State with 14 INT and six touchdowns. For a Pittsburgh team needing a jolt of youth at the corner spot, Forbes would be a fantastic pick (if he doesn’t continue to shoot up draft boards).
18. Detroit Lions: DL Bryan Bresee — Clemson
Bresee came to Clemson as a ballyhooed recruit. After tearing his ACL, he’s been rehabbing to get back to the explosive form he once demonstrated. At 6-foot-5 and north of 300 pounds, he can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 depending on where he’s aligned. Most like him as a DT, though he can very well play as a DE in a 3-4 scheme. You’d be taking Bresee with the hopes that he’ll realize his immense potential. If you’re the Lions with multiple first-round picks, why not swing for the fences on a guy who could one day be a major difference maker.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL Myles Murphy — Clemson
With the signing of Baker Mayfield, the Bucs signaled their intent to rely on a veteran quarterback in 2023 rather than rolling the dice on a rookie. Though one area of need as been addressed, Tampa Bay still has several holes to fill across its roster. Namely, edge rusher might be the move here. Shaquil Barrett is on his road to recovering from an Achilles tear. Last season, the team leader in sacks was Vita Vea (an interior defender) with just 6.5.
Murphy proved himself at a high level within the ACC for the league’s best program. Among his many impressive traits (frame, get-off), he’s known as a guy who plays with relentless energy. This can always be welcomed for a defense in need of a makeover.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Jordan Addison — USC
Heralded as College Football’s best receiver heading into last year, Addison struggled a bit with various injuries. He never fully exploded the way you would’ve guessed with Caleb Williams as his signal-caller. Still, this might be to the benefit of Seattle ultimately.
Tyler Lockett is aging, and the Seahawks would love to add some juice to its WR corps alongside Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Addison is a skilled route-runner with some make-you-miss ability in the open field. Plus — he hails from USC. As we’ve seen in the Pete Carroll era, he loves drafting guys from the Pac-12.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Zay Flowers — Boston College
In terms of roster talent, there are few teams that can stack up with this Chargers group on either side of the ball. However, they could afford to get a bit faster at wideout. While Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both tremendously talented, neither has the pure speed to take the top off of defenses. Grabbing a young wideout with some wheels could only help bolster LA’s proven veterans.
Zay Flowers isn’t a traditional burner — ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the combine — but he plays with tremendous pace and burst. He’s elite in the open field, capable of making multiple defenders miss in space. Some teams will be wary of his smaller stature — 5-foot-8, 180-pounds — though Flowers is an established playmaker who is a perfect fit for Kellen Moore’s new offense in Los Angeles.
22. Baltimore Ravens: DL Lukas Van Ness — Iowa
Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness is a player who is rapidly rising up boards following an impressive showing at the NFL Draft Combine. While he was never listed as a starter for the Hawkeyes, teams are enamored by his size, length, and athleticism. He’s shown to be a versatile player who can disrupt offenses off the edge or while lined up in the interior. Above all else, he just looks like a Baltimore player with his nastiness, grit, and physicality.
23. Minnesota Vikings: QB Anthony Richardson — Florida
This is a surprise pick for Minnesota. Though someone could easily take Richardson earlier in the draft, we think he could be the one guy to slide. The boom-or-bust potential with him is arguably as high as any in this draft. For as gifted as he is physically, people wonder why Richardson didn’t win more games. He also struggled with accuracy issues throughout his time in Florida.
However, the upside is also undeniable.
- Richardson measured at 6’4 1/4″ (taller than George Kittle)
- 4.43 40-yard dash time (faster than CeeDee Lamb)
- Weighed in at 244 pounds (heavier than Haason Reddick)
- Notched a 40.5″ vertical (higher than Davante Adams)
- Hand Size: 10 1/2″ (bigger than DeAndre Hopkins)
- Broad jump: 10’9″ (longer than Odell Beckham Jr.)
As you can see, you’re looking at a freak of an athlete. He also was measured as having perhaps the strongest arm ever recorded at the combine. With this situation, he’ll be able to sit behind Kirk Cousins and learn from a solid veteran quarterback. In two or three years, you could be looking at the best player from this draft…or a potential big-time bust.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Michael Mayer — Notre Dame
Jacksonville has done well in adding weapons around Trevor Lawrence. Just in the last few months, the Jaguars added Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, Zay Jones, and Calvin Ridley.
Well, why not add a TE into the mix? Mayer makes a lot of sense here — as he’d immediately offer the Jaguars a different look. You could line up Engram more as a slot receiver with Mayer operating as traditional tight end. A mauler in the run game, he’s also got a pair of very soft hands. Surely, Lawrence would be happy with yet another versatile skill player entering the fold.
25. New York Giants: RB Jahmyr Gibbs — Alabama
The Giants continue to add weapons around Daniel Jones after inking their QB to a lucrative extension this offseason. First, the team traded for former Raiders TE Darren Waller — one of the top pass-catching threats at the position. New York also signed Parris Campbell during the first week of free agency — a 25-year-old speedster coming off his best year as a pro. To complete a fantastic offseason, the Giants utilize their first-round pick on another offensive weapon.
The buzz around Gibbs right now is palpable. There are rumors that teams will try to move into the back half of the first round in order to nab him. A star at Alabama, many compare him to a younger Alvin Kamara. His feet are fantastic, and his ability to catch the football makes him even more dynamic. Imagine Gibbs complementing a healthy Saquon Barkley in the backfield…
26. Dallas Cowboys: RB Bijan Robinson — Texas
Could Bijan Robinson be the one to take Ezekiel Elliott’s place in Dallas’ backfield? The longtime Cowboy was released this offseason. Though some hoped this signaled the uber-efficient Tony Pollard (who received the franchise tag this month) would become the every-down back, we wouldn’t be so sure of that. More and more teams are utilizing multiple runners in the backfield to keep everyone fresh. Adding a workhorse back of Robinson’s caliber is too much to pass up.
The Phoenix native has been one of college football’s most prolific running backs over the last few years. Big 12 defenses have struggled to deal with Robinson’s combination of power and quickness. We also must recognize Robinson’s balance as a runner — where he’s often able to churn forward for extra yardage after first contact. His ‘one cut and go’ style of running works perfectly for NFL offenses, as does his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
27. Buffalo Bills: DE Will McDonald IV — Iowa State
While the Bills did say goodbye to their top free agent Tremaine Edmunds, this is still among the best rosters in the league entering 2023. It could make sense for the Bills to land Edmunds’ replacement with this selection. However, there have been hints that Buffalo will look to an in-house solution. There are still several off-ball linebackers available in free agency — including six-time All-Pro Bobby Wagner.
Though the Bills have plenty of edge rush options, depth is a need. Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham and A.J. Epenesa are all set for free agency in either 2024 or 2025. Additionally, Von Miller just turned 34 years old and is coming off the second ACL tear of his career. Will McDonald is a physically gifted pass rusher who compiled 34 career sacks at Iowa State. He would give the team some depth while also providing another long-term option.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: DB Deonte Banks — Maryland
Maryland CB Deonte Banks did a lot to help himself at the combine. He ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash — tied for third among all cornerbacks — and had the highest vertical leap at 42″. Standing at 6-foot-0, Banks has the size and athleticism teams are searching for in a perimeter corner. While he didn’t have the same gaudy on-ball production of some of the other prospects (had just two career INT’s in four seasons), Banks was rarely targeted due to his coverage skills. He was also a monster in the run game.
The Bengals spent their first two picks on defensive backs last season, but are still in search of an outside corner. Chidobe Awuzie is still recovering from surgery and will be a free agent in 2024. Banks could serve as the long-term replacement while also filling in during Awuzie’s absence.
29. New Orleans Saints: DB Brian Branch — Alabama
Yet another Alabama defender, Brian Branch is widely considered to be the top safety prospect in the draft. What Branch lacks in size he makes up for in instincts and versatility. He has the quicks to keep up with even the shiftiest receivers, but is also a willing tackler who isn’t afraid to mix it up with ball carriers. Branch finished his junior campaign with two INTs, three sacks, and seven passes defended.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: DL Tuli Tuipulotu — USC
As discussed before, the Eagles have a handful of needs following an offseason of departures. Most notably, the defensive line looks to be losing a ton of talent. Javon Hargrave is already gone to San Francisco, and a trio of veterans who helped aid the NFC title run — Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh, Linval Joseph — remain in flux.
USC’s Tuipulotu put it all together in his junior season, rising up draft boards following a 13.5 sack campaign. His versatility would allow him to find early playing time for the Eagles. Weighing in at nearly 300 pounds, Tuipulotu has the size and bend to line up anywhere across the defensive line in either a 4-3 or 3-4 set.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Darnell Wright — Tennessee
Keep Patrick Mahomes healthy. This should be the mantra going into every offseason for the Chiefs. Wright was quite good in the SEC for Tennessee. He has experience playing at both tackle spots — something NFL teams will love. With Lucas Niang far from a sure thing as the projected starting RT, Wright has the talent to come in right away and take that spot. He can even kick inside to play guard if need be.
