The NFL combine is over, and with NFL free agency in full swing, it's time to look at some potential outcomes of the 2023 NFL Draft. Let's dive in.
1. Carolina Panthers: C.J. STROUD (QB, Ohio State, 6-foot-3, 214 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: QB, EDGE, CB, WR
The Panthers have a franchise-defining decision at the top of the draft. After moving up to the number one spot and giving up all their draft capital, Carolina needs to hit on this pick. They have three choices with this pick: Alabama QB Bryce Young, Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud, and Florida QB Anthony Richardson. Head coach Frank Reich’s system is rooted in West Coast schemes, and he loves to give his quarterbacks multiple progressions utilizing mesh concepts. This offense is made for C.J. Stroud. Stroud is at his best when he is in rhythm and allowed to make timed throws. He reads defenses well and can layer throws at any level, which will be highlighted in Reich’s system. Stroud is the safest pick and one that the Panthers should be making.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young (QB, Alabama, 5-foot-10, 204 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: QB, WR, EDGE, DL, OT, DL, CB
With Stroud off the board, the Texans take Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. The Texans started their rebuild by hiring head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who will bring over the 49ers’ offensive system. Slowilk was promoted from passing game specialist to passing game coordinator last season after Mike McDaniel became the Miami Dolphins' head coach. The system is rooted in the West Coast scheme with quick passes, and the Texans have added weapons that fit their system this offseason. All they need is a quarterback who is accurate and has excellent awareness. These are two of Young’s best characteristics, not to mention his out-of-structure playmaking. He also brings a winning pedigree and can be the face of the franchise.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson (EDGE, Alabama, 6-foot-3, 253 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: EDGE, DL, CB, IOL, RB, OT
The Cardinals have a ton of leverage at the third pick. They could move back and trade with a team that needs a quarterback to help collect more assets for their mini-rebuild. Or, in this case, they take the best player available on the defensive side of the ball. New head coach Jonathan Gannon prioritizes pressure, and there is no better pass rusher in this class than Will Anderson. While coaching the Eagles' defense last season, they finished first in sacks and pass defense. His scheme relies on zone coverage in the secondary and pressure from his defensive line to generate takeaways. Anderson would give him that elite pass rusher to build around, fill one of their biggest needs, and help a defense that ranked 23rd in the league in sacks in 2022.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida, 6-foot-4, 244 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: QB, OT, WR, CB, EDGE, IOL, DL
The Colts added Gardner Minshew to their quarterback room in free agency, but with Anthony Richardson on the board, they take a swing for the fences with this pick. Richardson is the true wildcard in this draft class. He tested out as the most athletic quarterback to ever participate in the NFL combine and could have the highest ceiling of any other quarterback prospect in this class. However, in his only season as a starter, he only completed 53.8% of his passes, and any general manager drafting him could easily be out of a job in two seasons if they miss on this pick. The main thing the Colts have going for them is they hired former Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, who built a dominant offensive system around Jalen Hurts in 2022. Minshew could also provide Richardson with a valuable veteran presence in a system he already knows. Chris Ballard knows that if he wants to win in the AFC, he needs elite-level talent at the quarterback position. Richardson is the best chance at finding that talent with Stroud and Young already off the board.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech, 6-foot-6, 271 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: EDGE, DL, IOL, WR, CB, QB, LB
Seattle gets to sit at pick five in this draft and select from a plethora of freak athletes. They need help on their defensive line and could also look to add another cornerback to their secondary. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is an intriguing addition here. Still, Seattle has a history of taking cornerbacks later in the draft, so they would likely pass on him. Wilson, on the other hand, checks every box that Seattle looks for in their defensive lineman. He is NFL-ready now and can immediately step in and contribute. He is effective against the run and could turn into an elite-level pass rusher due to his explosiveness. General manager John Schneider has mentioned multiple times this offseason that they need more talent up front, and Wilson fits that description.
6. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter (IDL, Georgia, 6-foot-3, 314lbs)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, DL, EDGE, TE, S, QB
The Lions addressed some of their most important needs in free agency. General manager Brad Holmes added three defensive backs in Cam Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Emmanuel Moseley. The Lions also still have former #3 overall selection Jeff Okudah who has shown flashes of his potential since 2020. With the free agency additions in the secondary and the additional first-round pick later in the draft, the Lions opt to take Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter instead of a cornerback. Carter was the consensus first-overall pick less than a month ago before off-field issues were brought to light involving a reckless driving charge that was in connection with one of his former teammates and a staff member of the Bulldogs passing away in an accident. Not to mention Carter did not perform well on his Pro Day. However, the defensive line is an area of need for the Lions, and pairing Carter with Alim McNeill could be one of the best duos in the NFC North. If there is any team that could help Carter and provide the necessary culture for him, it is a team led by general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. Carter is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in this class, and that culture could help him blossom into a difference maker on the Lions defensive line.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon, 6-foot-1, 197 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: QB, OT, CB, DL, IOL, EDGE
The Raiders are in dire need of talent. The front office addressed their quarterback position with the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo and has added some good auxiliary weapons. But they still need a true number-one corner on their roster. Enter Gonzales, who is one of the best athletes in this class. He was clocked running a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, had a 41.5” vertical, and was able to put up 14 reps on the 225-bench press. He is a fluid athlete and can cover any type of wideout in the league. He has one of the highest ceilings of any corner in this class and is a player we could be talking about for years. Having an elite corner in the AFC West is a must when you face Patrick Mahomes II and Justin Herbert four times a year. Gonzalez could give the Raiders a true shutdown corner, something they have lacked for years.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois, 5-foot-11, 181 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: EDGE, OT, CB, RB, QB, DL
There has been talk that the Falcons may have interest in Bijan Robinson at pick eight, but with the depth of this class at the running back position, it’s hard for me to see them using a top-10 pick on the position. They should add to their defense, and with Witherspoon on the board, they go with one of the best corners in this class. He would pair well with A.J. Terrell and give the Falcons depth with Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, and Casey Hayward, who are all coming back in 2023. He can be an immediate contributor and has some of the best instincts in the class. He´s also a versatile player that works well in both man and zone coverages.
9. Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State, 6-foot-6, 313 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: DL, EDGE, OT, WR, IOL, LB
General manager Ryan Poles has been busy this offseason. He landed D.J. Moore in a trade with Carolina, and the Bears are committed to Justin Fields for the foreseeable future. They lost out on the Mike McGlinchey sweepstakes and must address their tackle position to help protect Justin Fields. By selecting Johnson, the Bears will finally draft an offensive lineman in the first round for the first time in ten years; Johnson is the perfect fit for what the Bears look for in a tackle. He’s massive with great length and has good athleticism. He’s played multiple positions on the offensive line but does project as a true tackle in the NFL. He’s one of the best pass protectors in this class and could give the Bears a foundational piece for the next decade. Johnson’s a player you can't pass up.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia, 6-foot-2, 238 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, RB, EDGE, DL, S, LB, OT
The Eagles have very few weaknesses on their roster. They could look to add a cornerback, but they haven’t taken a first-round cornerback since the 2002 season when they selected Lito Sheppard. This draft is also deep at the position, and they could get value later. It´s also hard to imagine Howie Roseman taking a running back in the first round. The one position they could look to get younger at is on the defensive line. You need pass rushers in the NFC East, and Smith possesses high-level traits at the position. He’d give them positional versatility in their defensive scheme and would immediately upgrade their rush defense. Smith also showed flashes as an elite pass rusher, and he just feels like a player the Eagles would love to add to their defense.
11. Tennessee titans: Will Levis (QB, Kentucky, 6-foot-4, 229 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: OT, WR, IOL, EDGE, TE, DL, QB
The Titans are in a tough spot as a franchise. All-Pro running back Derrick Henry is aging, and their window to be a contender has closed relatively fast on the franchise. They need to reset their franchise, and with that reset could come a quarterback selection if Levis were to fall to them at pick eleven. Ryan Tannehill has been serviceable for the Titans but has shown severe signs of decline over the past two seasons. The Titans could use him as a bridge quarterback and bring Levis on slowly, allowing him to learn how to read defenses and work through his progressions which is an area of weakness for him. Titans' new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly’s system would complement Levis’s strengths as a passer well, and this system could be great for his development.
12. Houston Texans: Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson, 6-foot-5, 268 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: QB, WR, EDGE, DL, OT, DL, CB
The Texans need playmakers all over the field, and they could opt to stay on the offensive side of the ball and select a receiver with this pick, but new head coach DeMeco Ryans will want to add to his defense. There are some intriguing options for them at pick 12. They could take the best player available approach and go with Alabama safety Brian Branch who can guard tight ends, support run defense, and cover receivers in the slot. But based on a value perspective, they could trade into the first to get him later in the draft. That leaves Murphy, a consensus top-10 pick before an injury knocked him out of testing at the combine. He has a chance to prove why he deserves to still be a top 15 selection at his pro day and could be a steal at this spot for the Texans. Murphy could give Ryans a foundational defensive piece to build around.
13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia, 6-foot-5, 311 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: OT, S, IOL, LB, WR, QB, DL
The Jets need to address their offensive line with this pick. Joe Douglas has struggled to improve this area of the team his entire tenure. Former first-round pick Mekhi Becton can not stay healthy, and the team needs insurance, especially while in the win-now phase. It won’t matter who is the Jets quarterback in 2023 if they can’t protect them. Jones is a physical specimen and had one of the more explosive NFL Combine performances from the offensive line class. He ran a 4.97 in the 40 and had a 30-inch vertical displaying his explosiveness. He plays with aggressiveness and punishes defensive linemen. He didn’t give up one sack last season with the Bulldogs and would immediately give the Jets a boost on their line.
14. New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski (OT, Northwestern, 6-foot-4, 313 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: WR, OT, CB, EDGE, S, LB, TE
The Patriots are most likely losing Isaiah Wynn to free agency and need to address their offensive line. The offense ranked 28th in the NFL in first downs per game, and overall, the offense was only 17th in scoring. Left tackle Trent Brown struggled all season, and 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange was one of the most inconsistent players on their offensive line. Taking Skoronski can give them the boost they need on that line. He’s tough, athletic, and incredibly smart for the position. Adding him with David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, and Cole Strange could boost this offensive line to a top-10 unit and would take a ton of pressure off Mac Jones, who struggled under pressure last season.
15. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State, 6-foot-1, 196 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: TE, WR, EDGE, S, OT, DL, CB
The Packers haven’t been big players in free agency due to their salary cap limitations, and they have yet to agree to a deal trading Aaron Rodgers to the Jets. Until that deal is done, it’s hard to tell what the Packers will do at this pick, especially when they get more draft capital from the Jets. Currently, the Packers hold picks 15, 45, and 78 in the top 100 and have ten picks in total. Many analysts have mocked a tight end to Green Bay, but this class is deep, and with that much draft capital, they could add one in later rounds. What they do need is more weapons for presumed starter Jordan Love. Smith-Njigba would be the perfect fit alongside Christian Watson, giving them another receiver to help Love succeed.
16. Washington Commanders: Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee, 6-foot-5, 333 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, IOL, OT, QB, LB, TE, DL
The Commanders need help in their secondary and their tackle position. If the Commanders want their offense to take a big step under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, they must find a way to protect their quarterback. They addressed some offensive line concerns by adding Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie, but there is still a need for another tackle. Wright could be the missing piece in that equation. He has held his own against SEC competition and is versatile. He has played both left and right tackle. The Commanders know they need to protect Sam Howell if they will have any chance at competing in the NFC East next season.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr Jr. (CB, Penn State, 6-foot-2, 193 lbs
TEAM NEEDS: CB, OT, DL, LB, EDGE, WR, IOL
This is a legacy pick and a pick that fills an area of need for the Steelers. They lack depth and a physical corner who can guard receivers on the outside, and Porter profiles as just that. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine and posted an impressive 11-inch broad jump and 37.5-inch vertical. He has the size most teams want at the corner position and can shut down an entire side of a football field. He is the type of player who can set the tone for your defense and feels like a perfect fit in Pittsburgh.
18. Detroit Lions: Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland, 6-foot-0, 197 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, DL, EDGE, TE, S, QB
After filling a need on their defensive line with Jalen Carter, the Lions now address their secondary by drafting Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. Banks had an impressive showing at the NFL Combine that saw him run a 4.35 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical. He had a near-perfect Relative Athletic Score placing him among the top corners who have participated in the drills. On top of his athleticism, he is a highly physical corner who excels in both man and zone coverages. He would fit nicely alongside Jeff Okudah, and the Lions would add another exciting piece to their defense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa, 6-foot-5, 272 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, EDGE, OT, RB, QB, S, IOL
The Buccaneers look like they are content rolling out Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield in 2023 while taking on the massive cap hit Tom Brady left with them when he retired. The need to bolster their secondary and defensive line, and with Van Ness still on the board, it would be hard to pass on him here with the #19 pick. Shaq Barrett is still rehabbing from a torn Achilles that he suffered in Week 8 of last season, and they could be losing Carl Nassib to the open market. They would be wise to add a player that could bolster their pass rush, and Van Ness fits that profile.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Calijah Kancey (DL, Pittsburgh, 6-foot-1, 281 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: EDGE, DL, IOL, WR, CB, QB, LB
The Seahawks addressed their biggest need at EDGE with the selection of Tyree Wilson, and here they take the best player available approach and grab Pittsburg defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. General manager John Schneider has mentioned multiple times this offseason that they need more talent up front, and Kancey fits that description. Adding Kancey to the rotation with Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones would make the Seattle defensive line one of the best in the NFC. The Seahawks also have two second-round picks where they can target the receiver and corner position, making this an easier selection.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College, 5-foot-9, 182 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: WR, OT, TE, DL, EDGE, CB, LB
The Chargers are in a tough spot as a franchise. They went all in last offseason only to lose to the Jaguars in the first round. They have some pieces around quarterback Justin herbert, but they need more explosive weapons. They are currently in contract extension talks with Austin Ekeler, and depending on how those play out, we could see them adding Bijan Robinson with this pick. However, they need wideouts for Herbert. Keenan Allen is showing his age, and Mike Williams has never shown he can stay healthy for an entire season. Add in Jalen Guyton’s torn ACL and Joshua Palmer’s inefficient play; this pick needs to be a receiver. Williams is a big, fast, jump-ball guy, and Allen is your prototypical veteran possession type. The team needs a slot receiver with speed. Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers fits that description. He ran the second fastest 40-time at the Combine and gives the Chargers precisely what they need—a slot receiver who can create separation and command targets over the middle of the field.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU, 6-foot-3, 208 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: WR, CB, RB, EDGE, QB, S, IOL
Todd Monken takes over as the Ravens' offensive coordinator and must add to his playmakers on the outside to improve this scheme. The Ravens have relied primarily on their rushing attack, but that looks like it will change this season. The only playmaker they have on the outside is Rashod Bateman, and adding a receiver like TCU’s Quentin Johnston could give them two legitimate field stretchers on the outside. Johnston can challenge defense vertically and should open up the field for tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Monken used this scheme perfectly at Georgia, leading them to two national championships. Johnston could be the final piece in an offense desperate for playmakers.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Branch (S, Alabama, 6-foot-0, 190 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, WR, EDGE, DL, S, LB, RB
The Vikings have undergone a complete overhaul of their roster this offseason. They released Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, and Cam Dantzler. The Vikings ranked 31st in passing yards and 20-plus yard completions allowed last season, so adding to their secondary is one of their biggest needs. Getting Branch here at pick 23 could be an absolute steal. There is a scenario where Branch turns out to be one of the best players in his draft class. His versatility is something that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will covet. Branch can play safety, cover slot receivers, and has the strength to play close to the line of scrimmage to stop the run. He’s just an all-around great player.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia, 6-foot-7, 264 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, TE, OT, DL, S, IOL, WR
The Jaguars will hate to see Brian Branch get taken the pick before them, as they are high on the Alabama safety. But that leaves them with either cornerback or tight end at #24. While they did bring back Evan Engram on a franchise tag this season, Washington’s upside is too good to pass up here. The former Georgia Bulldog is one of the biggest players at the position and will fit into Doug Pederson’s offensive scheme well. He will serve as an additional offensive lineman and replace blocking specialist Chris Manhertz who was on the field nearly forty percent of the time. Washington gives Trevor Lawrence another redzone weapon and a potential Engram replacement after next season. Pederson also has a history of using premium picks on tight ends when the Eagles selected Dallas Goedert when Zach Ertz was already on their roster.
25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison (USC, WR, 5-foot-11, 173 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: WR, CB, LB, IOL, TE, RB, EDGE
The Giants have been busy this offseason adding weapons to their offense. They traded for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller, signed receiver Parris Campbell, and brought back receivers Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard. Even with those weapons, the Giants could be open to drafting USC receiver Jordan Addison. They invested big-time in Daniel Jones this offseason and must ensure they add enough complimentary pieces around him. Addison could fit well in this offense and provide Jones with his go-to receiver. This could also be a prime spot for a trade back, but if they stand pat, look for them to add to their offense.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas, 5-foot-11, 215 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, RB, LB, DL, TE, EDGE, WR
The Ezekiel Elliott era is over in Dallas, with the Cowboys releasing him last week. The Cowboys did bring back Tony Pollard under the franchise tag, but they need a running back in this draft class. Will they spend another first on a running back? They could draft Bijan at 26 based on their offseason moves. They brought in Stephon Gilmore, and Brandin Cooks, filling two big needs at receiver and corner. They re-signed safety Donovan Wilson, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, defensive tackle Dante Fowler, and left tackle Tyron Smith. Robinson would be a luxury pick, but being able to hold his rights for five seasons and letting Pollard walk in free agency after next season could be enticing. If Robinson is on the board at 26, it will take a lot of restraint for owner Jerry Jones to draft someone else.
27. Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence (IOL, Florida, 6-foot-5, 330 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: IOL, WR, OT, LB, DL, RB, S
The Bills must add to their interior offensive line and protect Josh Allen. Connor McGovern is a good add in free agency, but they misjudge his talent if they expect him to be a top-end starter in the NFL. Torrence is one of the best interior offensive linemen in this class. He would instantly start for the Bills and could protect Allen from day one. According to PFF, in college, he allowed no sacks and only one pressure in his entire career at Florida. That is precisely the type of consistency this Bills team needs. He’s built well for a guard in the NFL, and his strength would also help them in their rushing attack, something they need to be more balanced in their offensive attack.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame, 6-foot-4, 249 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: TE, CB, OT, S, IOL, RB, DL
The Bengals need a tight end, and one of the best players at the position is still on the board at pick 28. Michael Mayer is about as pro-ready as any prospect in this class. His varied release package allows him to line up inline and split wide. He was one of the more productive players at the position in college and has excellent hands. He would become an immediate redzone favorite of Joe Burrow, and adding Mayer to this offense would be deadly in the AFC. If the Bengals were to lose Tee Higgins at some point in the next two seasons, Mayer could serve as a viable #2 option in this offense. Until then, adding Mayer to Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd would be lethal to opposing defenses.
29. New Orleans Saints: Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee, 6-foot-0, 176 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: DL, EDGE, WR, QB, RB, IOL, TE
The Saints could add to their defensive line at this pick, but the allure of Hyatt would be too hard to pass up. The Saints are bringing back Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, but there is no guarantee that either will be able to finish an entire 17-game season. Every year it feels like we are talking about the Saints lacking weapons, and with Hyatt on the board, he would be a great addition to Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Juwan Johnson. The Saints need to build around new quarterback Derek Carr for him to be successful. Hyatt would help with that by providing him with a deep threat.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia, 6-foot-2, 207 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: CB, RB, EDGE, DL, S, LB, OT
The Eagles landed Nolan Smith earlier in the draft, and even though they last took a corner in the first round in 2002, they might make an exception if Kelee Ringo is still on the board. General manager Howie Roseman used one of their official meetings on him at the combine, and they are definitely on him as a prospect. This is the correct value to get a corner who ran a 4.36 forty-yard dash with elite size and strength for the position. He also fits the Eagles' defensive scheme and can excel in zone coverages.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Mazi Smith (DL, Michigan, 6-foot-3, 323 pounds)
TEAM NEEDS: EDGE, OT, WR, DL, TE, RB, S
Based on the board, the Chiefs would trade back in this scenario, but they could use another interior defensive lineman. Smith possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. He can immediately contribute against the run and, in time, could be a pass rusher. Putting Smith next to a player like Chris Jones could solidify their interior gap for the 2023 season. Smith is also underrated. He has a high motor and comes from a program that develops elite defensive line prospects. This could be a very underrated pick by the Chiefs.
Thank you for reading! Follow me on Twitter @Daboys_22 if you want to reach me for any trade advice, and check out my archive with Footballguys!
