This year's NFL Draft is as unpredictable as they come. With four elite quarterback prospects at the top, it is anyone's guess who the first few picks will be with many QB-needy teams looking to put their rebuilds into high gear. Filled with stars on both sides of the ball, the 2023 draft prospects will make immediate impacts for whichever team they land on. Here are how things are shaping up for the Draft on April 27th.
1. Carolina Panthers – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The two-year signal caller at Ohio State possesses elite processing skills and pin point accuracy. After an impressive performance against Georgia in the playoffs which showcased unprecedented ability outside of the pocket, Stroud is the perfect quarterback for Frank Reich, the coach who turned Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate and is at the helm of the Panthers rebuild.
2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Do not be confused by his sub-six feet stature–Bryce Young is one of the premier quarterback talents in this year's class. Young did not have the typical playmakers on the outside as other Alabama quarterbacks, but willed the Crimson Tide to a plethora of wins with his ability to drop it in a bucket across the entire field. As a bonus, this Russell-Wilson-esque pocket presence as he slips through tackles and delivers strikes.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson Jr, DE, Alabama
Anderson Jr.'s elite hands and bend helped him amass 37 sacks in the last three years. The prototypical edge runner is explosive as they come and will be a much-needed boost to a rebuilding Arizona Cardinals defensive line that lost both Zach Allen and J.J. Watt.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
If you can look past the mayonnaise in his coffee and his habit of eating peeled bananas, Will Levis has the making of the next quarterback prospect with elite tools. The super muscled up QB has a compact throwing motion with an absolute cannon of an arm and has shown the ability to lead in the SEC. Shane Steichen was able to produce an elite season out of Jalen Hurts and will be able to make the most of Levis' talents.
5. Seattle Seahawks – Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
On a championship winning defensive line that produced #1 and #13 overall pick Travon Walker and Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter was the most dominant. The massive defensive lineman eats up double teams for breakfast and will make an immediate impact in the run game. Pete Carrol has shown an apathy for helping developing players with off field concerns and the Seattle culture should do wonders for Carter.
6. Detroit Lions – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Dan Campbell said Jared Goff is his guy and he will be the starting quarterback for at least the next year. That said, even if he has to sit out a year or two, Anthony Richardson is too good of a quarterback prospect to pass up. The best pure athlete in the class with a 10.00 RAS score, Richardson ran a 4.43 40 yard dash along with a 40.5 inch vertical. There is no doubt Richarson needs to be more consistent with his footwork and ball placement, but his arm and physical abilities are out of this world.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Devon Witherspoon, DB, Illinois
The Raiders have invested heavily on the offensive side of the ball this offseason adding Jimmy Garoppolo and Jakobi Meyers. In a division that has both Patrick Mahoems and Jusstin Herbert, it won't just take offensive playmakers to win. Devon Witherspoon is a receiver eraser. Per PFF, he allowed only 206 yards on 63 targets during his 2022 campaign as is a more than willing contributor in the run game attacking ball carriers downhill in a safety like manner.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson, ED, Texas Tech
With a surplus of financial resources, the Falcons boosted their defense adding Jessie Bates and Daniel Onyemata. With the NFC South division looking like anyone's to gain, Turee Wilson will provide immediate help on the defensive line with his towering 6'6” frame and powerful attributes. Wilson bullies offensive lineman and is able to wreak havoc regardless of his alignment.
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9. Chicago Bears – Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
If you want some late-night entertainment, go watch Paris Johnson's high school tape. The Ohio State tackle has inside outside versatility as in an athletic freak for the tackle position with the ability to get out infront to block in the screen game as well as the agility to fend off speedy pass rushers. Johnson Jr. has limited starting experience and is a “raw” prospect but his athletic skill set matches perfectly with the likes of Ohio State counterpart Justin Fields as the Bears build for a brighter future.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Peter Skoronski, T, Northwestern
The NFC champions got a cherry on top of their season with a top 10 pick courtesy of the Saints. While they have very few holes on the offensive side of the ball, their offensive line is up there in age and could stand to have replacements ready to go the following season. Skoronski, originally recruited as an interior offensive lineman, has held more than his own at left tackle during his time at Northwestern and will fit perfectly into the Eagles timeline.
11. Tennesee Titans – Broderick Jones, T, Georgia
A mammoth left tackle at 6'5” 311 lbs, Broderick Jones allowed zero sacks last year for the championship winning bulldogs. Taylor Lewan is out of the door and with the roster influx, he has the ability to be a mainstay for the Titans for years to come. If Ran Carthon bulbs the Titans like he built the Niners, he'll start in the trenches.
12. Houston Texans – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
In multiple stacked wide receiver rooms, Smith-Njigba was the best receiver. Do not take my word for it, Brian Hartline, Ohio State's receiver coach, Garret Wilson, 2022 first round picks for the Jets, and Chris Olave, 2022 first round pick all said it. With sure hands and elite route running, JSN racked up numbers from the slot like nobody's business and will be Bryce Young's best friend on the rebuilding Texans.
13. New York Jets – Darnell Wright, T, Tennessee
Will Anderson dominated throughout his entire college career, except for Darnell Wright, the tackle with left and right versatility plays with power and strength and will be key to a successful Jets season. After numerous injuries, it would be unwise for the jets to place all their chips on 2021 first round pick Mekhi Becton so Wright provides insurance. Best case scenario Becton flourishes at left tackle and Wright too excels in the interior of the offensive line or right tackle.
14. New England Patriots – Lukas Van Ness, ED, Iowa
Even with limited snaps at Iowa, Lukas Van Ness showed special tools. Van Ness can bend it with the best of them with loads of power to evade tackles to get to the quarterback. Bill Belichek loves taking on projects along the defensive line, Josh Uche for example, and Van Ness, at only 21 years old, in the Patriots system will thrive with the right coaching.
15. Green Bay Packers – Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos disappointed last year for the backend of the Packers defense and with Amos now gone, Brian Branch is the perfect replacement. Branch, the best slot coverage player in the class can play at both the strong and free position and is most simply put, a play maker. With Jordan Love set to start his first season as the starter, the Packers will need to rely on their defense as he develops.
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16. Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Son of former pro bowler and Super Bowl champion Joey Porter, Joey Porter Jr. plays a hard nose brand of football jamming receivers of the line and throwing off the timing of passing plays on the regular. With the imminent selling of the team, the Commanders could stand to draft a player with a high ceiling, elite bloodlines, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Realistically, Christian Gonzalez is not falling this far in the actual draft, but in this scenario, he lands on the perfect team. Gonzalez has everything coaches desire in a cornerback, speed (4.38 40 yard dash), along with a lanky frame and elite ball skills. Gonzalez can immediately come in as a CB1 in the league and Mike Tomlin will be overjoyed to have him on the back end of his defense enroute to another non-losing season.
18. Detroit Lions – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
An athletic specimen at the tight end position, Kincaid will be a perfect replacement for tight end TJ Hockensen who was traded to the Vikings at the deadline last season. Kincaid is your prototypical receiving tight end who thrives operating in the middle of the field. The Lions already have a burner in Jameson Williams and a sure handed consistent WR1 in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Continuing to add offensive playmakers in a division that has been left wide open by the imminent departure of Aaron Rodgers is the ideal way to go for the Lions as they look to Restore the Roar!
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Calijah Kancey, IDl, Pittsburgh
The second departure of Tom Brady seems to have a new level of permanence and with the GOAT gone the Bucs' Super Bowl window is closed. A lack of interior pressure certainly hurt the Bucs last year and Calijah Kancey fits the perfect mold to bolster the middle of the defense. This is not just the same school comparison, Kancey has measurables and tools similar to the likes of Aaron Donald and was able to get an incredible amount of interior pressure for a defensive lineman just a shade over six feet.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Nolan Smith, ED, Georgia
The Seahawks would be smart to double dip on the defensive line. They hit it out of the park drafting Tariq Woolen at cornerback last year and can really even out the strengths of the defense by selecting Nolan Smith. Smith has the build of an inside linebacker, but his bend and sub 4.4 speed help him to chase down running backs and win around the edge. If he learns to rely less on his physical capabilities and hone the technical aspects of his game, a defensive line with both Smith and Carter will be formidable.
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21. Los Angeles Chargers – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Brandon Staley is officially on the hot seat after back to back disappointing finishes with Justin Herbert at the helm of the Chargers. A defensive guru, Staley will certainly like the 4.35 speed of Deonte Banks to join the backend of the Chargers defense along with Derwin James. If the Chargers are able to get a full healthy contribution from James, Mack, and Bosa, with the addition of Banks, they may be able to limit Patrick Mahomes on the way to an AFC West title.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The recent Odell Beckham Jr. signing should not dispel the Ravens from drafting Quentin Johnston. If they truly want Lamar Jackson to stay, they must surround him with some more playmakers. Quentin Johnston is 6'3' 208 lbs but moves like Deebo Samuel after the catch halling in screen passes with magnificent displays of elusiveness and short area speed. Johnston is able to run all routes on the tree and as he starts to catch with his hands more and body less, there is no prospect easier to project to a WR1.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
With Adam Thielen out of the door, the Vikings need another WR that is able to win from the outside and inside with ease opposite superstar, Justin Jefferson. Addison is a polished route runner who was a consistent open target for Steelers quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett and projected #1 overall quarterback for the 2024 NFL draft, Caleb Williams. Addison will be able to flourish with all the attention on Jefferson and accumulate copious targets from Kirk Cousins.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Murphy, ED, Clemson
Doug Peterson worked miracles for the Jaguars turning around a franchise who was run amuck by former Ohio State head coach, Urban Meyer. After getting a playoff win, the Jaguars need to add along the defensive line and continue to bolster their defense to equally support Trevor Lawerence. Myles Murphy is a ginormous edge rusher at 6'5' 258 lbs who wins with pure athleticism. It is going to take some hard work for Murphy to unlock his full potential as a rusher, but he will immediately provide impact in the run game and serve as an excellent edge, opposite star player, Josh Allen.
25. New York Giants – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Brian Daboll worked miracles for Daniel Jones last year helping him limit his turnovers and helping him maximize the talent of his below average receiving options. The Giants have added both Paris Campbell and Darren Waller to their offense and now add Zay Flowers. Flowers plays tag with DBs creating huge throwing windows and producing at all levels of the field. Flowers is the perfect quarterback for Jones as he looks to continue to build upon a great 2022 campaign and playoff berth.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
In a world where it is looked down on to draft running backs in the first round, Bijan Robinson is an exception. With Tony Pollard on the franchise tag returning from injury and Ezekial Elliot gone, Robinson will get ample snaps at Jerry World. The Texas running back possesses elite contact balance, vision, and strength. He has the power to run through arm tackles and the speed to outrun defensive backs to the endzone. In what is a make or break year for the Cowboys, Robinson may be the piece they need to make a deep run in the playoffs.
27. Buffalo Bills – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Emmauel Forbes has a knack for football. With 14 picks and 17 pass-breakups during his college career, Forbes will be a spark plug for the back of any defense and in a stacked AFC, his ability to take away the ball will create numerous opportunities for star quarterback, Josh Allen to drive down the field and score. Forbes is built like a stick, but his slender frame has not prevented him from being productive in any such manner.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Dubbed “Baby Gronk” coming out of high school, Michael Mayer can do it all at the tight end position. Mayer is an NFL ready prospect who is polished at all aspects of the position with sure hands and an uncanny ability to readjust at the catch point for someone of his size. Despite having three great receivers, the Bengals have lacked production from the tight end position and the addition of Mayer may be the bump they need to win a Super Bowl with Joey B at the helm.
29. New Orleans Saints – Bryan Bresee, IDl, Clemson
Another player with absolutely silly high school tape, the former #1 ranked prospect ran a 4.86 40 yard dash at a shade under 300 lbs. He can hunt down running backs in space and is a spark plug in the middle of any defense. The Saints lost both Marcus Davenport and Daniel Onyemata in free agency and Bresse will be a great replacement for head coach, Dennis Allen.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Will McDonald IV, ED, Iowa State
Both veterans Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox resigned along the Eagles defensive line, but similarly to offensive counterparts in the trenches, they are older players with limited years left. Will McDonald often played inside at Iowa State but projects more as an edge rusher where he will be able to demonstrate his speed around unsuspecting tackles. McDonald can slot in immediately as a designated pass rusher and learn from the eagles accomplished veterans with plans to take over in a starting role in 2024.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Anton Harrison, T, Oklahoma
With Orlando Brown Jr. out the door and signed with the inter division rival Benals, the Chiefs have an opening at left tackle. Harrison is a quick footed tackle who moves with impressive fluidity for someone of his stature. Even a quarterback as great as Patrick Mahomes needs to be protected while delivering the football ot hsi playmakers and Harrison, the seasoned college tackle will be able to keep him upright playing on a line which already boasts elite young talents such as Creed Humpherey and Trey Smith.
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* Originally published on April 17, 2023, by William Calhoun
