Pre- Free Agency/ ARod and Carr decisions

published on 2/25/2023


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Round 1

Picks 1-16
1. Bears: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

I’m not sure how, but I can’t see the Bears passing up on Anderson in the draft this year. He’s a blue chip edge defender and their pass rush needs a shot in the arm. If they move back, they NEED to pick up an OT or WR for Justin Fields.


2. Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

I could see the Texans somehow trading for Trey Lance if the 49ers end up shopping him. After all, the Texans took a ton of 49ers coaches to obviously include Demeco Ryans. However, CJ Stroud is a stud and has all the tools to be a franchise QB. The Texans need a lot of different pieces, and Bryce Young would be crushed for a few seasons before they sniff the playoffs.


4. Colts: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Colts have dealt with washed up veteran QBs way too often in years past. The addition of a QB like Bryce Young would give them a franchise cornerstone who they could protect with their (hopefully) rejuvenated offensive line.


5. Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

This one is a toss-up. Carter was dominant for the Bulldogs but could go as high as number one overall. Seattle has drafted numerous edge rushers over the last couple of years, and Carter would pair nicely with them as an interior force.


6. Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

EVERYONE seems to be mocking this pick. Jeff Okudah could be a trade candidate after being a disappointment as the former third overall pick. Witherspoon could help guard Justin Jefferson.


7. Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

This pick is going to be influenced by the Aaron Rodgers decision. Jarrett Stidham actually looked decent in the week 18 game vs the 49ers. Maybe Josh McDaniels was making a case for permission to draft a QB early as a cheaper replacement for Derek Carr? The Raiders have been whiffing on draft picks lately anyways, so why not try to find a franchise QB?


3. Cardinals: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

I’m not sure why he’s listed as a guard, but the Cardinals should really invest in keeping Kyler Murray upright. He may not be a “pocket passer”, but all these injuries may add up, making it harder for him to extend plays while running for his life.


8. Falcons: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

This pick probably won’t be made at this spot, as a team like Washington may have to move up and swap picks. Tyree Wilson gives the Falcons at least ONE front seven player besides Grady to build around.


10. Eagles: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Eagles gave up a TON of points in the Super Bowl, so investing in a top cornerback with this pick is a great idea. Darius Slay is getting older and James Bradberry is a free agent.


9. Panthers: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Sam Darnold actually didn’t play badly over the last few weeks of the season. They would need to re-sign him, but I don’t think he would have too robust of a market. The Panthers could instead go after another defensive piece to help them reclaim the division.


11. Titans: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

I would love to see a QB here, but after seeing Robert Woods barely contribute, the Titans need to help out their aerial attack in a different way. Johnston is similar to Burks as a big-bodied YAC threat.


12. Texans: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The Texans could easily pick a defender here, but CJ Stroud will need weapons to succeed. His former slot WR is still on the board, but Addison is a more polished player.


13. Jets: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Brian Branch would be a great addition to a defense that has lacked an elite safety since the days of Jamal Adams. Branch is a defensive chess piece who is suddenly injected into a high-octane offensive division.


14. Patriots: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

There’s no way the Pats actually grab Flowers. Odds are they pick someone like Bijan Robinson or Michael Mayer out of left field, and they STILL might surprise and grab a guy like Andre Carter II. Flowers is a dynamic YAC receiver who could help Mac Jones develop.


15. Packers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Another seemingly popular pick, Mayer would replace Robert Tonyan and all the other veterans in Green Bay. With the amount of two-RB formations the Packers want to run, it would help to have a polished TE as well.


16. Commanders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Eric Benienemy is probably the future HC. How would you feel as Dan Snyder after your current coach didn’t even know whether or not he was eliminated from the playoffs? With his history coaching Mahomes, and Rivera having coached Cam Newton, the two styles of play are blended into a much rawer product, Richardson. He’s the QB of the future.


Picks 1-16