Round 1
Carolina undoubtedly gave up what they did having a good idea of who they wanted first overall. My guess is C.J. Stroud is that guy. He’ll need more than an aging Adam Thielen to throw to at receiver.
Houston is likely to snag whichever of Stroud or Bryce Young isn’t taken ahead of them. Young feels more likely to be on the board at this juncture
Colts get: Picks 3 and 96
Cardinals get: Picks 4, 79 and 162
Florida’s Anthony Richardson is very raw and unrefined being as inexperienced as he is, but new coach Shane Steichen was able to work wonders with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. It’ll take time, but the payoff could be huge. Will Levis could be considered if Indy wants more refined guy.
Arizona isn’t able to get a haul for the third pick, but they do get a third round pick swap and a 5th rounder to pick someone they’d take at 3 anyway. Can’t complain too much. Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson could be in play as well since some teams reportedly like him more than Anderson.
Seattle goes for the Las of the top 4 QBs. Geno Smith is likely only a short-term solution at QB, and teams usually only get to pick this high so often. If they don’t like the remaining QB still on the board, they’d likely look to trade back. If the 4 QBs go in the first four picks, I think they’d take Will Anderson.
Detroit is looking like a serious contender in 2023 for much bigger things with the free agent signings they’ve had. You can never have too many pass rushers, and Tyree Wilson is the best one available.
Should the Raiders be unable to secure a top QB prospect, Christian Gonzalez could be the next best thing given his size/speed/length/athleticism along with the major need the Raiders have at corner.
How far will Jalen Carter fall in the draft? Perhaps not at all, but between being involved in a car race that killed an ex-teammate and UGA staffer and a less than stellar pro day workout, it hasn’t been the best pre-draft process for him. Atlanta could certainly use him up front if they’re comfortable with who he is character-wise.
Surprisingly to some, the Chicago Bears didn’t show any interest in Orlando Brown in free agency. No problem when they can likely have their choice of the top offensive linemen at 9. I have Paris Johnson going here due to his experience, versatility and long arms.
Patriots get: Picks 10 and 62
Eagles get: Picks 14, 46 and 135
New England added some veterans in free agency, but I wouldn’t feel too confident in that crew if I were them. This would be a cheap price to pay to move up for the second offensive tackle off the board. Bill Belichick tends to prefer for tackles to have longer arms, so Broderick Jones is the pick here for them over Peter Skoronski out of Northwestern.
Tennessee is hoping for a big sophomore jump from Treylon Burns. Even if they get it, more help at receiver is needed. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an excellent route runner with great hands and outstanding agility. He had an injury riddled 2022, but outproduced first rounders Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson in 2021.
Coach DeMeco Ryans is a former NFL linebacker and ex-49ers defensive coordinator. He gets a toy in Lukas Van Ness aka Hercules. The former Iowa star surprisingly was not a starter for the Hawkeyes, but the sky is the limit.
Sooner or later, we think the trade for Aaron Rodgers will materialize. The Jets could use some more help up front, and Peter Skoronski is the last of the three top remaining O-Linemen available. His arms are shorter at just a bit over 32 inches, but the Jets drafted Alijah Vera-Tucker a year ago despite him coming with the same concerns.
After a trade back, the Eagles pick up Myles Murphy, who they’ll look to develop in 2023 behind Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat as an eventual starter while he plays in more of a rotational role to start with.
Safety is a major sore spot in Green Bay. Even if Darnell Savage bounces back, he could use a running mate. Brian Branch can wear a bunch of different hats as a box safety, free safety and slot corner.
You could make a good case that Devon Witherspoon is the best corner in the class based on his tape. Plus he’s a better fit for Washington’s zone scheme than Joey Porter Jr. is. Great pick here!