NFL
By: Greg Rector
We are just over one week away from the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City and absolutely no one is certain of any draft pick, unlike last year when it was clear the Jaguars would select Travon Walker first overall. The possible storylines are just all over the map right now. Let’s look at some possibilities for next week.
Which Quarterback?
The Carolina Panthers after trading to get the first pick was apparently all in for Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud. Now it seems they may be more inclined to take Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the first pick of the 2023 NFL draft. That’s if you believe in the current betting odds because there’s also a group who think they could swing for the fences and select Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson hoping he can eventually reach his “high ceiling” that scouts and coaches drool over in this process. Until that first domino falls next week the fallout won’t be known. This is shaping into one of the most volatile drafts in a long time.
Houston We Have A Problem
The Houston Texans were expected to select the next-best quarterback available with the second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Not so fast folks. There are several legitimate people in the draft world now suggesting that the only quarterback the Texans really like is Bryce Young. So if he is taken by Carolina what will they do? Guesses range from trading down all the way to simply drafting Will Anderson Jr, the Alabama edge rusher and giver new head coach Demeco Ryans a defensive gem as he is of course a defensive coach first and foremost. This would be simply wild as that leaves three quarterback prospects that other teams would be awfully tempted to try and trade up for.
Quarterback Needy
If the Texans don’t take a quarterback or trade that pick then we will see chaos with many teams trying to move up with Arizona at the third pick or possibly any team from Seattle with the fifth pick altering their plans and deciding to draft a quarterback they might not need for 2023 but as a future starter. The list is lengthy as far as teams that might just suddenly switch their focus for round one at that point. Prior to the Houston rumors and when it seemed Young and Stroud would be the first two picks I had a feeling the Atlanta Falcons might attempt a move from their 8th pick up to third pick to select Anthony Richardson whose traits and possible high ceiling would be a match made in heaven with current Flacons head coach Arthur Smith.
The Las Vegas Raiders, Tennesee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and even the Washington Commanders are all rumored to have possible interest in the three remaining quarterbacks so draft night deals might come fast and furious.
A Jalen Carter Fall?
In the above scenario, the player who was mostly the consensus best player overall in this 2023 NFL Draft class might suddenly find himself falling outside of the top five picks and could slide to the end of the top ten. Could Carter find himself dropping even further given his question marks over character his desire and his commitment to being in the best possible playing condition?
NFL Teams Reality
NFL teams and the world of scouting mock drafting often don’t see eye to eye. That means those of us who evaluate players can miss the mark completely with what NFL teams actually do. Here’s a case in point. Quentin Johnson the TCU wide receiver was rated very highly by most of us in the draft process. Johnson was not invited by the NFL to be in Kansas City as they might have a sense he may fall down maybe even out of the first round, something no one thought possible a couple of months ago. The NFL doesn’t want another Aaron Rogers scenario replay from his draft year when he fell much further than expected.
Who Is Loving This
The NFL Network and ESPN both love this uncertainty. The drama means viewers and both networks can expect huge numbers as a result. Those of us who like to predict what will happen? We’re not so happy this year. It’s all good though because this is what we all live for. The months of watching player tape, the all-star games, the combine, and the pro days are about to culminate with 259 young men hearing their names called 2023 NFL Draft picks.
Get ready for a wild ride and enjoy the 2023 NFL Draft weekend folks. As those of us who follow this closely are known to say in a little over a week we can live up to our motto especially when it comes to sleep. “We sleep in May” isn’t just for the paid scouts…lol
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
