NFL
By: Greg Rector
Now that the college football season is winding down to bowl season and the NFL season is at the midway mark, of course, folks are thinking about the NFL Draft 2023, especially after the trade deadline as well. Let’s take a look at what might happen come April. I will use current standings for the draft order and make no trades for the 31 picks. Remember the Dolphins were stripped of their 1st round pick.
Detroit Lions – Bryce Young QB Alabama
Many would think it would be CJ Stroud, for me though the Lions have to be tempted to pair Young with his college wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Houston Texans – CJ Stroud QB Ohio State
The Texans would still be able to start Davis Mills as he’s under a rookie deal, or could move on from Mills and hand the reigns to Stroud.
Carolina Panthers – Will Anderson Edge Alabama
The top QBs off the board and the panthers go with the best player available, which for many from day one in this process has been Anderson
Pittsburgh Steelers – Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern
Never mind the less-than-33-inch arms, we’ve seen both Penei Sewell and Rawshawn Slater succeed quite nicely in the last two drafts without that magic number. The Steelers absolutely need to address the offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Carter DT Georgia
Considered the second freak of nature defensive lineman in this class, Carter would be a huge asset for the Jags defense.
Las Vegas Raiders – Paris Johnson Ohio State
This could also be Skoronski if the Steelers end up liking Johnson more. However another team in dire need of offensive line help.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Myles Murphy Edge
Murphy started slowly but has been coming on for the Tigers. He is a beast. Sorry no Tom Brady replacement at this point of the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints) – Bryan Breese – Edge Clemson
I look for the Eagles to continue looking for more edge rush. This pick will keep falling with every win the Saints manage.
Houston Texans – Quentin Johnson WR TCU
No one has moved up draft boards more dramatically than the Horned Frogs wideout so far this season.
Seattle Seahawks – Nolan Smith Edge Georgia
After the draft bonanza the Seahawks had in the 2022 draft, get the best player available and at this point for me, it’s the Bulldogs’ edge rusher.
Arizona Cardinals – Keele Ringo Corner Georgia
Cardinals have needed to address the secondary and Ringo fits the bill.
Chicago Bears – Jared Verse Edge Florida State
Another fast riser in the process this year. The Bears addressed secondary last year, now they can replace Robert Quinn.
Green Bay Packers- Olu Fashanu OT Penn State
David Bakhtiari can’t stay healthy, Aaron Rodgers needs protection and Fashanu is good at both run and pass blocking.
Detroit Lions – Joey Porter Jr Corner Penn State
The Lions got their quarterback earlier, now it’s time to improve a terrible secondary.
Indianapolis Colts – Will Levis QB Kentucky
I believe the Colts will move on Frank Reich and the Colts needs to give the new regime a quarterback. Levis has the potential to be quite good at the NFL level.
Cincinnati Bengals – Broderick Jones OT Georgia
Another team that has to improve its offensive line to keep Joe Burrow healthy is the Bengals. Jones ends up as the best option available at this point of the draft.
New England Patriots- Jordan Addison WR USC
Yes, Belichick has had awful luck drafting wide receivers. Addison though has shown his value with Kenny Pickett at Pitt first and now Caleb Williams at USC.
Washington Commanders- Micahel Mayer TE Notre Dame
Commanders absolutely need to improve the tight-end spot. Mayer is easily the top choice in this draft class.
Atlanta Falcons – Isiah Foskey Edge Notre Dame
Just as many teams need offensive line help, the Falcon’s pass rush has been abhorrent. Foskey will be a good addition.
Denver Broncos – Anton Harrison OT
Broncos need better protection for Wilson and Harrison might be one of the top two tackles available in terms of lateral movement. Physical and has been able to get to the second level nicely.
Los Angeles Chargers – Siaki Ika DT Baylor
The Chargers need a “Big Fatty,” in the worst way. Ika fits the bill at 360 lbs.
Seattle Seahawks – Darnell Washington TE Georgia
The weak spot currently for the Seahawks’ offense. Washington can block and catches very nicely
NY Jets – O’Cyrus Torrence OG
The Jets still need to be better up front. Torrence can go guard or tackle. He’s got a nasty streak.
Baltimore Ravens – Cam Smith Corner South Carolina
It’s the Ravens’ way. They will have one of the best secondary players in the nation fall into their laps.
Kansas City Chiefs – Andre Carter II Edge Army
Absolutely fits in with Steve Spagnola’s wants for a Chiefs edge player. 6’7″ 260 lbs and if you haven’t seen a service academy game, look for Carter in the Army-Navy game.
NY Giants- Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State
The Giants better than expected record means they aren’t in the top end of the QB class for picks. Does anyone really think the current receivers are any good?
Tennesee Titans- BJ Ojulari Edge LSU
This would be a typical Mike Vrabel type of player.
Dallas Cowboys – Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
Yes, many will want an LG here, but another weaker part of the roster is the wide receiver room. The Cowboys take Hyatt who has been sensational for the Volunteers.
Minnesota Vikings – Clark Phillips Corner
The Vikings will need a replacement in the secondary for Patrick Peterson. They luck out with Phillips who others will pass on because he’s only 5’10” however his skill set is tremendous.
Buffalo Bills – Bryan Branch Safety Alabama
Branch will be an excellent fit for what the Bills like to do on defense.
Philadelphia Eagles – Bijan Robinson RB Texas
Kenneth Gainwell looks expendable so why not grab one of the highest-rated running backs in the country?
Of course, plenty of things will change between now, the bowl season, and the entire draft process. As will the draft order. At least this gives you some names to likely see drafted on night one of the NFL Draft. Don’t forget NBS Draft Central with Jeff Barnes and Bill Carroll will return for the draft season on the NBS YouTube channel.
