2023 is less than three weeks awayNFL Draft, and unlike previous years, this year's outlook seems to raise more questions than answers.
With that in mind, here are the seven big questions facing this year's draft and our attempts to answer them.
How does this QB class compare to previous years?
Well, at first glance, it seems to be stronger than last year's class.
The best comparison for this group might be the class of 2021, with five quarterbacks from top 15 picks and three consecutive QB picks to start the draft (Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trellan S). This year's draft is likely to start with three quarterbacks in a row, and while five of the top 15 picks seems unlikely, the chances of Hendon Hooker snuck into the first round aren't nil.
And possibly higher than expected to reach the first round. Keep an eye out for Detroit, 18, and Minnesota, 23.
There are also some similarities in terms of how the 2021 crop looks in the near future and compares to this year's course. The most striking comparison might be between the No. 3 player that year and the QB, who appears to be Anthony Richardson's currently accepted QB3. Lance is considered an athletic rookie with a thick arm and needs to fix some mechanical issues and an inconsistent knockdown.
Like Richardson.
Who is the true number 1 pick, regardless of position?
There are various thoughts on this, but overall, the best player in this draft class is Alabama's Will Anderson. He was 253 pounds, played anywhere in Alabama and often fell in 4i during his last two years in Tuscaloosa. However, that didn't stop him from recording 48 tackles and 27.5 sacks in two years. Anderson is projected to be versatile and a strong run defender who uses torque and leverage to help him win the run and pass game. He also showed good flexibility to counter his long arms and strength as a pass rusher.
Another route is Jalen Carter in Georgia. Given all the concerns off the field and the disappointing pro season, Carter probably won't make the top five. However, when you look at Georgia's defense in 2021, there is an argument that Carter is the best player of all. He combines first-step explosiveness with insane power and physique to dominate both the run and the passing game. If all goes well off the field, an NFL team could have an innovative tech 3 on their roster.
For me, I would go with Anderson. Don't think about it too much, he's a great run defender with the ability to become a great defender while combining explosiveness and a variety of quick passing moves. He's not Derek Thomas, but no one asks him to be.
Is there JaMarr Chase or Jaylen Waddle in this class?
With the popularity and growth of the youth 7-on-7 tournament and the expansion of the passing offense creating super soldier wide receivers more often than not, you'd think the next draft would have another guy like Chase or Waddle, who's an instant high-starter. of impact that can change a game.
However, that may not be the case this year.
Overall, scouts and members of the media generally weren't pleased with this year's class of wide receivers, but there could be some starters out of this group, some of whom have the potential to be pretty good WR2s.
Probably the biggest problem with this category of wide receiver is that they are mostly slot receivers, or most routings are run from the slot. carryOhioFor example, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Most of his routes start in slots. That doesn't mean you can't succeed abroad, it just might mean that's what you do best.
The current trend in the NFL is to make their best receivers run more down the open lane, giving them two paths from the LOS and getting better matchups in the paint. That might help the class, but I don't think we'll see another instant hit receiver like Chase or Waddle until next year.
Who will switch to No. 3?
There is a growing belief that the draft begins with the third overall pick, currently held byarizona cardinals.
Of course, weird things can happen. We'll address these potential strangeness issues later. But for now, Arizona is in a great position, assuming the draft starts at QB-QB.
Withindianapolis coltsSitting on the quarterback, a team in need of a quarterback may find it necessary to pick up three to select the best quarterback. In recent days, organizations likelas vegas raiders, It istennessee titans,evenminnesota vikingshas been mentioned.
However, that possibility opens the door for the Colts to promote themselves to ensure that they, rather than one of the jump teams, select the next quarterback.
Ultimately, with less than three weeks until the draft, that seems like the most likely scenario. Chris Ballard has no doubts about the need to find his quarterback in this draft and has been outspoken about trying to land one to make it happen. With that option in mind, up to three is probably the best plan B for him.
CanTexasPass QB at 2?
Now can Indianapolis really go up to three for QB2?
As we got closer to the draft, some big names in the football media floated the idea that the Houston Texans could go without the quarterback with the second pick. For example, in his Mock Draft 3.0 Lance ZierleinNFL there are jeansC.J. Stroud resignedFor Terry Wilson.
Peter King also opened the door for Houston. While he says he still believes the Texans will take the QB: "I'm okay with that 90% of the time."explainKing – The Veteran Scribe also pointed this out in a recent column:
But in recent days, I've heard Houston general manager Nick Caserio put it this way: Very conservative. If you don't like the quarterback at both, he won't force you. I'd rather take this year's surefire winner, Anderson, like Detroit did with Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick last year.
So take this fromESPNAdam Schefter earlier this week:
— NFL an ESPN (@ESPNNFL)April 11, 2023"I don't think it's safe for Houston to go to QB with 2"
—@AdamSchefterOn what he thinks the Texans will do at the top of the draftpic.twitter.com/yVNP5gipRg
Isn't it "where there's smoke, there's fire"? Or is it more about boredom as the draft approaches?
When three incredibly intrusive analysts come up with the same idea, it can understandably take it a bit further. King, Schefter, and Zierlein's contact lists are much deeper than you really want, so they can make all the difference.
However, since the aforementioned QB class has two top players, Stroud and Young, who seem to be in a class of their own, and may be closer to what King calls a "sure thing," skip to one of them and watch. if they can later Address the QB, either in the n. #12 or on a trade, it looks like a roll of the dice.
King noted that general manager Nick Caserio is conservative. He seems more conservative to draft one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft than to see what lands at No. 12.
Right if you ask me.
Where is the deepest?
That's a pretty easy question to answer given the trends in the sport in recent years.
the wide receiver.
With an emphasis on the passing game, the receiver's curriculum gets deeper and deeper each year. For good reason. Passing is king, and not just in the NFL. This weekend marks the start of the 7-on-7 season in Montgomery County, Maryland, and I'll be back coaching high school students in the Spring Passing League. Due to the emphasis on the passing game, which began at a young age, the receiving talent pool grows deeper and deeper each year, with prospects poised to contribute immediately.
However, wide receivers aren't the deepest group in this year's draft.
As Newton taught us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The popularity of the passing game at all levels of the sport has created opportunities for those on the defensive end to develop and prosper.
Prior to this draft, cornerback is the deepest position.
This is not to say that mock drafts are a perfect data point, but they do provide a solid starting point for this discussion. accordingNFL Mock Draft Database Four cornerbacks (Christian Gonzalez, Devin Witherspoon, Joey Porter Jr. and Deonte Banks) made top 25 picks, while three others (Ivy Manuel Forbes, Cam Smith and Kelly Ringo) made top 40 picks.
But that's the first thing in the draft. What stands out about this group of positions is the depth. 14 cornerbacks in the top 100NFL Mock Draft Database, with Eli Ricks at No. 101, just outside that group. This is in line with what the great Arif Hasan does every year, covering the leagueprofessional soccer net.Hassan compiles his "consensus big board" every year, which includes rankings from dozens of analyst drafts. It hasn't been finalized yet, but he told me there are currently 14 cornerbacks in the top 100.
existnetwork project, his scouting team listed 16 cornerbacks among their top 100 players on their big board.
Then Mel Kiper Jr.ESPNWho has this to say about the next class in the corner?
—Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)March 22, 2023Do you need a corner? ESPN Senior Draft Analyst@MelKiperESPNHe called the position "the deepest position in the draft so far" and projected that as many as 35-40 CBs from the Class of 2023 could play in the NFL.
CB is arguably the number one need for the Patriots.
The pass is king in today's football.
This includes defensive players trying to block passes.
Who's the one sleeper NFL fans need to know?
Finding sleepers is my favorite part of the draft season. Since the NFL draft has become a year-round event, and given the influence of the NFL, small school players find themselves with more opportunities to advance to the next level. For example, one of the quarterbackssenior cuencoThis year, followed by the Combine is Division II Shepard's Tyson Bagent.
While Bagent was the name to watch out for late in the draft, another was Princeton wide receiver Andrei Iosivas. After catching 66 passes for 943 yards and seven touchdowns last season for the Tigers, Isivasturning heads in the senior bowl, yand did thisIn federation:
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24580107/Screenshot_2023_04_12_at_11.06.30_AM.png "Answers to the 7 most important questions about the 2023 NFL Draft (1)")
In a year where the WR class has struggled a bit, Iosivas is certainly one to watch going into the third day of the draft.
FAQs
Why are there only 31 picks in 2023 NFL Draft? ›
This year's draft will only have 31 picks and 31 slots. That's because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-round pick (No. 21 overall), as well as a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Who has the number 1 pick in the 2023 draft? ›About the 2023 NFL Draft
The Carolina Panthers hold the first pick in the draft after trading with the Chicago Bears . They are followed by the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
Fans can register for free access to the Draft and the Chiefs Kingdom Experience at www.nfl.com/draftaccess or by downloading the NFL OnePass app at www.nfl.com/onepass.
How many picks are in the NFL draft? ›All 32 NFL clubs are allotted seven draft picks each year: One in each round, based on the reverse order of the final standings of the recently completed season. However, because teams are allowed to trade picks and move up and down the board, many clubs end up with more or fewer than their seven original picks.
Why are there only 58 draft picks this year? ›...
| 2022 NBA Draft | |
|---|---|
| First selection | Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) |
| 2023 → | |
Which NFL teams have the most 1st round picks 2023? The Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles all have two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here is a list of the first-round picks trades for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Who are the best quarterbacks in the 2023 draft? ›- Bryce Young. Kentucky OC Liam Coen: “Bryce Young, he's like Steph Curry with a football,” ...
- C.J. Stroud. Some draft pundits have knocked Stroud for playing with a star-studded offense at Ohio State. ...
- Will Levis. ...
- Anthony Richardson. ...
- Hendon Hooker.
The 2023 Quarterback class by contrast has three potential stars in the shape of Ohio State's CJ Stroud, Alabama's Bryce Young, and Kentucky's Will Levis and also contains a number of future NFL players with promising starting potential. Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman trophy winner is our top-ranked player.
Is the NFL Draft free to attend? ›How much are NFL Draft tickets? Fans can attend the 2023 NFL Draft for free all three days. For entry, fans have to download the NFL's OnePass app for more information as the draft approaches.
Can any player enter the draft? ›"To be eligible for the draft, players must have been out of high school for at least three years and must have used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season," according to NFL Football Operations.
How many players will be in the 2023 NFL Draft? ›
The 2023 NFL Draft is upon us. Before you know it, 259 new players will officially be welcomed to the pros.
What is the NFL 3 year rule? ›The three-year rule establishes that all NFL prospects must be three years removed from high school and have used up their collegiate eligibility to enter the NFL draft.
Can a NFL player refuse a draft pick? ›No. They do not have to sign any contract the drafting team lays before them, but that team owns the right to sign the player, and so that player cannot sign for anyone else. If that player refuses, the team can decide to trade those signing rights to another team, and the process starts over again with that team.
What is the most picks ever in a NFL draft? ›In 2022, defending national champion Georgia produced 15 total NFL Draft selections, establishing a new all-time record and breaking the former mark held by Ohio State in 2004 and LSU in 2020, with 14 players taken those years.
Has a player ever declined a draft pick? ›Bo Jackson took this route in the 1986 Draft, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers named him their number one pick. He refused to join the Buccaneers and chose to hold out, and instead became a baseball player for the Kansas City Royals for a year.
Who was the #1 draft pick? ›2021: QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, Jaguars. 2020: QB Joe Burrow, LSU, Bengals. 2019: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma, Cardinals. 2018: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, Browns.
Why did the Bucks lose a draft pick? ›During the 2020 offseason, the NBA stripped the Bucks of their 2022 second-round pick after an investigation found that they had early discussions with Sacramento Kings restricted free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Who has the hardest schedule in the NFL 2023? ›...
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The Chiefs are listed at the best odds to win at +650 while the Bills are right behind them +750. Behind the two are the current Super Bowl champ Rams at +1100, with the highest odds out of any team in the NFC.
Who will be the best NFL team in 2023? ›- Kansas City Chiefs. Way-too-early ranking: 1. ...
- Cincinnati Bengals. Way-too-early ranking: 4. ...
- San Francisco 49ers. Way-too-early ranking: 3. ...
- Philadelphia Eagles. Way-too-early ranking: 2. ...
- Buffalo Bills. Way-too-early ranking: 5. ...
- Miami Dolphins. Way-too-early ranking: 8. ...
- Los Angeles Chargers. Way-too-early ranking: 7. ...
- Dallas Cowboys.
Who is the best kicker in the 2023 NFL draft? ›
Jake Moody, Michigan
Moody is the best kicker in this draft and projected to go as high as the fourth or fifth round. He made 29-of-35 (83%) of his kicks last season. Moody was a perfect 60-of-60 on extra points. He also excels on kickoffs with 66 touchbacks on 102 attempts (65%).
- Bijan Robinson, junior, Texas.
- Jahmyr Gibbs, junior, Alabama.
- Zach Charbonnet, senior, UCLA.
- Devon Achane, junior, Texas A&M.
- Tyjae Spears, junior, Tulane.
- Bart Starr (Green Bay Packers) ...
- Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys) ...
- Otto Graham (Cleveland Browns) ...
- Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins) ...
- John Elway (Denver Broncos) ...
- Johnny Unitas (Baltimore Colts)
Fryar went No. 1, becoming the first wide receiver ever to be taken in that spot. Fryar was a member of the Patriots when the team advanced to Super Bowl XX, and was a five-time Pro Bowl pick (four of those five came with teams other than the Patriots).
What college has the most NFL players all time? ›Since the turn of the century, 5,350 players have been drafted into the NFL. LSU led the way with 14 draft picks followed by Michigan and Ohio State with 10 each. Since 2000, no team can claim more of those players than the Buckeyes.
Who has the most first-round picks ever? ›The Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams have each made the most first overall selections in history with seven. Of the first overall draft picks, 43 have been selected to a Pro Bowl and of those 43, twelve have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Is 2023 NFL Draft deep? ›2023 NFL Draft is deep with edge rushers: With 13 edge defenders in PFF's top 50, this year's EDGE class could be one of the best in recent memory. Wide receiver has less blue-chip talent: After a couple years of record-breaking wide receiver classes, this year's group isn't as stacked with Round 1 talent.
How many qbs will be drafted in 2023 first round? ›Those four top-ranked quarterbacks will be drafted within the opening 32 selections. That topic isn't up for debate.
Which QB will get drafted first? ›| Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevor Lawrence | Jaguars |
| 2 | Zach Wilson | Jets |
| 3 | Trey Lance | 49ers |
| 11 | Justin Fields | Bears |
Those who are not drafted — or aren't pleased with where they were picked — go on to college. Three years later (following what would be their junior year of college), they re-enter the draft pool and can be picked again.
What is the age limit for NFL draft? ›
A player must only be out of high school for at least three years and finish their college eligibility to become draft-eligible. This is the only requirement to enter the NFL draft. There's no minimum age required to become draft-eligible also.
How do you get drafted into the NFL without college? ›Prospects do not need to have played college football to enter the NFL Draft. Instead, the only requirement to be eligible for the draft is to be three years removed from high school. Top NFL Draft prospects often declare for the draft with college eligibility remaining.
Who is the youngest NFL player? ›...
Ranking Youngest NFL Players in 2022.
| Player | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Spiller | Chargers | 21 years, 26 days |
| Drake London | Falcons | 21 years, 1 month, 11 days |
| Derek Stingley Jr | Texans | 21 years, 2 months, 17 days |
| Breece Hall | Jets | 21 years, 3 months, 6 days |
The league's rule is very clear on this matter: “To be eligible for the draft, players must have been out of high school for at least three years and must have used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season.”
Who can avoid the draft? ›- Ministers.
- Certain elected officials, exempt so long as they continue to hold office.
- Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft.
- Immigrants and dual nationals in some cases may be exempt from U.S. military service depending upon their place of residence and country of citizenship.
Following the release of the 2023 NFL Draft compensatory selections on Friday, the order for all seven rounds of the upcoming draft is set, pending future trades. The first round kicks off on Thursday, April 27, at 8 p.m. ET in Kansas City.
Who to draft fantasy 2023? ›- RB — SF.
- Austin Ekeler. RB — LAC.
- Kenneth Walker III. RB — SEA.
- Bijan Robinson. RB — FA.
- Josh Jacobs. RB — LV.
- Justin Jefferson. WR — MIN.
The Houston Texans,Seattle Seahawks,Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eaglesare in line to have two first-round selections. This year's Round 1 will have 31 picks as the Dolphins were stripped of their selectionfor tampering violations.
What is Rule 17 in the NFL? ›Under Rule 17 of the NFL rulebook, the commissioner also has the authority to overturn a game result (that is, order a forfeit loss to the offending team and a walkover win for the wronged team), order the game to be fully replayed, or to discard the results of the game from the unfair act onward and resume play from ...
Who was the oldest NFL player drafted? ›Cleveland Browns. Weeden was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Weeden became the oldest player ever taken in the first round, at 28 years old.
Can you be D3 and go to the NFL? ›
By NCSA College Recruiting
It's a common misconception that D1 is the only division with players getting drafted into the NFL. There are many D2 and D3-level players who get drafted. So how many D2 and D3 NFL players are there? On average, about 70 former D2 and D3 players compete in each NFL football season.
Teams may negotiate trades at any time before and during the draft and can swap draft picks or current NFL players to whom they hold the rights.
Is it illegal to avoid the draft? ›If required to register with Selective Service, failure to register is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment. Also, a person who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to fail to comply with the registration requirement is subject to the same penalties.
Can you be drafted at 30? ›Present - The U.S. currently operates under an all-volunteer armed forces policy. All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register for the draft and are liable for training and service until the age of 35.
Has anyone ever traded the #1 pick? ›Yes, the No. 1 pick has been traded four other times after the draft, like the San Diego Chargers trading away Eli Manning to the New York Giants. So, let's stick with the instances before draft day.
Who is the best NFL ever? ›The final episode, premiering on November 4, 2010, introduced the top 10 players of all time according to the panel. Jerry Rice was chosen as the top player of all time, with Jim Brown as the second choice.
Who was the biggest draft pick bust? ›JaMarcus Russell – QB – Oakland Raiders (2007)
However, there is one player who stands out above the crowd as the biggest draft bust of all time: JaMarcus Russell. The Oakland Raiders made JaMarcus Russell the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.
2023 NFL Draft: Which prospect might not be a first-round pick, but SHOULD be? Just 31 prospects will have the honor of hearing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce their names on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, Missouri.
Why are there so many draft picks in NFL? ›compensatory picks are the result of an NFL formula that grants teams extra selections in the following year's draft if they lose more value in free agency (whether in quantity or quality of players) than they bring in. 32 of them are awarded each year, and teams can receive no more than four.
What teams will draft a QB in 2023? ›- Washington Commanders.
- New Orleans Saints.
- Atlanta Falcons.
- Detroit Lions.
- Indianapolis Colts.
- New York Jets.
- Las Vegas Raiders.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Who will forfeit the 2023 NFL Draft pick? ›
The league announced the findings of the investigation on Tuesday. The Dolphins will forfeit a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft and a third-round selection in the 2024 draft.
What 2 NFL teams have the most #1 draft picks? ›The Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams have each made the most first overall selections in history with seven. Of the first overall draft picks, 43 have been selected to a Pro Bowl and of those 43, twelve have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Is the 2023 NFL Draft free? ›How much are NFL Draft tickets? Fans can attend the 2023 NFL Draft for free all three days. For entry, fans have to download the NFL's OnePass app for more information as the draft approaches.
How many times can a player enter the draft? ›An American player who signs a contract and plays for an international team is automatically eligible by age of 19. No player is eligible for more than 2 drafts.
Who has the best NFL draft picks? ›| Rank | Team | Current Picks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Texans HOU | 2, 12, 33, 65, 73, 104, 161, 188, 201, 203, 230, 259 |
| 2 | Seattle Seahawks SEA | 5, 20, 37, 52, 83, 123, 151, 154, 198, 237 |
| 3 | Detroit Lions DET | 6, 18, 48, 55, 81, 152, 159, 183, 194 |
| 4 | Las Vegas Raiders LV | 7, 38, 70, 100, 109, 141, 144, 174, 204, 214, 220, 231 |
- QB Bryce Young, Alabama. ...
- DI Jalen Carter, Georgia. ...
- EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama. ...
- QB Will Levis, Kentucky. ...
- QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State. ...
- QB Anthony Richardson, Florida. ...
- CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois. ...
- OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern.
Seattle's 2023 Draft Picks: Round 1, No. 5 overall (from Denver); Round 1, No. 20 overall; Round 2, No. 37 overall (from Denver); Round 2, No. 52 overall; Round 3, No. 83 overall; Round 4, No. 123 overall; Round 5, No. 151 overall (from Pittsburgh); Round 5, No. 154 overall; Round 6, No. 198 overall; Round 7, No. 237 ...