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In response to
"if anyone could c/p this Mel Kiper article for me, I'd be gratefully obliged - TIA -- (link)"
by
crash davis 😺
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Gross. But okay!
Posted by
David (aka David)
Apr 29 '23, 21:40
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Three quarterbacks in the top four picks. Two running backs in the top 12. Back-to-back-to-back-to-back wide receiver selections in the middle of Round 1. And all 31 first-round picks came from major conferences for the first time in the common draft era. The 2023 NFL draft started with a bang on Thursday with a surprise trade up to No. 3, and there were five more deals on the night. It was one of the wildest drafts in my time at ESPN; this was No. 40 in my current role.
Now that we've been through all 259 picks, it's time for my favorite exercise of the year: grading how all 32 teams fared. I love doing these draft grades because it helps me put each class into perspective. I can survey the good, the bad, the reaches, the steals. Which teams actually got value with their picks? That's the biggest question I try to answer.
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Same rules apply, as always: I grade all 32 classes using my Big Board and position rankings as the prism to gauge how effectively each team addressed key personnel holes as well as how efficient each was in maneuvering the board and adding extra picks or future assets. I'll also mention a few of my favorite prospects in the class. I recapped Round 1 on Thursday night and Day 2 on Friday evening, but I'll dump all of my notes below.
Let's get into the team-by-team grades. We'll start with the best grades and go to the worst, with teams that have identical grades listed in alphabetical order:
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, S, RB, G
General manager Howie Roseman has had an outstanding run in Philly, and he crushed Round 1. The Eagles had two first-rounders thanks to last year's trade with New Orleans, and they were able to maneuver the board for two prospects in my top 12, including the No. 1 overall prospect, Jalen Carter, landing him at No. 9. Carter has some off-field questions -- his draft status was clouded after he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal crash in January -- but there's no denying his talent level. And if you look at this team's biggest weakness from last season, it was stopping the run; Philly ranked 24th in yards allowed per carry (4.6). As I wrote Thursday, putting Carter next to Jordan Davis again makes total sense.
The Eagles might have gotten a premier edge rusher at the end of Round 1. I thought Nolan Smith (30) could have gone as high as No. 8 to Atlanta. At 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, he is undersized, but you can't teach his physical traits. He ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. We know Roseman builds through the trenches, and I love this addition.
Offensive tackle Tyler Steen (65) has some interesting traits if he can improve his technique, and he might also move inside to guard. I would have gone with Ji'Ayir Brown or Riley Moss over Sydney Brown (66) if I were taking a safety, but I don't have a huge issue with the Eagles preferring Brown. He is undersized, but he tested well during combine workouts and had six interceptions last season. Roseman went back to Georgia with cornerback Kelee Ringo (105) on Day 3 for a nice value. I never bought in on Ringo as a top-40 guy -- he is too inconsistent -- but he has some upside if he can take the next step. Moro Ojomo (249) is a solid depth defensive tackle late in Round 7.
With Carter and Smith filling clear needs -- and the trade for running back D'Andre Swift filling another -- I really like this class. Roseman has done it again.
All of Philadelphia's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/9 Jalen Carter DT Georgia
1/30 Nolan Smith OLB Georgia
3/65 Tyler Steen G Alabama
3/66 Sydney Brown S Illinois
4/105 Kelee Ringo CB Georgia
6/188 Tanner McKee QB Stanford
7/249 Moro Ojomo DE Texas
Seattle Seahawks: A
Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, CB, WR, QB
I really liked Seattle's 2022 class and gave it a B+ last April, adding that "it's not quite an A because the quarterback issue could linger into 2023." Well, if I were doing a regrade, it'd have to be an A+, right? The Seahawks struck gold with cornerback Tariq Woolen and found solid rookie starters in offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas and running back Kenneth Walker. And that quarterback issue? Geno Smith went out and threw 30 touchdown passes, earning himself a big new contract. He is going to be the starter in 2023, though the deal he signed gives the team an out after a year if he doesn't star again.
A year later, all the Seahawks had coming into this draft was ... four more picks in the first two rounds, thanks to the last of the Russell Wilson trade haul. They hit a home run in Round 1 with cornerback Devon Witherspoon (5) and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba (20), both of whom fill an immediate need. They're going to make an early impact. Seattle landed two of my top 14 prospects.
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I'm more down on the value of the Seahawks' two second-round picks, though, as I wrote Friday night. Edge rusher Derick Hall (37) had 16 sacks over the past two seasons, but he went over a couple of other better pass-rushers. And they had bigger needs to fill when they took running back Zach Charbonnet (57). There was a run on defensive tackles in Day 2, and I was surprised Seattle didn't jump on one instead of taking a second-round running back in back-to-back drafts. In fact, after Pete Carroll & Co. added Kenny McIntosh (237), they have now selected 11 backs in the past 10 drafts, most in the NFL.
The Seahawks went with two Michigan players I like on Day 3 -- defensive end Mike Morris (151) and center Olusegun Oluwatimi (154) -- and LSU's Anthony Bradford (108) is my fifth-ranked guard. I think Bradford could push for early playing time.
This team made a surprise playoff run in 2022, and after it snagged two rookie starters in Round 1, it is primed to compete again in the NFC. While I didn't love the two running back picks, I'm having a hard time downgrading the rest of this class much. Plus, maybe I owe general manager John Schneider an A after not giving him one last year.
All of Seattle's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/5 Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois
1/20 Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State
2/37 Derick Hall OLB Auburn
2/52 Zach Charbonnet RB UCLA
4/108 Anthony Bradford G LSU
4/123 Cameron Young DT Mississippi State
5/151 Mike Morris DE Michigan
5/154 Olusegun Oluwatimi C Michigan
6/198 Jerrick Reed II S New Mexico
7/237 Kenny McIntosh RB Georgia
Arizona Cardinals: A-
Top needs entering the draft: DE, CB, RB, WR, C/G
I liked what Arizona did on Day 1. It added extremely valuable 2024 picks (a first and third) from Houston and got my top-ranked offensive tackle in Paris Johnson Jr. (6), though trading back up to get Johnson cost them another second-rounder. This roster needs a lot of work, and general manager Monti Ossenfort has his work cut out for him. Johnson can be a building block as Kyler Murray's blindside protector. The Cardinals came away from this draft with a bevy of 2024 picks -- here's Adam Schefter summing up everything -- and it's clear Ossenfort is taking a long view with this team. The Cardinals might be rough this season, but there's hope next year and beyond.
As for whom the Cardinals drafted on Friday and Saturday? They found a few values and got my favorite Day 3 quarterback, Clayton Tune (139). Tune is accurate and experienced, and he throws a smooth ball. Edge rusher BJ Ojulari (41) was a pressure factory on passing downs last season, while cornerback Garrett Williams (72) is recovering from a torn ACL but might be a steal once he returns. Owen Pappoe (168) has tremendous speed for his position with upside as a cover linebacker. Michael Wilson (94), a 6-foot-2 wideout, had a nice combine workout, which boosted his stock.
Overall, I was impressed with what Ossenfort did in his first class as a GM, getting a plug-and-play left tackle and prime 2024 picks. If there's a quibble here, it's that he didn't take a running back on Day 3 to try to improve the depth chart there. That's where the Cardinals could have found value.
All of Arizona's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/6 Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio State
2/41 BJ Ojulari OLB LSU
3/72 Garrett Williams CB Syracuse
3/94 Michael Wilson WR Stanford
4/122 Jon Gaines II G UCLA
5/139 Clayton Tune QB Houston
5/168 Owen Pappoe ILB Auburn
6/180 Kei'Trel Clark CB Louisville
6/213 Dante Stills DT West Virginia
New York Giants: A-
Top needs entering the draft: CB, C, WR, DT, ILB
I mentioned this Friday night, but the Giants landed three of my top 45 prospects in the first two days of the draft. That's impressive stuff from general manager Joe Schoen. Cornerback Deonte Banks (24) was consistently impressive when I watched his 2022 tape, and he stuck to receivers in man coverage. He is both experienced (he started eight games as a freshman) and toolsy (42-inch vertical leap at the combine). We can slot him in as a starter on the other side of Adoree' Jackson.
John Michael Schmitz (57) is my top-ranked center, and he fills a huge hole. He's going to start as a rookie. Coach Brian Daboll helped make a trade up for wideout Jalin Hyatt (73), whom I had rated as the No. 44 player in this class. You might remember Hyatt from his five touchdown catches against Alabama, and he can fly out of the slot. I was surprised he was still available in Round 3.
I like running back Eric Gray (172) as a potential steal on Day 3; he isn't a burner, but he can be a one-cut back behind Saquon Barkley. Safety Gervarrius Owens is an intriguing flier in Round 7.
This class is lifted up by those first three picks, which all fit positions of need. Nice job by Schoen and Daboll.
All of New York's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/24 Deonte Banks CB Maryland
2/57 John Michael Schmitz C Minnesota
3/73 Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
5/172 Eric Gray RB Oklahoma
6/209 Tre Hawkins III CB Old Dominion
7/243 Jordon Riley DT Oregon
7/254 Gervarrius Owens S Houston
Baltimore Ravens: B+
Top needs entering the draft: CB, WR, OLB, DT, QB
Baltimore's best move on Thursday? Signing Lamar Jackson to a long-term deal, of course. Everything else was overshadowed by the news that the quarterback would be back. And still, getting my top-ranked wideout Zay Flowers (22) a few hours later had to have made Jackson even more happy. Ravens receivers caught just seven touchdown passes all of last season, and general manager Eric DeCosta has now added Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to the depth chart. Flowers will make plays out of the slot, but he can line up outside too. He can break tackles or run by defensive backs. This is an awesome addition.
Baltimore traded away its second-round pick in this draft to land off-ball linebacker Roquan Smith, and it took my top-ranked off-ball 'backer in this class in Round 3. Trenton Simpson (86) could be a steal -- I had him ranked No. 35 on my board. He can play on third downs and stick to tight ends in coverage. This pick might be an admission that Patrick Queen hasn't quite worked out since being taken in the first round in 2020.
Cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (157) was a value on my board, and I like the stash pick of guard Andrew Vorhees (229), who likely will sit out all of 2023 after a recent knee injury. He would have been a second- or third-rounder without the injury.
DeCosta didn't do his usual wheeling and dealing with trades this weekend, but he landed a nice class, headlined by my guy Flowers.
All of Baltimore's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/22 Zay Flowers WR Boston College
3/86 Trenton Simpson ILB Clemson
4/124 Tavius Robinson DE Ole Miss
5/157 Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
6/199 Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu OT Oregon
7/229 Andrew Vorhees G USC
Chicago Bears: B+
Top needs entering the draft: OT, DE, RB, CB, DT
The Bears received a spectacular haul when they traded down from No. 1 with the Panthers, adding pick Nos. 9 and 61 plus a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 second-rounder and wide receiver DJ Moore. They got help for now and later, setting themselves up to fill crucial needs in this draft. Even though they traded at midseason what ended up as the top pick of Round 2, they still had four selections in the top 64. So how did they do?
Chicago had been connected with Darnell Wright (9) for months -- I matched this one in my two-round mock draft -- mostly because of its gaping void at right tackle. Wright is the best right tackle in this class, a 333-pound lineman who started 42 games in college. He is ready to play right now. I was more down on two of its Day 2 picks, as I mentioned Friday, but I get building through the trenches. It's just that both Gervon Dexter (53) and Zacch Pickens (64) were a round early based on my rankings. Some of this had to do with getting ahead on the DTs early in a thinner-than-normal class, but I'm grading each class on value, and so the Bears have to get dinged.
As for the rest of this class? I'm a fan. Running back Roschon Johnson (115) played behind Bijan Robinson at Texas, but Johnson probably would have started at most other FBS schools. He is powerful between the tackles. Tyler Scott (133) is a slot wideout who runs after the catch like a tailback. Linebacker Noah Sewell (148) was a tackling force in college, and now he'll get to try to blitz past his brother, Penei, in the NFC North. Terell Smith (165) is my 14th-ranked cornerback, and the Bears got him a round later than I had him going.
I like what general manager Ryan Poles is building in Chicago, and 2024 draft capital he acquired combined with another step forward from quarterback Justin Fields means this team will challenge in the NFC quickly -- just not this season.
All of Chicago's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/10 Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
2/53 Gervon Dexter Sr. DT Florida
2/56 Tyrique Stevenson CB Miami
3/64 Zacch Pickens DT South Carolina
4/115 Roschon Johnson RB Texas
4/133 Tyler Scott WR Cincinnati
5/148 Noah Sewell ILB Oregon
5/165 Terell Smith CB Minnesota
7/218 Travis Bell DT Kennesaw State
7/258 Kendall Williamson S Stanford
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
Top needs entering the draft: RB, CB, S, TE, G
I was a little surprised by the Bengals' choice to take edge rusher Myles Murphy (28) in Round 1, if only because there were solid tight ends, safeties and cornerbacks available. Credit to them for not reaching for a direct need, though, as a team can never have too many pass-rushers. Murphy likely will slot in as a rotational player behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard as a rookie, but Murphy is going to make an impact. I like his chances to be a starter in 2024 and beyond.
Cincinnati filled needs on Day 2. You're going to hear about the speed of Michigan cornerback DJ Turner (60) -- he ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the combine -- but he had good tape last season too. He isn't just a burner. And now he'll get to play with former college teammate Dax Hill in this secondary. Safety Jordan Battle (95) is extremely versatile; he started three years for Nick Saban's defense, so you know he has been well-coached. Wide receiver Charlie Jones (131) and running back Chase Brown (163) were nice values on my board. Joe Mixon had a down 2022 season, and I could see Brown getting some carries as a rookie. Andrei Iosivas (206) is a raw wideout from the Ivy League with sprinter's speed in a 6-foot-3 frame. This is a dart throw, but it's the kind of Round 7 pick I can get behind.
The Bengals did a solid job filling their needs, though I'm not going to give them an A because they didn't take a tight end in one of the deepest tight end classes over the past 20 years. That's a miss. Overall, if Murphy develops into an every-down player, we could be looking at an A class in a few years.
All of Cincinnati's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/28 Myles Murphy DE Clemson
2/60 DJ Turner CB Michigan
3/95 Jordan Battle S Alabama
4/131 Charlie Jones WR Purdue
5/163 Chase Brown RB Illinois
6/206 Andrei Iosivas WR Princeton
6/217 Brad Robbins P Michigan
7/246 DJ Ivey CB Miami
Cleveland Browns: B+
Top needs entering the draft: DE, DT, ILB, RB, WR
The Browns sent their first-rounder to the Texans in the Deshaun Watson deal and their second-rounder to the Jets in the Elijah Moore trade (Cleveland got a third-round selection in return), which meant the Browns waited all the way into the middle of Round 3 to be on the clock. And I have to say, I'm impressed by several of the prospects general manager Andrew Berry landed.
Some teams had a higher grade on wideout Cedric Tillman (74) than his Tennessee teammate Jalin Hyatt, who went a pick before him. Tillman was limited by an ankle injury last season, but at 6-foot-3, he can go up and get a 50-50 ball. Siaki Ika (98) is a 335-pound run-plugger of a defensive tackle. He isn't going to get many sacks, but he'll eat up blockers. Dawand Jones (111) is a mountain of a man who could develop into the starting right tackle. Isaiah McGuire (126) can be a rotational pass-rusher as a rookie. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (140) is a solid dual-threat, developmental quarterback. Luke Wypler (190) actually is my third-ranked center; I thought he might go two rounds before Cleveland got him.
Again, for what Berry had in this draft, he did a great job. He never reached, and he used his selections on premium positions.
All of Cleveland's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
3/74 Cedric Tillman WR Tennessee
3/98 Siaki Ika DT Baylor
4/111 Dawand Jones OT Ohio State
4/126 Isaiah McGuire DE Missouri
5/140 Dorian Thompson-Robinson QB UCLA
5/142 Cameron Mitchell CB Northwestern
6/190 Luke Wypler C Ohio State
Green Bay Packers: B+
Top needs entering the draft: TE, OLB, S, WR, DT
The Jordan Love era in Green Bay starts with ... an edge rusher. Aaron Rodgers knows that feeling; the Packers have now drafted a defensive player with 12 of their past 13 first-round picks, according to ESPN Stats & Info research. As part of the trade with the Jets for Rodgers, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst received pick Nos. 13, 42 and 207 and a conditional second-rounder in 2024, while giving up a disgruntled quarterback and pick Nos. 15 and 170. That's a decent haul. The Packers had three picks on Day 2 to try to improve things around Love, and that's exactly what they did, which redeems the slight reach of Lukas Van Ness (13) on Thursday. As I wrote, I had higher-ranked pass-rushers available.
Gutekunst took my fifth- and sixth-ranked tight ends in Luke Musgrave (42) and Tucker Kraft (78), and he added wideout Jayden Reed (50) to try to alleviate some of the pressure off Love. I wrote more Friday night about these picks, but in short, I like them. Musgrave and Kraft both have pass-catching potential, and Green Bay needs it. Last season, it ranked 25th in receiving yards by tight ends (670). Reed is only 5-foot-11, but he plays bigger on tape. This is how to support an inexperienced passer.
Of Saturday's picks, I like defensive backs Carrington Valentine (232) and Anthony Johnson Jr. (242) the most. I had undrafted grades on quarterback Sean Clifford (149) and 6-foot-5 kicker Anders Carlson (207). Colby Wooden (116) is a tweener defensive lineman who is a little too undersized right now to play as a 3-technique as a rookie.
This Green Bay offseason is going to be remembered for all of the theatrics around Rodgers, but I thought the Packers did well in this draft, especially if Van Ness turns into an All-Pro. We're going to find out a lot more about Love and his future in a few months. Plus, if Rodgers plays a bunch for the Jets, New York will owe the Packers its 2024 first-rounder.
All of Green Bay's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/13 Lukas Van Ness DE Iowa
2/42 Luke Musgrave TE Oregon State
2/50 Jayden Reed WR Michigan State
3/78 Tucker Kraft TE South Dakota State
4/116 Colby Wooden DT Auburn
5/149 Sean Clifford QB Penn State
5/159 Dontayvion Wicks WR Virginia
6/179 Karl Brooks DE Bowling Green
6/207 Anders Carlson K Auburn
7/232 Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
7/235 Lew Nichols III RB Central Michigan
7/242 Anthony Johnson Jr. S Iowa State
7/256 Grant DuBose WR Charlotte
New England Patriots: B+
Top needs entering the draft: CB, OT, WR, TE, OLB
At No. 14 overall, the Patriots were in an interesting spot in this draft. In fact, that was right around the cut-off point for where most NFL execs and scouts had their first-round grades. That's right -- there are 31 first-round picks, but there never are 31 prospects who have first-round grades on teams' boards. It's usually 20 or so, but this class was not considered to be as good as recent drafts. Still, New England was in a spot to get a starter, either at cornerback, offensive tackle or wide receiver. And that's what Bill Belichick was able to do, trading down for cornerback Christian Gonzalez (17), a player I had ranked in the top 10. This is a fantastic get.
I also liked the Keion White (46) selection in the middle of Round 2. He has the position flexibility to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge of the D-line. I thought the Pats reached a little bit for linebacker Marte Mapu (76), but he is a solid player, so I'm not going to ding them much. The biggest question I had Friday night was: Why didn't they get Mac Jones any help? They passed on the tight ends and receivers. In fact, they ended up not taking a pass-catcher until Round 6.
On Day 3, New England added both my top-ranked kicker Chad Ryland (112) and punter Bryce Baringer (192), becoming the first team since the 2000 Raiders to take a kicker and punter in the same draft. This definitely fills holes, and Belichick had a few extra picks with which to work. Kayshon Boutte (187) is one of the most interesting prospects in this draft. Coming into the 2022 season, we thought he might be a first-round pick; he had nine touchdowns on just 38 catches in 2021. Then he had a poor season and even worse pre-draft process, testing terribly at the combine. If the Patriots can untap his talent, he could be a major steal, but I have doubts.
This grade might be clouded a bit by the first two selections, both of which I loved, but overall, it's tough to downgrade this class too much.
All of New England's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/17 Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
2/46 Keion White DE Georgia Tech
3/76 Marte Mapu ILB Sacramento State
4/107 Jake Andrews C Troy
4/112 Chad Ryland K Maryland
4/117 Sidy Sow G Eastern Michigan
5/144 Atonio Mafi G UCLA
6/187 Kayshon Boutte WR LSU
6/192 Bryce Baringer P Michigan State
6/210 Demario Douglas WR Liberty
6/214 Ameer Speed CB MIchigan State
7/245 Isaiah Bolden CB Jackson State
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Top needs entering the draft: CB, OT, ILB, WR, DT
With three picks in the top 50, the Steelers entered the draft with a real chance to come away with multiple new rookie starters. They need help on both sides of the ball. And I'm a fan of what they did on the first two days of the draft. They traded a fourth-round pick to move up three spots in Round 1 to grab Broderick Jones (14), who will start at one of the tackle spots. He had an elite 2022 season.
On Day 2, they added cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (32), defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (49) and tight end Darnell Washington (93), all of whom could play significant roles this season. Porter is 6-foot-2 with long arms, and he can flip his hips in coverage. This is a great spot for him, being able to be mentored by Patrick Peterson. Benton's traits didn't match his college production, but if he keeps developing some pass-rush moves, he could be a three-down player. He was a slight reach on my board. Washington dropped because of some medical concerns, but he'll step into the NFL as one of the league's best blocking tight ends, and if he can up his game as a pass-catcher, he could be a steal.
Pittsburgh had just three picks in the last four rounds, with Nick Herbig (132) the most notable. He's my No. 7 inside linebacker. The light Day 3 keeps this class under an A -- teams that have more picks obviously have greater chances to find those diamonds in the rough -- but there are some instant-impact players here.
All of Pittsburgh's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/14 Broderick Jones OT Georgia
2/32 Joey Porter Jr. CB Penn State
2/49 Keeanu Benton DT Wisconsin
3/93 Darnell Washington TE Georgia
4/132 Nick Herbig OLB Wisconsin
7/241 Cory Trice CB Purdue
7/251 Spencer Anderson G Maryland
Tennessee Titans: B+
Top needs entering the draft: WR, QB, G/C, TE, CB
I went long on the Titans' Day 2 in my Friday night "winners" column, so go there if you don't want to see me repeat myself. The synopsis is: I'm a believer in Will Levis (33). I think he will be Tennessee's starting quarterback, maybe even as soon as this season. He has all the tools to be a longtime starter in the NFL, and I was stunned he lasted into Round 2. Does he have flaws? Absolutely. He was downright reckless at times last season, trusting his strong arm to fit throws into tight spaces but instead getting picked off. He took too many sacks. But he has a high ceiling, and I think he could thrive with pro talent around him.
Ultimately, Ran Carthon's first draft as Tennessee general manager will be remembered for what happens with this pick. The strange thing is I said something similar after last year's draft, when former general manager landed Malik Willis in Round 3. It's clear the new regime doesn't see Willis as its future franchise signal-caller, however, and my grade for Levis is much higher than it was for Willis a year ago.
The downside of landing Levis, as I mentioned Friday, is that it involved a significant trade up. The Titans moved up eight spots with the Cardinals, giving up Nos. 41 and 72 plus a third-rounder next year (and adding No. 81 in this draft).
In the rest of Carthon's group, Peter Skoronski (11) was my top-ranked offensive lineman in the entire class, and running back Tyjae Spears (81) is extremely talented, assuming his medical reports check out. Offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan (186) has starter tools if he can put everything together.
I still have questions about the receivers on this depth chart, but maybe Carthon can work some magic in the veteran market after the draft. One thing is for sure: The AFC South got much more interesting after this draft.
All of Tennessee's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/11 Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern
2/33 Will Levis QB Kentucky
3/81 Tyjae Spears RB Tulane
5/147 Josh Whyle TE Cincinnati
6/186 Jaelyn Duncan OT Maryland
7/228 Colton Dowell WR UT Martin
Buffalo Bills: B
Top needs entering the draft: ILB, CB, S, WR, RB
I didn't have tight end listed among the Bills' pre-draft needs, but we ought to consider their first pick as a player who could fill the void at slot receiver. They traded up two spots to take Dalton Kincaid (25), the best pass-catching tight end in this class. He led all FBS tight ends with 70 catches last season, and did a lot of damage out of the slot. This is a team that needed a playmaker to take the load of Stefon Diggs, and Kincaid will help. Josh Allen now has Kincaid and Dawson Knox as his top two tight ends, and he has to be thrilled.
O'Cyrus Torrence (59) is a road-grading guard who should push for early playing time. Off-ball linebacker Dorian Williams (91) ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and he has some coverage ability. After Tremaine Edmunds left in free agency, Buffalo has a need at inside 'backer, though I'm not sure Williams is the perfect fit. Nick Broeker (230) is a decent guard prospect who is definitely worth a Round 7 flier.
I question the Bills not taking a corner until the seventh round, but the first three selections in this class are enough for a solid B.
All of Buffalo's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/25 Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
2/59 O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida
3/91 Dorian Williams ILB Tulane
5/150 Justin Shorter WR Florida
7/230 Nick Broeker G Ole Miss
7/252 Alex Austin CB Oregon State
Carolina Panthers: B
Top needs entering the draft: QB, DE, WR, DT, ILB
After an offseason coaching change and huge trade up the board to acquire the No. 1 overall pick, the Panthers have a fresh start and a new franchise quarterback. Bryce Young, my top-ranked passer in this class, can be a superstar. The 5-foot-10 passer processes the game so quickly and sees things before they happen. I've said before that if he were four inches taller, he'd have a similar grade as some of the best I've ever scouted. The reality is this pick has some risk because we've never seen an under-6-foot pocket passer have consistent success at the NFL level; he's two inches shorter than Drew Brees. Young can maneuver the pocket and scramble better than Brees, but he's not a great runner like Kyler Murray, who also is 5-foot-10. This pick is going to be a litmus test for how NFL teams evaluate signal-callers going forward.
This Carolina roster has a ways to go, especially with losing wideout DJ Moore as part of the trade with Chicago. The organization gave up a 2024 first-rounder and 2025 second-rounder in the deal, too, and it had just five picks in this draft. Receiver Jonathan Mingo (39) is a big riser since the end of the season; he has a great mix of size and speed, and he is great after the catch. I'm lower on edge rusher DJ Johnson (80), who I thought went about two rounds too early. Chandler Zavala (114) could be an impact guard, while safety Jammie Robinson (145) had a stellar week of practices at the Senior Bowl in February. I like his potential.
This class is all about Young and what he becomes, but the 2024 first-rounder Carolina gave up looms large over the next year. If Young & Co. struggle, Chicago might have a top-five choice.
All of Carolina's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/1 Bryce Young QB Alabama
2/39 Jonathan Mingo WR Ole Miss
3/80 DJ Johnson OLB Oregon
4/114 Chandler Zavala G NC State
5/145 Jammie Robinson S Florida State
Dallas Cowboys: B
Top needs entering the draft: TE, RB, WR, DT, K
After another early playoff exit that saw the offense sputter late in the season, the Cowboys fired coordinator Kellen Moore and promoted Brian Schottenheimer. Coach Mike McCarthy will go back to calling the plays, like he did in Green Bay. With tight end Dalton Schultz leaving in free agency and running back Ezekiel Elliott getting cut, Dallas had holes at both positions heading into the draft, and I thought it could address each of them on the first two days.
In Round 1, however, the Cowboys went a different direction, and I have no qualms about it. Mazi Smith (26) is the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in this class, a 323-pounder who will instantly improve their run defense. Their defensive line too often last season was blown up at the line of scrimmage, so adding an anchor like Smith will help the entire front seven. Look at the other NFC East teams, and Dallas needed to beef up to stop the run.
I would have taken other tight ends over Luke Schoonmaker (58), but he does have intriguing traits. Tucker Kraft and Brenton Strange were available and higher on my board. Schoonmaker will turn 25 as a rookie, so the question is about how much more room he has to develop. DeMarvion Overshown (90) is one of Louis Riddick's favorites in this class; he can be a heat-seeking missile as a blitzer.
Edge rusher Viliami Fehoko (129) had 23 sacks over the past three seasons; I highlighted him as a potential sleeper last December. Running back Deuce Vaughn (212) is a great player in a tiny, 5-foot-5 package. I'd love to see him succeed in Dallas, where his dad is a scout.
There's not much flash in this class, which is not usually how team owner Jerry Jones does things, but I can't knock many of these selections. Dallas did well.
All of Dallas' 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/26 Mazi Smith DT Michigan
2/58 Luke Schoonmaker TE Michigan
3/90 DeMarvion Overshown ILB Texas
4/129 Viliami Fehoko DE San José State
5/169 Asim Richards OT North Carolina
6/178 Eric Scott Jr. CB Southern Miss
6/212 Deuce Vaughn RB Kansas State
7/244 Jalen Brooks WR South Carolina
Denver Broncos: B
Top needs entering the draft: C, OLB, RB, DT, CB
The Broncos spent big money on offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers in free agency, hoping to shore up a line that allowed a league-worst 63 sacks last season. With their top two picks going to Seattle as the last remnants of the Russell Wilson trade -- and another first-rounder, acquired for edge rusher Bradley Chubb, going to New Orleans for coach Sean Payton -- it was a step to get ahead of their biggest needs.
That left the first draft picks of the Payton era falling at the top of Round 3, though they ended up packaging together selections to take wideout Marvin Mims Jr. (63) at the end of Round 2. It's a good fit for Mims, who has upside as a deep threat, though Denver has a deep depth chart for now.
I mentioned inside linebacker Drew Sanders (67) and defensive back Riley Moss (83) in my Friday recap; they're both good players. The issue is the 2024 third-rounder Denver gave up to grab Moss, which dings this class. I had a fourth-round grade on safety JL Skinner (183), so the Broncos got good value on Day 3.
We know Wilson had a horrid Year 1 in Denver, but is there reason for optimism now with Payton on board? I think so, even if it doesn't quite make them Super Bowl contenders. The Broncos did decently with what they had this weekend.
All of Denver's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
2/63 Marvin Mims Jr. WR Oklahoma
3/67 Drew Sanders ILB Arkansas
3/83 Riley Moss CB Iowa
6/183 JL Skinner S Boise State
7/257 Alex Forsyth C Oregon
Detroit Lions: B
Top needs entering the draft: TE, DE, ILB, WR, RB
For the last couple of mock drafts I did, as I studied depth charts and free agent and trade additions, I found it really hard to identify clear needs for the Lions. That's because general manager Brad Holmes has done an outstanding job of filling holes and putting together a roster that is the NFC North favorite in 2023. In my two-round mock -- which came out just before Detroit dealt cornerback Jeff Okudah -- I gave this team a luxury pick at No. 18, with top running back Bijan Robinson still on the board. With the pick they got from the Rams at No. 6, though, I thought the Lions needed to grab an impact defensive lineman. So how did they fare?
Let's say there were mixed results, as I wrote Thursday night. They traded down from No. 6 to No. 12, but the reached for running back Jahmyr Gibbs there. While I like Gibbs' game, this is too high. Even Gibbs was shocked at being taken so early. At No. 18, the Lions did what great teams don't do, and that's reach for a need. Off-ball linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 58 overall on my Big Board and is ranked third at the position. There were better players available at both spots. I thought an edge rusher made more sense.
They flipped the script in Rounds 2 and 3, however, and I thought they had a really nice Friday. Tight end Sam LaPorta (34) is going to help as a pass-catcher as a rookie, while Brian Branch (45) is my top-ranked safety. He can cover like a cornerback, and he's not afraid to tackle. I would have been harsher on a team taking quarterback Hendon Hooker (68) in Round 1, but Detroit was able to land him at the top of Round 3. I was surprised he dropped that far. Hooker has some holes in his game, but this is good value, even if he never develops into a high-end starting quarterback. The strange thing is he's only three years younger than starter Jared Goff, who just wrapped up Year 7 in the NFL.
I mentioned defensive end as a need, and the Lions didn't address it at all in this class -- they had just two Day 3 picks. Will they go after veteran free agents in May instead? They at least were able to get something for 2020 second-rounder D'Andre Swift, who was traded to the Eagles on Saturday; the Gibbs pick made him expendable.
I still have a few questions about this Detroit defense, but Holmes' Day 2 saved a C here.
All of Detroit's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/12 Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama
1/18 Jack Campbell ILB Iowa
2/34 Sam LaPorta TE Iowa
2/45 Brian Branch S Alabama
3/68 Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee
3/96 Brodric Martin DT Western Kentucky
5/152 Colby Sorsdal OT William & Mary
7/219 Antoine Green WR North Carolina
Houston Texans: B
Top needs entering the draft: QB, WR, DE, CB, OT
After going a league-worst 11-38-1 over the past three seasons, this draft was Houston's chance to accelerate its rebuild and get the ship righted. With 12 total picks entering Day 1 -- tied for most in the league with Las Vegas -- including two in both Rounds 1 and 3, the Texans needed to find starters on both sides of the ball. They ranked near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense last season. Like the Panthers, they needed a face of the franchise, someone to build around.
That's why I was always confused by the rumblings they could pass on a quarterback at No. 2. Were they really going to trot out Davis Mills in Week 1 again? Sanity prevailed, and they took C.J. Stroud there. The stunner happened right afterward. Houston traded pick Nos. 12 and 33 plus first- and third-rounders in 2024 for pick Nos. 3 and 105. It then drafted top-ranked edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (3), giving the team two of my top-five prospects overall. Normally I'd say that's amazing for the Texans, but they gave up a ton to make it happen, as I wrote Thursday night. I don't expect them to compete for the AFC South title this season, which means that 2024 first-round selection could be a coup for the Cardinals. Ultimately, general manager Nick Caserio & Co. will talk about the prospects they added, but at this time next year, they could be in real trouble.
On Day 2, Houston reached significantly -- and traded up to do so -- for center Juice Scruggs, though I'm a fan of wideout/returner Tank Dell and what he could bring to this offseason. Give him the ball in space and let him score touchdowns. On Day 3, Houston added back a 2024 third-rounder in a deal with Philadelphia, which was a nice move. I also think linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (167) and receiver Xavier Hutchinson (205) could be solid finds.
This is another class that will hinge on what happens with the quarterback. And though I didn't love giving up the future draft capital, I do think Anderson has All-Pro potential. That's why I'll leave this as a B.
All of Houston's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/2 C.J. Stroud QB Ohio State
1/3 Will Anderson Jr. OLB Alabama
2/62 Juice Scruggs C Penn State
3/69 Nathaniel Dell WR Houston
4/109 Dylan Horton DE TCU
5/167 Henry To'oTo'o ILB Alabama
6/201 Jarrett Patterson C Notre Dame
6/205 Xavier Hutchinson WR Iowa State
7/248 Brandon Hill S Pittsburgh
Indianapolis Colts: B
Top needs entering the draft: QB, CB, S, G/C, WR
We have to give Indianapolis credit for not panicking and trading up for a quarterback. General manager Chris Ballard stuck at No. 4 and still got Anthony Richardson. While I would have gone with Will Levis over Richardson, there's no denying the talent and traits the former Florida passer possesses. At 6-foot-4, 244 pounds, there aren't many quarterbacks in the history of the league who combine Richardson's size, speed and arm strength. The problem? He really struggled with accuracy in his lone season as the full-time starter, and he needs a lot of work on his footwork and mechanics. The upside is tremendous -- and the Colts have a solid offense around him to help -- but I'd be worried to throw him into the fire in Week 1, as the team seems eager to do.
Josh Downs (79) is a quarterback-friendly slot receiver, and he's a great addition to help Richardson. I mentioned after Day 2 I would have preferred other corners over Julius Brents (44), but he does fill an immediate hole. They must think he can start as a rookie.
On Day 3, the Colts hit on some nice prospects. Offensive tackle Blake Freeland (106) has excellent traits in a 6-foot-8 frame, while defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore (110) is a top-50 prospect on my board. I thought he had a chance to go in the top 40 picks. I actually have Darius Rush (138) as my 11th-best corner in the class, one spot below Brents. At 6-foot-2, he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine. I picked tight end Will Mallory (162) as one of my combine risers in March. Jake Witt (236) is an intriguing dart throw in Round 7 -- he's my 17th-ranked offensive tackle.
Look, new Indy coach Shane Steichen worked magic with Jalen Hurts when he was the Eagles' offensive coordinator, but he has a long ways to go to build up Richardson's passing mechanics. I love what Ballard did on Day 3 -- and grabbing Downs in the third round -- but this class will be defined by Richardson and how the quarterback's career goes.
All of Indianapolis' 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/4 Anthony Richardson QB Florida
2/44 Julius Brents CB Kansas State
3/79 Josh Downs WR North Carolina
4/106 Blake Freeland OT BYU
4/110 Adetomiwa Adebawore DE Northwestern
5/138 Darius Rush CB South Carolina
5/158 Daniel Scott S California
5/162 Will Mallory TE Miami
5/176 Evan Hull RB Northwestern
6/211 Titus Leo ILB Wagner
7/221 Jaylon Jones CB Texas A&M
7/236 Jake Witt OT Northern Michigan
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
Top needs entering the draft: CB, OT, DE, OLB, TE
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke made two trades down in Round 1, acquiring extra fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round picks in the process. That's a coup for dropping down just three spots and still getting an offensive tackle who could start as a rookie. With Cam Robinson facing a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, Anton Harrison (27) might have to be thrown into the fire on the left side. He allowed just one sack over the past two seasons. He had a lot of fans inside the NFL.
If Baalke & Co. didn't go with a tackle in the first round, I thought they might go with a tight end. The Jags filled that need with Brenton Strange (61) in Round 2. Strange had been rising since the combine; I went back to study his tape after his combine workout, and I liked what I saw. He has the talent to turn into a solid pass-catcher. I liked the value for edge rusher Yasir Abdullah (136) and safety Antonio Johnson (160) on Day 3, but I would have gone with running back Roschon Johnson over Tank Bigsby (88) in the third round. Bigsby is a physical runner, but does he have the speed to rip off chunk yardage? It was just a little high for me.
Jacksonville ended up with six selections in the final two rounds, and my favorite was wideout Parker Washington (185), who has a chance to contribute early out of the slot. Baalke took a few fliers late, which I always recommend.
There's not much flash about this class, but the substance is important, as Harrison and Strange fill holes and have high-level potential.
All of Jacksonville's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/27 Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma
2/61 Brenton Strange TE Penn State
3/88 Tank Bigsby RB Auburn
4/121 Ventrell Miller ILB Florida
4/130 Tyler Lacy DE Oklahoma State
5/136 Yasir Abdullah OLB Louisville
5/160 Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
6/185 Parker Washington WR Penn State
6/202 Christian Braswell CB Rutgers
6/208 Erick Hallett II S Pittsburgh
7/226 Cooper Hodges G Appalachian State
7/227 Raymond Vohasek DT North Carolina
7/240 Derek Parish FB Houston
Kansas City Chiefs: B
Top needs entering the draft: DE, WR, OT, DT, TE
In my eyes, the Super Bowl champs had to add two of these three positions with their top two picks: edge rusher, tight end and receiver. And while I thought they could use their first-rounder on Michael Mayer, Sam LaPorta or Luke Musgrave as a promising TE2 to back up Travis Kelce, they opted for raw pass-rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah (31), who had 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. It's a solid if unspectacular move to replenish the D-line after Frank Clark was released.
The Chiefs added a fun wideout on Day 2, taking Rashee Rice (55), a 6-foot-1 one deep threat. With JuJu Smith-Schuster signing in New England, they can increase the snaps for Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney while rotating in Rice to try to replace Smith-Schuster. I still expect Kansas City to try to fI wasn't as high on offensive lineman Wanya Morris (92), but he has a chance to challenge Lucas Niang for the right tackle spot. Morris was a little too inconsistent on tape -- he's my No. 13 tackle. Keondre Coburn (194), a 332-pound space-eating defensive tackle, is my favorite of the Chiefs' Day 3 choices.
If Rice comes in as a rookie and climbs the depth chart, this class could be tremendous. For now, because it's so thin and because there were a couple of reaches, I'll put it in the middle tier of teams.
All of Kansas City's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/31 Felix Anudike-Uzomah DE Kansas State
2/55 Rashee Rice WR SMU
3/92 Wanya Morris OT Oklahoma
4/119 Chamarri Conner S Virginia Tech
5/166 BJ Thompson OLB Stephen F. Austin
6/194 Keondre Coburn DT Texas
7/250 Nic Jones CB Ball State
Los Angeles Chargers: B
Top needs entering the draft: WR, TE, CB, DT, RB
When the Chargers got on the clock in Round 1, I thought they'd take Zay Flowers or Jordan Addison. That would have been a spectacular start. Both of the small, quick receivers would have fit perfectly around Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. So when they went for Quentin Johnston (21) instead, I was surprised. Not necessarily about the value -- Johnston is No. 29 overall on my board -- but because he has similar size and traits as Williams. They're both over 6-foot-3 and love vertical routes.
Johnston is going to come down with his fair share of 50-50 balls, but Flowers or Addison would have made Justin Herbert's life a little bit easier, because they can run crossers and help in the quick game, which just isn't Johnston's strength. This is a case of liking the player but not loving the fit.
On Day 2, L.A. went for a couple of tweeners in Tuli Tuipulotu (54) and Daiyan Henley (85). Tuipulotu had 13.5 sacks last season, but if he bulks up he could play some tackle too. Henley stuffed the stat sheet in one season at Wazzu, and he has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the pass game. He could make an immediate impact. When I studied Derius Davis (125), a college teammate of Johnston, I saw a better return man than route runner, though he is super fast. I don't mind spending a seventh-rounder on quarterback Max Duggan (239), though I have questions about his ceiling. In L.A. he'll get reunited with two of his former receivers.
The Chargers passed on running backs, so I guess that means they won't give in to Austin Ekeler's trade demand. Overall, there are some early contributors in their class, even though I would have gone in different directions at a couple of spots.
All of Los Angeles' 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/21 Quentin Johnston WR TCU
2/54 Tuli Tuipulotu OLB USC
3/85 Daiyan Henley ILB Washington State
4/125 Derius Davis WR TCU
5/156 Jordan McFadden G Clemson
6/200 Scott Matlock DT Boise State
7/239 Max Duggan QB TCU
Los Angeles Rams: B
Top needs entering the draft: OLB, CB, S, DT, QB
The Rams blew up their roster this offseason -- Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, Taylor Rapp, Leonard Floyd and Troy Hill are among the defenders no longer on the team -- and clearly are entering a rebuild. And with their first-round pick gone to the Lions, they're starting that rebuild at a disadvantage. Still, general manager Les Snead had a bunch of picks to work with on Friday and Saturday. So how'd he do?
Steve Avila (36) is a plug-and-play starter at guard, while edge rusher Byron Young (77) is stellar value on my board -- I have him No. 51 overall. As I mentioned Friday night, defensive tackle Kobie Turner (89) was the first player outside my top 200 to be drafted. That's extremely high for a player I don't think has starter-level tools.
I thought I was high on quarterback Stetson Bennett (128), but I had heard he was more likely to go in Rounds 5 or 6. He'll be a nice backup for Matthew Stafford, but I'm not sure how high his ceiling is overall. Wideout Puka Nacua (177), tight end Davis Allen (175) and edge rusher Ochaun Mathis (189) were all reaches on my board, and L.A. ended up taking my sixth-ranked punter Ethan Evans (223).
This is a bit of a mixed bag overall, but the top two picks were excellent value.
All of Los Angeles' 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
2/36 Steve Avila G TCU
3/77 Byron Young OLB Tennessee
3/89 Kobie Turner DT Wake Forest
4/128 Stetson Bennett QB Georgia
5/161 Nick Hampton OLB Appalachian State
5/174 Warren McClendon OT Georgia
5/175 Davis Allen TE Clemson
5/177 Puka Nacua WR BYU
6/182 Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson CB TCU
6/189 Ochaun Mathis OLB Nebraska
6/215 Zach Evans RB Ole Miss
7/223 Ethan Evans P Wingate
7/234 Jason Taylor II S Oklahoma State
7/259 Desjuan Johnson DE Toledo
Miami Dolphins: B
Top needs entering the draft: G, TE, RB, ILB, OLB
Miami entered this draft with just four picks, the fewest in the league, and it had already filled its biggest roster hole via the March trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This is a really solid team, though its success hinges a great deal on the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was in the MVP discussion before concussions caused him to miss five games. I wanted to see the Dolphins get immediate help somewhere, and I love their first two picks.
Cornerback Cam Smith (51) excelled in zone coverage in college, and he locked down SEC wideouts. Running back Devon Achane (84) could be one of the steals of the draft. He should be on preseason rookie of the year watchlists. He's super fast and has ability in the pass game -- what's not to like? Ryan Hayes (238) is my 15th-ranked offensive tackle; I was surprised he lasted that late. His 2022 tape is very solid.
This class was handcuffed by the forfeited first-round pick, but general manager Chris Grier landed two tremendous players on Day 2.
All of Miami's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
2/51 Cam Smith CB South Carolina
3/84 Devon Achane RB Texas A&M
6/197 Elijah Higgins WR Stanford
7/238 Ryan Hayes OT Michigan
Minnesota Vikings: B
Top needs entering the draft: CB, QB, WR, G, DT
The Vikings got just two defensive snaps from rookie safety Lewis Cine, last year's first-round pick, and they entered this draft without a second-rounder because it was dealt for tight end T.J. Hockenson last fall. So while I thought for a little bit on Thursday that they might go for quarterback Will Levis at No. 23, they opted for a prospect who can make an immediate impact. Jordan Addison will fit well as the No. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson. He can run any route, and he can line up all across the formation. He just knows how to get open.
Minnesota went back to USC for cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (102) in Round 3. I had that one as a little bit of a reach with better corners on the board. I liked defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (141) in Round 5 -- he can be solid nose tackle. I don't see NFL starter traits for quarterback Jaren Hall, but he was extremely productive the past two years. I never mind a Day 3 quarterback selection too much. Running back DeWayne McBride (222) is my favorite selection for Minnesota; he's a top-100 prospect on my board. He averaged 155.7 rushing yards per game last season, and he can break tackles in the open field. He's not likely to be a third-down back as a rookie, but he's a natural runner once he gets the ball.
This is a small class, but Addison fills a massive need. I'm just curious to see how much Blackmon can play as a rookie, because Minnesota has available snaps for him.
All of Minnesota's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/23 Jordan Addison WR USC
3/102 Mekhi Blackmon CB USC
4/134 Jay Ward S LSU
5/141 Jaquelin Roy DT LSU
5/164 Jaren Hall QB BYU
7/222 DeWayne McBride RB UAB
New York Jets: B
Top needs entering the draft: OT, C, WR, S, DT
The Jets had two first-round picks last year, but 2023 was much more of a low-key draft ... unless you expand that out to the few days before, when they finally completed the Aaron Rodgers trade. In that deal, they swapped Round 1 selections with the Packers, dropping down two spots. They also gave up Nos. 42 and 207 plus a conditional second-rounder in 2024 (that likely will be a first-rounder). Green Bay sent back No. 170 as well.
We had connected New York with the offensive tackles in the class, but four already were off the board by the time it got on the clock at No. 15. I'm a fan of who general manager Joe Douglas opted for -- edge rusher Will McDonald IV (15) can fly to the football. He's one of my favorite prospects in the entire class. He had 33 sacks over the past four seasons. Expect McDonald to be a menace in passing situations as a rookie as he bulks up to improve as a three-down player.
I preferred John Michael Schmitz over Joe Tippmann (43) in the center class, but I know several teams that had Tippmann at No. 1 on their boards at the position. This was a clear need area for the Jets. Running back Israel Abanikanda (143) likely is insurance for Breece Hall returning healthy, but he was productive in college -- he had 21 scores last season. Tight end Zack Kuntz (220) lit up the combine workouts and is a worthy risk in Round 7.
The lingering question about this Jets class is: Are they sure they're OK at offensive tackle? They must trust that Mekhi Becton will return healthy and productive after back-to-back lost seasons. I don't know that Carter Warren (120) is a candidate to play as a rookie.
All of New York's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/15 Will McDonald IV OLB Iowa State
2/43 Joe Tippmann C Wisconsin
4/120 Carter Warren OT Pittsburgh
5/143 Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
6/184 Zaire Barnes OLB Western Michigan
6/204 Jarrick Bernard-Converse CB LSU
7/220 Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
Top needs entering the draft: OT, G, S, RB, DE
This Bucs class isn't flashy, but it shouldn't go under the radar. General manager Jason Licht landed three really good players with his top selections. Calijah Kancey (19) is a penetrating defensive tackle with elite first-step quickness who had 7.5 sacks last season. He might have been a top-five pick if he was a couple inches taller.
Offensive lineman Cody Mauch (48) impressed taking a step up in talent level at the Senior Bowl. It sounds like the Bucs see him as guard, but I think he could start at right tackle in time. And defensive end YaYa Diaby (82), who made my pre-draft favorites list, has the tools to become a steal. He had nine sacks last season and was extremely impressive during the athletic testing at the combine.
On Day 3, I like edge rusher Jose Ramirez (196) as a late flier and tight end Payne Durham (171) as an upside play to find a pass-catcher. Licht did a good job this weekend.
All of Tampa Bay's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/19 Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh
2/48 Cody Mauch OT North Dakota State
3/82 YaYa Diaby OLB Louisville
5/153 SirVocea Dennis ILB Pittsburgh
5/171 Payne Durham TE Purdue
6/181 Josh Hayes CB Kansas State
6/191 Trey Palmer WR Nebraska
6/196 Jose Ramirez OLB Eastern Michigan
Washington Commanders: B
Top needs entering the draft: CB, G/C, OT, QB, TE
So the Commanders really are going to go into the season with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their quarterbacks, huh? They passed on Will Levis and Hendon Hooker. I would have done differently, but at least I liked who they added in Round 1. I've been calling cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16) this draft's "Splendid Splinter" because of his frame. He's a very thin 6-foot-1, 166 pounds. All he does is make plays, though. He had six pick-sixes and 14 total interceptions in his college career. He should play early and often in Washington.
The Commanders went back to the secondary in Round 2, picking my fourth-ranked safety Jartavius Martin (47), who played a lot as a nickel. They ranked 26th in takeaways last season (18), so they went all-in on needs. They also added two interior linemen with their next two picks. I thought they reached a round for Ricky Stromberg (97), but the four-year starter is sound technically. Braeden Daniels (118) is light on his feet but undersized; he's my seventh-ranked guard.
The quarterback question likely will linger into 2024, and I'm not sure Washington hit all of its needs outside of the secondary with this class.
All of Washington's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/16 Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi State
2/47 Jartavius Martin S Illinois
3/97 Ricky Stromberg C Arkansas
4/118 Braeden Daniels G Utah
5/137 K.J. Henry DE Clemson
6/193 Chris Rodriguez Jr. RB Kentucky
7/233 Andre Jones OLB Louisiana
Atlanta Falcons: B-
Top needs entering the draft: DE, CB, WR, DT, QB
Check out the positions I listed above. There's no running back there. The Falcons got a fantastic rookie season from fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier, and yet they took Bijan Robinson at No. 8 overall. For a team that went 7-10 and has more than a few roster holes, I just don't get it. If Atlanta was a Super Bowl favorite? OK, go for a luxury pick in the top 10. I wouldn't love it, but I'd get the logic.
Look, Robinson is a tremendous prospect. He might win rookie of the year in Arthur's Smith's offense. But the Falcons could get 90% of his production from Allgeier and a couple of Day 3 options Smith said Thursday night that Robinson is "a lot more than a running back," but that doesn't make this a good selection. They could have gone with cornerback Christian Gonzalez or defensive tackle Jalen Carter or edge rusher Nolan Smith and gotten better value.
Elsewhere, I liked the addition of Matthew Bergeron (38), who it seems will move to guard for the Falcons. He started 39 games at tackle in college.
One question I have coming out of this draft for the Falcons: Who's rushing the passer? I don't see a vastly improved defensive depth chart. Calais Campbell, who turns 37 before the season begins, is not going to get them 10 sacks. Third-round pick Zach Harrison (75) had just 3.5 sacks at Ohio State last season.
All of Atlanta's 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/8 Bijan Robinson RB Texas
2/38 Matthew Bergeron G Syracuse
3/75 Zach Harrison DE Ohio State
4/113 Clark Phillips III CB Utah
7/224 DeMarcco Hellams S Alabama
7/225 Jovaughn Gwyn G South Carolina
Las Vegas Raiders: B-
Top needs entering the draft: CB, DT, G/C, DE, QB
The Raiders had a rough 2022 season, the first under new coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. Longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr is out, and Jimmy Garoppolo is in. And while there were lots of rumblings they could try to trade up into the top four for a passer, that didn't happen. Instead, Las Vegas -- which entered this draft with 12 total picks, tied for most in the league -- went straight to filling needs for a veteran roster that is built more for the short-term than it is set up for long-term success.
The issue I have with edge rusher Tyree Wilson (7) is that cornerback Christian Gonzalez was still available and Wilson's physical traits didn't always match his production. You can't teach the tools he has -- at 6-foot-6, he has fantastic first-step quickness -- but going in the top 10 means he has to put up double-digits sacks per season.
Michael Mayer (35), the most complete tight end in this draft, was a nice selection at the top of Day 2, but a few other of Ziegler's picks were reaches on my board. I had a fifth-round grade on defensive tackle Byron Young (70) and a sixth-round grade on quarterback Aidan O'Connell. Wideout Tre Tucker (100) went a round early. I liked the choice of safety Christopher Smith (170), but his tape is much better than his measurables, and I don't know if he'll ever develop into a starter.
Wilson will start and Mayer is a ready-made replacement for Darren Waller, but I don't see value with the rest of this class.
All of Las Vegas' 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/7 Tyree Wilson DE Texas Tech
2/35 Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
3/70 Byron Young DT Alabama
3/100 Tre Tucker WR Cincinnati
4/104 Jakorian Bennett CB Maryland
4/135 Aidan O'Connell QB Purdue
5/170 Christopher Smith S Georgia
6/203 Amari Burney OLB Florida
7/231 Nesta Jade Silvera DT Arizona State
New Orleans Saints: B-
Top needs entering the draft: DT, WR, TE, DE, G
This was an interesting draft for the Saints, who originally traded away their first-rounder last April and then added one as a result of coach Sean Payton getting hired by the Broncos. They ended up picking 19 spots after their original selection. If they had their own pick at No. 10, they could have made the move up one spot to get Jalen Carter, like the Eagles did, and fill their biggest hole.
New Orleans instead landed my third-ranked DT Bryan Bresee (29), who isn't as good against the run as Carter but does have some pass-rush upside. After his freshman season in 2020, I thought Bresee was a future top-five pick, but he missed all of 2021 with an ACL injury. If he can put everything together, he could be worth it, because teams covet interior pass-rushers.
I thought the Saints reached a bit for edge rusher Isaiah Foskey (40) in Day 2, and I would have preferred running back Devon Achane over Kendre Miller (71). Nick Saldiveri (103) played mostly right tackle in college but likely will move inside to guard for New Orleans. Quarterback Jake Haener (127) landed in a fun spot -- his closest comp in size and mechanics is Drew Brees. Now, if the 6-foot passer becomes as good as Brees, I'll be re-grading this draft as an A+, but I see his ceiling as a really solid backup behind Derek Carr or low-end starter. A.T. Perry (195), a 6-foot-3 wideout, had 26 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
There were a few significant reaches in this New Orleans class, which drops it to the lowest tier of these grades.
All of New Orleans' 2023 draft picks
Round/Pick Name Pos College
1/29 Bryan Bresee DT Clemson
2/40 Isaiah Foskey DE Notre Dame
3/71 Kendre Miller RB TCU
4/103 Nick Saldiveri G Old Dominion
4/127 Jake Haener QB Fresno State
5/146 Jordan Howden S Minnesota
6/195 A.T. Perry WR Wake Forest
San Francisco 49ers: B-
Top needs entering the draft: OT, G, DE, CB, TE
What a strange class to try to grade. The 49ers entered Day 1 with 11 total picks ... but zero in Rounds 1 or 2. Trades for Trey Lance and Christian McCaffrey depleted their capital. Instant-impact rookies can come from any round, of course, but it's asking a lot to guarantee that any of these guys will play early and often. (And who knows -- maybe they found the next Brock Purdy in here somewhere.)
And yet, I like a bunch of these picks, except for kicker Jake Moody (99) in Round 3. I get that it's a need, but that's incredibly early, and I didn't even have him as the best kicker in the class. I had a
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