With today being the start of the 2023 National Football League (NFL) draft, many scouts agree this is one of the most unique drafts in a while as there is not a clear option for the No.1 overall draft pick along with the crazy storylines of Jalen Carter, Will Levis, and more. In this week’s edition of Pierson’s Ponderings’, let’s dissect how the draft will ensue.
Bryce Young goes No.1 overall to the Panthers
After Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer traded DJ Moore and multiple picks for the prized No.1 overall pick, there are multiple ways Carolina can go. It is a given that first year head coach Frank Reich is looking to take his franchise quarterback, but the question is which one? First, it was rumored that Ohio State QB CJ Stroud was the selection for the Panthers, then it changed to Anthony Richardson, and now it’s Will Levis that has surged to a near-favorite for the first pick. However, I don’t think any of these QB’s will be taken first, but Alabama QB Bryce Young will hear his name first at the NFL Draft. Young is the most pro-ready QB in this draft and his experience as a leader at Alabama will be enticing for Reich and his staff.
Titans trade up for CJ Stroud
The Houston Texans will pass on a franchise caliber QB with their second pick as they take Will Anderson Jr from Alabama. This allows the Tennessee Titans to trade up to the No.3 pick to take their future star, Ohio State QB CJ Stroud. In order to make the trade, the Titans will have to give their first and second round pick in this year’s draft, their second round pick next year, and QB Ryan Tannehill. This trade makes sense for both teams, as Arizona heads into a full rebuild while acquiring picks and a placeholder QB until Murray gets back while the Titans take a chance on Stroud to be their guy. The Titans are starting to feel urgent as running back Derrick Henry nears 30 years of age.
Lions take all defense in the first round while trading back from pick six
When multiple QB’s are taken in the top five, that will allow a few defensive players to drop, including defensive lineman from Georgia, Jalen Carter. The Eagles will be enticed to trade up to pair Carter with his former teammate Jordan Davis to solidify the interior of the defense. With the trade, Detroit will move to the No.10 pick and will remain comfortable with their position. At this pick, the Lions take Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon which creates one of the best defensive back core’s in the NFL. Switching to No.18, I believe the Lions take the best defensive player available, whether it is Edge Rusher Luke Van Ness, edge rusher Nolan Smith, or defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. Both edge rushers will be taken by this point in my opinion, so the Lions will be forced to take Bresee.
Two big name players fall in the draft
As previously mentioned, QB Anthony Richardson has been projected in the top five, with him being deemed one of the biggest “projects” in recent memory. Although the hype has not died down, hype for other QBs has increased including Hendon Hooker and Will Levis. With that being said, I believe Young, Stroud, and Levis will go top five but Richardson will have to wait until the middle of the first round to be taken. The Texans have the No.12 pick and I believe this will be where Richardson goes. Another player that will drop from their projected draft spot is Texas RB Bijan Robinson. Robinson is seen as the clear-cut No.1 overall back in the draft which means he has the chance to go in the top 10. I’ve seen a few drafts where Robinson is taken with the eighth overall pick, but I can’t see this happening. Due to team needs and the fact that RB is the most interchangeable position in the NFL, Robinson will fall to the middle of the first round and the Washington Commanders will take him at the No.16 pick.
DHop is traded to the Baltimore Ravens
Similar to the AJ Brown trade last year, I believe a blockbuster deal involving DeAndre Hopkins getting traded to the Baltimore Ravens is imminent. Early in the week, both Odell Beckham JR and Lamar Jackson hinted on twitter that a big trade was in the works. Throughout Jackson’s time with the Ravens, the only two pass catchers the Ravens brought in for the star QB are tight end Mark Andrews and receiver Marquise Brown, which Brown was traded last off-season. It is evident that with receiving help, Lamar and the Ravens are one of the best teams in the league, so a move for Hopkins makes sense. Since Hopkins is 30 and has two years left on his contract, bringing him in could secure a contract with Jackson which sets the future for Baltimore. Now what would the Ravens give up? I believe the Ravens would give up a future third round pick along with WR Rashod Bateman, who expressed his frustration with the front office this off-season. This deal works for both teams, as the Cardinals get a young receiver along with a future pick for an aging star receiver.
