The 2023 NFL draft will produce another three days of intensive trading as teams from across the league look to boost their rosters. The best college talent from around the United States is finally ready to book its place in the big time.
Every year, the draft produces some surprise elements, so what shocks do we have in store?
Dates for the Diary
Trading will commence on Thursday April 27 and will conclude two days later on Saturday 29. The 2023 NFL draft will be broadcast live by the NFL network, while it will be possible to pick up live streaming elsewhere.
It’s an important time for everyone involved, including TV advertisers and other industries. It’s also possible to bet on the event with a host of nfl draft odds published across all major sportsbooks.
In short, everything is in place, but what surprises await at the 2023 draft?
Bijan Robinson makes the Top Ten
This may not be a huge shock given the quality of this top class running back. Bijan Robinson has excelled for the Texas Longhorns and he ended 2022 by picking up the Doak Walker award as the best player in his position.
The issue is that Robinson was not ranked inside the top ten in the mock draft. That honor has gone to Jahmyr Gibbs but Bijan Robinson’s better stats may mean he gets drafted first.
First Won’t be First
While we wait for official confirmation, it seems as though Bryce Young may not be the first pick after all. A stunning 2021 campaign for Alabama Crimson Tide saw him claim the Heisman Trophy, but he couldn’t quite hit those same levels last season.
He may fall down the pecking order, but Bryce Young may still be top of many team’s list. Carolina Panthers get the first pick in 2023 and they are desperate for a top class quarterback.
Jalen Carter off the pace
Another promising college player to endure a difficult few months is Jalen Carter. The Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle saw his stock rise after impressive displays, but off field issues could lead to a delayed trade in the draft.
The quality and potential remain, but many feel that problems away from football may mean that he’s only the fifth defensive player to be traded.
Darius Rush the Big Steal
While the first drafts sees a battle to pick up the best talent, shrewd teams wait for later rounds in order to find some value. In 2023, it’s felt that Darius Rush may just fit the profile.
At the age of 23, the graduate from South Carolina is older than most of his contemporaries. That may be enough to see some teams keep clear, but he may just be pro ready and worth a gamble.
Houston Pass on a Quarterback
Each of the 32 teams in the NFL will be assessing the best college quarterbacks in the latest draft. This is a key position and these players are by far the most valuable.
A QB will always rise to the top of the first round picks and it’s rare for any team to not consider a trade. In 2023 however, it’s being suggested that the Houston Texans will pass up the opportunity. That may be a surprise, considering that this isn’t necessarily the strongest position in their current squad.
Eagles hit the Headlines
With just six picks in the 2023 draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have to make them count. Opinion on who they will sign is mixed, but we might expect the 2023 NFC Champions to make the biggest trades to attract the majority of media attention.
They will go big in 2023 with Devon Witherspoon and Edge Nolan Smith among those on the Eagles’ radar.
Richardson the QB to Benefit
As teams dither over their option to sign Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, attention could turn to Anthony Richardson who is available in the second round.
Having starred for the Florida Gators, Richardson might just be the most in-demand quarterback this time.
Levis Commands Respect
In the 2023 battle of the quarterbacks, Kentucky graduate Will Levis may also be drafted early.
Washington Commanders already possess a talented roster, with Levis tipped to make improvements.
Tuli to Crash the Party
Of the many players currently touted as potential surprise first round picks, Tuli Tuipulotu may just have the best credentials.
While the mock draft suggested he wouldn’t be taken early, impressive stats and a Pat Tillman award in 2022 suggest otherwise.
C.J. Stroud to Las Vegas Raiders
NFL nomads the Raiders might just pull off the biggest shock of this season’s draft. Quarterback C.J. Stroud could end up as the number one pick, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be the man in major demand.
As early teams look for other options, there is a suggestion that Las Vegas Raiders may be the ones to benefit.
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