The 2023 NFL Draft Is Here!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dynasty fantasy football junkie or just a casual NFL fan, today is a special day for football. This is a day where rebuilding franchises like the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints can fill the vast number of holes on their roster while elite organizations like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles can find the missing pieces to their NFL championship puzzle. This is a day where players like Bijan Robinson, Bryce Young and Jalen Carter become household names while former top picks like Cooper Kupp and DeAndre Hopkins get moved in a blockbuster NFL Draft Day trade. The action will be fast and furious and Fantasy Alarm and the Bettor Sports Network will have you covered with every first-round NFL draft pick and analysis for both reality and fantasy football.

 

 

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NFL Draft First Round Picks

Pick No.NFL TeamPlayerAnalysis
1Carolina PanthersBryce Young, QB AlabamaThe 2021 Heisman winner was a stud at Alabama and now he’ll presumably be off the board by the No. 2 overall pick. Despite being a bit undersized, Bryce Young’s arm strength, accuracy, and passing instincts are elite and were on full display in college. Yes, Alabama had talented receivers around him, but Young took full advantage by distributing the ball to all levels of the field while reading defenses well. His confidence, playmaking ability, and mobility at the QB position make it easy to imagine Young turning into a superstar in the NFL. There are shades of Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray in Young's game – and maybe even some Steph Curry. The big concerns, of course, are his slimmer frame and lack of height after measuring in at 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds at the Combine. The durability questions are warranted as he benefited from playing behind plenty of NFL-caliber offensive linemen at Bama. Still, Young's intelligence and pure football IQ are undeniable.
2Houston TexansCJ Stroud, QB Ohio StateIt seems like a foregone conclusion that Stroud, along with Bryce Young, will be drafted No. 1 & No. 2 overall. Stroud is viewed as the most accurate passer of this draft class with a 69.3% completion rate and a 85:12 TD:INT ratio across two seasons at Ohio State. We got a good look at his precise, crisp, and strong throws at the NFL Combine – or if you turned on any Buckeyes game over the past couple of years. Stroud’s overall arm talent might be better than Young’s, but many prefer his larger 6-foot-3 frame either way. The slight knock on Stroud is his lack of mobility and willingness to make plays with his feet, though he does have the ability to do so. However, against Georgia in last season’s semifinal game, Stroud did show off the dual-threat potential while making impressive throws on the run.
3Houston Texans (via trade Arizona Cardinals)Will Anderson Jr., DE AlabamaLook up "unicorn" in the dictionary, and you'll find a picture of Will Anderson. The 2-time winner of the Bronco Nagurski trophy for the nation's top defender was nothing short of spectacular during his time at Alabama. There are very few things you can nit-pick about Anderson, and were it not for the Panthers' need for a quarterback, he could have very well been the number one overall pick. He'll be an impact player on day one.
4Indianapolis ColtsAnthony Richardson, QB FloridaEvery year we get a quarterback prospect with tons of raw potential and physical upside without the proven stats to back it up. That’s Anthony Richardson, who’s arguably the biggest boom-or-bust player in the entire draft class. Richardson started only 13 games over three seasons at Florida, had just a 54.7% career completion rate in college, and his 17:9 TD:INT ratio last year is nothing special. That resume doesn’t exactly scream first-round pick. However, NFL scouts rave about Richardson’s ceiling because of his powerful arm, physical build, and elite athleticism at the QB position. He’s drawn comparisons to Cam Newton coming out of college, for both the good and bad reasons. The arm accuracy and decision-making as a passer need development, but Richardson’s dual-threat upside and strong throwing ability will have teams salivating.
5Seattle SeahawksDevon Witherspoon, CB IllinoisNo one improved in this cornerback class as much as Devon Witherspoon from Illinois. He became a true shutdown corner in his final year with the Illini, only allowing a 34.9% completion rate for 206 yards and was named a finalist for the JIm Thorpe Award. Witherspoon's fast, instinctive, and fluid, and these skills will translate well in the NFL. 
6Arizona Cardinals (via trade Detroit Lions)Paris Johnson Jr., OT Ohio StateAfter being a top-ten high school recruit out of high school, Paris Johnson went on to have an excellent career at Ohio State, but he really broke out when he moved outside to left tackle. His athleticism is out of this world, and it consistently shows up on the field and on tape. He's got some work to do to improve his technique, particularly his hand work, but he is so good already that when that improvements show, he'll be a high level starter in the NFL. 
7Las Vegas RaidersTyree Wilson, DE Texas TechWe've missed out on seeing Tyree Wilson at both the combine and his pro day due to him recovering from a surgical procedure on his foot, but his senior year tape speaks for itself. Wilson truly had a breakout year in 2022, finishing the season with 50 pressures and eight sacks. His length and speed allowed him to get to quarterbacks with ease, and his athleticism and versatility to play inside gives him top 10 upside. 
8Atlanta FalconsBijan Robinson, RB TexasIf you’ve been checking out NFL mock drafts lately, you know that Bijan Robinson is this year’s clear-cut top RB prospect. There’s a chance the former Texas Longhorn gets drafted in the top 10, but he’ll no doubt be a first-round pick. Robinson boasts the ideal NFL bell-cow combo of being a physical, power back with elite-level vision, elusiveness, and patience. He’s the complete package and a proven workhorse back while also having receiving skills out of the backfield. Robinson should be the top rookie RB in dynasty fantasy football drafts and, depending on the landing spot, could even be a second-round pick in redraft leagues. Not to over-hype him, but Bijan has legit superstar potential and reminds you of Ezekiel Elliott or Saquon Barkley at his best. Check out Robinson's game tape from last year's late-season performance vs Kansas when he broke off a season-high 243 rushing yards with 9.7 ypc and four TDs.
9Philadelphia Eagles (via trade Chicago Bears)Jalen Carter, DT GeorgiaAfter being the top prospect before the combine, legal and physical conditioning issues pushed Jalen Carter further down the board. Still, he's a physical force, but his stats don't jump off the page. This, of course, could be due to Georgia's love of rotating players, so his numbers could be much different if he takes on a heavier role in this defense. He's very agile for a player this size and he can easily overpower similar sized opponents, so he should have no problem acclimating to a professional defense.
10Chicago Bears (via trade Philadelphia Eagles)Darnell Wright, OT TennesseeDarnell Wright was one of the top prospects coming out of high school, but his tape up until he switched to left tackle in 2021 was unimpressive. He switched back to right tackle in 2022, but although he had power, his technique was inconsistent at time. Wright still earned All-SEC honors, but there is work to be done before he becomes a consistent blocker in the NFL. 
11Tennessee TitansPeter Skoronski, OT NorthwesternThe grandson of former Green Bay Packers team captain Bob Skoronski excelled during his time at Northwestern, earning All-Big Ten honors in all three years. Peter Skoronski excelled in all aspects of game play, but he was especially good in protecting his quarterback from pressure; in 2022, he only allowed pressures on 1.3% of his pass blocking snaps. Skoronski does have some concerns about his arm length, so it is possible that he moves to guard, but his technique is already so polished that he will be a day one starter. 
12Detroit Lions (via trade Arizona Cardinals)Jahmyr Gibbs, RB AlabamaAlabama has a strong history of producing top-tier NFL running back draft prospects and Jahmyr Gibbs is the next in line. However, Gibbs is a different type of RB than fellow Crimson Tide products like Najee Harris, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Brian Robinson of recent years. At 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, he’s a smaller-bodied back but a big play waiting to happen any time he touches the ball. Gibbs has tons of agility with a quick-burst and stop-start shiftiness to elude tacklers and break off long gains. He’s an electric athlete in the open space and reminds you of Chris Johnson when he explodes through a hole or catches a quick pass out of the backfield. Speaking of pass-catching, Gibbs is a great receiver who even lined out wide and in the slot for Alabama last season. There are shades of Alvin Kamara all over his skillset. The only knock is his size and lack of power running, which could prevent Gibbs from being a true three-down back in the NFL.
13Green Bay PackersLukas Van Ness, DE IowaIf you listened to any of the chatter surrounding Lukas Van Ness during the scouting process, I'm sure you heard he was never a full-time starter at Iowa as a knock on his ability. If anything, that makes his career numbers even more impressive. In 2022, he pressured the quarterback 46 times and added nine sacks, and he was also an effective run defender. With a few more reps at the next level, he could end up being the top edge defender in this class.
14Pittsburgh Steelers (via trade New England Patriots)Broderick Jones, OT GeorgiaWith only one year of starting experience under his belt, Broderick Jones posted impressive numbers in Georgia's 2022 season. He didn't allow any sacks, while only allowing two hits and seven hurries through 15 games. He's not a finished product, but he has good instincts and good footwork, and his athletic ability is off the charts. Once Jones has a couple more years of experience, he should be a huge part of Steelers offensive line.
15New York JetsWill McDonald, DE Iowa StateHe may be undersized for a defensive end, but what Will McDonald lacks in height, he more than makes up for in power and speed. He also has incredible length, with his arms measuring at nearly 35", allowing him to make up for whatever he lacks in size. As a four-year starter at Iowa State, McDonald racked up 35 sacks, and there's no indication he'll suffer much, if any, drop off in production at the pro level. What makes him especially valuable is his versatility and ability to line up as a defensive end, defensive tackle, or, occasionally, a linebacker. It won't matter what scheme he lands in; he'll be successful.
16Washington CommandersEmmanuel Forbes, CB Miss St.As far as talent and skill go, Emmanuel Forbes has the total package. His lengthy frame allows him to easily take the ball away, earning him six interceptions in 2022 and 14 in three years, and his shutdown ability in man coverage is unmatched. The only knock on him is that he needs to add some weight to his frame, as he may be overpowered by bigger, stronger receivers. He'll be an exciting addition to Commanders secondary.
17New England Patriots (via trade Pittsburgh Steelers)Christian Gonzalez, CB OregonChristian Gonzalez is one of, if not the, best cornerbacks in this year's draft class. While he does allow a higher completion percentage than some of the other players at the position, he more than makes up for it in his tackling ability. He only missed 6% of his attempted tackles in 2022, and his bigger frame will allow him to match up against bigger NFL receivers with ease. The Patriots were able to trade back a few spots and still get the guy who a lot of teams had mocked to them so good value.
18Detroit LionsJack Campbell, LB, IowaJack Campbell's size fits the profile of an edge rusher, but he is a bonafide middle linebacker. He won the Dick Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker in 2022, due in no small part to his coverage abilities. In addition to his 143 tackles, Campbell intercepted two passes, scored a touchdown, and caused six pass breakups. Even when he did allow completions, they were for very little gain, only allowing 236 yards on 418 coverage snaps. He's going to be an immediate part of Lions defense.
19Tampa Bay BuccaneersCalijah Kancey, DT PittsburghIf the Aaron Donald comparisons seemed a little lofty before the combine, Calijah Kancey brought the doubters back down to Earth with his performance in Indianapolis. He put up nearly identical numbers to Donald, and his 40 time of 4.67 was the fastest of anyone at the position since 2003. If he lives up to the hype, the Buccaneers got a steal at the 19th pick.
20Seattle SeahawksJaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio StateJaxon Smith-Njigba is the consensus top WR prospect in this NFL Draft class. Some NFL evaluators even believe that Smith-Njigba might be better than fellow former Ohio State receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, who both went in the first round last year. JSN, which he may come to be known as in fantasy football leagues, was the third fiddle to Olave and Wilson two seasons ago for the loaded Buckeyes offense. He excelled in the slot in 2021, when he racked up 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards – leading Ohio State in both categories despite Olave and Wilson playing in the same offense. Smith-Njigba is a crisp, smooth, and skilled route-runner and a sure-handed pass-catcher who can dominate the middle of the field. JSN was limited to just three games last season while dealing with a hamstring injury and sitting out ahead of the NFL Draft. He doesn’t boast elite size or speed, but he can be an NFL starter from Day 1 as a slot receiver. He'll be a great third wideout in this Seahawks offense behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
21Los Angeles ChargersQuentin Johnston, WR TCUIf you watched TCU at all last year, then you surely saw Quentin Johnston’s complete skillset on full display. Johnston has the unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism that can translate right over into being a No. 1 WR at the next level. At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds with an 82-inch wingspan, he can be a matchup nightmare in the red zone against smaller corners. Johnston also boasts breakaway speed and quickness to make big plays after the catch. His below-average hands and raw pass-catching ability led to some drops in college. Plus, Johnston is as polished a route-runner as others in this draft class. If he develops those traits, though, don’t be surprised to see Johnston as an NFL star.  The Chargers have a complete set of WRs now.
22Baltimore RavensZay Flowers, WR, Boston CollegeSince he comes out of Boston College and is undersized, Zay Flowers doesn’t always get mentioned in the same breath as other top WR prospects this year. However, he has the potential to be the best wideout in this draft class if we fast-forward five seasons. Flowers is an elite route-runner with the short-burst quickness to get open and make plays after the catch. He’s explosive with the ball in his hands and can stretch the field as a downfield target. Despite being smaller in stature at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Flowers was a sure-handed pass-catcher who still put up weekly numbers on a bad Boston College team. He averaged 6.5 receptions, 89 yards, and a TD per game last year for an offense that was among the worst in the Power Five. Of course, his size is the biggest knock and could limit him from becoming a true No. 1 wideout in an NFL offense. He goes to a Ravens offense that just signed Odell Beckham and still has plenty of pass-catchers, so targets may be tough to come by as a rookie. At least Lamar Jackson is back in town with a new contract.
23Minnesota VikingsJordan Addison, WR USCAt Pitt two seasons ago, Jordan Addison broke onto the national radar with 100 receptions, 1,593 receiving yards, and 17 TDs. His numbers dropped off a bit in 2022 after transferring to USC in a more loaded offense. Addison is a crisp, smooth route-runner with top-notch short-area acceleration, making him incredibly tough to cover one-on-one. He’s a reliable target underneath with the downfield speed to go over the top of defenses. At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Addison has a lankier build without much physical strength to make contested catches. He projects as a starting slot WR in the NFL. He's exactly what Kevin O'Connell needs for his 11-personnel offense. 
24New York Giants (trade from Jacksonville Jaguars)Deonte Banks, CB, MarylandDeonte Banks is one of the most athletic cornerbacks in this class, measuring at the Combine with a 4.35 40 time and an insane 11'4" broad jump. This guy can move! Banks missed all but one game of his junior season with a shoulder injury, but he came back in 2022 true to form, only allowing a 43.3% completion rate and 258 yards. If this class wasn't so loaded with first-round talent, Banks would be a lock to be the first corner off the board.
25Buffalo Bills(trade from New York Giants)Dalton Kincaid, TE UtahFrom a fantasy football standpoint, no one looks better on film than Dalton Kincaid. He wins in man to man, finishes players, makes guys miss. That's probably why he led all tight ends in yards his senior season. We didn't get much from him in terms of combine or pre-draft workouts because he was dealing with a back injury but the general consensus is that he's put enough on film to be one of the top tight ends off the board. The only question is how truly effective he will be as an in-line player at his size but, with the Bills, he should play “big slot” right away..
26Dallas CowboysMazi Smith, DT, MichiganOne of the top defensive linemen in this year's class, Mazi Smith doesn't have a ton of experience on the field, but he makes up for that in pure athleticism and strength. He rarely saw the field during his freshman and sophomore seasons, but towards the end of the last season, Smith's development as an all-around defender was apparent, ranking third in pass-rush wins and sixth in run stops. While he does have some areas in his play he needs to improve, Smith is a well-rounded player who should work his way into a starting role on the Cowboys D-line.
27Jacksonville JaguarsAnton Harrison, OT OklahomaThe Jacksonville Jaguars needed help in pass protection and they got some huge help with Anton Harrison. As a starter at Oklahoma, he excelled in pass protection, earning an 86.6 pass rushing grade from PFF, ranking tenth among Power Five tackles. Harrison does need to improve as a run blocker, as he doesn't always get favorable positioning to overpower his opponents, but if his improvement in college is any indication, he should progress just fine.
28Cincinnati BengalsMyles Murphy, DE. ClemsonMyles Murphy didn't really test at the NFL Combine, but he didn't have to; his tape at Clemson speaks for itself. He's got a huge build, speed, power...everything you want in an edge rusher. In 2022, he earned first-team All-ACC honors, tying for the team-high with 6.5 sacks and 40 tackles. Murphy will be an immediate starter and has the potential to be one of the best edge rushers in the league with a couple of years of development.
29New Orleans SaintsBryan Bresee, DT, ClemsonAside from his outstanding product on the field, Bryan Bresee has an incredibly emotional and powerful story. His 15 year old sister, Ella, passed away of brain cancer during the 2022 season, then he battled injury and illness himself throughout the season. Still, he managed to start seven games for Clemson last year, showcasing his versatility and rare ability to play low for a player his size. He's still raw and can make some improvements, but the talent is there for him to become an impact player in New Orleans.
30Philadelphia EaglesNolan Smith, OLB, GeorgiaDepending on who you ask, Nolan Smith is either the top edge rusher in this class, or he's on the lower half of the top ten due to his injury history and size. There's no denying his absolute athleticism; he ran a 4.39 40 at the NFL Combine, the second-fastest ever for an edge rusher. When he's on the field, he's great, but injuries have plagued his college career. His weight is also a concern, as he's sub-240 pounds. There were similar concerns for fellow Georgia alum Nakobe Dean in last season's draft, and he turned out to be a non-factor in 2022. We'll have to closely watch if the same is true for Smith with the Eagles, ironically the same landing spot. Smith joins a loaded Philly defensive line.
31Kansas City Chiefs

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, LB Kansas State

 

Over the past two seasons, Felix Anudike-Uzomah has been a quarterback-wrecking machine. He compiled 21 sacks during that span and graded out with a 89.9 pass rush grade in 2021 per PFF. Sure, he's raw and could use improvement on the technical aspects of his game, as he can tend to lose his footwork, but his power and length is a huge asset. He'll be a great addition to the Kansas City Chiefs defense.