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2023 NFL Draft Round One Grades Who Came Top?

1 CAROLINA PANTHERS: QB BRYCE YOUNG, ALABAMA

Grade: A

Carolina moved up to No. 1 for a reason – to grab their future franchise quarterback. To us, Young is Kyler Murray with a better work ethic and attitude. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL but this looks like a solid pick.

2 HOUSTON TEXANS: QB C.J. STROUD, OHIO STATE

Grade: A

We thought they might decide to pass on a QB here in favour of Will Anderson but as it turned out they decided to double-dip and get him anyway. Davis Mills was never the answer under centre, so this is a solid pick.

3 HOUSTON TEXANS (VIA AZizona): EDGE WILL ANDERSON JR., ALABAMA

 Grade: B+

The Texans got their man but paid an exorbitant price. Anderson should mature into a regular All-Pro but giving up this year’s picks 12 & 33 (33 is almost a first this year given the Dolphins forfeited theirs) and their 1st & 3rd next year is a lot! Still, maybe they will strike lucky with the 4th rounder they got back.

4 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON, FLORIDA

Grade: B+

The ultimate boom or bust pick. This will either look inspired or boneheaded in three years’ time depending on how the Colts handle things. He doesn’t look ready to step into the starting role but if given enough time to learn he could be better than Lamar Jackson.

5 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: CB DEVON WITHERSPOON, ILLINOIS

Grade: A+

The Seahawks took advantage of the run on QBs to snag arguably the best DB in the draft. We would have gone with Gonzalez but Witherspoon looks like a sure thing.

6 ARIZONA CARDINALS (VIA DET): OT PARIS JOHNSON JR., OHIO STATE

Grade: B+

Solid pick and even better given the extra draft capital they have acquired from the trades.

7 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: EDGE TYREE WILSON, TEXAS TECH

Grade: C

Maybe a little high especially given there were arguably better options available

8 ATLANTA FALCONS: RB BIJAN ROBINSON, TEXAS

Grade: C-

Great player but they could probably have traded down and still got him.

9 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: DL JALEN CARTER, GEORGIA

Grade: A+

There are a few off-field issues but whatever he is worth the risk here. Arguably the top player in the draft and one that should help anchor the Eagles’ line for several years.

10 CHICAGO BEARS: OT DARNELL WRIGHT, TENNESSEE

Grade: C+

Then needed OL help but we rate Skoronski higher.

11 TENNESSEE TITANS: OL PETER SKORONSKI, NORTHWESTERN

Grade: A

Great pick as Skoronski can play tackle or guard.

12 DETROIT LIONS (VIA ARZ): RB JAHMYR GIBBS, ALABAMA

Grade: D+

Gibbs is a solid prospect but the 12th pick?

13 GREEN BAY PACKERS (VIA NYJ): EDGE LUKAS VAN NESS, IOWA

Grade: B

This may not go down well with GB fans, however, with Gary injured and Smith hitting 31 it is a solid pick. He has the size and athleticism to be special in a year or two.

14 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (VIA NE): OT BRODERICK JONES, GEORGIA

Grade: C

Not sure the Steelers needed to trade up to get him. They need a Corner badly and there were a couple of good ones still available.

15 NEW YORK JETS (VIA GB): EDGE WILL MCDONALD IV, IOWA STATE

Grade: C+

Not sure the Jets really needed to go D here but as the best Tackles were gone it sort of makes sense.

16 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: CB EMMANUEL FORBES,  MISSISSIPPI STATE

Grade: B+

We had Forbes going in this range but were surprised that they took him over Gonzalez

17 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (VIA PIT): CB CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, OREGON

Grade: A+

Trading down and still getting arguably the best corner in the draft. What’s not to like especially given DB was a huge need.

18 DETROIT LIONS: LB JACK CAMPBELL, IOWA

Grade: B

Campbell is big strong and quick. The Lions are quietly assembling a pretty good defense.

19 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: DL CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH

Grade: B

The Buccs need to improve their pass rush and he should contribute from day one.

20 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, OHIO STATE

Grade: A+

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a steal here. Geno Smith must be rubbing his hands!

21 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON, TCU

Grade: B+

Has a bit f DK Metcalf look about him – big and strong. If he can stop dropping passes this could look like a very good move.

22 BALTIMORE RAVENS: WR ZAY FLOWERS, BOSTON COLLEGE

Grade: C+

Small but beautifully formed he will complement the Ravens’ existing WR room.

23 MINNESOTA VIKINGS: WR JORDAN ADDISON, USC

Grade: B+

The Viking’s offense should be fun to watch this year. Addison & Justin Jefferson could make a formidable pairing.

24 NEW YORK GIANTS (VIA JAX): CB DEONTE BANKS, MARYLAND

Grade: C+

The Giants needed help here but not sure they needed to trade up to get him

25 BUFFALO BILLS (VIA JAX): TE DALTON KINCAID, UTAH

Grade: A+

The Bills must be delighted at getting Kincaid here. The small trade-up was worth it.

26 DALLAS COWBOYS: DL MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN

Grade: C+

The Cowboys need a run-stopper and maybe Smith is the answer. We are not too sure especially this high.

27 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: OT ANTON HARRISON, OKLAHOMA

Grade: A-

Fills a need and they also added some extra draft picks by trading back.

28 CINCINNATI BENGALS: EDGE MYLES MURPHY, CLEMSON

Grade: B-

Myles Murphy could be great but similarly could be a bust. Worth a punt here and we think he will progress.

29 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: DL BRYAN BRESEE, CLEMSON

Grade: B

Versatile D linemen are always worth adding and although the Saints have needs all over this sort of makes sense.

30 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: EDGE NOLAN SMITH, GEORGIA

Grade: A+

The Eagles must have been surprised to see him fall this far. Their defense should be special again in 2023 and Smith will play his part.

31 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: EDGE FELIX ANUDIKE-UZOMAH, KANSAS STATE

Grade: C

Anudike-Uzomah has progressed nicely season by in college but it’s a little surprising to see him go in round one. Still, the Chiefs are stacked so have the luxury of adding more pass rush.

 

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