2023 NFL Draft First-Round Grades
My grades and opinions on all 31 first round draft picks + winners and losers after the first round
1st Pick - Carolina Panthers
PANTHERS SELECT: BRYCE YOUNG - Alabama
GRADE: B+
Bryce Young was the clear favorite to get taken #1 overall during this past week, and the Panthers take what they hope will be their franchise QB. Young is the most NFL-ready QB in this class and is a great creator outside of the pocket with precise accuracy to all parts of the field. However, I give this pick a B+ because I don’t think Young is the best QB in the class, and his size and durability concerns are major red flags for me.
2nd Pick - Houston Texans
TEXANS SELECT: CJ STROUD - Ohio State
GRADE: A
The Texans needed a QB badly, and I was worried they would pass on one as there was a lot of noise about Will Anderson to Houston. However, the Texans takeCJ Stroud who should become their franchise QB. Stroud has a beautiful deep ball with surgical accuracy to any part of the field. The concerns with Stroud about his ability to create outside the pocket where silenced after his incredible performance in the Peach Bowl against Georgia. Texans get a player who played his best game in the biggest game of his life.
3rd Pick - TRADE: Arizona Cardinals —> Houston Texans
Houston Texans send the #12, #33, a 2024 1st round pick, and a 2024 3rd round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the #3 pick and the #105th pick
TEXANS SELECT: WILL ANDERSON JR. - Alabama
GRADE: A
The first major shakeup of the draft - The Texans give up some of the massive haul of draft capital they received in the Deshaun Watson trade and get the best defensive player in the draft. Will Anderson Jr. is an athletic freak with a high motor and will make a massive impact on the Texans’ defense right away. Also, the draft capital they gave up compared to the Panthers when they traded for the #1 pick is substantially less, so I LOVE THIS PICK. Blue chip prospect and will be an elite player in the NFL.
4th Pick - Indianapolis Colts
COLTS SELECT: ANTHONY RICHARDSON - Florida
GRADE: A+
Anthony Richardson is my favorite player in this class and the Colts fill their QB needs that have been looming since Andrew Luck retired. Richardson is the most athletic quarterback of all time while having the strongest arm in this class. Shane Steichen, the former Eagles offensive coordinator, will create a great system for Richardson and will develop him nicely. Hall of fame potential at the 4th pick is great value, but Richardson needs to be groomed in order to reach his potential. Again, I love this pick because Richardson will be a massive spark to this Colts’ offense.
5th Pick - Seattle Seahawks
SEAHAWKS SELECT: DEVON WITHERSPOON - Illinois
GRADE: A-
The Seahawks pick up a potential lock down corner in Devon Witherspoon who is also a major force in the running game as well. Witherspoon has great instincts, ball hawking abilities, and route recognition. The Seahawks also needed a corner to complement rookie breakout Tariq Woolen, but it was not their biggest need. The Seahawks gave up the 3rd most rushing yards last year, and so with Tyree Wilson and Jalen Carter still on the board, I think boosting the defensive line would be the smarter decision. Witherspoon is a baller though, and can become a lock down corner.
6th Pick - TRADE: Detroit Lions —> Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals receive the #12, #33, a 2024 1st round pick, and a 2024 3rd round pick from the Houston Texans for the #3 pick and the #105th pick
Arizona Cardinals send the #12, #34, and the #168th pick to the Detroit Lions for the #6 pick and the #61 pick
CARDINALS SELECT: PARIS JOHNSON JR.
GRADE: B-
The Cardinals trade down then trade back up, but in the end they still pick up some draft capital as they start their rebuilding process. I said in my final mock draft, Kyler Murray made it clear that he wanted Paris Johnson Jr. because of how awful the Cardinals left tackle was last year. Johnson Jr. is a great left tackle prospect because of his strength and balance. Johnson Jr. constantly dismantled defenders at Ohio State last year as he only allowed 2 sacks in 14 games. The only thing that makes this pick a B, is that I think #6 overall for Paris Johnson Jr. is a little bit of a reach, but it is a position of need and Johnson Jr. is a really good player.
7th Pick - Las Vegas Raiders
RAIDERS SELECT: TYREE WILSON - Texas Tech
GRADE: A
I love this pick as the Raiders sat back and had my 3rd favorite defensive player in this draft fall into their laps. Chandler Jones was a major disappointment last year from Las Vegas and they needed someone to help work in tandem with, Pro Bowler, Maxx Crosby. Tyree Wilson was built in a lab as he has a huge frame while being incredibly athletic and freakishly strong. Wilson has a diverse portfolio of pass rush moves and is a force in the running game as well. Wilson will make an immediate impact for Vegas.
8th Pick - TRADE: Atlanta Falcons
FALCONS SELECT: BIJAN ROBINSON - Texas
GRADE: A
Bijan Robinson is a top 5 player in this draft and is a “can’t miss” prospect. Bijan is just an all around great running back and doesn’t have any major flaws in his game. Bijan constantly breaks tackles because he has great balance and strength at the point of contact. Bijan can also rip off a huge play at any time because he has great vision and makes quick cuts that allow him to climb into the second level and hit a seam. Also, Bijan is a really good receiver because he has a huge catch radius, has great run after catch abilities, and reads his blockers out in space very well. Can’t miss pick and will be a dynamic player for awhile in the NFL.
9th Pick - TRADE: Chicago Bears —> Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles send the #10 pick and a 2024 4th round pick to the Chicago Bears for the #9 pick
EAGLES SELECT: JALEN CARTER - Georgia
GRADE: A+
This is just a classic Howie Roseman move. A big time player, who might be the best player in this draft class, is falling down the board, and Howie trades up to snag a blue chip talent. Javon Hargrave left during free agency, Fletcher Cox is aging, and Jordan Davis wasn’t that great in his rookie year. Jalen Carter will get a lot of playing time and could become the best player on this Eagles’ defensive line because of his unreal strength and motor.
10th Pick - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears receive the #10 pick and a 2024 4th round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles for the #9 pick
BEARS SELECT: DARNELL WRIGHT - Tennessee
GRADE: A-
The Bears offensive line was awful last year, and Justin Fields was the most sacked QB in the league last year. The Bears had to bolster the offensive line, and so they draft a strong and physical right tackle in Darnell Wright. Darnell Wright played his best game in his career against the #3 pick in this draft, Will Anderson. Wright can dismantle and stonewall anyone and he will be a difference maker for the Bears.
11th pick - Tennessee Titans
TITANS SELECT: PETER SKORONSKI - Northwestern
GRADE: A-
Very simple pick here - Taylor Lewan left and Nicholas Petit-Frere is a starting tackle for the Titans. Although, Skoronski would be a better guard because of his small-ish arms and body, he has to play tackle for the Titans because they need him so badly. Skoronski might struggle at first against some NFL caliber defensive ends because of their superior size and strength over him, but Skoronski is fundamental and has great technique which allows him to dismantle and neutralize edge rushers. The Titans needed an offensive line men and got one of the best on the board.
12th pick - Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions receive the #12, #34, and the #168th pick from the Arizona Cardinals for the #6 pick and the #61 pick
LIONS SELECT: JAHMYR GIBBS - Alabama
GRADE: D
I mean this is the biggest surprise yet - the Lions signed David Montgomery during the off season and they have Deandre Swift. Not to mention, Jahmyr Gibbs at #12 is a crazy reach. Gibbs has so much burst and speed in the open field while also having the ability to bounce off defenders due to his great balance. Gibbs is a big play waiting to happen, but drafting a running back #12 overall while having two really solid running backs already, and having a major hole at corner back with Christian Gonzalez still available, this is an inexcusable pick. I love Gibbs as a player but the pick sucks.
13th pick - Green Bay Packers
PACKERS SELECT: LUKAS VAN NESS - Iowa
GRADE: C
This why Aaron Rodgers left!!!! The Packers needed a wide receiver to help support Jordan Love and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is right there! Instead the Packers take an extremely raw edge rusher in Lukas Van Ness. Van Ness is very athletic and super strong. However, he is not able to create consistent pressure on the QB because he doesn’t have many pass rush moves. I just don’t understand drafting Van Ness who is a project player when Smith-Njigba is right there.
14th pick - TRADE: New England Patriots —> Pittsburg Steelers
Pittsburg Steelers send the #17 pick and the #120 pick to the New England Patriots for the #17 pick
STEELERS SELECT: BRODERICK JONES - Georgia
GRADE: A-
The Steelers are worried that the Jets take Broderick Jones, and so they jump them and take a really solid right tackle. The offensive line for the Steelers has been awful the past couple of years, and they have to do a better job of protecting, rookie, Kenny Pickett who sustained 2 concussions last year. Jones will make a major impact for the Steelers right away due to his great strength and ability to stonewall defenders.
15th pick - New York Jets
JETS SELECT: WILL MCDONALD IV - Iowa State
GRADE: C-
The Jets got beat to Broderick Jones and panicked. Personally I have a 2nd round grade on Will McDonald IV, and so I think this is a reach. Nolan Smith is also available and I just think the Jets panicked a little bit. However, the Jets don’t have an elite level edge rusher, and although Will McDonald doesn’t have the ceiling to be a game wrecker, he will be a solid rotational piece for Robert Saleh’s defense.
16th pick - Washington Commanders
COMMANDERS SELECT: EMMANUEL FORBES - Mississippi State
GRADE: B-
The Commanders are in need of a corner back and they pick a player, in Emmanuel Forbes, who tied the NCAA record with 6-pick sixes. Forbes is a great ball hawk with great instincts and route recognition. However, Forbes is very light and could be knocked around by NFL wide receivers as he isn’t the best in press coverage and isn’t that strong. Also drafting him over Christian Gonzalez is why my grade for the pick isn’t super high, but it fills a position of need with a solid ball player.
17th pick - New England Patriots
New England Patriots receive the #17 pick and the #120 pick from the Pittsburg Steelers for the #17 pick
PATRIOTS SELECT: CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ - OREGON
GRADE: A+
I love Gonzalez and he was my favorite corner back back in this class. He fell super far down, and I have no idea why. Gonzalez is super athletic while being very physical at the catch point. Gonzalez has the potential to be an All-Pro caliber cornerback because of his great technique and route recognition. I have no idea why he fell so far unless he is secretly hurt. If he isn’t hurt, this is the best pick in the draft.
18th pick - Detroit Lions
LIONS SELECT: JACK CAMPBELL - Iowa
GRADE: C+
Jack Campbell was incredible at the Combine as he posted a 9.98 RAS score. The Lions allowed the 4th most amount of rushing yards last year and Jack Campbell is a great run stuffer. Campbell uses his great speed and athleticism to shift around blockers and blow up plays behind the line. I thought Campbell was more of a second-third rounder, but I don’t think it’s that crazy of a reach because of how desperate the Lions were for someone to stop the run. Maybe would have liked a corner or defensive tackle more. It’s a reach but isn’t as bad as the Lions first pick.
19th pick - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
BUCCANEERS SLECT: CALIJAH KANCEY - Pittsburg
GRADE: A-
I love Calijah Kancey because of how shifty and quick he is. Kancey will constantly uses his speed to maneuver around blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield. Kancey also had great production for a defensive tackle at Pittsburg as he has the most sacks (14) over the last two years by a defensive tackle. Buccaneers don’t really need Kancey, but he is a great player who will make an impact on the game whenever he is on the field. Just a good player.
20th pick - Seattle Seahawks
SEAHAWKS SELECT: JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA
GRADE: A+
The Seahawks have DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and so Seattle doesn’t really need wide receiver, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba is so good. In his last 5 healthy games, Smith-Njigba had 60 receptions, 958 yards, and 6 TDs!! He will be a dynamic player right away for Seattle and will be a new weapon for Geno Smith as he continues to revitalize his career.
21st pick - MIAMI DOLPHINS PICK: VOIDED
If you want to find out why read this article: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/dolphins-lose-first-round-pick-owner-suspended-for-tom-brady-tampering
21st pick - Los Angeles Chargers
CHARGERS SELECT: QUENTIN JOHNSTON - TCU
GRADE: B+
The Chargers picked the right position, but not the right player! Mike Williams is the tall, deep ball threat for the Chargers. The Chargers needed some speed over the middle and a player that can create constant separation against man coverage. Johnston does not bring that to the table as he is a great deep ball threat with solid speed and a huge frame. However, Johnston is unpolished as a route runner and that’s why I don’t like the scheme fit because Johnston does have trouble making breaks and creating space. Johnston still will be a great weapon for Justin Herbert right away because he is a big play waiting to happen. I wish it was a different receiver, but I don’t mind the pick.
22nd pick - Baltimore Ravens
RAVENS SELECT: ZAY FLOWERS
GRADE: A+
The same day that they extend Lamar Jackson, they get him a new star weapon. I love Zay Flowers because he is so quick and explosive. Flowers is just always open and creates constant separation because he is a great route runner with quick and precise cuts and breaks. Flowers is also great after the catch and as a he said after getting drafted “I feel like I can score anytime I touch the ball.” Slam dunk pick by the Ravens here and this is how you build around your QB.
23rd pick - Minnesota Vikings
VIKINGS SELECT: JORDAN ADDISON - USC
GRADE: A-
The Vikings cut Adam Thielen and now they get his replacement. Addison is a great route runner and does a great job of flipping a DB’s hips and then breaking them off. Addison also has great body control at the catch point and has sure hands. However, I am not the biggest fan of Jordan Addison because he is super light and isn’t a burner, so he could have some trouble creating space from NFL corners, but the Vikings need another weapon and they got a really solid player to pair with Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson.
24th pick - TRADE: Jacksonville Jaguars —> New York Giants
New York Giants send the #25, #160, and the #240th pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #24 pick
GIANTS SELECT: DEONTE BANKS - Maryland
GRADE: A
The Giants corners last year were not that great. They were in need of a corner, and so they draft a great player in Deonte Banks. Banks had a great Combine and posted a 9.99 RAS score. Banks ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at 200lbs!! Banks is also super physical at the catch point and uses his speed to constantly make plays on the ball. Banks is a little bit raw in press coverage, but he is pretty strong and should be able to learn how to bully receivers at the line. Overall, a great player going to a place that needs him. Great pick by the Giants.
25th pick - TRADE: Jacksonville Jaguars —> Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills send the #27 pick and the #130 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #25 pick
BILLS SELECT: DALTON KINCAID - Utah
GRADE: A+
I mean my god this is dangerous for the league. Dalton Kincaid is a great receiving threat because he is so fast and quick that he is able to run away from linebackers, but he is so strong and physical and is able to constantly force separation by bullying corners and safeties. Kincaid is a really fun player and will be a great weapon for Josh Allen. Kincaid was rehabbing a back injury the entire off season, but he should be healthy and ready to make a major impact for the Super Bowl hopeful Buffalo Bills.
26th pick - Dallas Cowboys
COWBOYS SELECT: MAZI SMITH - Michigan
GRADE: A-
I had this mocked in my first mock draft because I love Mazi Smith. The Cowboys allowed the 9th most rushing yards last year and now they got a super athletic and strong defensive tackle in Mazi Smith who will do a great job of stuffing the run. Mazi Smith is almost unblockable 1-on-1 and will have a lot of 1-on-1 opportunities because of the Cowboys’ stacked defensive line with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawerence.
27th pick - Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars receive the #25, #160, and the #240th pick from the New York Giants for the #24 pick
Jacksonville Jaguars receive the #27 pick and the #130 pick from the Buffalo Bills for the #25 pick
JAGUARS SELECT: ANTON HARRISON - Oklahoma
GRADE: A+
Cam Robinson, the Jaguars left tackle, was just suspended, and now there is no blind side protector for Trevor Lawerence. Anton Harrison is my favorite offensive linemen in this draft because of his great hand technique. Harrison’s hands are very strong and he does a great job of stunning edge rushers and standing them up. Harrison is also very athletic and is a great blocker out in space. I love this pick especially because the Jaguars needed a left tackle and they got a really good one while trading back and picking up some draft capital. Great job by Jacksonville.
28th pick - Cincinnati Bengals
BENGALS SELECT: MYLES MURPHY - Alabama
GRADE: B
I’m not a huge fan of Myles Murphy. Murphy is very athletic and has great speed off the edge. However, he doesn’t have a diverse portfolio of pass rush moves, and is a raw pass rusher. Myles Murphy could become a really solid player for the Bengals, but I don’t think this is a pick that pushes him over the top.
29th pick - New Orleans Saints
SAINTS SELECT: BRYAN BRESEE - Clemson
GRADE: B
Bryan Bresee’s biggest concern is his health. Bresee was the #1 recruit coming out of High School, but after tearing his ACL last year, he lost a lot of his burst and quickness which made it hard for him to maneuver around blockers. However, Bresee doesn’t have the best strength and can get stonewalled or stood up often. Bryan Bresee could become a solid player in the NFL, but similarly to the Bengals pick, this pick won’t win the Saints any extra games.
30th pick - Philadelphia Eagles
EAGLES SELECT: NOLAN SMITH - Georgia
GRADE: A+
What a steal - Nolan Smith could have been take by the Eagles at #10 and no one would have batted an eye. However, the Eagles getting Nolan at pick 30 is crazy. Nolan ran an absurd 4.39 40-yard dash as a defensive end! Nolan also has great bend around the outside and is a major factor in the run game because he is sneaky strong and produces a lot of knock back. Crazy how the NFL could let this happen where the Eagles get 2 star Georgia players who fell drastically down the board.
31st pick - Kansas City Chiefs
CHIEFS SELECT: FELIX ANUDIKE-UZOMAH - Kansas State
GRADE: B
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a very solid edge rusher and will provide a spark for the Chiefs defense. The only thing is that Joey Porter Jr. is right there and the Chiefs corners aren’t that great. Joey Porter Jr. would be the best pick, and so that’s why my grade for this pick is low. However, Uzomah will fill the role of former Chiefs’ defensive end Frank Clark by bringing a speed rushing threat that constantly condenses the pocket.
That concludes the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
There’s a lot of talent still left on the board, but my 3 winners and losers of the first round are:
WINNERS:
Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles had two Georgia football stars fall right into their laps as they continue to boost their incredible roster.
Houston Texans - The Texans took the best talent in the draft this year. CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. are both consensus top 5 players in this draft.
Seattle Seahawks - Similarly to the the Texans, the Seahawks took two players who are the best at their position and they both fill a need for Seattle.
LOSERS:
Detroit Lions - I mean this was awful by the Lions. A good draft and they contend for the division, but Jahmyr Gibbs at #12 was awful and Jack Campbell at #18 is a little bit of a reach especially when they could have boosted their interior defensive line.
Green Bay Packers - Jaxon Smith-Njigba was right there. I hope this haunts the Packers for the next decade because they passed on a wide receiver, which they need, for a developmentally project in Lukas Van Ness.
New York Jets - After the Steelers traded up, the Jets panicked and took Will McDonald IV way too early especially when players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Nolan Smith were sitting right there.
Thats sums up my thoughts on the first round.
Again thank you all for reading and subscribing and it’s crazy that the draft is over in a two days, but even after the draft ends, I will still be releasing content.
I will drop a piece on what player’s landing spots I am excited for and which player’s landing spots I don’t like. Then to end things off, my final piece will be my personal candidates to win offensive and defensive rookie of the year.
Thanks for reading and please subscribe!