Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
There have been a lot of draft theories floating around regarding the 2023 NFL Draft, and especially with just hours remaining before the event begins, With rumors flying all over, which ones should we actually believe? Here are some of the recent 2023 draft theories that I am either buying or selling.
There’s certainly a chance a quarterback like Will Levis or Anthony Richardson falls into the teens. However, if a team is actually sold on Hendon Hooker being a potential starter in the NFL, it feels like they will take him in Round 1 rather than waiting until Round 2. Since 2018, there have been 17 quarterbacks selected in the first round of drafts. Only three have been selected in the second round.
With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team in the late-teens like the Detroit Lions or even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take a stab at him if the board doesn’t fall their way. Perhaps the Baltimore Ravens or Minnesota Vikings could be in play at Nos. 22 or 23 as well.
Frey’s Pick: Buy
There are reportedly a number of teams with only one receiver having a first-round grade in this class: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That has led some folks to write off the 2023 receiver class as a whole. However, we shouldn’t be so quick to do that.
Sure, there may not be a prospect like a Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, or Garrett Wilson that immediately steps in and becomes one of the best receivers in the entire league. There certainly aren’t multiple of these receivers either like we saw in 2021. However, round 2 looks chock full of prospects that could step into an NFL offense and immediately contribute. Keep an eye on Nathaniel ‘Tank’ Dell, Jonathan Mingo, and Cedric Tillman, in partciular.
Frey’s Pick: Sell
Yes, Bijan Robinson is a running back, and yes, he is being discussed as going as early as the top 10, even in the year 2023 where everyone has decided that running backs are not worth first-round picks. Should that be the case, though?
Perhaps in a stronger draft class at other offensive positions like quarterback, tackle, or wide receiver we could have the discussion of Bijan Robinson falling down the board. That being said, with a lack of star talent at these spots, the Texas running back is one of the few top prospects on offense that feels like a ‘sure-thing’. He could go as early as No. 7 to the Raiders with the uncertainty regarding Josh Jacobs contract, but my bet would be the Atlanta Falcons selecting him at No. 8 in order to take some pressure off Desmond Ridder.
Frey’s Pick: Buy
The perception of Ohio State quarterbacks has been soured because of past busts, and this along with the poor testing of C.J. Stroud has caused some concern that he could be the bust of this draft class.
Firstly, we should stop pounding the Ohio State QB narrative so much, solely because as soon as Urban Meyer left and Ryan Day entered the program, they produced their most successful QB in Justin Fields. Perhaps he isn’t exactly a star yet, but his production is certainly a step in the right direction for the Buckeye program.
Stroud also is the most consistent quarterback in this class in terms of his passing ability. He consistently delivers sharp passes from the pocket, more often than not placing the ball exactly where it needs to be. One of the few knocks on his actual play has been in regard to his mobility, but he proved that he can work off-schedule against the Georgia Bulldogs. Don’t count out Stroud in this class.
Frey’s Pick: Sell
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.