The 2023 NFL Draft Could Get Chaotic Very Quickly
Josh Frey
|
After months of speculation over which of the top 2023 NFL Draft prospects could be the first overall pick, it seems we may finally have an answer to that question. After meeting with the Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young has reportedly cancelled all remaining visits ahead of the NFL Draft, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
This has prompted the belief that the Panthers will select Young with the first overall pick next weekend. In fact, the odds for Young being that No. 1 pick have ballooned all the way to -1100. The next best odds are C.J. Stroud at +650 and Anthony Richardson at +1500.
Young has been a bit of a controversial prospect so far this offseason due to his small stature. The concern here is less with his talent and more with his durability as he gets into the NFL. If he takes too many hits, he could very well see his career cut short because of injury troubles.
That being said, the Alabama product is the Swiss Army knife of this draft. He can beat defenses in a number of ways, whether it be dropping deep passes into the bucket, hitting short routes with pinpoint accuracy, or extending plays with his legs.
Not only does this change the consensus pick for the Panthers (they were initially expected to take C.J. Stroud), but we could feel shockwaves from this decision in the immediate aftermath following Carolina’s selection.
The team currently sitting at No. 2 overall is the Houston Texans, another team rumored to be after a QB in this draft. That being said, they’ve been the team favored to draft Young this entire process, and now, there have been reports that the Texans are listening to trade offers for that pick.
Not only that, but Stroud is not the favorite to go No. 2 overall, either. That honor now belongs to EDGE Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama. So that begs the question: will the team that trades for the No. 2 overall pick pass on a QB altogether? Or could the Texans stick at No. 2 and take a potentially generational defensive talent? And if this happens, how far down the board could Stroud or one of the other top QB prospects fall?
We also have to keep in mind that, if teams at top aren’t as sold on Stroud, what does that mean for their thoughts on rawer prospects like Will Levis or Anthony Richardson? Then there is also the wrinkle of the Arizona Cardinals potentially looking to move down from No. 3 as well.
For a Vikings team that has been rumored to be after a QB in this class, this is especially pertinent as it is quickly becoming possible that they won’t have to move as high up the draft board to land one of these QB prospects. Only time will tell, but this is a very pertinent topic to keep an eye on over the next week and change before the 2023 NFL Draft begins on April 27th.
Editor’s Note: Portions of this article were taken from another featured on our sister-site, PurplePTSD.com.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.