The 2023 NFL draft is in full swing, and the excitement is palpable. With each pick, teams have the opportunity to shape the future of their franchises. In this article, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons for every first-round pick so far.
Carolina Panthers - Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Pros: Young is a difference-maker and brings much-needed talent to the quarterback position for the Panthers. His ability to process the game and make plays under pressure is unmatched. Young's mobility and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for the Panthers' offense.
Cons: The biggest concern with Young is his size. At 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds, he lacks the height that is typically associated with successful NFL quarterbacks. However, his durability and ability to avoid big hits compensate for his smaller stature.
Caption: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Houston Texans - C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Pros: Stroud has the potential to be the driving force behind the Texans' revival. With his impressive college stats and experience as a starter at Ohio State, he brings a strong track record to the quarterback position. Stroud's arm strength and decision-making skills make him an exciting prospect.
Cons: The biggest question mark surrounding Stroud is his ability to perform without elite playmakers around him. His success at Ohio State was largely due to the talented receivers he had at his disposal. The Texans will need to provide him with a solid supporting cast to maximize his potential.
Caption: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Houston Texans (from Arizona) - Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama
Pros: The Texans' defense was in dire need of improvement, and Anderson is viewed as one of the top defensive players in this draft. His impressive stats at Alabama demonstrate his ability to generate pressure and make impactful plays. Anderson's versatility and skill set make him an asset to any defense.
Cons: Anderson's transition from outside linebacker in college to a 4-3 defense in the NFL might require some adjustment. However, his talent and work ethic should help him adapt quickly to the new system.
Caption: Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama
Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Pros: The Colts have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck's retirement in 2019, and they believe Richardson could be the answer. His athleticism, arm talent, and ability to make plays on the move make him an intriguing prospect. Richardson's potential fit with first-year Colts coach Shane Steichen adds to the excitement.
Cons: Richardson is considered a raw prospect who will need to work on his consistency and accuracy. His completion rate at Florida raises some concerns, but the Colts are confident that they can develop him in these areas. The timeline for Richardson's development and potential playing time as a rookie are still uncertain.
Caption: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) - Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Pros: The Seahawks addressed their Achilles' heel, their defense, with the selection of Witherspoon. His physicality and reputation as the top corner in the draft make him a valuable addition to the secondary. With Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen, the Seahawks now have a potentially elite cornerback tandem.
Cons: The decision to pass on other defensive needs, such as the defensive line, raises questions. However, the Seahawks believe that Witherspoon's talent outweighs their other needs. The impact of passing on players like Jalen Carter or Tyree Wilson remains to be seen.
Caption: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Arizona Cardinals (from Detroit via L.A. Rams) - Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
Pros: Johnson brings versatility to the Cardinals' offensive line, with the ability to play both left tackle and guard. His skill set and experience make him an immediate contributor. Johnson's addition strengthens the offensive line, addressing a significant need for the Cardinals.
Cons: The biggest question surrounding Johnson is where he will ultimately play on the offensive line. While his versatility is an asset, it remains to be seen whether Johnson will excel as a left tackle or a guard. Time will tell how the Cardinals utilize his talents.
Caption: Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
Las Vegas Raiders - Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
Pros: Wilson was the best player available on the Raiders' board, and his selection adds strength to their defensive line. His ability to affect opposing quarterbacks and contribute to the pass rush will benefit the entire defense. Wilson's presence will also help the cornerbacks in coverage.
Cons: Wilson's injury history, particularly a fractured foot, raises concerns about his long-term durability. However, the Raiders' medical staff does not see it as a long-term problem. Wilson's ability to recover and maintain his performance will be closely monitored.
Caption: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
Atlanta Falcons - Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Pros: The Falcons are known for their unconventional draft choices, and selecting Robinson falls in line with their approach. Robinson is considered one of the top prospects in the draft and brings a high-level of talent to the running back position. His versatility and ability to contribute as a pass catcher make him a valuable asset.
Cons: There are minimal concerns surrounding Robinson. He is widely regarded as one of the safest players in the draft, with few weaknesses in his game. The biggest question mark is how the Falcons will utilize his skill set and whether he will become the eventual replacement for Cordarrelle Patterson.
Caption: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Philadelphia Eagles (from Chicago) - Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Pros: Carter is considered the top prospect in the draft and slipped due to off-field concerns. His disruptive force in the middle and ability to generate pressure make him an ideal addition to the Eagles' defense. Carter's presence will strengthen the defensive line and provide a boost to both the run defense and pass rush.
Cons: Carter's off-field issues raise questions about his reliability and ability to stay out of trouble. However, with strong veteran leadership in the Eagles' locker room, the belief is that Carter is entering the right environment to succeed.
Caption: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia via New Orleans) - Darnell Wright, T, Tennessee
Pros: The Bears' offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Justin Fields last season, and drafting Wright is an aggressive move to address the issue. Wright's size, length, and speed make him an ideal candidate to stabilize the tackle position and provide much-needed protection for Fields.
Cons: The Bears' decision to draft Wright raises questions about the status of current left tackle Braxton Jones. The team's uncertainty about Jones' future and Wright's positional flexibility suggest that changes may be coming to the offensive line. However, the specifics of how the Bears plan to utilize Wright and Jones remain unknown.
Caption: Darnell Wright, T, Tennessee
The 2023 NFL draft has already provided plenty of excitement and surprises. With each pick, teams are making bold choices and reinforcing their rosters. It will be fascinating to see how these players develop and contribute to their respective teams in the coming seasons.
