The 2023 NFL Draft is only a few weeks away, and all 32 groups are within the technique of finalizing their draft boards. This occasion is way more necessary than free company. Acquiring younger, cheaper expertise is the biggest constructing block relating to the make-up of a crew. There is worth to be present in all seven rounds, and it is as much as the final managers and their scouts to seek out it.
There’s stress on each NFL crew to attain within the draft, however there’s extra stress on some groups in comparison with others. Whether they’ve a dozen picks at their disposal or are on the point of a rebuild, what occurs later this month straight impacts the course of each franchise.
Below, we are going to break down 5 NFC groups that should ace the 2023 NFL Draft, for one motive or one other.
Let’s begin with the crew that picks first. The Panthers traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and wideout D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears for the appropriate to make the primary choice within the 2023 NFL Draft. With this decide, Frank Reich and Scott Fitterer will choose their new franchise quarterback. Better decide the appropriate one.
C.J. Stroud might be essentially the most polished prospect on this class, however will he have the most effective profession? Bryce Young was seen as the highest decide within the draft till pretty not too long ago. There’s little question he is proficient, however some have questions on his body. Anthony Richardson has a Cam Newton-like ceiling, though he is uncooked. Does Carolina threat it with him at No. 1 total?
There’s extra than simply the quarterback. Carolina wants so as to add one other large receiver and a good finish. While the protection is proficient, and a unit Reich known as the Panthers’ “secret sauce,” it may use a cross rusher, linebacker and cornerback.
The Panthers must get the Frank Reich period began off proper. The NFC South is large open with the retirement of Tom Brady. The Panthers may very well be higher than folks anticipate in 2023, however it all hinges on the draft.
Jordan Love, come on down. Aaron Rodgers is anticipated to be dealt to the New York Jets within the coming months, so that is the start of a brand new period. Love confirmed some flashes in very, very restricted motion in 2022. He led two scoring drives within the fourth quarter vs. the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12, and accomplished 6 of 9 passes for 113 yards and one landing. Protecting him, surrounding him with weapons and giving him a stout protection to carry down the opposite aspect of the ball is essential for the Packers in 2023. Especially when you think about that their three division rivals are bettering.
Specifically, Ron Rivera wants draft. He rubbed the fan base the unsuitable method final 12 months by benching Taylor Heinicke late within the season and reinserting Carson Wentz into the beginning lineup, who used his second probability to throw three interceptions in a loss to the Cleveland Browns, eliminating the Commanders from playoff competition. To prime all of it off, Rivera then received sarcastic with reporters afterwards, and acted like he did not know his crew had been eradicated from the postseason.
The Commanders completed in final place within the division final 12 months, and the NFC East is simply getting higher. The Eagles confirmed they’re a Super Bowl contender, the New York Giants are surging with Brian Daboll and the Dallas Cowboys have received 12 video games in every of the final two seasons. The Commanders must win the draft to maintain tempo in a tricky division, and present what may quickly be new possession that the franchise is heading in the right direction.
The Lions lastly turned the nook in 2022. They did not make the playoffs, however Dan Campbell led Detroit to its first successful season since 2017, and stored the rival Packers out of the playoffs in an exciting regular-season finale that can probably be Aaron Rodgers’ ultimate recreation with the Pack. The Minnesota Vikings took the division in 2022, however oddmakers have the Lions favored to steal the NFC North crown in 2023.
Detroit holds 4 picks within the first two rounds (eight total), and protection will probably be a precedence. The Lions had the No. 4 offense within the NFL final 12 months, however the worst protection. Scoring a star cross rusher at No. 6 total can be superb, after which perhaps following that up with an offensive weapon at No. 18 total. The Lions additionally may commerce down and purchase extra draft ammunition.
The Lions are clearly heading in the right direction, however that is the time to capitalize and construct on that momentum. Fans have motive to be excited for this squad.
The Seahawks aren’t a crew that has stress on them to win the draft to be able to save the pinnacle coach’s job or save them from a rebuild, however very like the Lions, it is a nice alternative to construct upon the success they’d final 12 months. When you possess the type of draft capital Seattle does, you’ll be able to’t let it go to waste.
The Jets had the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year final season, however the Seahawks could have had the most effective draft class from prime to backside. They discovered a Pro Bowl cornerback, two beginning offensive tackles and what seems to be a star working again as nicely. Can you think about if John Schneider places collectively one other class like that?
The San Francisco 49ers are favored to win the division once more, however the Seahawks are proper behind them. Seattle holds a whopping 10 alternatives within the 2023 NFL Draft, and the entrance workplace has a number of choices. They may commerce up and safe a quarterback within the first spherical to serve behind Geno Smith, or they might commerce down to amass much more picks.
The Seahawks shocked the NFL world in 2022. If they create one other spectacular draft class this 12 months, the sky is the restrict. I did a seven-round Seahawks mock draft not too long ago. Check that out, right here.
