Welcome to The Playbook’s NFL Draft guide. Using NCAA LiveStats, we’ve looked at every team’s 2022 shortcomings, their current and future roster requirements, and paired them with the most talented prospects from this year’s draft pool.
Whether it’s your future franchise quarterback or some depth on the offensive line, our guide to the 2023 NFL Draft has got you covered.
#1 Carolina Panthers (via CHI)
Roster needs: QB, WR, ED
Ideal pick: Bryce Young, QB (Alabama)
The Panthers are in need of a lot of help, and their offseason trade for the first overall pick shows their commitment to getting their guy in the draft. The Panthers are first on the clock and have their choice of all quarterbacks. With all options on the table, the Panthers go with the safest bet and draft Bryce Young out of Alabama. The Heisman winner has been the epitome of consistent throughout his college career averaging 4,100 passing yards and 39 touchdowns over his two full seasons. His 163.2 passer rating was 8th best in NCAA last year. The only knock so far has been his smaller size.
#2 Houston Texans
Roster needs: QB, WR
Ideal pick: C.J. Stroud, QB (Ohio State)
With Bryce Young off the board, the Texans could decide to trade out of this spot. However, they are in need of young talent on their team and will find great value with C.J. Stroud from Ohio State. Stroud was 2nd in the NCAA with 41 passing touchdowns and a Heisman finalist. He offers a bigger arm and bigger size than Young and will expect to be an immediate starter on a team starting their rebuild with a revamped team and coaching staff.
#3 Arizona Cardinals
Roster needs: EDGE, CB, WR
Ideal pick: Will Anderson Jr, EDGE (Alabama)
The Cardinals are one of the few teams in the top of the draft not in need of a quarterback. QB Kyler Murray is coming off an ACL injury, but signed a long term contract last season. If a team lower in the draft gets nervous about missing on their QB of the future look for a trade up here. In the absence of a trade, they take the best player on the board in EDGE Will Anderson Jr from Alabama. Arguably the safest selection is taking an All-American defender from Alabama. Anderson led the SEC in career sacks (34.5) and tackles for loss (59), including an SEC high 10 sacks in 2022.
#4 Indianapolis Colts
Roster needs: QB, OL
Ideal pick: Anthony Richardson, QB (Florida)
Two quarterbacks are already off the board and the Colts could go a few different directions with the 4th overall pick. QB Anthony Richardson from Florida tore up the NFL Combine and has flown up the draft boards as one of the best athletes to ever play the quarterback position. He may be more of a project, but arguably has the highest ceiling of anyone in the draft with comps to Cam Newton. The Colts signed veteran QB Gardner Minshew this off-season to help bridge the gap while they develop Richardson. He is a big play machine who finished second in the NCAA with 14.48 yards per completion.
#5 Seattle Seahawks (from DEN)
Roster needs: EDGE, DL
Ideal pick: Jalen Carter, DT (Georgia)
Seattle reinvigorated QB Geno Smith’s career last year while he led the league in completion percentage and established himself as a viable starter for the Seahawks. With another pick later in round 1 the Seahawks look to bolster their defensive front and grab one of the best prospects in the draft in DT Jalen Carter from Georgia. Carter was a Consensus All-American and finished his 2022 season with 7 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. Carter is an immediate impact player that will help a Seattle defense that finished 26th in total yards allowed.
#6 Detroit Lions (from LAR)
Roster needs: DL, S
Ideal pick: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE (Iowa)
The Lions could make a move to draft one of the top remaining quarterbacks on the board, but likely ride with Jared Goff another year and address other needs early in the draft. EDGE Lukas Van Ness from Iowa is a force that can team up with star rookie from 2022 Aidan Hutchinson to create a dynamic pass rush duo and help a defense that finished dead last with 392.4 total yards per game.
#7 Las Vegas Raiders
Roster needs: QB, OL
Ideal pick: Will Levis, QB (Kentucky)
Las Vegas has moved on from long-time starting QB Derek Carr and signed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite the signing, the Raiders will need to address their long-term plan at QB. Will Levis from Kentucky is the prototypical quarterback that brings size and strength to the team. Levis finished 5th in passer rating and yards per completion in a stacked SEC. His raw talent is too much to pass on for a team in need of a dynamic play caller.
#8 Atlanta Falcons
Roster needs: EDGE, DL
Ideal pick: Tyree Wilson, EDGE (Texas Tech)
The Falcons addressed offensive needs early in their last two drafts getting TE Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London. While they have questions at quarterback still, with the top 4 QBs off the board look for Atlanta to address needs on defense with Tyree Wilson, EDGE, from Texas Tech. Wilson had back to back season with double digit tackles for loss and 7 sacks, both good for top 4 finishes in his conference.
#9 Chicago Bears (from CAR)
Roster needs: DL, OL
Ideal pick: Peter Skoronski, OT (Northwestern)
When the Bears traded back to 9th overall with the Panthers it was clear they would stick with QB Justin Fields at least another year. The Bears got a number 1 wide receiver in the trade with the Panthers by receiving D.J. Moore to help Fields. This pick further solidifies their approach to help Fields by giving him more protection up front. Skoronski is the top rated offensive lineman in the draft and projects to be an immediate starter. He is only credit with allowing 1 sack over 474 offensive snaps in 2022.
#10 Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)
Roster needs: DL, OL
Ideal pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB (Oregon)
The reigning NFC champions are blessed with a top ten pick in this year’s draft thanks to prudent trades last season. With an already stacked roster and more picks coming, the Eagles can afford to make some moves here. CB Christian Gonzalez doesn’t necessarily address their biggest need but is the best player left on the board and add depth to maintain a defense that finished 8th in points allowed.
#11 Tennessee Titans
Roster needs: OL, EDGE
Ideal pick: Paris Johnson Jr, OT (Ohio State)
The Titans are looking to bolster their whole offensive line in the wake of a disappointing 2022 for Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry. According to initial predictions, it looks like they will turn to OT, Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State. Johnson Jr has a big reputation to fulfill after receiving the Anthony Munoz Offensive Lineman of the Year while at Princeton High School in Cincinnati. His versatility to play well at both guard and tackle could be key defying factor in Tennessee’s decision making, while his prospects will be bolstered further after his 2nd position overall in 2023 combine OT ranking.
#12 Houston Texans (from CLE)
Roster needs: QR, WR
Ideal pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR (Ohio State)
With their second pick of the first round, the Texans will look to enhance the options that could be afforded to C.J Stroud should they opt for the rookie QB with the second pick. Jaxon Smith-Ngiba is the Wide Receiver that many believe the Texans will turn to. Smith-Ngiba joined 2022 first-roud picks Chris Olave and Garret Wilson at Ohio State to form one of the most potent attacks in college football. While Olave and Wilson prepared for the 2022 draft, Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yeards and 3 TDs in the team’s 48-45 comeback win over Utah. He was limited to just three games with injury in 2022, so the Texans will be pinning their hopes on his quality in the 2021 season where he averaged 192 receive yards per game in his last five contests.
#13 Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)
Roster needs: OT, WR
Ideal pick: Michael Mayer, TE (Notre Dame)
One of the Packer’s major needs in the draft is the Tight End position. If mock drafts are to be believed then Michael Mayer will be plying his trade in Green Bay next season. He broke his own school record in his junior season at Notre Dame in 2022, with 67 receptions for 809 yards (average 12.1 yards per reception) and 9 TDs. He has the size and demeanor to make the position his own. There may be slight concern over his decision-making in running routes, but he will be a safe pick that will become a regular starter in Green Bay.
#14 New England Patriots
Roster needs: OT, WR
Ideal pick: Broderick Jones, OT (Georgia)
Broderick Jones knows how to win championships after coming off a second successive title winning year for Georgia in which he started all 15 games at Left Tackle. He’s a raw talent, and certainly not yet reached his undoubted potential, but crucially for the Patriots he has been touted as an OT with the physical and athletic attributes to keep developing into a long-term starter.
#15 New York Jets (from GB)
Roster needs: OT, LB
Ideal pick: Nolan Smith, EDGE (Georgia)
Aaron Rodgers is a New York Jet. With a ton of offensive talent like RB Breece Hall, Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Mecole Hardman and Allen Lazard at WR, Rodgers should have enough to work with. A playmaker on defense makes sense here. Nolan Smith is the EDGE defensive end that the Jets look set to pick in the first round. While he ammased the highest score for athleticism in the 2023 Combine EDGE ranking, there is some concern amongst analysts that he would be able to last a 17 game season run in due to his slenderness for the position. The Jets will be hoping they can help to improve his size as he has shown the technique is there.
#16 Washington Commanders
Roster needs: QB, OL
Ideal pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB (Illinois)
Witherspoon was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in his 2022 season for Illinois after recording 14 passes defended, 33 solo tackles, and 3 interceptions in 15 starts. One of his most impressive strengths detailed by analysts is his route recognition and anticipation for throw directions. His lack of premium first-class speed could hamper his chances for regular first-team chances at this level, but with the right coaching, it could be a great pick for the Commanders.
#17 Pittsburgh Steelers
Roster needs: OL, CB
Ideal pick: Joey Porter Jr, CB (Penn State)
If this pick works out then Porter Jr. will follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a starter for the Steelers. The Cornerback was Penn State’s Defensive MVP in 2022 with 27 tackles and 11 pass breakups in 10 starts. His notable strengths include the most notable reroutes in this year’s draft and if he can match his father’s talents then the Steelers will have another defensive Pro Bowler on their roster.
#18 Detroit Lions
Roster needs: DL, S
Ideal pick: Brian Branch, S (Alabama)
Branch poses all the necessary qualities to become a high-performing regular starter in his early career. Analysts have compared his stature and technique to Minkah Fitzpatrick and he’s backed the talk up with stats during his at Alabama. The Safety recorded a total of 90 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions from 13 starts last season. With their second pick of the first round, the Lions could add a scintillating defensive prospect to their roster.
#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roster needs: QB, OL
Ideal pick: Darnell Wright, OT (Tennessee)
With obvious size and power, this Offensive Tackle out of Tenessee is one of the best for his position in the draft. Wright’s strengths are all in his own strength with the ability to hold off anyone one-on-one, but with that, there are potential concerns over his maneuverability. It will be something to take into consideration when the Buccaneers come to choose their 19th pick.
#20 Seattle Seahawks
Roster needs: EDGE, DL
Ideal pick: Myles Murphy, EDGE (Clemson)
Murphy was one of the most consistent starters for Clemson during the 2022 season. He earned himself first-team honors by tying for the team lead in sacks (6.5), while contributing 40 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. He has been touted as a regular NFL starter in the EDGE position because of his size and length for scheme versatility. While not really very explosive, he has the ingredients for the Seahawks to blend into a punchy regular NFL starter.
#21 Los Angeles Chargers
Roster needs: DL, WR
Ideal pick: Jordan Addison, WR (USC)
You know that meme of John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, lost and alone, looking around for Mia Wallace? That feels a little like Justin Herbert and the Chargers receiver room right now. The Chargers are in desperate need of a pacey, deep downfield threat for Herbert to look for. And Jordan Addison is quick, twitchy and sharp. He would provided a much-needed out-ball for Herbert.
#22 Baltimore Ravens
Roster needs: CB, OL
Ideal pick: Deonte Banks, CB (Maryland)
The Ravens hit on first-round safety in last year’s draft in Kyle Hamilton. They should look to further strengthen the secondary with a first-rounder again here, by taking NFL-ready corner Deonte Banks. When you have to defend Chase and Higgins twice a year, you can never have a strong enough selection of CBs.
#23 Minnesota Vikings
Roster needs: WR, CB
Ideal pick: Zay Flowers, WR (Boston College)
Having lost Adam Thielen, the Vikings are in short supply of receivers that can provide any sort of distraction from the talents of Justin Jefferson. Taking a talented WR with a huge upside like Zay Flowers would be incredibly wise here. Most of all because despite his size (Flowers is just 5 foot 9), he is lightning quick off the line of scrimmage, causing chaos for defenses. He put up 1077 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022.
#24 Jacksonville Jaguars
Roster needs: OL, RB
Ideal pick: Bryan Bresee, DT (Clemson)
But for the obvious talent of Jalen Carter at Georgia, Bryan Bresee would be the most talented defensive lineman in this draft. He’s a gigantic presence, with all the athletic ability to cause havoc in the pocket. A quarterback’s nightmare. In taking him here, the Jaguars strengthen a side of the ball that let them down at periods in 2022.
#25 New York Giants
Roster needs: DB, WR
Ideal pick: Antonio Johnson, S (Texas A&M)
The Giants finished 2022 with just six interceptions all season long last year, the lowest in the NFL, with almost no big pass-disrupting plays on defense. Their secondary is in need of strengthening, and a player capable of making big plays. Johnson is aggressive and highly versatile.
#26 Dallas Cowboys
Roster needs: RB, DL
Ideal pick: Bijan Robinson, RB (Texas)
If he’s still available, the Cowboys would be incredibly wise to take Robinson here. The value of drafting running backs, particularly in the first round, is up for debate. But Robinson is a unique talent with an exciting skillset. He rushed for 1580 yards for Texas in 2022, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and racking up 18 touchdowns. He’s also capable at catching passes, which would give Dak a versatile tool to work with on offense.
#27 Buffalo Bills
Roster needs: OL, RB, WR
Ideal pick: Quentin Johnston, WR (TCU)
Lacking depth at wide receiver, the Bills turn to the best available option late in the round here. Quentin Johnston would be an excellent outcome. He had over 1,000 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in TCU’s remarkable year, which saw them make the CFP final. While the talents of Stefon Diggs is clear, Gabe Davis as not necessarily blossomed into the WR2 that we might have hoped, so this becomes a smart hedge for Buffalo.
#28 Cincinnati Bengals
Roster needs: TE, CB
Ideal pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE (Utah)
Why not give Joe Burrow another talented, versatile and explosive player to throw the ball to? Kincaid is 6 foot 4, 250 pounds, and a horrible player to defend. He is so well-built for someone with his level of agility, and would add another layer of disruption at the line of scrimmage for the Bengals offense.
#29 New Orleans Saints (from SF)
Roster needs: LB, DL
Ideal pick: Drew Sanders, LB (Arkansas)
There isn’t a huge pool of talent at linebacker this year, but Drew Sanders is clearly the best. His 2022 season for Arkansas was incredible: making 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced-fumbles and 13.5 tackles for loss. He is a disruptive defender with athletic versatility – he could (and has previously) also play as an Edge Rusher, which would give the Saints some (very) much needed help on the defensive side of the ball.
#30 Philadelphia Eagles
Roster needs: DL, OL
Ideal pick: Calijah Kancey, DT (Pitt)
There’s never any harm in strengthening a strength, especially with a second first-round pick right after a Super Bowl appearance. Howie Roseman has done a stellar job of building a mixture of experience and youth, and they add more of the latter to the interior defensive line here. Kancey is an explosive and disruptive player. He picked up 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2022, on his way to grabbing the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award. Another shrewd Eagles move.
#31 Kansas City Chiefs
Roster needs: OL, EDGE
Ideal pick: BJ Ojulari, EDGE (Louisiana State)
The Chiefs take a quarterback to replace the struggling Patrick Maho-
just kidding…
With Frank Clark being released, the Chiefs add a top edge rusher to their line-up with the final pick of the first round. They hit on a great pick at this position last year, taking George Karlaftis, who had a solid rookie season. Ojulari – who totalled 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2022 with LSU – has excellent agility, supreme control and a game-reading ability that will cause quarterbacks in the AFC some real trouble.
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