The 2023 NFL Draft is less than three months away. CBSSports.com explores how teams with two first-round selections might approach Thursday night, with the intention of exploring the same topic closer to draft night to see how the thought process may have changed.
Detroit also made two picks in the NFL Draft last April when they selected Michigan point rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams. The Lions started the season with a 1-6 record before winning eight of their last 10 games. The confidence built in the second half of the season had many wondering whether or not the team would consider using a first-round pick on a quarterback. If the franchise chooses to move forward with Jared Goff, then that opens the door to other scenarios.
With the No. 6 overall selection, Detroit must take the best player available rather than fill a need. Most projections have at least two quarterbacks, plus the Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter get off the board. Texas Tech Tip Compass Tyree Wilson and Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy figure among the best available.
With the No. 18 overall selection, the Lions should have some quality options depending on where the table drops. Cornerback and tight end are a few positions that make sense in this range. In this scenario, the franchise could walk away with Murphy and Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Houston has the opportunity to positively change the direction of its team following the trade of Deshaun Watson. The Texans have made two first-round selections in the same draft twice in franchise history, including last year when LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Texas A&M interior offensive lineman Kenyon Green have been added.
The quarterback of choice was sacrificed when the Texans beat Indianapolis in Week 18. Houston may have to settle for removing the second quarterback from the roster. Ohio State Quarterback C.J. Stroud is the choice in this projection. He also has a host of other needs to fill, including inside offensive line, linebacker, defensive line, and wide receiver.
Suppose Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy and Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson are out of the picture since they are in this projection. Texans improve Stroud’s protection with versatile Northwest offensive lineman Pierre Skoronsky.
For a more comprehensive content draft, check out our latest ranking of prospects and fake drafts, as well as our new weekly podcast, “With the first choice,” featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.
Philadelphia has a top-10 selection despite playing in the Super Bowl in two weeks. New Orleans traded what amounted to the No. 10 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft for a first-round pick in last year’s draft. As a result, the Eagles could add top-notch talent to a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
Talent-wise, the Texas running back Bijan Robinson makes a lot of sense. Miles Sanders is expected to become a free agent after the season and Robinson is easily a top-10 prospect overall when position value is not considered. However, selecting a running back so early doesn’t seem to be GM Howie Roseman’s modus operandi. It would make more sense to trade if you are presented with a trade offer. Rather than add more guesswork to a projection, Philadelphia sticks with it and picks Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson.
Robinson could come on later in the first round, but he should be way off the board. They could theoretically add running back Alabama Jahmyr Gibbs but instead take Oklahoma’s offensive tackle Anton Harrison.
Head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith significantly exceeded expectations by reaching the playoffs. It makes sense to commit another year or two to Smith, but Seattle can’t let go of the idea of getting a quarterback. It’s hard to imagine the Seahawks ever being able to draft this early in the foreseeable future given their propensity to overdeliver. It would be a mistake to invest too much in a 32-year-old quarterback. If Smith is a bridge to the quarterback they pick at No. 5 overall, that’s a much easier pill to swallow.
For the purposes of this exercise, the Seahawks select the quarterback from Kentucky Will Levis. Seattle offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was on Sean Mcvay’s Los Angeles staff along with Liam Coen, who served as Levis’ offensive coordinator and position coach in 2021. Insider trading is just one shot away. phone.
In most simulated draft scenarios, the board does not fall in favor of the NFC West franchise at No. 20 overall. He is usually able to add offensive skills. Tyler Lockett could be entering his final season with the team, so USC wide receiver Jordan Addison is added to support Levis.
