The 2023 NFL Draft will officially kick off in Kansas City, Missouri on April 27 with the Chicago Bears locked into the first overall pick. A lot of things will happen between now and the draft but trying to prognosticate the outcome based on what we know today will always be fun for year-round football fans. Since we have between February 28 (when the NFL Combine starts) and April 27 to speculate, let’s stir up some NFL Draft burning questions.
- Dynasty Trade Value Chart
- How to Prepare for Your Dynasty Rookie Draft
- 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Pick Trade Strategy & Advice
- Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Drafts
Get the FantasyPros News App for iOS and Android now 
Does any team trade up with the Bears to select the first overall pick?
The Bears hold the top pick but already have their franchise quarterback in Justin Fields so they will almost certainly move back and acquire more draft assets. Two of the top five teams have a need at quarterback. The Texans have the number two pick so they can sit back and either take their top guy if the Bears don’t trade out or just pick the next best QB prospect.
The Cardinals, picking at three, are set at QB as far as we know right now so it’s doubtful they will move up. It’s more likely that they move back if a QB-needy team comes knocking at their door. The Colts are picking at four and are definitely in the hunt for a young signal caller. They seem the most likely to make the move up and secure their guy. After the Colts, the next five teams could use help at QB depending on how the veteran free-agent market and trades work out.
What do the Philadelphia Eagles do with their two first-round picks?
It’s a rare occasion for a team that played in the Super Bowl to come back three months later sitting on two first-rounders. Especially with one of the picks being in the top ten. The Eagles came up short in the big game so having two early picks would seem like the frosting on the cake. Unfortunately, they have a lot of pending free agents and they will have to use those picks to fill in the cracks of the players leaving for other opportunities.
Thanks to a trade with the Saints during last year’s draft the Eagles secured the 10th pick. They also have their own pick at 30th overall. (Note the first round will only have 31 first-round picks this season because the NFL stripped the Dolphins of their pick this year due to tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton in 2019)
Impending free agent CB James Bradberry, who is now infamous as the guy flagged for holding JuJu Smith-Schuster at the end of this year’s Super Bowl, could be on his way out of Philly. Replacing him with one of the top cornerback prospects seems to make the most sense.
At Pick 30, they should keep an eye out for a safety as they suddenly have a need there due to free agency. Safeties Marcus Epps and Chauncey-Gardner Johnson could both be gone unless the team signs one to an extension. Keeping the defense strong needs to be a priority.
Who is the top quarterback prospect in this draft?
The pre-Combine top tier of QB prospects appears to consist of four guys that could end up being first-round picks. Starting with CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis. At this point, that list is mostly interchangeable based on your preference. Their performance at the Combine will shuffle the order.
If we are to believe Colts owner, Jim Irsay, the top prospect would be Young based on his comments at the press conference announcing the hiring of new head coach, Shane Steichen. Steichen was the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator. Irsay said, “The Alabama guy doesn’t look bad, I’ll tell ya.”
QB Veterans free agents and trade targets
When discussing the draft and team needs at this point of the offseason, free agency and trading season will definitely stir the pot and drastically change draft boards based on need. If the Seahawks don’t re-sign Geno Smith then they are a player in the QB sweepstakes as they are currently sitting with the number five pick.
Another team that could be in the mix for a QB at the draft is the Raiders. They are drafting at number seven, and they recently released Derek Carr so a spot in their QB room is open. Rumors have Aaron Rodgers reuniting with Davante Adams, but we won’t know until later.
Here is a list of quarterbacks of potential trade targets and free agents that could be on the move this offseason.
- Jimmy Garoppolo – Free Agent
- Geno Smith – Free Agent
- Lamar Jackson – Trade Target
- Aaron Rodgers – Trade Target
- Derek Carr – Free Agent
- Ryan Tannehill – Trade Target
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Gary Zamarripa is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Gary, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @garyzamFF.
