While the NFL Draft is the best part of the offseason, free agency has gotten all the attention the past few days. We’ve seen some massive free agent deals and some blockbuster trades. However, what impact has the past few days had on the 2023 NFL Draft? Let’s dive into it.
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2023 NFL Draft Burning Questions
Who Will the Carolina Panthers Select First Overall?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard the blockbuster trade news. The Panthers sent the No. 9 and 61 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, a 2024 first-round selection, and a 2025 second-rounder to the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick. Arguably, more importantly, the Bears acquired DJ Moore in the trade. Chicago is set up to build around Justin Fields, while Carolina can get their quarterback of the future. The only question is, which quarterback?
Major draft shakeup 🚨 🚨 🚨
Sources say the #Bears are trading the No. 1 overall pick to the #Panthers in exchange for big-time compensation including multiple 1st rounders. Chicago loads up and lands at No. 9, while Carolina can draft its QB of the future. pic.twitter.com/DNvYMStoxd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2023
C.J. Stroud is the betting favorite at -250 to be the first overall pick. Behind him is Anthony Richardson at +300 and Bryce Young at +350. Before the trade became public knowledge, Young was the favorite to go first overall, followed by Stroud and Richardson. Many believe the Panthers won’t draft Young because of his size, making this a two-man race for the top pick. Meanwhile, Carolina signed Andy Dalton to a two-year contract this week. While that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, it could indicate that Richardson is the team’s target. The Panthers could let Dalton start next year, allowing Richardson to learn from the bench before taking over in 2024.
How High Can Bijan Robinson Go?
The former Longhorn superstar is the top running back this year. Not only is Robinson the consensus RB1 in the draft this year, but many have already made him the top dynasty running back. While running backs remain critical in fantasy football, the NFL has devalued the position. So that should impact where Robinson lands in the upcoming NFL Draft. Or maybe not? The former Longhorn is such a talented prospect that he could get drafted inside the top 10.
Robinson is a three-down player who can change the game on the ground or in the air. Many scouts believe he is as good or better than Saquon Barkley, who got drafted with the second overall pick in 2018. While he won’t go that high, Robinson has a realistic shot of getting drafted inside the top 10 picks. The Atlanta Falcons at eight, Chicago Bears at nine, and Philadelphia Eagles at 10 could take the superstar running back. Even if he falls out of the top 10 picks, Robinson won’t make it far down the draft board. The former Longhorn is too talented to slide into the 20s.
Who Will the Chicago Bears Target with the Ninth Overall Pick?
While everyone has turned their attention to what the Panthers will do, I’m curious to see what the Bears will do with the ninth overall pick. Any hope of trading back and landing edge rusher Will Anderson is over. However, could Jalen Carter slide to them, given his off-the-field issues? The defensive lineman could be an option for the team, but I believe they go offense with their first-round pick. Chicago has been aggressive in free agency, including signing two linebackers: Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards.
In the last 3 days, #Bears GM Ryan Poles has added:
• DJ Moore
• Tremaine Edmunds
• T.J. Edwards
• Nate Davis
• 2024 first-round pick
• 2023, 2025 second-round picksStill more work to be done. But this is a huge step in the right direction.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) March 13, 2023
An offensive tackle would make sense. Chicago could have their pick of the bunch at ninth overall. Yet, Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be a slam-dunk selection. The former Buckeye spent one year at Ohio State with Fields. Many will argue that wide receiver isn’t a need for the Bears after they added Moore. However, good teams plan for needs a year in advance. Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool will be free agents next year. One or both won’t be back with the Bears. Therefore, Chicago should think ahead and draft Smith-Njigba. That way, they aren’t forced to overpay for either veteran next offseason while giving Fields two talented wide receivers for the next several years.
How Many Offensive Tackles Get Drafted in the First Round?
Last year five offensive tackles were drafted in the first round, including three within the first nine picks. This year’s draft class isn’t as talented at the top. However, it should have a similar number of offensive tackles drafted on opening night. Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones are first-round locks. Meanwhile, Dawand Jones, Darnell Wright, Anton Harrison, and Cody Mauch are potential first-round prospects.
I think we see five offensive tackles drafted in the first round this year. Johnson and Skoronski could be top 10-12 picks. The Las Vegas Raiders at seven, Chicago Bears at nine, Tennessee Titans at 11, and Houston Texans at 12 could all consider either lineman. Jones won’t make it much further as several teams in the teens could use help at offensive tackle, including the New England Patriots (14th), Washington Commanders (16th), Pittsburgh Steelers (17th), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19th). Meanwhile, two more offensive tackles could get drafted in the final eight selections. The Jacksonville Jaguars (24th), Dallas Cowboys (26th), Buffalo Bills (27th), Cincinnati Bengals (28th), and Kansas City Chiefs (31st) could all consider an offensive tackle with their pick.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
