Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. Below is Bucky Brooks' analysis for every player drafted in Round 1.
NOTE: Only trades agreed to after Day 1 began are reflected below.
Size is a concern, but Young is a special and polished player from the pocket. He's a point guard who distributes the ball to his playmakers, throws an accurate ball and possesses all the traits the Panthers want in their franchise quarterback. It's not about how high Young's ceiling is, it's that he has a high floor.
This pick always made sense for the Texans. Stroud might be the best quarterback from this class when we look back in three years. He checks all the boxes as a prototypical passer and is a natural thrower with timing, touch and anticipation who carved up the best defenses in college football, week in and week out.
First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans is trying to replicate what he had in San Francisco with a defensive front that dominated at the point of attack. He now has his version of Nick Bosa in Anderson, who has the power, instincts and sack production to thrive at the next level and is a technical marvel when it comes to pass rushing.
This pick is reminiscent of the NBA draft, where teams often select players on pure potential and traits. That's what Richardson offers. He has exceptional physical dimensions and makes effortless plays. We could see him take over the league, much like Colin Kaepernick did for a short span early in his career, but we need to see Richardson play more games to see what he can truly offer this Colts team.
The Seahawks remade their defense over the course of the offseason, and Witherspoon completes their secondary. He has a versatile game with the instincts, ball skills and awareness to shine. He has a dawg mentality, and his competitiveness will fit right in in Seattle.
This pick tells me that Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon are all in on Kyler Murray. With athleticism and the ability to finish, Johnson is a smooth mover in pass protection and boasts the long arms to help drive defenses back in the run game. Arizona is determined to get this offense right, and that starts with protecting the franchise QB.
This is an old-school pick, and the late Al Davis would absolutely love it. Wilson is a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage who has the luxury of working with and learning from Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby. With the ability to collapse the pocket with his length, power and speed, Wilson has a ton of potential to flourish in Patrick Graham's defense.
After working with Derrick Henry during his time as offensive coordinator in Tennessee, Arthur Smith likely values running backs more than the average coach. This pick seems to prove as much. Robinson is a three-down back with the physicality and toughness to run inside and is an elusive playmaker on the perimeter. Atlanta is getting a LaDainian Tomlinson-like player who'll take pressure off its young quarterback.
Carter joins former Georgia teammates Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis in Philadelphia. He's a freak athlete with a rare combination of explosive first-step quickness and heavy hands. He'll fit well into the Eagles' defensive front and has the privilege to learn from veteran Fletcher Cox.
The Bears aren't shy about wanting to run the ball. Wright has a bully mentality as a physical tackle who can maul opponents at the point of attack. He'll be an effective road grader and pass protector for Justin Fields.
Skoronski is very consistent, sealing and creating lanes in the run game and offering Tennessee a firm pass protector. He's an extremely sound player who routinely and effectively does his job.
Gibbs' game is so reminiscent of Alvin Kamara's in the way he creates mismatches as a runner and receiver. Possessing excellent stop-start quickness, he's a home-run hitter who can dictate coverage. He'll make life easy for Jared Goff and the rest of the offense.
Van Ness absolutely fits in Green Bay as an inside/outside pass rusher with violent hands. With prototypical dimensions, the Iowa product will be effective in the rotation alongside Rashan Gary as a power rusher.
The last of the top offensive tackles available, Jones is a powerful player who mauls defenders in the ground attack and will help pave the way for Najee Harris. He plays with balance and body control but is raw in his game. He hasn't put it all together from a technique standpoint, but there's no doubt he can hone his skills in Pittsburgh.
Though undersized, McDonald is a fantastic pass rusher with an explosive first step whom the Jets can throw into the rotation with Quinnen Williams and Co. He also has the tools to be disruptive against the run.
My pro comparison for Forbes is Xavien Howard, possessing excellent eyes and instincts and looking like a perfect fit for a zone scheme. He's a bit unorthodox in his technique, but remember that Ron Rivera got the most out of another unorthodox corner when he coached Josh Norman in Carolina.
Gonzalez has a terrific see-ball-get-ball game. With the Patriots' defense being built from the back end, Gonzalez is physical, fluid and rangy enough to be a playmaker in press coverage. He has great awareness and should be an impact player for Bill Belichick.
Campbell is an old-school thumper with the instincts, range and diagnostic skills to play downhill and from sideline to sideline. With outstanding size, the productive 'backer will serve as a traffic cop in the middle of the defense for Detroit and has the potential to make a ton of plays.
Kancey may be a compact defensive tackle, but he'll bring big energy to Tampa. Plus, his explosiveness pops off the tape. The athletic interior pass rusher was productive at Pitt and should thrive under Todd Bowles.
Smith-Njigba checks off all of the boxes as a playmaker with high-end potential in Seattle's offense. Playing in the slot alongside Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, the savvy route runner should make life easier for Geno Smith. Last season, we watched Ohio State products Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson dominate as rookies. JSN could do the same this fall.
This is a great pick for Justin Herbert, as Johnston is another big receiver with speed to stretch the field. The TCU product is a home-run threat who expands the strike zone and will give the offense some juice.
Flowers is an A-plus route runner with the polish and explosiveness to help take the Ravens' pass game to next level. Flowers aims to get into the end zone every time he has the ball and has the home-run ability to do just that. He has that coveted dawg mentality and will likely put more sauce on his game playing alongside Odell Beckham Jr.
Addison is a slippery route runner who'll benefit from playing alongside Justin Jefferson. He has impeccable timing and precision and has the ability to win from the slot or on the perimeter.
Defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale wants to put his corners on an island, and Banks can hold his own in man coverage. He has a combination of size and speed that is hard to find and an intriguing skill set that will enable him to shut down receivers on the perimeter.
In an effort to diversify the pass game around Stefon Diggs, the Bills select a dynamic tight end who can make an immediate splash in the offense. Kincaid has soft hands and will serve as a dependable target who'll help Josh Allen be more efficient in Buffalo's passing attack.
Smith is an elite athlete with intriguing tools and disruptive potential. The unpolished diamond needs to become more consistent, but he can develop into a huge playmaker under Dan Quinn in Dallas.
The Jaguars had to alter course following the news of Cam Robinson's suspension, so they bring in a raw, athletic tackle. With good length, balance and body control, Harrison is a nice ball of clay the coaching staff can mold into a solid pro.
The Bengals are chasing the AFC-champion Chiefs -- but they couldn't bring down Patrick Mahomes when it mattered most. They select an explosive edge defender with good bend-and-burst ability to add to their rotation of pass rushers.
Bresee is a versatile interior defender who possesses takeover ability but is inconsistent. He has quick hands and dynamic finishing skills, and if he's locked in and engaged, he can be a big playmaker in the Saints' defensive front.
Smith's great traits didn't translate into sack production at Georgia. Now in Philly, he gets the opportunity to learn behind veteran pass rushers and develop into a productive player as a pro. He comes in as a blue-chip prospect with a ton of talent and potential.
After losing Frank Clark in free agency, the Chiefs bring in a complementary pass rusher to play opposite George Karlaftis. Anudike-Uzomah is an ultra-productive, high-energy player with speed and average size who gets to the quarterback with a variety of moves.
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