Identifying Every NFL Team's Ideal Draft Pick for 2023
Analysts and fans alike will discover their favorite prospects in the months leading up to the 2023 NFL draft.
Perhaps a quarterback can reshape a franchise. It could be a dynamic wide receiver, an immediate impact defensive back, or a lineman who helps the blocking unit or pass rush. Whatever the reason, we'll begin to envision that prospect on a specific NFL team.
In most cases, the connection will most likely not occur. But that doesn't stop us from dreaming, either.
The picks are made using a combination of player projections and a team's current draft picks. While some prospects are used more than once, duplicates are avoided to the greatest extent possible.
O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo may return to Gainesville after selecting UF corner Kaiir Elam in the 2022 draft. O'Cyrus Torrence fills a significant need on the Bills' offensive line's interior. The former Louisiana blocker transferred to Florida and was named to the SEC's first team.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama, Miami Dolphins
What happens in free agency will be a defining storyline for the Dolphins, who are currently scheduled to return none of their key running backs. Miami could re-sign Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson Jr., but the team could also go in a different direction and feature a rookie. Jahmyr Gibbs is a good value at No. 51 overall and brings a versatile skill set, despite surpassing 100 receptions in college.
Jordan Addison, USC, New England Patriots
A few receivers are officially under contract for 2023. However, it would not be surprising if the Patriots released DeVante Parker and/or Kendrick Bourne. Jakobi Meyers may have priced himself out of the New England market, and Nelson Agholor is unlikely to be re-signed. Jordan Addison is a possible Day 1 starter for the Patriots, who have a glaring hole alongside Tyquan Thornton.
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern, New York Jets
There's no doubt that New York's offensive line needs to be improved. Will the Jets, however, re-sign center Connor McGovern? If Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker stay healthy, where will they play? Peter Skoronski started at left tackle in college but can move inside. His adaptability would be a welcome addition to a team that suffered numerous injuries in 2022.
Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina, Baltimore Ravens
Although the Ravens' coverage unit improved in the second half of 2022, the team may be entering a transitional offseason. Marcus Peters is a free agent, and Kyle Fuller, who is recovering from a torn left ACL, may not be a priority. A rookie, such as Cam Smith, would provide Baltimore with a low-cost addition at a top position.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah, Cincinnati Bengals
Given the depth of the position, the tight end may not be the Bengals' first choice. That could be any position in the secondary, especially if safety Jessie Bates III leaves in free agency or any position on the offensive line. However, if Hayden Hurst does not stay in Cincinnati, Dalton Kincaid is a viable backup option. He's a dependable pass-catcher who thrives in short and intermediate zones.
Calijah Kancey, Pitt, Cleveland Browns
The Dawg Pound may revolt if the Browns do not upgrade at defensive tackle this offseason. Cleveland needs to surround Myles Garrett with more capable players. In the middle, Calijah Kancey has game-changing potential. Despite being "undersized" at 6'0" and 280 pounds, Kancey has 27.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The new mission of the team is to build around and protect quarterback Kenny Pickett. If the Steelers have the opportunity to select Skoronski, Paris Johnson Jr., or Broderick Jones, they should be sprinting to the podium. Jones is a strong blocker who has the potential to become a key member of Pittsburgh's offensive line.
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama, Houston Texans
Finally, your top-rated quarterback is the choice here. Bryce Young, in my opinion. Houston needs a long-term answer at the position, and the Heisman Trophy winner in 2021 has the potential to be a superstar. Houston would also reunite Young with former teammate John Metchie III.
Alabama QB Bryce Young, Indianapolis Colts
Speaking of QB-needy teams, the Colts are probably ready to abandon their hopes for a quick fix with veteran additions. It's time to draft and develop a young quarterback, and the Colts should not be afraid to make a risky trade to get Young. Of course, the best-case scenario for the Colts is that Young falls to No. 4 anyway.
Tennessee Titans: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Meanwhile, Jacksonville has a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars should now be able to maximize their potential with him on the most cost-effective contract he'll ever sign. Given the Jags' returning personnel, adding a blazing deep threat like Jalin Hyatt is an exciting thought. Last season, he had a national-leading 11 40-yard catches.
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State, Tennessee Titans
The Titans must address left tackle after the unsurprising release of stalwart Taylor Lewan. Paris Johnson Jr., the son of a former NFL draft pick, was named All-Big Ten twice during his time at Ohio State. Tennessee could use Johnson as a blindside protector right away.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State, Denver Broncos
Will he be available again in the third round? That's the biggest question for every notable prospect for the Broncos, who aren't on the clock until No. 67 overall. Following the midseason trade of Bradley Chubb, Denver will need to add to its edge-rushing depth. In the previous two seasons, Felix Anudike-Uzomah had 25.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU, Kansas City Chiefs
If the Chiefs re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster, their need for a receiver will be reduced. The offensive and defensive lines should also be addressed. But aren't we just daydreaming? Kayshon Boutte dealt with injuries at LSU but demonstrated a high ceiling with a 300-yard performance as a freshman and a hot start to the 2021 season.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State, Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will obviously want QB2 if they believe Young is the best prospect at the position. My vote goes to C.J. Stroud, but the lack of consensus may actually benefit Las Vegas. If the Colts pass on Florida's Anthony Richardson or Kentucky's Will Levis, Stroud could fall to the Raiders as the seventh overall pick.
Bryan Bresee, Clemson, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles defense's middle needs a boost after ranking last in rushing yards allowed per carry last season. Bryan Bresee had injury issues in college, so his potential remains untapped. If he's available at No. 21 for the Chargers, the highest-rated player in the 2020 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports could be a steal.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys struggled in the postseason due to a lack of a legitimate No. 2 wideout. Dallas couldn't pass up the chance to sign Jaxon Smith-Njigba, no matter how appealing a cornerback or offensive lineman might be. Despite missing the previous season due to a hamstring injury, JSN had 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021.
Quentin Johnston, TCU, New York Giants
Sticking with the receiver, the Giants desperately need a star outside target. They got by with a couple of breakout backups in 2022, but they can't count on Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James to carry the pass-catching corps again. Quentin Johnston averaged 19.0 yards per reception over his 115 career catches at TCU.
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia has a slew of free agents and will almost certainly need to retool its secondary. Joey Porter Jr., the son of a Steelers legend, could end up on the other side of Pennsylvania as a lockdown corner. In his final season at Penn State, he earned second-team AP All-America honors.
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois, for the Washington Commanders
Because Porter and Oregon's Christian Gonzalez (more on him later) are both unavailable, the Commanders can turn to Devon Witherspoon. He's not exactly a consolation prize. According to Pro Football Focus, the first-team AP All-America selection allowed 22 catches for 206 yards and zero touchdowns with 14 total pass defenses on 63 targets last season.
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia, Chicago Bears
If the Bears address their interior need through free agency, Alabama edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. is the right man for the job. For the time being, Chicago coach Matt Eberflus has the opportunity to select Jalen Carter as the "engine" of his defense. He had a total of 15.5 tackles for loss while helping Georgia win back-to-back national titles.
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, Detroit Lions
The basic takeaway is similar to the QB discussion: pencil in the name of whichever corner you believe is the best prospect. Christian Gonzalez has an appealing combination of size (6'2"), scheme versatility, and a clear willingness to tackle. He had two 50-tackle seasons in the last two seasons and four interceptions in 2022.
Green Bay Packers: Michael Mayer, Notre Dame tight end
The Packers need a playmaker at tight end in 2023, regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love captains the offense. Marcedes Lewis could retire (or follow Rodgers), Robert Tonyan is a free agent, and Josiah Deguara hasn't developed as quickly as expected. Michael Mayer, on the other hand, is a polished prospect who averaged 67 catches for 800 yards or more in each of his last two seasons at Notre Dame.
Kelee Ringo, Georgia, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota requires impact depth because Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans are the only cornerbacks under contract in 2023. Cam Smith, Kele Ringo, and Emmanuel Forbes are thought to be among the best prospects available in the Vikings' range at No. 23. Ringo is raw but fast in a 6'2" frame, making him an ideal match for Brian Flores' aggressive defense.
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta, sit back and watch an edge-rusher fall. While the rest of the league is focused on Anderson, Carter, and quarterbacks, the Falcons are well-positioned to land a disruptive player, which they desperately need. Last season, only the Bears (20) had fewer sacks than Atlanta (21). In three seasons at Clemson, Myles Murphy had 36.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers, like the Colts—coincidentally, the former team of new Carolina coach Frank Reich—have a QB dilemma with a poor draft position. The good news is that they have three top-63 picks, so there is some room for trades. Instead of taking a huge risk on Richardson or Levis, two unproven passers with plus mobility, Carolina should seriously consider moving up for Stroud.
B.J. Ojulari, Edge, LSU for the New Orleans Saints
While the interior of the defensive line is a priority, the Saints must apply more pressure. B.J. Ojulari had 16 sacks in three seasons with LSU. He'd bring an explosive element that New Orleans' pass rush has lacked in recent years, especially if Marcus Davenport isn't re-signed.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's a fair question whether they should draft a running back. I'd argue Bijan Robinson is a luxury pick for a team with a shaky cap situation and a roster in flux as the post-Tom Brady era begins. Nonetheless, the versatile Texas standout is a dream fit for the league's worst rush offense in 2022 due to his stellar elusiveness and pass-catching versatility.
Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals will almost certainly draft an elite defensive prospect in the first round. Anderson and Carter are ideal complements for Arizona, which must replace J.J. Watt's 12.5 sacks. Even though retaining Zach Allen should be a top priority, the Cardinals could sign Anderson, who had 34.5 sacks at Alabama, to lead a new-look defense under incoming coach Jonathan Gannon.
Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame, Los Angeles Rams
Leonard Floyd led the team with nine sacks in 2022, but Los Angeles lacked depth on the defensive line. Isaiah Foskey would take over the position right away. He had 11 sacks in each of the previous two seasons. Because he isn't considered a top prospect, Foskey has a legitimate chance to fall to the Rams at 36th overall.
Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco, another late-selecting team, shipped its first- and second-round picks in previous trades and, barring a deal to move up, will not pick until No. 99. The Niners can afford to take a home run swing at that point. Darius Rush is a late-rising prospect who stands 6'1" and has incredible speed. He impressed at the Senior Bowl.
Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama, Seattle Seahawks
Please bear with me for a moment. What if Chicago selects Carter, Houston selects Young, the Cardinals trade back with a QB-needy team that selects Stroud, and the Colts select Levis or Richardson? That's an unlikely outcome, to be sure, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Anderson would be a welcome addition to Seattle's pass-rushing corps.
