Luckett’s 2023 NFL Draft Takeaways: NFC
One of the best weekends on the football calendar is now in the history books. After three wild days in Kansas City, we saw the 2023 NFL Draft call it quits on Saturday evening after 259 picks over seven rounds.
There were surprising trades, unexpected fallers, and a few strange picks. But that is what makes the draft the draft. Everyone has a different board, and there are multiple team-building strategies. To put a bow on our draft coverage at KSR+, we’re going to take a look at each draft class for all 32 franchises and give a quick review of what they did this weekend.
After putting together a full report on the AFC that included over 3,000 words, we’re shifting to the NFC where there are a ton of rebuilding franchises.
49ers begin specialist dominoes
3 (87): Ji’Ayir Brown (S, Penn State)3 (99): Jake Moody (K, Michigan)3 (101): Cameron Latu (TE, Alabama)5 (155): Darrell Luter Jr. (CB, South Alabama)5 (173): Robert Beal Jr. (EDGE, Georgia)6 (216): Dee Winters (LB, TCU)7 (247): Brayden Willis (TE, Oklahoma)7 (253): Ronnie Bell (WR, Michigan)7 (255): Jalen Graham (EDGE, Purdue)
The San Francisco 49ers will enter the 2023 season as a true Super Bowl contender. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has one of the top defenses in the NFL and an offense with some elite skill talent and left tackle. General manager John Lynch was drafting for depth without a first or second-round pick. This year’s haul will be highlighted by spending one of only three top-150 picks on Jake Moody. The Michigan kicker will be asked to produce early. Ji’Ayir Brown is an intriguing hard-hitting safety with coverage range. Robert Beal Jr. could be a sneaky mid-round pick after being buried on the depth chart at Georgia.
Bears reach in attempt to rebuild from the inside out
1 (10): Darnell Wright (T, Tennessee)2 (53): Gervon Dexter (iDL, Florida)2 (56): Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami)3 (64): Zacch Pickens (iDL, South Carolina)4 (115): Roschon Johnson (RB, Texas)4 (133): Tyler Scott (WR, Cincinnati)5 (148): Noah Sewell (LB, Oregon)5 (165): Terell Smith (CB, Minnesota)7 (218): Travis Bell (iDL, Kennesaw State)7 (258): Kendall Williamson (CB, Stanford)
General manager Ryan Poles is playing the long game. After spending big free agency money on off-ball linebacker and right guard, Chicago gave up the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft for a future first and two seconds. Poles then traded back on Day 1 for a future fourth. That ended up with what felt like a reach for Darnell Wright at No. 10. However, the Tennessee product is the best true right tackle in this draft at a huge position of need in Chicago. I did not love the double-dip at defensive tackle on Day 2. Both Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens were sub top-50 prospects for me and may have fallen outside of the top 100. I’m a big fan of Tyrique Stevenson and he should be a rookie starter either outside or inside at nickel. Didn’t love the value despite defensive tackle being a huge position of need. I did like the addition of Roschon Johnson in the fourth, but the backfield is loaded in Chicago. Tyler Scott could go down as the best pick as the speedster could give Justin Fields a much-needed vertical field stretcher. Overall, Chicago did a good job of adding future draft capital, but it felt like multiple reaches were made in the top 100.
Bucs make positive strides
1 (19): Calijah Kancey (iDL, Pittsburgh)2 (48): Cody Mauch (G/T, North Dakota State)3 (82): YaYa Diaby (EDGE, Louisville)5 (153): SirVocea Dennis (LB, Pittsburgh)5 (171): Payne Durham (TE, Purdue)6 (181): Josh Hayes (CB, Kansas State)6 (191): Trey Palmer (WR, Nebraska)6 (196): Jose Ramirez (LB, Eastern Michigan)
The rebuild is underway in Tampa Bay. General manager Jason Licht is addressing the line of scrimmage first after the Bucs had many issues at the point of attack in 2022. The NFC South franchise addressed that by adding the best interior pass rusher in this class and a versatile offensive lineman. Calijah Kancey and Cody Mauch have some physicality concerns, but each owns excellent movement skills and should become quality starters. SirVocea Dennis is a great fifth-round find that has a similar skill set to Devin White. That could be a long-term replacement. I love the swing on speedy Trey Palmer in the sixth round. The former LSU/Nebraska receiver has kick return value and gives the wide receivers room some much-needed speed. Payne Durham can be a rookie contributor in heavy sets as a play-action weapon. Tampa Bay still has a lot of roster building to do, but Licht improved his team in this draft.
Cardinals take questionable swing on Paris Johnson Jr.
1 (6): Paris Johnson Jr. (T, Ohio State)2 (41): B.J. Ojulari (EDGE, LSU)3 (72): Garrett Williams (CB, Syracuse)3 (94): Michael Wilson (WR, Stanford)4 (122): Jon Gaines II (iOL, UCLA)5 (139): Clayton Tune (QB, Houston)5 (168): Owen Pappoe (LB, Auburn)6 (180): Kei’Trel Clark (CB, Louisville)6 (213): Dante Stills (iDL, West Virginia)
New general manager Monti Ossenfort has arrived in Arizona and must desperately improve one of the worst rosters in the NFL. He has to do that while working around a huge QB contract. For now, the Cardinals are deeply committed to Kyler Murray. After trading back from No. 3 to No. 12, Arizona then moved up in a swap with Detroit to grab the No. 6 pick. The NFC West franchise plucked tackle Paris Johnson Jr. who was Murray’s preferred choice instead of taking Jalen Carter, Tyree Wilson, or a top corner to help a defense with massive holes. This draft will be judged on the first-round trade, but this move may have been needed to show Murray the new leadership group is all-in on seeing the former No. 1 overall pick succeed. The Cardinals got good value for Garrett Wilson and Michael Wilson on Day 2, but each player has some real injury concerns. Kei’Trel Clark has a great chance to be an early contributor in the secondary.
Commanders bolster secondary early
1 (16): Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State)2 (47): Jartavius Martin (S, Illinois)3 (97): Ricky Stromberg (iOL, Arkansas)4 (118): Braeden Daniels (G/T, Utah)5 (137): K.J. Henry (EDGE, Clemson)6 (193): Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB, Kentucky)7 (233): Andre Jones Jr. (LB, Louisiana)
Washington feels good about its offense. At least that’s what the NFC East franchise told us in the draft. After hiring offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and signing potential starters at quarterback and right tackle, the Commanders went all-in on fixing the defenders. Washington added ballhawk corner Emmanuel Forbes in round one before grabbing potential nickel starter Jartavius Martin in round two. The Commanders will look to win with defense in a loaded division. Don’t be surprised if Chris Rodriguez Jr. carves out a role in Bieniemy’s downhill running game.
Cowboys add depth to established roster
1 (26): Mazi Smith (iDL, Michigan)2 (58): Luke Schoonmaker (TE, Michigan)3 (90): DeMarvion Overshown (LB, Texas)4 (129): Viliami Fehoko (EDGE, San Jose State)5 (169): Asim Richards (G/T, North Carolina)6 (178): Eric Scott Jr. (CB, Southern Miss)6 (212): Deuce Vaughn (RB, Kansas State)7 (244): Jalen Brooks (WR, South Carolina)
The front office in Dallas has done a good job building the roster. The Cowboys enter the 2023 season as true Super Bowl contenders. This was a team with not many needs. Many thought a tight end or running back could go early, but the Cowboys passed on Michael Mayer for Mazi Smith who should give this defense an upgrade at defensive tackle. DeMarvion Overshown has a chance to be a day one starter at linebacker. Luke Schoonmaker was a depth add after losing Dalton Schultz via free agency. I was a big fan of Day 3 picks Asim Richards and Deuce Vaughn. Both offensive prospects could find playing time in the future. Dallas will enter the season with one of the most balanced rosters in the NFL. There does not appear to be star power with this rookie class, but numerous guys should be able to help.
Eagles look like this draft’s paper champion
1 (9): Jalen Carter (iDL, Georgia)1 (30): Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)3 (65): Tyler Steen (T, Alabama)3 (66): Sydney Brown (S, Illinois)4 (105): Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)6 (188): Tanner McKee (QB, Stanford)7 (249): Moro Ojomo (iDL, Texas)
At the end of the day, we’re talking about projections when it comes to the draft. Therefore, determining a winner can be difficult. However, on paper, general manager Howie Roseman looks like this year’s champion. Philadelphia traded up one spot to No. 9 to land consensus top-five prospect Jalen Carter. Nolan Smith then fell to the Eagles at No. 30. Roseman was then able to address depth at tackle (Tyler Steen) and safety (Sydney Brown) in the first round. Kelee Ringo was another faller that Roseman picked up with great value in the fourth round. At the end of the day, the Eagles added three more Georgia defenders to the roster with Carter becoming the instant Javon Hargrave replacement. Smith, Brown, and Ringo can be starters down the road after providing quality depth early in their careers. Philadelphia will be the NFC favorite thanks to a strong roster that Roseman has built.
Falcons are committed to old-school offensive football
1 (8): Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)2 (38): Matthew Bergeron (T, Syracuse)3 (75): Zach Harrison (EDGE, Ohio State)4 (113): Clark Phillips III (CB, Utah)7 (224): DeMarco Hellams (S, Alabama)7 (225): Jovaughn Gwyn (iOL, South Carolina)
General manager Terry Fontenot had a ton of cap space to play with this offseason. He used it to address defensive needs adding five potential new starters on that side of the ball highlighted by free safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Calais Campbell. Despite the pass rush and cornerback position having some holes, the Falcons again went with offensive skill talent in the first round. Bijan Robinson joins former top-10 picks Drake London and Kyle Pitts on offense playing with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. There are no more excuses for play-calling head coach Arthur Smith and second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. This offense should score some points. Look for Smith to build around Robinson as he did with Derrick Henry in Tennessee. Matthew Bergeron could be a day one starter at guard, Zach Harrison should find a reserve role, and Clark Phillips III could start at nickel corner. Atlanta improved its roster and is ready to compete in a winnable division. All eyes now turn to Ridder who will be asked to deliver with a lot of help surrounding him in year two.
Giants add instant contributors
1 (24): Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)2 (57): John Michael Schmitz (iOL, Minnesota)3 (73): Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee)5 (172): Eric Gray (RB, Oklahoma)6 (209): Tre Hawkins III (S, Old Dominion)7 (243): Jordon Riley (iDL, Oregon)7 (254): Gervarrius Owens (S, Houston)
Brian Daboll got things on the right track for the New York Giants in year one. Now general manager Joe Schoen must improve the roster. I think Giants supporters should feel good about the first four picks. Deonte Banks is a press-man cornerback that is a great fit for Wink Martindale’s pressure-heavy scheme. John Michael Schmitz gives the franchise a long-term answer at center. Jalin Hyatt can be the vertical weapon that Daniel Jones needs so Darren Waller and Saquon Barkley can operate underneath. Eric Gray was a very solid option who can play a role on third down. The Giants will go as far as Jones will take them, but this will be an improved roster in 2023.
Lions improve roster despite strange positional value
1 (12): Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)1 (18): Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa)2 (34): Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa)2 (48): Brian Branch (DB, Alabama)3 (68): Hendon Hooker (QB, Tennessee)3 (96): Brodric Martin (iDL, WKU)5 (152): Colby Sorsdal (T, William & Mary)7 (219): Antoine Green (WR, North Carolina)
Taking Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall was a reach. Taking Sam LaPorta at No. 34 overall was a reach. Taking Jack Campbell at No. 18 overall was the biggest reach of the draft. With all of that said, general manager Brad Holmes added a bunch of good football players who will make Detroit better. Gibbs, Campbell, and LaPorta will each be starters as rookies. Brian Branch was a great find at No. 48 and will play a big role in re-tooling secondary. Hendon Hooker could be a good third-round gamble. Detroit did not add blue-chip players at premium positions despite having great draft capital, but the NFC North title contender added quality players at positions of need solidifying Dan Campbell’s team as the division favorite in 2023.
Packers are worried about the current state of the offense
1 (13): Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa)2 (42): Luke Musgrave (TE, Oregon State)2 (50): Jayden Reed (WR, Michigan State)3 (78): Tucker Kraft (TE, South Dakota State)4 (116): Colby Wooden (DL, Auburn)5 (149): Sean Clifford (QB, Penn State)5 (159): Dontayvion Wicks (WR, Virginia)6 (179): Karl Brooks (DL, Bowling Green)6 (207): Anders Carlson (K, Auburn)7 (232): Carrington Valentine (CB, Kentucky)7 (235): Lew Nichols II (RB, Central Michigan)7 (242): Anthony Johnson Jr. (S, Iowa State)7 (256): Grant DuBose (WR, Charlotte)
A new era of Green Bay Packers football begins in 2023 with Aaron Rodgers now in New York. General manager Brian Gutekunst made a similar first-round pick this year by adding Lukas Van Ness at a premium position. The Iowa product should provide immediate value on defense. After that, Green Bay went searching for answers on offense. The Packers add two tight ends (Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft) plus a slot receiver (Jayden Reed) with their other three top-100 picks. Green Bay then added an intriguing X wideout (Dontayvion Wicks) in the fifth round while surprising many with the Sean Clifford selection. Green Bay is trying to give Matt LaFleur options on offense as he now has full control of the offense now with Rodgers gone. Expect a heavier run game and more 12 personnel usage to make things easier for Jordan Love. The Musgrave-Kraft duo is intriguing due to different skill sets and Reed has great value in the slot. All signs point to this offense attacking the middle of the field in the play-action game.
Panthers are all-in on Bryce Young
1 (1): Bryce Young (QB, Alabama)2 (39): Jonathan Mingo (WR, Ole Miss)3 (80): D.J. Johnson (EDGE, Oregon)4 (114): Chandler Zavala (iOL, NC State)5 (145): Jammie Robinson (S, Florida State)
The Carolina Panthers gave up a ton of draft capital (2023 second-round, 2024 first-round, and second-round) and a top receiver (D.J. Moore) to draft Bryce Young at No. 1 overall. New head coach Frank Reich inherits a good offensive line and what should be a solid defense. However, there is not much skill talent help surrounding the new QB1 in Charlotte. The Panthers are going to need Young to play at an extremely high level early in his career until they can find him a true WR1 on the outside. This draft was all about the quarterback. Chandler Zavala and Jammie Robinson were sneaky Day 3 additions, but the Panthers need Young to be a star to make this gamble worth it.
Carolina took a big risk to land Bryce Young. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Rams are in full rebuild mode
2 (36): Steve Avila (iOL, TCU)3 (77): Byron Young (EDGE, Tennessee)3 (89): Kobie Turner (iDL, Wake Forest)4 (128): Stetson Bennett IV (QB, Georgia)5 (161): Nick Hampton (EDGE, Appalachian State)5 (174): Warren McClendon (T, Georgia)5 (175): Davis Allen (TE, Clemson)5 (177): Puka Nacua (WR, BYU)6 (182): Tre’Vius Tomlinson (CB, TCU)6 (189): Ochaun Mathis (EDGE, Nebraska)6 (215): Zach Evans (RB, Ole Miss)7 (223): Ethan Evans (P, Wingate)7 (234): Jason Taylor II (S, Oklahoma State)7 (259): Desjuan Johnson (EDGE, Toledo)
The Los Angeles Rams weren’t close to contending in 2022 one year after winning the Super Bowl. That will remain the case in 2023. General manager Les Snead has a roster that needs to add multiple starters, and the NFC West franchise will be reliant on multiple Day 2 and Day 3 picks to fill holes. Steve Avila was a solid second-round pick who will bolster a bad offensive line. Byron Young could provide some needed pass-rush pop. The same goes for Kobie Turner in sub-packages. Stetson Bennett IV might be starting games next season if something happens to Matthew Stafford. Davis Allen and Zach Evans are in a position to have starting roles at some point this season. All signs point to the Rams being one of the worst teams in the NFL as this franchise is going through a roster reset.
Saints add depth to an aging roster
1 (29): Bryan Bresee (iDL, Clemson)2 (40): Isaiah Foskey (EDGE, Notre Dame)3 (71): Kendre Miller (RB, TCU)4 (103): Nick Saldiveri (G/T, Old Dominion)4 (127): Jake Haener (QB, Fresno State)5 (146): Jordan Howden (S, Minnesota)6 (195): A.T. Perry (WR, Wake Forest)
The New Orleans Saints are a playoff contender in 2023, but that is only because of the current state of the NFC South. This is a roster with plenty of holes that has aging players at premium positions. Head coach Dennis Allen will go as far as the old players can take him this year. This draft was about helping New Orleans win the division. Bryan Bresee should be a rookie starter at defensive tackle, and Isaiah Foskey can provide an additional edge rusher. Kendre Miller can fill in behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. Nick Saldiveri can provide offensive line depth. I like the swings on Jake Haener in the fourth round and A.T. Perry in the sixth round.
Seahawks are ready for a playoff run
1 (5): Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois)1 (20): Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)2 (37): Derick Hall (EDGE, Auburn)2 (52): Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA)4 (123): Cameron Young (iDL, Mississippi State)5 (151): Mike Morris (EDGE, Michigan)5 (154): Olu Oluwatimi (C, Michigan)6 (198): Jerrick Reed II (S, New Mexico)7 (237): Kenny McIntosh (RB, Georgia)
The San Francisco 49ers are the favorites in the NFC West, but the Seattle Seahawks are primed for a playoff run. With premium draft capital available from the Russell Wilson trade, Seattle took a swing at cornerback selecting Devon Witherspoon. Later in the first round, general manager John Schneider grabbed WR1 Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Both Derick Hall and Zach Charbonnet should be able to help next season. Seattle is a threat if the Geno Smith of last season returns. This franchise is all-in on the veteran quarterback for now with a roster loaded with quality draft picks from the last two cycles.
Vikings are still rolling with Kirk Cousins
1 (23): Jordan Addison (WR, USC)3 (102): Mekhi Blackmon (CB, USC)4 (134): Jay Ward (S, LSU)5 (141): Jaquelin Roy (iDL, LSU)5 (164): Jaren Hall (QB, BYU)7 (222): DeWayne McBride (RB, UAB)
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract in Minnesota. There was some thought that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could look to grab a QB early. Minnesota addressed the position but passed early. Instead, Minnesota added a legit WR2. Jordan Addison should step in and play a huge role in the passing game immediately. The defense has major issues at cornerback, and Mekhi Blackmon should get a chance to play early. The Vikings will need the offense to play at a high level to win the NFC North again. Addison will make the offense more explosive, and DeWayne McBride could be a quiet steal at tailback that could have a role if Dalvin Cook is looking for a new home.
The post Luckett’s 2023 NFL Draft Takeaways: NFC appeared first on On3.
