Reimagining 2023 NFL Draft’s Top Picks: A Review of the First-Round Selections After Three Months of Season Play

Last week on “With the First Pick,” the NFL Draft podcast I co-host with former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, we took a break from looking ahead to the 2024 class to re-draft the top half of the 2023 class. Armed with hindsight and three months of the NFL season behind us, we’ve re-drafted all 31 picks, pairing players with teams based on what we know now and using the actual 2023 NFL Draft order.

In our little thought experiment, we assumed that all players were healthy. What’s interesting is that four quarterbacks were selected in the first seven picks, whereas five players originally drafted in the second round were taken in the first round of our re-draft. Even seven players who were originally drafted in rounds three or later, including two Day 3 picks, made their way into the re-draft. This goes to show that the draft remains more art than science.

Read on to find out who went to which team in this re-draft podcast episode. Check out the selected picks below:

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Quarterback Bryce Young was the fourth overall pick, selected by Carolina for his potential to perform despite the team’s issues in the offensive line, run game, and receiver positions. Although not known to be playing well, he was seen as a viable option for the team’s offense.

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The Houston Texans used picks No. 2 and 3 to prioritize the selection of dominant player Carter, a quarterback, further emphasizing their need to prioritize QB in their team.

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For the fifth overall pick, it was assumed that Richardson of the Raiders stays healthy, and while Shane Steichen’s coaching skills with AR5 were acknowledged, his success fell short compared to Carter’s.

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Colts head coach, Shane Steichen, was credited for his excellent performance in helping Richardson get acclimated and finding ways to win with backup Gardner Minshew, making the Colts a better suited team for Bryce Young, had he landed there.

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Seahawks selected cornerback Devon Witherspoon over Zay Flowers, the player initially considered for the pick due to the former’s legitimacy as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

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Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. was good at right tackle, yet Will Anderson Jr., with 39 pressures, was seen as a more viable choice, despite only having three sacks.

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Levis proved that he could go beyond the 33rd pick based on his potential, posing a better option for the Raiders despite facing constant pressure in Tennessee.

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Falcons running back Bijan Robinson turned out to be an asset for the team as a more versatile player, debunking the notion that his selection was too high for a running back.

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Cornerback Gonzalez emerged as a playmaking presence for the Patriots, a better choice for them compared to offensive tackle Darnell Wright, who allowed the most sacks among rookie offensive linemen.

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Titans’ Peter Skoronski proved to be the best player in their offensive line, yet an upgrade in the tackle position was still needed. Johnson, from the Cardinals, was a solid performer and a more versatile choice for the team.

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Tuipulotu, favorite in the draft, became a game-wrecker for the Chargers. He was a better pick than Lukas Van Ness, who played like a first-rounder for the Steelers by becoming a reliable cornerback with six pass breakups.

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The Steelers chose Brian Branch to address their need for a nickel back, given Branch’s exceptional speed despite a slower 40-yard dash time.

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The Jets initially targeted Will McDonald IV but had lost him when the Steelers selected Jones. The Jets then went with Jones, who plays left tackle and has versatility, addressing their team’s biggest weakness.

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The Commanders, in need of edge help after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young, opted for Young, who has been dominant for the Rams and leads all rookies. This choice addressed a significant defensive gap for the team.

For more draft coverage and expert analysis, listen to “With the First Pick” – the year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Check out the latest episode now!

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