2023 NFL Draft: Experts Share Insights on Top Picks, Safest Prospects, and More

As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, the anticipation is building, but the first-round picks remain shrouded in mystery. Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, and Josh Edwards weigh in on some of the key questions that will be answered on Thursday night when commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage.

1.Who should be taken as the No. 1 overall pick?

Ryan Wilson: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama – “He’s the standout quarterback in this class, showcasing his ability to do more with less compared to CJ Stroud and his Alabama predecessors, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. Despite his height of 5-10, he plays bigger and rarely has balls knocked down at the line of scrimmage. He’s unflappable, excelling at executing off-platform and from different arm angles with accuracy. He’s a Day 1 starter and arguable better than Tua and Mac when they were coming out of Alabama.”
Chris Trapasso: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida – “If the Panthers want to rebuild the right way, Richardson’s immense upside makes him an ideal choice as their quarterback.”

Josh Edwards: Young – “As the top prospect at the most crucial position in the game, Young’s skill set gives me the most confidence. While he may not have the highest ceiling, his intangibles and leadership qualities are unmatched in this class.”

2.Who is the safest prospect in the draft?

Wilson: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama – “Similar to Aidan Hutchinson, Chase Young, and Nick Bosa in previous drafts, Anderson is a safe pick. He has a passion for football, is a great teammate, and is dedicated to improving himself and those around him. While he had a slightly down year by his standards in 2022, his 2021 tape is filled with plays where college offenses struggled to contain him. He’s a game-changer and will make an immediate impact in the league.”
Trapasso: Anderson – “Even if he doesn’t become a hybrid of Khalil Mack and Von Miller, his floor is exceptionally high. He’s a three-down, high-caliber edge rusher from Day 1.”

Edwards: Brian Branch, S, Alabama – “While Anderson is certainly a strong contender, I believe Branch is the safest prospect. He has the versatility to fill various roles and I trust his preparedness to transition to the next level, even if his athletic testing doesn’t draw immediate attention from onlookers.”

3.Who is the prospect with the biggest red flag?

Wilson believes that Will Levis, QB from Kentucky, has some legitimate concerns based on his tape from last fall. Although Levis is physically gifted, his tape is inconsistent, and it’s hard to project him as a franchise quarterback. Trenton Simpson, LB from Clemson, is also a red flag for Trapasso due to his lack of sure tackling and inexperience in coverage. Edwards thinks that Hendon Hooker, QB from Tennessee, could be a red flag because of his age (24), a torn ACL, and exposure to an atypical offensive scheme.

4.Which team outside the top five should target a quarterback?

Wilson believes that teams like Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans, and Tennessee should consider targeting a quarterback among the top 45 picks, as they either have quarterbacks with short-term contracts or aging quarterbacks. Trapasso thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should target a quarterback, as Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask are not long-term solutions. Edwards thinks that the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings could benefit from adding a rookie quarterback to their roster due to their talent and depth across the board and veteran quarterbacks in place to ease the transition.

5.Who is one top prospect you expect to slide the furthest?

Wilson believes that Cam Smith, CB from South Carolina, may slide the furthest in the draft due to the gap between his game and the top corners in this class. Trapasso thinks Quentin Johnston, WR from TCU, could slide due to his lack of polish as a runner. Edwards thinks Nolan Smith, EDGE from Georgia, could slide if offensive tackles and cornerbacks go on a run after the Eagles’ pick at No. 10 overall.

6.Which player has the chance to be a surprise top-10 pick?

Wilson thinks Devon Witherspoon, CB from Illinois, could be a surprise top-10 pick due to his speed, coverage skills, and ability to play the run. Trapasso thinks Calijah Kancey, DT from Pittsburgh, could be a surprise pick due to the weak defensive tackle class and Kancey’s explosiveness as an interior rusher. Edwards thinks Bijan Robinson, RB from Texas, could be a surprise top-10 pick due to his caliber, which hasn’t been available since Saquon Barkley.