Chris Vaughn is the assistant director of college scouting for Dallas, and he and his son had for months avoided conversations about how the Cowboys viewed the younger Vaughn going into the NFL draft.

Father and son can talk about whatever they want now.

“To see him react the way that he did,” Deuce Vaughn said of his father hugging Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones and Jones’ son Stephen, the executive vice president of personnel. “I’m not going to lie, it was a tear-jerker.”

Chris Vaughn has been with the Cowboys since 2017 after an 18-year career in college coaching, including with the Texas Longhorns. Deuce Vaughn went to high school in the Austin area.

“I’ve never had an experience like that in the draft room,” said Jerry Jones, who bought the Cowboys in 1989.

Forget the family ties for a moment. Vaughn is the first running back drafted by Dallas since releasing two-time rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott in March.

While Tony Pollard is set to be the lead back playing on the $10.1 million franchise tag, Vaughn will always be the first draft pick of a new era in the Dallas backfield.

“Zeke for the past seven years I believe was the cornerstone of this franchise,” said Vaughn, showing he was up on his history. “Not only the way he runs the football, but protects the quarterback, does everything. I have some big shoes to fill as the next running back to be taken by the Cowboys.”

Playmaking was never the issue for Vaughn, who was a two-time Associated Press All-American as an all-purpose player with 2,962 yards rushing and 34 total touchdowns over the past two seasons for the Wildcats.

Size was an issue. Listed at 5-foot-6 in his Kansas State bio, the official number with the NFL is 5-5. He brings quick comparisons to another Kansas State star in Darren Sproles, who had a long NFL career as an elite kick returner.

Sproles, listed at 5-6 in his playing days, had already texted Vaughn before Vaughn’s telephone conversation with the team’s beat reporters.

“He said keep the short backs alive,” Vaughn said. “He said to go out there and make him proud.”

Vaughn was lightly recruited out of high school in the Austin suburb of Round Rock, and he was in Austin when he got the call from the Cowboys.

He said his mom was the first to see it was the Cowboys, and she started crying. Then word quickly spread to everybody else in the room.

“It got pretty loud, I’m not going to lie to you,” Vaughn said. “Just a great scene. Family, friends, everybody that kind of had a helping hand in getting me here was in that room.”

When the Cowboys were deciding, Stephen Jones said meetings had to be held away from Chris Vaughn because they knew the conversation would be awkward for him.

They tried to have a little fun with Chris Vaughn before realizing the moment was genuine enough to carry itself.

“It was a surprise to him as well when we made the decision,” Stephen Jones said. “It was really neat to see the look on his face.”

The drafting of Vaughn was the most exciting moment of a less-than-flashy draft for the Cowboys.

San Jose State defensive end Viliami Fehoko was the first pick of the final day for Dallas in the fourth round, followed by tackle Asim Richards of North Carolina in the fifth.

Before taking Vaughn 212th overall, the Cowboys traded up for the first pick of the sixth round and got Southern Miss cornerback Eric Scott Jr. Kansas City received a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft.

Dallas’ final pick was South Carolina receiver Jalen Brooks in the seventh round.

The Cowboys took Michigan players with their first two picks, getting defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round and tight end Luke Schoonmaker in the second. Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was the third-round choice.

“We’re very satisfied and fired up about our draft class,” Stephen Jones. “We accomplished about everything we wanted to get done. There’s no question we made our football team better.”

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They are the first team in the common draft era, which began in 1967, to take a quarterback and multiple skill position players from the same school in a single draft.

Los Angeles capped off its draft by taking TCU quarterback Max Duggan in the seventh round. It began the draft on Thursday by taking Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick and added teammate Derius Davis in the fourth round on Saturday.

“To reunite with Q and Derius, and we all get to be out there and be a part of a great franchise and be a part of a great team with a great coaching staff, that is going to be fun,” Duggan said.

Duggan was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and led the Horned Frogs to an appearance in the College Football Playoff title game against Georgia, which took place at the Chargers’ home, SoFi Stadium.

Duggan was the Big 12’s Offensive Player of the Year after accounting for 41 touchdowns (32 passing, nine rushing). With Justin Herbert entrenched as the Chargers’ quarterback, Duggan would presumably compete with Easton Stick for the backup spot.

“He’s tall, strong, physical, and fast, which typically aren’t the first four traits you would say about a quarterback,” Telesco said. “He has played at a high level and has good arm strength. He has a grittiness and toughness that is hard to find.”

Davis had 42 receptions for 531 yards and five touchdowns last season, but his biggest asset is as a return specialist. He ran back five punts and one kickoff for scores during his career, including two last season. His 15.0-yard career average on punt returns was third nationally among players with at least 40 returns.

“We’re really comfortable with him,” coach Brandon Staley said when asked if Davis would be his kickoff and punt returner going into the season. “We drafted him in the fourth round because we feel like he was one of the top returners in the country. And then looking at the landscape of both pro and college football, we felt like this guy has some special qualities.”

STRANGE, BUT TRUE

It’s the first time in 40 years the Chargers have drafted three players from the same school. In 1983, they selected linebacker Billy Ray Smith, running back Gary Anderson and cornerback Danny Walters from Arkansas.

The last time Los Angeles drafted two players from the same school who play the same position was in 1997, when they took North Carolina A&T linebackers Michael Hamilton and Toran James.

WHO ELSE THEY GOT

Jordan McFadden, who went in the fifth round, started 39 games at offensive tackle for Clemson and was voted the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top lineman. He will likely be moved to guard and provide depth for Zion Johnson and Jamaree Salyer.

Sixth-round pick Scott Matlock was a five-year starter on the defensive line at Boise State. He adds some special teams versatility after blocking a pair of kicks in 2020.

Southern California defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (second round) and Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley (third round) also add depth.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Chargers did well last year after the draft, adding some veteran depth at defensive line and linebacker. They are likely to be in the market for those areas again, as well as a tight end.

Los Angeles is trying to make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2009.

“Going into this draft, I felt was a little bit different than my first two drafts where we felt like there’s still some starting positions that are up for grabs and some things we needed to address,” Staley said. “I feel good about our starting 22, and the people we have coming back are really good. I felt like this was the draft where you can start to get in a rhythm of just picking the best players on the board that fit your team and culture.”

Tracking 2023 NFL Draft undrafted rookie free agent signings originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

You don’t have to hear your name called in the NFL draft to be successful.

Just ask players like Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Antonio Gates, Wes Welker and more on how undrafted rookies ended up establishing lengthy, successful careers in the big leagues.

That’ll now be the motivation for some of this year’s rookies who didn’t hear their names called in Kansas City, such as DB Eli Ricks (Alabama), DL DJ Dale (Alabama), S Ronnie Hickman Jr. (Ohio State) and more.  

RELATED: Full list of every pick from the 2023 NFL Draft

Here’s a team-by-team tracker on where undrafted rookies have signed following the conclusion of the 2023 draft:

Arizona Cardinals

• Jacob Slade, DL, Michigan State
• Matt Hembrough, LS, Oklahoma State
• Blake Whiteheart, TE, Wake Forest
• Kyle Soelle, LB, Arizona State
• Emari Demercado, RB, TCU
• Kendell Brooks, S, Michigan State

Atlanta Falcons

• Keilahn Harris, WR, Oklahoma Baptist
• Chase Brice, QB, Appalachian State
• Justin Marshall, WR, Buffalo
• Carlos Washington, RB, Southeastern Louisiana
• Matthew Trickett, K, Minnesota
• Ikenna Enechukwu, EDGE, Rice
• Jacob Gall, OL, Baylor

Baltimore Ravens

• Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
• Nolan Henderson, QB, Delaware
• Tashawn Manning, OL, Kentucky
• Jeremy Lucien, CB, Vanderbilt
• Jaylon Thomas, OL, SMU
• Tykeem Doss, OT, Southern Miss
• Travis Vokolek, TE, Nebraska
• Brian Walker, TE, Shepherd
• Camron Peterson, DE, Southern University
• Brandon Kipper, OL, Oregon State
• Corey Mayfield Jr., CB, UTSA
• Dontay Demus Jr., WR, Maryland
• Trey Botts, DT, Colorado State-Pueblo

Buffalo Bills

• Jalen Wayne, WR, South Alabama
• Jordan Mims, RB, Fresno State
• DJ Dale, DL, Alabama
• Richard Gouraige, OT, Florida
• Tyrell Shavers, WR, San Diego State

Carolina Panthers

• Colby Richardson, LB, LSU
• Rezjohn Wright, CB, Oregon State
• Camerun Peoples, RB, Appalachian State
• Austin Ajiake, LB, UNLV
• Mark Milton, CB, Baylor
• Eku Leota, EDGE, Auburn
• Bumper Pool, LB, Arkansas
• Josh Vann, WR, South Carolina
• Jalen Redmond, DT, Oklahoma
• Nash Jensen, OL, North Dakota State
• Nico Bolden, S, Kent State
• Travez Moore, DE, Arizona State
• Ricky Lee III, OT, North Carolina A&T

Chicago Bears

• Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepard
• Gabe Houy, G, Pittsburgh
• Andre Szymt, K, Syracuse
• Justin Broiles, CB, Oklahoma
• Jalen Harris, EDGE, Arizona
• Dominic Quewon, LB, Southern Miss
• Micah Baskerville, LB, LSU
• Robert Burns, RB, Connecticut
• Macon Clark, S, Tulane
• Devonnsha Maxwell, DL, Tennessee-Chattanooga

Cincinnati Bengals

• Jaxson Kirkland, G, Washington
• Larry Brooks III, S, Tulane
• Jalen Moody, LB, Alabama
• Devonnsha Maxwell, DB, Chattanooga
• Mac Hippenhammer, WR, Miami (OH)
• Shake Heyward, LB, Duke
• Shedrick Jackson, WR, Auburn
• Jacob Saylors, RB, East Tennessee
• Calvin Tyler, RB, Utah State

Cleveland Browns

• Hassan Hall, RB, Georgia Tech
• Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
• Tanner McCallister, CB, Ohio State
• Mohamoud Diabate, EDGE, Utah
• Caleb Biggers, CB, Boise State

Dallas Cowboys

• Earl Bostick Jr., OT, Kansas
• T.J. Bass, OL, Oregon
• Durrell Johnson, OLB, Liberty
• Tyrus Wheat, OLB, Miss. State
• Jose Barbon, WR, Temple
• David Durden, WR, West Florida
• Hunter Luepke, FB, North Dakota State
• Princeton Fant, TE, Tennessee
• Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
• Isaiah Land, TE, Florida A&M

Denver Broncos

• Art Green, CB, Houston
• Dallas Daniels, WR, Jackson State
• Alex Palczewski, OL, Illinois
• Nate Adkins, TE, South Carolina
• Kris Leach, TE, Kent State
• Thomas Incoom, EDGE, Central Michigan
• Devon Matthews, S, Indiana
• Emmanuel Wilson, RB, Fort Valley State

Detroit Lions

• Chase Cota, WR, Oregon
• Mohamed Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota
• Adrian Martinez, QB, Kansas State
• Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
• Starling Thomas V, CB, UAB
• Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor
• Isaac Darkangelo, LB, Illinois
• Ryan Swoboda, OT, UCF
• Zach Morton, DE, Akron

Green Bay Packers

• Christian Morgan, S, Baylor
• Kadeem Telfort, OT, Alabama-Birmingham
• Henry Pearson, TE, Appalachian State
• Benny Sapp III, CB, Northern Iowa
• Deuce Watts, WR, Tulane
• Jason Lewan, DL, Illinois State
• Malik Heath, WR, Ole Miss

Houston Texans

• Xazavian Valladay, RB, Arizona State
• Joe Doyle, P, Memphis
• Dylan Deatherage, C, Western Michigan
• T.K. McClendon Jr., EDGE, Eastern Kentucky
• Darius Joiner, DB, Duke
• Kilian Zierer, OT, Auburn
• Ali Gaye, EDGE, USC
• Jared Wayne, WR, Pitt
• Tyler Beach, OT, Wisconsin

Indianapolis Colts

• Caleb Sampson, DT, Kansas
• Titus Swen, RB, Wyoming
• Guy Thomas, LB, Colorado
• Johnny King, WR, Southeast Missouri
• Braxton Westfield, WR, Carson Newman
• Zavier Scott, RB, Maine
• Darius Hagans, RB, Virginia State
• Cody Chrest, WR, Sam Houston State
• Tyler Richardson, CB, Tiffin
• Donavan Mutin, LB, Houston
• Aaron Maddox, S, Campbell
• Cole Coleman, S, Elon
• Liam Anderson, LB, Holy Cross
• Emil Ekiyor Jr, OL, Alabama

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Divaad Wilson, CB, UCF 
• Samuel Jackson, G, Central Florida
• Leonard Taylor, TE, Cincinnati
• Elijah Cooks, WR, San Jose State
• Jaray Jenkins, WR, LSU
• Jayson Ademilola, DL, Notre Dame

Kansas City Chiefs

• Cam Jones, LB, Indiana
• Reese Taylor, CB, Purdue
• Isaiah Norman, S, Marshall
• Anderson Hardy, OL, Appalachian State
• Anthony Cook, S, Texas
• Deneric Prince, RB, Tulsa
• Zane Pope, WR, Fresno State
• Ty Scott, WR, Missouri State
• Josh Mote, OT, LA Tech
• Nikko Remigio, WR/KR, Fresno State
• Blake Haynes, OL, Tarleton
• James Letcher, WR, Washburn
• Martez Manuel, S, Missouri

Las Vegas Raiders

• Azizi Hearn, RB, UCLA
• Jaydon Grant, DB, Oregon State
• McClendon Curtis, OT, Chattanooga
• Dalton Wagner, OT, Arkansas
• Jordan Perryman, DB, UC Davis

Los Angeles Chargers

• Pokey Wilson, WR, Florida State
• Jerrod Clark, DT, Coastal Carolina
• Andrew Farmer, EDGE, Lane
• Nic Meslop, OL, Delta State
• Cam Brown, CB, Ohio State
• Mikel Jones, LB, Syracuse
• Terrance Lang, DL, Colorado
• Tiawan Mullen, CB, Indiana
• AJ Finley, CB, Mississippi
• Brevin Allen, LB, Campbell
• Tyler Baker-Williams, S, NC State
• Johari Branch, C, Maryland
• AJ Uzodinma, CB, Ball State
• Terrell Bynum, WR, USC
• Elijah Dotson, RB, Northern Colorado
• Nathan East, LB, Samford
• Michael Ezeike, TE, UCLA
• Tyler Hoosman, RB, North Dakota State

Los Angeles Rams

• Rashad Torrence II, S, Florida
• Kelech Anyalebechi, LB, Incarnate Word
• Mike McAllister, C, Youngstown State
• Tanner Ingle, S, North Carolina State
• Tyon Davis, CB, Tulsa
• Jordan Jones, CB, Rhode Island
• Christopher Dunn, K, NC State

Miami Dolphins

• James Blackman, QB, Arkansas State
• Anthony Montalvo, DL, UCF
• Daewood Davis, WR, Western Kentucky
• Zeke Vandenberg, LB, Illinois State
• Randy Charlton, DL, Mississippi State
• Julian Hill, TE, Campbell
• Brandon Pili, DL, USC
• Jarrett Horst, OL, Michigan State
• Chris Brooks, RB, BYU
• Garrett Nelson, LB, Nebraska
• Mitchell Agude, EDGE, Miami
• Ethan Bonner, DB, Stanford
• Bennett Williams, S, Oregon
• Aubrey Miller, LB, Jackson State
• Chris Coleman, WR, Cal Poly

Minnesota Vikings

• Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati
• Andre Carter II, LB, Army
• CJ Coldon, CB, Oklahoma
• Cephus Johnson, WR, Southeastern Louisiana
• Malik Knowles, WR, Kansas State
• Ben Sims, TE, Baylor
• Jack Podlesney, K, Georgia
• Calvin Avery, DT, Illinois
• Abraham Beauplan, LB, Marshall
• Jacky Chen, OL, Pace
• Jaylin Williams, CB, Indiana
• Wilson Huber, LB, Cincinnati
• Thayer Thomas, WR, NC State
• NaJee Thompson, CB, Georgia Southern
• Alama Uluave, C, San Diego State
• Alan Ali, OL, TCU

New England Patriots

• Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
• Johnny Lumpkin, TE, Louisiana

New Orleans Saints

• SaRodorick Thompson, RB, Texas Tech
• Nick Anderson, LB, Tulane
• Shaquan Davis, WR, South Carolina State 
• Sy Barnett, WR, Davenport
• Joel Wilson, TE, Central Michigan
• Anfernee Orji, LB, Vanderbilt
• Mark Evans II, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
• Alex Pihlstrom, C, Illinois
• Lou Henry, P, Miami
• Anthony Johnson, DB, Virginia
• Blake Grupe, K, Notre Dame

New York Giants

• Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
• Tommy DeVito, QB, Illinois
• Habakkuk Baldonado, DE, Pittsburgh
• Alex Cook, S, Washington
• Dyontae Johnson, LB, Toledo

New York Jets

• Travis Dye, RB, USC
• Jason Brownlee, WR, Southern Miss
• Tim Demorat, QB, Fordham
• Marquis Waters, S, Texas Tech
• Deslin Alexandre, DL, Pittsburgh
• T.J. Luther, WR, Gardner-Webb
• Claudin Cherelus, LB, Alcorn State
• Maalik Hall, LB, Oklahoma State
• Kahlef Hailassie, CB, Kentucky
• EJ Jenkins, TE, Georgia Tech
• KD Hill, DL, Ole Miss
• Caleb Johnson, LB, Miami

Philadelphia Eagles

• Eli Ricks, DB, Alabama
• Mekhi Garner, CB, LSU
• Joseph Ngata, WR, Clemson
• Jadon Haselwood, WR, Arkansas
• Ty Zentner, P, Kansas State
• Joseph Ngata, WR, Clemson
• Trevor Reid, OT, Louisville

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Tanner Morgan, QB, Minnesota
• Monte Pottebaum, FB, Iowa
• Jordan Byrd, RB, San Diego State
• David Perales, EDGE, Fresno State

San Francisco 49ers

• Joey Fisher, OL, Shepard
• Avery Young, DB, Rutgers
• Jack Colletto, LB/FB, Oregon State
• Shae Wyatt, WR, Tulane
• Ronald Awatt, RB, UTEP
• Ilm Manning, OL, Hawaii

Seattle Seahawks

• Holton Ahlers, QB, East Carolina
• Jake Bobo, WR, UCLA
• Tyjon Lindsey, WR, Oregon State
• Cam Bright, LB, Pittsburgh
• Griffin Hebert, TE, LA Tech
• Chris Stoll, LS, Penn State
• Arquon Bush, CB, Cincinnati
• Noah Gindorff, TE, North Dakota State
• Jonathan Sutherland, DB, Penn State
• Cam Bright, LB, Washington
• Robert Cooper, DT, Florida State
• John Hall, WR, Northwood
• M.J. Anderson, DE, Iowa State
• Jalen Redmond, DT, Oklahoma
• Chris Smith, RB, Louisiana
• Matt Landers, WR, Arkansas
• Lance Boykin, CB, Coastal Carolina

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Kade Warner, WR, Kansas State
• Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse 
• Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
• Keenan Isaac, DB, Alabama State
• Chris Murray, OL, Oklahoma
• Christian Izien, S, Rutgers
• Kaevon Merriweather, S, Iowa
• Ronnie Brown, RB, Shepherd
• Tanner Taula, TE, Illinois State
• Ryan Miller, WR, Furman
• Silas Dzansi, OL, Virginia Tech
• Jeremy Banks, LB, Tennessee
• Jake Bates, K, Arkansas

Tennessee Titans

• TK McClendon Jr., DL, Kentucky
• Thomas Rush, OLB, Minnesota
• Kearis Jackson, WR, Georgia
• John Ojukwu, OT, Boise State
• Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State
• Maxwell Worship, LB, Vanderbilt
• Steven Jones Jr., CB, Appalachian State
• Charles McClelland, RB, Cincinnati
• Shakel Brown, DT, Troy

Washington Commanders

• Mitchell Tinsley, WR, Penn State
• Mason Brooks, OL, Ole Miss
• Joshua Pryor, DL, Bowie State
• Xavier Henderson, S, Michigan State
• Kazmeir Allen, WR/KR, UCLA
• D.J. Stirgus, CB, Missouri Western

The “Mr. Irrelevant” title is staying in California.

With the No. 259 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Desjuan Johnson, defensive end out of Toledo. The pick designated Johnson as the latest Mr. Irrelevant, a title given to the player taken last in the annual event.

Though the Mr. Irrelevant tag typically doesn’t carry significant weight, the player who went last in 2022 became quite the relevant figure around the league after leading his team to success despite strenuous circumstances.

That gives Johnson a platform to possibly replicate some good fortune in his own rookie season. Here’s what to know about Johnson, the 2023 NFL Draft’s Mr. Irrelevant: 

How old is Desjuan Johnson?

Johnson is 23 years old. He is a native of Detroit, Mich.

What school did Desjuan Johnson attend? 

Johnson attended the University of Toledo (MAC) for all five years of his college eligibility. 

What position does Desjuan Johnson play?

Johnson is a 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive lineman, who can play both off the edge or inside. 

Who drafted Desjuan Johnson?

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Johnson with pick No. 259 in the 2023 NFL Draft – the last pick of the draft.

What were Desjuan Johnson’s college stats?

Through five seasons (51 games total), Johnson logged 210 total tackles (88 solo, 122 assists, 45.5 for a loss), 14.5 sacks and one interception. He was a three-star recruit coming out of East English Village Prep in Detroit.

Johnson was once described by Bowling Green head coach Scott Loeffler as the “Aaron Donald of the MAC.” That might explain why the Rams chose him.

Who was the “Mr. Irrelevant” in the 2022 NFL Draft?

In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers took QB Brock Purdy out of Iowa State with the last pick of the draft. Initially being on the roster as a third-stringer behind Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy eventually ascended to becoming an Offensive Player of the Year finalist when injuries to the aforementioned two put the spotlight on the Cyclone product.

The 49ers, which had a Super Bowl-caliber roster, maintained that title with Purdy helping the team to a 5-0 record as a starter in the regular season before winning his first two playoff games. However, an injury early on in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles – later to be diagnosed as a UCL injury – caused him to miss out the rest of the game, which the 49ers lost.

But the young quarterback showed it’s not where you’re taken in the draft that defines you, it’s how you optimize your situation and prove that you belong. Johnson will look to do the same as part of the Rams’ defensive-line rotation in 2023 and beyond.

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Full list of every pick from the 2023 NFL Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books.

From Thursday through Saturday, 259 prospects heard their names called as they officially became NFL players.

It started on Thursday night, when the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will join a rebuilding team with first-year head coach Frank Reich, who previously led the Indianapolis Colts.

After 31 picks on Thursday, action continued on Friday with the second and third rounds. The final four rounds took place on Saturday, with the Los Angeles Rams taking DE Desjuan Johnson out of Toledo as “Mr. Irrelevant” — the last pick of the event. 

Here’s a complete look at every pick from the 2023 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3. Houston Texans (from Arizona): Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

6. Arizona Cardinals (from L.A. Rams through Detroit): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

9. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina through Chicago): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

10. Chicago Bears (from New Orleans through Philadelphia): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

12. Detroit Lions (from Cleveland through Houston and Arizona): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

13. Green Bay Packers (from N.Y. Jets): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (from New England): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

15. New York Jets (from Green Bay): Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

17. New England Patriots (from Pittsburgh): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

24. New York Giants (from Jacksonville): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

25. Buffalo Bills (from Jacksonville through N.Y. Giants): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Buffalo): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Round 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

33. Tennessee Titans (from Houston through Arizona): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

34. Detroit Lions (from Arizona): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

35. Las Vegas Raiders (from Indianapolis): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

36. Los Angeles Rams: Steve Avila, OL, TCU

37. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

38. Atlanta Falcons (from Las Vegas through Indianapolis): Matt Bergeron, OL, Syracuse

39. Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

40. New Orleans Saints: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

41. Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee): BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

42. Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland through N.Y. Jets): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

43. New York Jets: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

44. Indianapolis Colts (from Atlanta): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

45. Detroit Lions (from Green Bay): Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

46. New England Patriots: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech

47. Washington Commanders: Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois

48. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Detroit through Green Bay): Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

50. Green Bay Packers (from Tampa Bay): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

51. Miami Dolphins: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

52. Seattle Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

53. Chicago Bears (from Baltimore): Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida

54. Los Angeles Chargers: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC

55. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota through Detroit): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

56. Chicago Bears (from Jacksonville): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)

57. New York Giants: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

58. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

59. Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

60. Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan

61. Jacksonville Jaguars (from San Francisco through Carolina and Chicago): Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State

62. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia): Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State

63. Denver Broncos (from Kansas City through Detroit): Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma

Round 3

64. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 

65. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

66. Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois 

67. Denver Broncos (from Indianapolis):  Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas 

68. Detroit Lions (from Denver): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

69. Los Angeles Rams: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston

70. Las Vegas Raiders: Byron Young, DT, Alabama

71. New Orleans Saints: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

72. Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

73. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

74. Cleveland Browns (from N.Y. Jets): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

75. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State

76. New England Patriots (from Carolina): Marte Mapu, ILB, Sacramento State

77. Los Angeles Rams (from New England through Miami): Byron Young, DE, Tennessee

78. Green Bay Packers: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

79. Indianapolis Colts (from Washington): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

80. Carolina Panthers (from Pittsburgh): DJ Johnson, EDGE, Oregon

81. Tennessee Titans (from Detroit through Arizona): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: YaYa Diaby, DE, Louisville

83. Denver Broncos (from Seattle): Riley Moss, CB, Iowa

84. Miami Dolphins: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

85. Los Angeles Chargers: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

86. Baltimore Ravens: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

87. San Francisco 49ers (from Minnesota): Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn

89. Los Angeles Rams (from N.Y. Giants): Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest

90. Dallas Cowboys: LB DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

91. Buffalo Bills: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

92. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cincinnati): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

93. Pittsburgh Steelers (from San Francisco through Carolina): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

94. Arizona Cardinals (from Philadelphia): Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

95. Cincinnati Bengals (from Kansas City): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

96. Detriot Lions (compensatory selection from Arizona): Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky

97. Washington Commanders (compensatory selection): Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas

98. Cleveland Browns (special compensatory selection): Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

99. San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection): Jake Moody, K, Michigan

100. Las Vegas Raiders (special compensatory selection from Kansas City through N.Y. Giants): Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati

101. San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection): Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama

102. Minnesota Vikings (special compensatory selection from San Francisco): Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC

Round 4

103. New Orleans Saints (from Chicago): Nick Saldiveri, OG, Old Dominion

104. Las Vegas Raiders (from Houston): Jakorian Bennett, DB, Maryland

105. Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona through Houston): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

106. Indianapolis Colts: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

107. New England Patriots (from L.A. Rams): Jake Andrews, C, Troy

108. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU

109. Houston Texans (from Las Vegas): Dylan Horton, EDGE, TCU

110. Indianapolis Colts (from Tennessee through Atlanta): Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern

111. Cleveland Browns: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

112. New England Patriots (from N.Y. Jets): Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

113. Atlanta Falcons: Clark Phillips, CB, Utah

114. Carolina Panthers: Chandler Zavala, OG, NC State

115. Chicago Bears (from New Orleans): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas

116. Green Bay Packers: Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn

117. New England Patriots: Sidy Sow, OG, Eastern Michigan

118. Washington Commanders: Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah

119. Kansas City Chiefs (from Detroit through Minnesota): Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech

120. New York Jets (from Pittsburgh through New England): Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh

121. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tampa Bay): Ventrell Miller, LB, Florida

122. Arizona Cardinals (from Miami through Kansas City and Detroit): Jon Gaines II, OG, UCLA

123. Seattle Seahawks: Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State

124. Baltimore Ravens: Tavius Robinson, EDGE, Ole Miss

125. Los Angeles Chargers: Derius Davis, WR, TCU

126. Cleveland Browns (from Minnesota): Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri

127. New Orleans Saints (from Jacksonville): Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State

128. Los Angeles Rams (from N.Y. Giants): Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia

129. Dallas Cowboys: Viliami Fehoko Jr., DE, San Jose State

130. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Buffalo): Tyler Lacy, DE, Oklahoma State

131. Cincinnati Bengals: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

132. Pittsburgh Steelers (from San Francisco through Carolina): Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin

133. Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

134. Minnesota Vikings (from Kansas City): Jay Ward, CB, LSU

135. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory selection from New England): Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue

Round 5

136. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chicago): Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville

137. Washington Commanders (from Arizona through Buffalo): K.J. Henry, DE, Clemson

138. Indianapolis Colts: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

139. Arizona Cardinals (from Denver through Detroit): Clayton Tune, QB, Houston

140. Cleveland Browns (from L.A. Rams): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA

141. Minnesota Vikings (from Las Vegas through Indianapolis): Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU

142. Cleveland Browns: Cam Mitchell, CB, Northwestern

143. New York Jets: Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh

144. New England Patriots (from Atlanta through Las Vegas): Atonio Mafi, OG, UCLA

145. Carolina Panthers: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

146. New Orleans Saints: Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota

147. Tennessee Titans: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati

148. Chicago Bears (from New England through Baltimore): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

149. Green Bay Packers: Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State

150. Buffalo Bills (from Washington): Justin Shorter, WR, Florida

151. Seattle Seahawks (from Pittsburgh): Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan

152. Detroit Lions: Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary

153. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh

154. Seattle Seahawks: Oluseun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan

155. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami): Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama

156. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan McFadden, OG, Clemson

157. Baltimore Ravens: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford

158. Indianapolis Colts (from Minnesota): Daniel Scott, S, California

159. Green Bay Packers (from Jacksonville through Atlanta and Detroit): Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia

160. Jacksonville Jaguars (from N.Y. Giants): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

161. Los Angeles Rams (from Dallas through Houston): Nick Hampton, OLB, Appalachian State

162. Indianapolis Colts (from Buffalo): Will Mallory, TE, Miami (FL)

163. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois

164. Minnesota Vikings (from San Francisco): Jaren Hall, QB, BYU

165. Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia through New Orleans): Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota

166. Kansas City Chiefs: BJ Thompson, OLB, Stephen F. Austin

167. Houston Texans (compensatory selection from L.A. Rams): Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama

168. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory selection): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn

169. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina

170. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory selection from Green Bay through New York): Christopher Smith, S, Georgia

171. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (compensatory selection from L.A. Rams): Payne Durham, TE, Purdue

172. New York Giants (compensatory selection): Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma

173. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection): Robert Beal Jr., DE, Georgia

174. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection from Las Vegas through Houston): Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia

175. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection from Tampa Bay): Davis Allen, TE, Clemson

176. Indianapolis Colts from Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern

177. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection): Puka Nacua, WR, BYU

Round 6

178. Dallas Cowboys (from Chicago through Miami and Kansas City): Eric Scott Jr., CB, Southern Miss

179. Green Bay Packers (from Houston through Tampa Bay): Karl Brooks, DE, Bowling Green

180. Arizona Cardinals: Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville

181. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Indianapolis): Josh Hayes, CB, Kansas State

182. Los Angeles Rams: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

183. Denver Broncos: JL Skinner, S, Boise State

184. New York Jets (from Las Vegas through New England): Zaire Barnes, OLB, Western Michigan

185. Jacksonville Jaguars (from N.Y. Jets): Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

186. Tennessee Titans (from Atlanta): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

187. New England Patriots (from Carolina): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

188. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans through Houston): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford

189. Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee): Ochaun Mathis, DE, Nebraska

190. Cleveland Browns: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State

191. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Green Bay through L.A. Rams, Houston and Philadelphia): Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska

192. New England Patriots: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

193. Washington Commanders: Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky

194. Kansas City Chiefs (from Detroit): Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas

195. New Orleans Saints (from Pittsburgh through Denver): A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

196. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jose Ramirez, OLB, Eastern Michigan

197. Miami Dolphins: Elijah Higgins, WR, Stanford

198. Seattle Seahawks: Jerrick Reed II, S, New Mexico

199. Baltimore Ravens: Sala Aumavae-Laulu, OL, Oregon

200. Los Angeles Chargers: Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State

201. Houston Texans (from Minnesota): Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame

202. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Braswell, CB, Rutgers

203. Las Vegas Raiders (from N.Y. Giants through Houston): Amari Burney, OLB, Florida

204. New York Jets (from Dallas through Las Vegas): Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, LSU

205. Houston Texans (from Buffalo): Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

206. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton

207. Green Bay Packers (from San Francisco through Houston and N.Y. Jets): Anders Carlson, K, Auburn

208. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Philadelphia): Erick Hallett II, S, Pittsburgh

209. New York Giants (from Kansas City): Tre Hawkins III, CB, Old Dominion

210. New England Patriots (compensatory selection): Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty

211. Indianapolis Colts (compensatory selection from Minnesota): Titus Leo, LB, Wagner

212. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

213. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory selection): Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia

214. New England Patriots (compensatory selection from Las Vegas): Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State

215. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection from Washington through Buffalo): Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss

216. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection): Dee Winters, LB, TCU

217. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory selection from Kansas City): Brad Robbins, P, Michigan

Round 7

218. Chicago Bears: Travis Bell, DT, Kennesaw State

219. Detroit Lions (from Houston through Minnesota and Philadelphia): Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina

220. New York Jets (from Arizona through Las Vegas): Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion

221. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M

222. Minnesota Vikings (from Denver through San Francisco): DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB

223. Los Angeles Rams: Ethan Evans, P, Wingate

224. Atlanta Falcons (from Las Vegas): DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama

225. Atlanta Falcons: Jovaughn Gwyn, OL, South Carolina

226. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Carolina): Cooper Hodgers, OL, Appalachian State

227. Jacksonville Jaguars (from New Orleans): Raymond Vohasek, DT, North Carolina

228. Tennessee Titans: Colton Dowell, WR, UT Martin

229. Baltimore Ravens (from Cleveland): Andrew Vorhees, OG, USC

230. Buffalo Bills (from N.Y. Jets through Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Houston): Nick Broeker, OG, Ole Miss

231. Las Vegas Raiders (from New England): Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State

232. Green Bay Packers: Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky

233. Washington Commanders: Andre Jones Jr., EDGE, Louisiana

234. Los Angeles Rams (from Pittsburgh): Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State

235. Green Bay Packers (from Detroit through L.A. Rams): Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan

236. Indianapolis Colts (from Tampa Bay): Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan

237. Seattle Seahawks: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia

238. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

239. Los Angeles Chargers: Max Duggan, QB, TCU

240. Jacksonville Jaguars (from N.Y. Giants through Baltimore): Derek Parish, EDGE, Houston

241. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Minnesota through Denver): Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue

242. Green Bay Packers (from Jacksonville): Anthony Johnson, CB, Virginia

243. New York Giants: Jordon Riley, DT, Oregon

244. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina

245. New England Patriots (from Buffalo through Atlanta): Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State

246. Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Ivey, DB, Miami

247. San Francisco 49ers: Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma

248. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia): Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh

249. Philadelphia Eagles (from Kansas City through Detroit): Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas

250. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory selection): Nic Jones, CB, Ball State

251. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory selection from L.A. Rams): Spencer Anderson, G, Maryland

252. Buffalo Bills (compensatory selection from Tampa Bay through L.A. Rams): Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State

253. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection): Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan

254. New York Giants (compensatory selection): Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston

255. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection): Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue

256. Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection): Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte

257. Denver Broncos (compensatory selection from New Orleans): Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon

258. Chicago Bears (compensatory selection): Kendall Williamson, DB, Stanford

259. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection from Houston): Desjuan Johnson, DT, Toledo

Stars of ‘Ted Lasso’ announce Miami Dolphins’ NFL draft pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Football is life!

Wait, that line from the show “Ted Lasso” is actually about European football, which is also known as soccer. But it certainly applied to those who play American football and heard their names called this weekend during the 2023 NFL Draft.

Two of the stars from “Ted Lasso” made a cameo during ESPN’s broadcast of the draft on Saturday. Kola Bokinni, who plays AFC Richmond team captain Isaac McAdoo, and Cristo Fernandez, who plays optimistic striker Dani Rojas of “Football is life!” fame, appeared on screen from Tottenham Spurs Stadium in the United Kingdom. They announced that the Miami Dolphins selected Stanford’s Elijah Higgins with their sixth-round pick.

“We’re currently at the Tottenham Spurs Stadium with the Miami Dolphins,” Bokinni said before announcing the pick.

“And we know a thing or two about football,” Fernandez said. 

“No, this is American football,” Bokinni responded.

“Right,” Fernandez said. “So, we have no idea what we are doing here, but we’re having lots of fun.”

The show “Ted Lasso” – a two-time Emmy winner for Outstanding Comedy Series – recently returned to Apple TV+ for its third season. Jason Sudeikis stars as the title character, a former American football coach who is coaching a soccer team in London.

Fernandez surprisingly did not say his famous line from the show during his appearance, even though football most certainly is life for draftees like Higgins. Instead, he closed with a shoutout for Miami.

“Go Dolphins!” Fernandez said. “Fins up!”

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There was a frenzy of activity in the first three rounds of the NFL draft.

It began with two quarterbacks being selected with the first two picks for just the ninth time in modern draft history, with Bryce Young going No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers and C.J. Stroud going second to the Houston Texans. 

There were a series of trades, including the Texans trading up to the No. 3 pick to take defensive end Will Anderson with the second of their back-to-back picks.

RELATED: Full list of every pick from the 2023 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts then used the fourth pick to select quarterback Anthony Richardson, making it the fourth time in modern draft history that QBs were selected with three of the first four picks, and the first time in history that three black quarterbacks were selected in the top 10. 

The Detroit Lions made the surprise selection of the first round, using the No. 12 pick to add running back Jahmyr Gibbs to their crowded backfield.

It all made for some very clear winners and losers after day one of the draft.

With talented prospects still on the board heading into Day 3, expect more trades and surprises as the draft concludes on Saturday with the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. Here’s what to know about this year’s event:

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held throughout a three-day span starting on Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29. Here are when the rounds will start for each day:

• Round 1 (Thursday): 8 p.m. ET
• Rounds 2-3 (Friday): 7 p.m. ET
• Rounds 4-7 (Saturday): 12 p.m. ET

Where is the NFL draft in 2023?

Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., is the host location of the 2023 NFL Draft. It is the city’s first time hosting the event. 

How to watch the 2023 NFL Draft

ESPN, ABC and NFL Network will broadcast the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Where to stream the 2023 NFL Draft

The draft will be available to stream on WatchESPN, CBS Sports HQ, NFL.com and fuboTV (free trial).

Stefon Diggs. Jason Kelce. George Kittle.

Those are just a few active players who went from late-round draft selection to NFL star. Diggs and Kittle didn’t get picked until the fifth round, while Kelce lasted all the way until Round 6.

All 32 teams will be hoping to strike the same kind of gold when the 2023 NFL Draft concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. A total of 157 picks will be made over the final four rounds.

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So who will be this year’s late-round steals? Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of some of the best players still on the board entering the fourth round, according to ESPN and NFL.com:

Quarterback

• Stetson Bennett, Georgia
• Max Duggan, TCU
• Jake Haener, Fresno State
• Jaren Hall, BYU
• Tanner McKee, Stanford
• Aidan O’Connell, Purdue
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA
• Clayton Tune, Houston

Running back

• Israel Abanikanda, Pitt
• Chase Brown, Illinois
• Zach Evans, Mississippi
• Eric Gray, Oklahoma
• Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
• Roschon Johnson, Texas
• DeWayne McBride, UAB
• Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State

Wide receiver

• Elijah Higgins, Stanford
• Antoine Green, UNC
• Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
• Parker Washington, Penn State
• Charlie Jones, Purdue
• Trey Palmer, Nebraska
• A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
• Tyler Scott, Cincinnati

Tight end

• Davis Allen, Clemson
• Payne Durham, Purdue
• Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State
• Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
• Will Mallory, Miami
• Blake Whiteheart, Wake Forest
• Josh Whyle, Cincinnati

Offensive tackle

• Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
• Joey Fisher, Shepherd
• Blake Freeland, BYU
• Ryan Hayes, Michigan
• Dawand Jones, Ohio State
• Warren McClendon, Georgia
• Carter Warren, Pitt

Offensive guard

• Anthony Bradford, LSU
• Nick Broeker, Mississippi
• McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga
• Braeden Daniels, Utah
• Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama
• Andrew Vorhees, USC
• Chandler Zavala, NC State

Center

• Alan Ali, TCU
• Jake Andrews, Troy
• Alex Forsyth, Oregon
• Corey Luciano, Washington
• Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
• Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
• Luke Wypler, Ohio State

Defensive tackle

• Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
• Keondre Coburn, Texas
• DJ Dale, Alabama
• Scott Matlock, Boise State
• Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma
• Jaquelin Roy, LSU
• Cameron Young, Mississippi State

Defensive end

• Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
• K.J. Henry, Clemson
• Dylan Horton, TCU
• Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State
• Isaiah McGuire, Missouri
• Mike Morris, Michigan
• Moro Ojomo, Texas

EDGE

• Yasir Abdullah, Louisville
• Andre Carter II, Army
• Nick Hampton, App State
• Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
• Lonnie Phelps, Kansas
• Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
• Tavius Robinson, Mississippi

Linebacker

• SirVocea Dennis, Pitt
• Ventrell Miller, Florida
• Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati
• Owen Pappoe, Auburn
• Noah Sewell, Oregon
• Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama
• Dee Winters, TCU

Cornerback

• Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
• Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
• Clark Phillips III, Utah
• Kelee Ringo, Georgia
• Darius Rush, South Carolina
• Terell Smith, Minnesota
• Cory Trice, Purdue

Safety

• Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
• Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State
• Jammie Robinson, Florida State
• Daniel Scott, Cal
• JL Skinner, Boise State
• Christopher Smith, Georgia
• Jay Ward, LSU

Kicker

• Anders Carlson, Auburn
• Christopher Dunn, NC State
• Jack Podlesny, Georgia
• B.T. Potter, Clemson
• Chad Ryland, Maryland

Punter

• Bryce Baringer, Michigan State
• Paxton Brooks, Tennessee
• Adam Korsak, Rutgers
• Brad Robbins, Michigan
• Michael Turk, Oklahoma

The selection of Schoonmaker comes after Dallas took Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith 26th overall in the first round. Dallas had the 90th overall pick in the third round later Friday.

There was talk of Dallas taking a tight end in the first round, but Utah’s Dalton Kincaid was the only one taken on opening night, by Buffalo when the Bills traded up two spots to get one pick ahead of the Cowboys.

Two more top prospects at tight end went early in the second round. Detroit took Iowa’s Sam LaPorta with the third pick in the second round, 34th overall. Las Vegas grabbed Michael Mayer of Notre Dame with the next selection.

The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz to Houston in free agency after he played on the franchise tag last season. But Dallas is high on two players who had strong rookie seasons in 2022: fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson and undrafted free agent Peyton Hendershot.

Schoonmaker makes the transition to the NFL with more of a reputation as a run blocker. His career high in yards receiving at Michigan was 418 last season. He had three touchdowns each of the past two years as the Wolverines reached the College Football Playoff both times, losing in the semifinals.

Cody Mauch was all smiles Friday after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

And when the 24-year-old offensive lineman flashed that grin, his two front teeth were missing.

Mauch’s longtime trademark look, along with his flowing red locks, might make him look more like a hockey player or a member of the Night’s Watch from “Game of Thrones.” But he soon will own one of the most famous smiles in NFL history, joining the gap-toothed Michael Strahan in the league’s dental pantheon.

Mauch was selected by the Bucs with the No. 48 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 302-pound tackle told reporters he lost his two front teeth in middle school after colliding with a friend while diving for a loose ball during a basketball game. Attempts to fix them led to repeated trips to the orthodontist.

“I went through the process of trying to get them fixed with braces, retainers, these little flippers … all sorts of stuff,” Mauch told reporters during the NFL Combine. “And eventually I kept breaking and losing my retainers all the time, and my mom would get so mad at me all the time because I would have to keep going back to the orthodontist to get new retainers. And eventually I just kind of stopped wearing them and kind of embraced the whole no two-front-teeth look.”

A walk-on at North Dakota State as a 221-pound tight end, Mauch gained 80 pounds to transform to an offensive lineman. He’ll now head to the Buccaneers to provide pass protection for Tom Brady’s successor, Baker Mayfield.

While Tampa Bay may have lost Brady’s million-dollar smile, his pearly whites are far more common than Mauch’s lack thereof. And as a member of the Buccaneers, he can actually pull off the pirate look.

Does he ever plan to get his teeth fixed?

“I say that I’m going to get them fixed after football, but I don’t even know if I ever will,” Mauch told reporters. “I don’t really mind it at all and it’s kind of just part of me I guess.”

Expect the toothpaste endorsements to start rolling in.

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Titans fans were likely feeling déjà vu on Friday night.

Tennessee traded up to the second pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft to grab Will Levis. The Kentucky quarterback was a projected top-10 pick, but he was passed on by several quarterback-needy teams as he surprisingly fell out of the first round.

The Titans moving up for a quarterback who was sliding in the draft? If that sounds familiar, it’s because the exact same scenario played out just last year.

Malik Willis was a potential first-round pick in 2022 but found himself still sitting in the green room at the end of the first round like Levis. Willis then also went unpicked in the second round before Tennessee traded up for him at No. 86 in Round 3.

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The Liberty product wound up making three starts as a rookie while filling in for an injured Ryan Tannehill, though he didn’t show much promise. The Titans even opted to go with Joshua Dobbs, who they signed off Detroit’s practice squad, over Willis down the stretch of the season as they fought for a playoff spot.

Tennessee has real uncertainty at the quarterback spot beyond 2023. Tannehill turns 35 in July and is entering the final year of his contract. The Titans adding Levis could indicate they don’t have much faith in Willis as a long-term answer. But just how high are they on Levis if they passed on him with the 11th pick?

Here’s how NFL Twitter reacted to the Titans’ latest Day 2 quarterback selection:

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Will Levis’ draft free-fall has ended.

The Tennessee Titans selected the Kentucky quarterback with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night. Tennessee moved up eight spots in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals to take Levis.

Levis was widely viewed as a top-10 pick entering the draft, with ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranking him as the second-best quarterback in the class. But after Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were taken with three of the first four picks, several quarterback-needy teams — like the Raiders, Falcons, Lions, Commanders, Buccaneers and Titans — passed on Levis as he shockingly went undrafted in Round 1.

Before any of those other teams had another chance at Levis, the Titans moved up to grab him with the second pick of Round 2. The Titans shipped out the No. 41 pick, No. 72 pick and a 2024 third-rounder to Arizona in exchange for pick Nos. 33 and 81.

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Levis joins a long list of big-name quarterback prospects who slid in the draft, with Malik Willis, Johnny Manziel, Geno Smith, Jimmy Clausen, Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers among the notable names from the past two decades. And Levis is now teammates with one of those players.

The Titans took Willis 86th overall last year after he fell into the third round. But Willis didn’t show much promise in three starts while filling in for an injured Ryan Tannehill. The veteran Tannehill turns 35 in July and is entering the final year of his deal, creating uncertainty at the position beyond 2023. Tennessee, though, will surely be hoping they just found a long-term answer in Levis.

After transferring from Penn State, Levis started 24 games over two seasons at Kentucky. The Wildcats went 17-7 with Levis under center, as he tallied 5,232 passing yards, 43 touchdowns and 23 interceptions with a 65.7 completion percentage.

After three days, seven rounds and over 250 selections, the NFL draft comes to a close each year with the selection of Mr. Irrelevant.

It’s definitely not as coveted a title as “No. 1 pick” or “first-rounder” by any means. Still, Mr. Irrelevant gets to join an NFL team – and an exclusive club of draftees dating back to the 1970s.

So what does the title of Mr. Irrelevant even mean? Here’s a look back at the history and origin of the nickname:

What does Mr. Irrelevant mean?

Mr. Irrelevant is the title given to the last player selected in a given NFL draft. 

When did Mr. Irrelevant originate?

While the draft has been an NFL staple since 1936, it wasn’t until the 1970s that Mr. Irrelevant originated.

Former USC and NFL wide receiver Paul Salata founded “Mr. Irrelevant” and “Irrelevant Week” in 1976. Wideout Kelvin Kirk earned the distinction that year after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 487th pick.

Salata got to announce the final pick in each draft through 2013 before his daughter took over the duties. It’s not until the summer that Irrelevant Week takes place in Newport Beach, Calif., with a series of events.

One of the main outings from the week is the annual Lowsman Banquet, which celebrates the newest member of the club each year. The gala includes the awarding of the Lowsman Trophy, a spoof of the Heisman Trophy that portrays a player fumbling the ball:

“I – and the entire team at Irrelevant Week – remain steadfast in our commitment to applauding those who exude the principles of enduring effort and sportsmanship,” Salata said. “The Irrelevant Week tradition shares an inspirational story about a champion of perseverance – and that’s an important message for today’s society.”

Over 46 years, Irrelevant Week has contributed more than $1 million in charitable donations.

Who was the best Mr. Irrelevant in NFL history?

Since 1976, only five Mr. Irrelevants have played more than 50 career NFL games.

Center Matt Elliott, Mr. Irrelevant in 1992, played 63 games for Washington and the Carolina Panthers. Marty Moore played 112 NFL games and won a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots after earning the distinction in 1994.

The Chicago Bears selected two productive Mr. Irrelevants in back-to-back drafts. Running back Jim Finn was taken by Chicago with the last pick in 1999 and played 106 career NFL games with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants. In 2000, the Bears selected Michael Green, a defensive back out of Northwestern State who played 104 games across eight NFL seasons in Chicago, Seattle and Washington.

Ryan Succop went to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 256th pick in 2009 and is still playing. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and is seventh among active players in scoring.

Who was Mr. Irrelevant in 2022?

Perhaps the most notable Mr. Irrelevant of all time, Brock Purdy nearly got to the Super Bowl in his rookie season.

The San Francisco 49ers selected the Iowa State quarterback with the 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and it wasn’t long before he started playing – and winning.

Purdy replaced an injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13 and finished off a win against the Miami Dolphins before going 5-0 as a starter to close out the regular season. He then won two playoff games as a starter before suffering an elbow injury in an NFC Championship Game loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Who owns the last pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

This year, the Houston Texans own the last pick in the draft and have the chance to select Mr. Irrelevant.

The Texans have selected Mr. Irrelevant three times before, taking defensive tackle Ahmad Miller in 2002, defensive end Cheta Ozougwu in 2011 and safety Lonnie Ballentine in 2014.

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Kentucky quarterback Will Levis has not been drafted and is the best player available entering Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Which NFL team will wind up taking the falling QB prospect?

It’s a question worth pondering as the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock to start the second round — sitting on the No. 32 overall selection that formerly belonged to the Chicago Bears before they traded it for WR Chase Claypool in November 2022.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Pittsburgh has heard from four teams interested in the 32nd pick. Attached to that report is a preamble from Levis’ former offensive coordinator Liam Coen on the QB prospect.

“Whoever gets this kid is going to get the steal of the draft. I can’t imagine him having to wait around long,” Breer reported from a conversation with Coen. 

Levis threw for 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2022 at Kentucky. In both of his seasons as a starter at UK, he completed more than 65% of his passes.

Not much information has been available on what the Steelers could receive for the Claypool pick — a windfall that could have came to Chicago if not for the deadline deal that coughed up No. 32 overall.

The Steelers are followed by the Cardinals, Lions, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Raiders, and Panthers. The Saints hold the No. 40 overall pick.

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The Cards have Kyler Murray under contract for the next millenium, and are presumably not one of the four teams interested.

Fans can rule out the Panthers who led off the draft with Alabama QB Bryce Young, and the Colts who landed Florida QB Anthony Richardson in round one.

What NFL teams could draft Will Levis?

The Lions have made a few splashy moves in the 2023 draft, and could be interested in Jared Goff’s replacement.

Almost coming full circle: The Rams could be looking for Matt Stafford’s replacement in LA — after a long career that started in Detroit.

Seahawks and Raiders are other plausible candidates. The longer you go down the second round draft order, the more capital will have to be surrendered to Pittsburgh.

Of course, the teams calling for No. 32 could want another player entirely. Perhaps Alabama’s Brian Branch or Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer.

Why is Will Levis dropping?

Levis was one of the top-ranked QB prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Many draft pundits saw him off the board as early as No. 4 overall, instead he fell out of the first round.

Levis is dropping in the draft because accuracy concerns. Arm strength would have had him at No. 1 overall if it were the only attribute he was being graded on but he’s not consistent enough throwing deep and gets his wide receivers into trouble.

Did Will Levis get drafted?

No. Levis has not been drafted entering into second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He remains a free agent until a team drafts him.

When does NFL Draft Round 2 start?

The NFL Draft starts at 7 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET on Friday, April 28. It will be immediately followed by the third round. Both rounds are taking place in Kansas City.

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The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is complete.

The Panthers kicked things off in Kansas City in unsurprising fashion, taking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner was the first of three signal callers selected in Round 1, followed by C.J. Stroud to the Texans at No. 2 and Anthony Richardson to the Colts at No. 4.

Those weren’t the only headliners from the first round, either. There was a stunning trade-up into the top three, two running backs picked in the top 12 (!), a quarterback slide into Day 2 and much more.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the first 31 picks of the draft:

Winner: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers paid a hefty price to move up from the ninth pick to the top spot in the draft. It appeared at the time of the trade with Chicago that Carolina was going up for Stroud. Then, a random Reddit post linking the Panthers to Will Levis caused some commotion in the days leading up to the draft.

But the Panthers ultimately settled on the right quarterback. Are Young’s height and frame real concerns? Of course. The talent is worth the risk, though, especially for a franchise that’s endured five consecutive losing seasons with the likes of Kyle Allen, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield manning the sport’s most important position.

Winner: Shams Charania

If you turned off Twitter notifications for Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport but didn’t for Shams Charania ahead of the draft, the first pick still would have been spoiled for you. Charania stunned social media when the NBA insider reported Carolina’s selection of Young roughly 17 minutes before it was announced by commissioner Roger Goodell.

With just one NBA playoff game on Thursday, Charania apparently had some extra time on his hands to break major NFL news.

Loser: Houston Texans

The draft immediately went off the rails following the first pick. First, the Texans made a somewhat surprising selection of Stroud at No. 2. And they weren’t done there, trading up from No. 12 to the Cardinals’ No. 3 selection for Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. The cost to move up for arguably the best defensive player in the draft was No. 12, No. 33, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick (Houston also received pick No. 105 in the deal).

So…why did the Texans not just take Anderson Jr. at No. 2, keep their 2024 first-rounder and kick the quarterback can down the road to 2024, where a potentially loaded quarterback class awaits? Houston could have rolled out Davis Mills for another 17 games, strolled to the league’s worst record (as long as Lovie Smith isn’t coaching the final game) and taken a quarterback whose already drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes in 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

Can you imagine if Stroud has an ugly rookie campaign and the Texans cough up a top-two pick?

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

You know you made a great pick when a star player from your division rival is upset about it. Howie Roseman worked his magic once again, trading up one spot to the Bears’ No. 9 pick to select a blue-chip prospect in Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, leaving Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons sick to his stomach in the process. 

The Eagles then nabbed another star from that vaunted Bulldogs defense in EDGE Nolan Smith, who was somehow still on the board at No. 30. Philadelphia now has four defensive players from Georgia’s 2021 national championship team in Carter, Smith, 2022 first-round defensive tackle Jordan Davis and 2022 third-round linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Carter is potentially the most talented player in this class, but there are character concerns that arose during the pre-draft process. The Eagles will be hoping that reuniting Carter with three college teammates and putting him in the same defensive line room as veterans Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox will bring the best out of him. If the Eagles’ two first-rounders work out, Philadelphia will have a scary defensive front for years to come.

Losers: Teams that drafted a running back

On the one hand, an offense with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson sounds extremely fun. On the other, why is a team that’s not close to contention spending a top-10 pick on a running back? 

The Falcons made the first head-scratching selection of the night by taking Robinson at No. 8. The Texas product has all the makings of a stud tailback, but barring a Desmond Ridder breakout, Atlanta will be wasting at least one of his rookie contract years with a non-contending team. Robinson would have made sense for the Super Bowl runner-up Eagles two picks later, not the 7-10 Falcons.

Not to be outdone, the Lions made another confounding running back selection just a few picks later. Detroit took Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs after trading down from No. 6 to No. 12. The Lions already have D’Andre Swift and they just gave David Montgomery a three-year, $18 million deal. So with the 12th pick, Detroit reached for a player that wasn’t even at a position of need.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were winners before the draft even started. Baltimore finally ended the Lamar Jackson contract saga by striking a record-breaking five-year deal with the 2019 NFL MVP. A few hours later, the Ravens gave their franchise quarterback a new weapon.

Baltimore selected wideout Zay Flowers with the 22nd pick. The Boston College product is one of the most exciting skill players in this class after racking up 1,077 receiving yards and 12 TDs in 2022. The 2023 Ravens could feature the best set of pass-catchers Jackson has ever had at his disposal, headlined by Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Mark Andrews.

Loser: Will Levis

Malik Willis. Johnny Manziel. Geno Smith. Jimmy Clausen. Brady Quinn. Aaron Rodgers. And now, you can add Levis to that group.

Levis became the latest draft free-faller at the quarterback position by shockingly going unselected in the first round. The Kentucky signal caller was widely viewed as a top-10 pick, with ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. having him as the No. 2-rated QB. But several teams that were potential candidates to draft a quarterback — like the Raiders, Falcons, Titans, Lions, Commanders, Patriots, Buccaneers and Vikings — all passed on him.

The question now becomes how long Levis lasts on Day 2 (and whether the fact that he puts mayo in his coffee affected his draft slide).

Loser: Miami Dolphins

The NFL took away the Dolphins’ 2023 first-rounder and 2024 third-rounder for tampering, but it was certainly worth it given all that Tom Brady and Sean Payton have done for the franchise in recent years…A tip for NFL owners: If you’re going to tamper with high-profile players and coaches make sure you actually get them so that the potential penalties are easier to swallow.

Unfortunately for Fins fans, the first round was just the start of what’s shaping up to be another quiet draft. Miami has just four picks for a second straight year, the fewest of any team.

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On Thursday, dozens of prospects were on sight at Union Station Kansas City waiting to hear their name called by commissioner Roger Goodell. But showing up wasn’t enough. Many of them rose to the occasion with stylish and even personalized suits. 

At the top of the list was No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young who went for a more muted mauve suit. The newest addition to the Carolina Panthers seemed to coordinate with his former head coach, Nick Saban, who was in Kansas City sporting a pink suit.

While stylist Brandon Gaston took issue with some of Young’s accessorizing, he pointed out that being the No. 1 pick basically gives him free rein for creative liberty. 

“The No. 1 pick, you can get away with whatever you want to do,” he said.

Behind Young was fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud out of Ohio State. Stroud strutted on stage in a blue suit when called by the Houston Texans with the No. 2 pick.

The sporadic splatter proved to be quite divisive on Twitter, but as Gaston pointed out, it was necessary to elevate an otherwise plain suit.

“Now he does have the paint splatter, which I’m not a fan,” Gaston said. “But otherwise it would just be a blue suit, right? So he probably need a little bit extra to give it, you know, a little bit more elevation, make it a little bit more fun.”

Within the first two picks, Gaston declared double-breasted jackets the “theme of the night.”

Several picks later, Jalen Carter provided a bolder take on the pink/purple color scheme. Carter will be trading in the lilac for green when he joins the Philadelphia Eagles this season.

“A lot … kind of played it safe so he tried it,” Gaston said. “And again, you can stand out. … It is April right now. So you can, in fact, try color. He gave an option for that. And some of you can see this summer if you want to try it out yourself.”

According to Gaston, white is the safest option when considering suit color and Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. clearly got the memo when he was called with the No. 6 pick.

“White is probably the safest, but also the boldest statement at the same time,” Gaston said. “You can’t really go wrong with the all-white as far as making a statement.”

That said, not even Johnson got out unscathed. He was spotted with his cell phone in his front pocket, a major fashion faux pas for Gaston.

“I know they’re probably on the phone the entire time. Put it in the jacket, right? Tuck it away,” he said. “No one wants to see an image. where you have your phone in your full pocket.”

Another first-round pick that added a twist to the classic white suit was Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The former Oregon product is half Colombian and demonstrated that with pride when he heard his name called with the 17th pick.

Perhaps Gaston’s highest grade of the night went to a player who got lots of airtime, but not for the reason they were hoping. Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, once in the mix to be the top overall pick, fell out of the first round entirely and will now return Friday with the hopes of hearing his name called. 

While the night was generally a disappointment for Levis, he earned points for his blue suit. The complete look featured a little bit of print in both the suit and tie, along with cuff links to create an “excellent look,” according to Gaston.

“These are one of these looks that can transition outside of the NFL draft,” Gaston said of Levis’ choice. “For the draft, it’s a little bit subdued, but again, he has the print … and the suit fits immaculate.”

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And their run defense struggled last season.

So, the Cowboys used their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on one of the best run defenders available. Dallas selected Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith with the No. 26 pick, opting to fortify the defensive line rather than select arguably the draft’s top tight end prospect in Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer.

The 6-foot-3, 323-pound Smith will clog the middle of the field and be an anchor against the run. Smith had 48 tackles last season for Michigan, where he served as a team captain and was a consensus first-team All Big-Ten player.

The Cowboys kept everyone guessing as they used every last second while they were on the clock before submitting the pick. Many expected the team to take a tight end having lost Dalton Schultz to the Houston Texans in free agency.

The Buffalo Bills moved one spot ahead of the Cowboys at No. 25 after a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to draft Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, the top-ranked tight end in the draft. Even with top prospects at the position like Mayer and Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave still on the board, the Cowboys elected to fill a need with Smith, who was projected as a late-first round to early-second round pick. 

With the Philadelphia Eagles having reached an extension with Jalen Hurts and the New York Giants locking up Daniel Jones this offseason, Smith could play a key role in containing the NFC East’s dual-threat quarterbacks up the middle. Stopping the run last season was the weakness of the Cowboys’ otherwise solid defensive unit, which allowed 129.3 rushing yards per game in 2022, 11th most in the NFL.

Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons approved of the pick, having told defensive coordinator Dan Quinn earlier in the day to select Smith.

Smith is the first defensive tackle taken by the Cowboys in the first round since 1991 when they selected Russell Maryland first overall.

The Cowboys next pick is No. 58 overall in the second round on Friday.

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Best players available on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The NFL has had no shortage of fireworks this week.

Aaron Rodgers traded to the Jets, Lamar Jackson signing an extension with the Ravens, and three quarterbacks in the first four picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.

After four days of straight drama, there’s a fifth one on the horizon for football fans around the country Friday night.That’s right, the draft train will keep on rolling in Kansas City and bring in five teams (Dolphins, Browns, Broncos, 49ers, and Rams) who didn’t have a first-round selection.

The biggest storyline following Day 1: Where will Kentucky QB Will Levis land?

Let’s look ahead at when Round 2 kicks off Friday and the names of some of the best players still available on the draft board. 

When does NFL Draft Day 2 start?

The second day of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) Friday, April 28. Fans can watch both the second- and third-round coverage on ESPN and NFL Network.

How many picks are left in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Thirty-one players heard their names called Thursday night in Kansas City. Over the next two days, there will be 228 more selections made by NFL teams.

Who are the best quarterbacks available on Day 2 of the NFL Draft?

Three quarterbacks went on Night 1 in Kansas City. Let’s take a look at the signal callers who are still looking to hear their names called in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Will Levis, Kentucky

Levis was the most shocking name to fall out of the first round this year. He joins the aforementioned Rodgers as a QB with a painfully-long wait time in the draft’s “green room.”

The Kentucky gunslinger threw for 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2022. He completed 60.9% of his passes which has drawn criticism from NFL Draft pundits.

Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

At one point last season, the 25-year-old quarterback was a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. Unfortunately, the Volunteers QB suffered a torn ACL that cut his season short.

He still finished with an impressive 27-to-2 touchdowns-to-interception ratio and went on to be named SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Jake Haener, Fresno State

Hooker isn’t the only signal caller getting the “old” label this draft season.

Haener, 24, is also a product of the NCAA’s ever-changing transfer rules and comes to the NFL at the same age some QBs are signing their second contracts (see: Jalen Hurts). He started his career at Washington in 2017 and wound up finishing it at Fresno State after three seasons.

Haener finished with a 21-8 record as a starter and threw for 9,120 yards and 68 touchdowns.

Jaren Hall, BYU

Third time is the charm.

Yep, Hall is yet another QB whose draft stock might be falling due to age. The 25-year-old passer led BYU to a 25-11 record over two seasons as a starter, throwing 52 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA

Thompson-Robinson is 23 years old so he’s a spring chicken compared to his QB classmates listed above. However, he did play a fifth year at UCLA this past fall and is hardly a raw prospect with 48 career college starts under his belt.

The dual-threat quarterback threw for more than 10,000 yards during his career as a Bruin. Equally as impressive was Thompson-Robinson’s 1,827 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns on the ground.

Who are the best wide receivers available on NFL Draft Day 2?

Day 1 was favorable to running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs who heard their names the first 12 picks, and wide receivers wound up having to wait a bit longer than they have in previous drafts. 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnson, Zay Flowers, and Jordan Addison eventually all went in succession in the back half of the first round. The rest of the 2023 receiver class remains in the green room.

Here’s a look at the best pass-catching prospects:

Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Few receivers had a more productive 2022 campaign than Hyatt. The Volunteer superstar reeled in 15 touchdowns which was second most in the country last season.

He also finished tied for 13th in yards per reception (18.9) which should have plenty offensive coordinators salivating over the possibility of landing Hyatt in the second round.

Jonathan Mingo Ole Miss

Like Hyatt, Mingo is an SEC pass catcher who specializes in vertical route running and possesses stellar top-end speed for his size. Mingo tracks the deep ball well, and will likely find a home quickly on Day 2.

Jayden Reed, Michigan State

The Spartans aren’t necessarily known for being an explosive passing team but Reed brought plenty of athleticism in the slot last fall. He’s arguably the best receiver after the catch in this class despite being one of the smaller top-end prospects.

Josh Downs, UNC

Another explosive slot receiver who is falling due to size concerns. Downs has drawn a lot of comparisons to Washington’s Jahan Dotson (a 2022 first-round selection who shined when on the field for the Commanders last season).

Downs was plenty productive in Chapel Hill as a junior, catching 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Top Wide Receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft

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Michael Mayer, Notre Dame (tight end)

Tight ends should be popular Friday night, and nobody will draw more discussion over the next 16 or so hours than Mayer — a first-round prospect who is still waiting to find a home.

Mayer caught 67 passes and nine touchdowns in South Bend last season, and shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called Friday.

NFL Draft Day 2: Best defensive players available

There’s a bevy of top-end defensive players sitting atop the draft board Friday night. Here’s a look at some of the best prospects available for teams drafting in the early part of the second round:

Jordan Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami

Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

BJ Ojulari, LB, LSU

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

Porter Jr. and Branch should be off the board before the No. 40 overall selection (held currently by the New Orleans Saints).

Of course, first-round projected players have fallen further than that spot before. It’s hard to imagine this year, with several defense-needy teams (Cardinals, Lions, Rams, Raiders) with early picks to open Day 2.

The Oregon cornerback fell out of the top 10 despite being projected to be a high draft pick in the first round. However, that drop could be a blessing in disguise as Gonzalez will go and play for legendary head coach Bill Belichick.

Cornerback was a huge need for the Patriots defense. New England has lost several defensive backs in recent years, including Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson.

Gonzalez, who graduated from The Colony High School, recorded 35 solo tackles with four interceptions and seven passes defensed in 12 games for the Ducks last season.

Before playing at Oregon, he played two seasons for Colorado where he started as a freshman.

The 6′ 2″ Gonzalez is the son of an athlete. His father, Hector, played basketball for the University of Texas at El Paso and went on to play semiprofessionally in Colombia

The Eagles landed the best prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night when they traded up one spot to draft Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 9 overall.

And Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons was absolutely sick when he heard the news.

Parsons was live on the Bleacher Report NFL Draft show when the news broke Thursday evening and he stood up from his chair, paced around the set, and said he was “sick to his stomach” about the pick.

Enjoy the Cowboys schadenfreude for yourself:

In. Cred. Ible.

Parsons is one of the best football players in the world, so it’d stand to reason the guy knows talent when he sees it. The fact that Dallas’s best defender is reacting like this to his main division rival landing Carter is basically the best scouting report you could possibly get.
 
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro wrote plenty more about the pick:

“Thought to be one of the most talented players in this class, questions about his character surfaced during the pre-draft process. The Eagles did their homework on Carter and obviously felt comfortable taking him. If they got that part right, the Eagles might have just landed a cornerstone piece for the next decade.

“‘It’s everywhere right now,’ Carter said to NFL Network after being drafted by the Eagles. ‘I’m just happy that the Eagles trust me right now and I’m ready to work, put in the work and win the Super Bowl with them guys.

“Because Carter, 22, was a dominant player for Georgia over the past few seasons. He had 15 1/2 sacks over the past two seasons as an interior pass rusher. And as important as edge rush is in the NFL, it’s even harder to find interior game-wreckers like Carter.

“Before those character concerns surfaced, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Carter as the best overall prospect in this class.”

What a night for Eagles fans. Amazing.

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Robinson, who played three seasons with the Longhorns from 2020 to 2022, was expected to go in the first half of the draft but many pundits doubted a running back would go off the board in the top 10 selections.

Atlanta shocked the NFL Draft community and joined the New York Giants (Saquon Barkley), Dallas Cowboys (Ezekiel Elliot) and Carolina Panthers (Christian McCaffery) on the short list of teams who have selected a rusher early in the draft.

Robinson wasn’t the most shocking running back selection of the first round though. The Detroit Lions took Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall Thursday night. Gibbs was a late first-round prospect.

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In Austin, Robinson delivered on the field. He finished with 3,410 rushing yards and 41 total touchdowns. He took home the 2022 Doak Walker award given to the nation’s top tailback.

Robinson joins Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier in Atlanta’s running back room.

The Falcons went 7-10 in 2022 and finished in last place of the NFC South. Their division rival, the Carolina Panthers, kickstarted the draft by selecting Alabama QB Bryce Young first overall.

Atlanta is expected to go with second-year QB Desmond Ridder under center in 2023.

Quarterback has been called the most important position in professional sports.

And the last few days have supported that.

The Philadelphia Eagles‘ Jalen Hurts received a record-breaking contract, only to be topped days later by the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. The New York Jets traded for 39-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. And quarterbacks were selected with the first two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Carolina Panthers, after acquiring the first pick in a trade with the Chicago Bears in March, selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. The Houston Texans then took Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick.

A quarterback being selected with the top overall pick is quite common, but it was just the ninth time in NFL draft’s modern era that the first two picks were quarterbacks.

With the Indianapolis Colts drafting Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson at No. 4, it became the fourth time where three of the first four picks were QBs. It was also the first time in NFL history that three Black quarterbacks were selected in the top 10 of the draft.

Quarterbacks selected at the top of their draft are forever linked and compared, often with very drastic results. Recent history is proof of that, with 2021 No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence having led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a playoff win last season, while No. 2 pick Zach Wilson underwhelmed and already has been supplanted by Aaron Rodgers.

Here’s a look at the other times in the modern draft era that quarterbacks were selected with the first two picks in the draft.    

1971

No. 1 – Jim Plunkett, Boston Patriots

No. 2 – Archie Manning, New Orleans Saints

1993

No. 1 – Drew Bledsoe, New England Patriots

No. 2 – Rick Mirer, Seattle Seahawks

1998

No. 1 – Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

No. 2 Ryan Leaf, San Diego Chargers

1999

No. 1 – Tim Couch, Cleveland Browns

No. 2 – Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles

2012

No. 1 – Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

No. 2 – Robert Griffin III, Washington

2015

No. 1 – Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No. 2 – Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

2016

No. 1 – Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, Carson Wentz

2021

No. 1 – Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

No. 2 – Zach Wilson, New York Jets

2023

No. 1 – Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

No. 2 – C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft continues from Kansas City on Friday, April 28.

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No one is safe in the NFL Draft. 

While hundreds of prospects anxiously wait to hear their names called, current NFL players could find their fates tied up in deals and drama of the weekend. General managers often find themselves deciding between a rebuild or cashing in their chips for a win-now mentality. 

Just last year, the Eagles shook up Day 1 by trading the 18th and 101st picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown. That move seemed to pay off as Brown led the Eagles in receiving yards en route to an appearance in the Super Bowl.

Will we see another blockbuster trade made this weekend? 

Here’s a look at every trade made through Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

• The Lions gave the Arizona Cardinals three picks in exchange for the No. 96 pick. Arizona gains picks Nos. 122, 138 and 168.
• The Cincinnati Bengals gave up the No. 92 pick to the Kansas City Chiefs, in exchange for the No. 95 pick and the No. 217 pick.
• The San Francisco 49ers recieved the 87th pick. They sent pick No. 102, No. 164, No. 222 to the Minnesota Vikings.
• The Denver Broncos sent the 108th pick in this year’s draft and third-rounder for next year to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the 83rd pick.
• The Carolina Panthers jumped 13 spots from 93rd to 80th. They also included the 132nd pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• The Rams sent the No. 73 pick to the New York Giant in exchange for the 89th pick and the 128th pick.
• The Houston Texans moved up for the No. 69 pick. They sent the Nos. 73 and 161 to the Los Angeles Rams.
• The Detroit Lions traded the Nos. 63 and 183 picks to the Denver Broncos in exchange for the Nos. 68 and 138 picks.
• The Houston Texans traded up for the No. 62 pick. In return, they sent three picks to the Philadelphia Eagles — No. 65, No. 188 and No. 230.
• The Jacksonville Jaguars sent the No. 56 pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for the Nos. 61 and 135 picks.
• The Detroit Lions traded the 55th and 194th pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for three picks — No. 63, No. 122, No. 249.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquired the No. 48 pick from the Packers. Green Bay picked up the Nos. 50 and 179 picks from Tampa.
• The Detroit Lions traded up to get the No. 45 pick from the Green Bay Packers, who in exchange received Detroit’s No. 48 pick and the No. 159.
• The Atlanta Falcons sent the No. 44 pick and No. 110 pick in exchange for the No. 38 pick.
• The Indianapolis Colts traded their No. 35 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the Nos. 38 and 141 picks.
• The Tennessee Titans moved up to No. 33 to select quarterback Will Levis. They also picked up the Arizona Cardinals’ 81st pick in exchange for their 41st pick, 72nd pick and a third-round pick in the 2024 draft.
• The Buffalo Bills then took the Jaguars’ 25th pick that formerly belonged to the Giants. Buffalo sent Jacksonville their 27 and 130th picks.
• The Giants traded the Nos. 25, 160 and 240 picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for the No. 24 pick.
• The Steelers traded up for the No. 14 pick. They gave the New England Patriots their 17th and 120th pick.
• The Eagles moved up one spot from No. 10 to No. 9, swapping with the Chicago Bears. They also added a 2024 fourth-rounder for Chicago.
• The Arizona Cardinals traded the No. 12 pick, No. 34 pick and No. 168 pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the No. 6 pick and No. 81 pick.
• The Houston Texans traded up for the No. 3 pick. The Texans sent their No. 12 pick, No. 33 pick, a first and third-round pick from the 2024 draft to the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals also gave Houston the 105th pick in this year’s draft.
• The Philadelphia Eagles traded the 94th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a 5th-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for the No. 66 pick in this draft. The deal was made in response to a tampering investigation that revealed Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had “impermissable contact” with then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon prior to hiring him as their head coach.

Hundreds of lives will change this weekend.

With 259 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft from Thursday through Saturday, dreams will soon become reality for the players and their families. 

Getting drafted to the NFL doesn’t guarantee lifelong wealth, but it’s certainly a good financial way to start your professional life.

How much will each player make, exactly? Here’s a full deep dive of how rookie contracts work in the NFL:

How are NFL rookie contracts determined?

Since the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, rookie contracts are locked in based on where each player is selected.

All rookie contracts are four-year deals, with extension negotiations able to begin after the third year. Deals for first-round picks have a fifth-year option, which the team can exercise after the third year to make the contract into a five-year pact.

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In terms of a salary, it’s pretty simple: the higher you get picked, the more money you make.

What will the salary be for the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft?

The projected contract for the No. 1 pick in 2023 is roughly $41,217,000 in total value, with an estimated signing bonus of $26,976,000 and a 2023 cap of $7,494,000, according to Spotrac.

The Carolina Panthers went on to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday.

What is the NFL rookie salary scale by round?

Here’s the total value of each first-round rookie contract for 2023, according to Spotrac:

• No. 1: $41.2 million
• No. 2: $39.4 million
• No. 3: $38.2 million
• No. 4: $36.9 million
• No. 5: $34.5 million
• No. 6: $30.4 million
• No. 7: $27.02 million
• No. 8: $23.7 million
• No. 9: $23.5 million
• No. 10: $22.6 million
• No. 11: $21.2 million
• No. 12: $19.2 million
• No. 13: $18.7 million
• No. 14: $17.8 million
• No. 15: $17.5 million
• No. 16: $16.5 million
• No. 17: $16.2 million
• No. 18: $15.7 million
• No. 19: $15.5 million
• No. 20: $15.4 million
• No. 21: $15.3 million
• No. 22: $15.2 million
• No. 23: $14.99 million
• No. 24: $14.7 million
• No. 25: $14.5 million
• No. 26: $14.3 million
• No. 27: $14.16 million
• No. 28: $14.07 million
• No. 29: $13.4 million
• No. 30: $13.05 million
• No. 31: $12.75 million

You can see the salary figures for rounds two through seven right here.

It’s finally time.

After months of anticipation, trades and smokescreens, the 2023 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday night.

Before the best college players hear their names called by Commissioner Roger Goodell, now is the perfect time to brush up on your draft knowledge.

Here’s a look at five storylines to watch heading into the 2023 NFL Draft:

1. Four (or five?!) quarterbacks in the first round

Last year, only one quarterback (Kenny Pickett) was selected on Day 1. On Thursday, there could be as many as five quarterbacks drafted.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 after the Carolina Panthers acquired the pick in a trade with the Chicago Bears. Three other quarterbacks – Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson – will also be first-rounders. It remains unclear where each of those three will be selected, but they could all end up in the top-10 – or maybe even top-five.

So, who’s this mystery fifth first-round quarterback? It’s Hendon Hooker, the 25-year-old Tennessee alum. The former Volunteer had a breakout fifth-year season, with 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 11 games before suffering a torn ACL in November. Considering his injury and age, Hooker is a fringe first-round prospect with the potential to be picked either late on Day 1 or early on Day 2.

2. Trades, trades and more trades

The draft hasn’t even started yet and there’s already been a number of trades.

Four teams – the Houston Texans (Nos. 2 and 12), Seattle Seahawks (Nos. 5 and 20), Detroit Lions (Nos. 6 and 18) and Philadelphia Eagles (Nos. 10 and 30) – have two first-round picks thanks to pre-draft trades. The former three all acquired their picks after dealing their starting quarterbacks: Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford, respectively. The Eagles got their extra pick from the New Orleans Saints after a trade during last year’s draft.

Beyond those four teams, five other first-round picks have already changed hands. As aforementioned, the Panthers swapped picks with the Bears. Carolina will pick first and Chicago will pick ninth. The Packers and Jets traded picks this week as part of the Aaron Rodgers trade, with the Packers taking No. 13 and the Jets taking No. 15. Lastly, New Orleans holds the 29th pick – which originally belonged to the 49ers, who traded it to the Dolphins (for the pick that became Trey Lance), who traded it to the Broncos (for Bradley Chubb), who finally traded it to the Saints (for Sean Payton).

3. Where are the wide receivers?

Wide receiver talent has been easy to find in recent drafts. That’s not the case in 2023.

There were six first-round receivers in 2022, five in 2021 and six in 2020. Those three classes have already produced a handful of stars, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, among others. This year, only one receiver (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) is truly a lock to go first-round.

Smith-Njigba is the headliner, but he doesn’t have the same hype as players from past years. Beyond the Ohio State product, there’s Boston College’s Zay Flowers, USC’s Jordan Addison and TCU’s Quentin Johnston. All three could go in the back half of the first round, but none are guaranteed. It wouldn’t be a shock if any of them dropped to Day 2, which is strange considering the recent run of star first-round receivers.

4. How high is too high for a running back?

A running back hasn’t been drafted in the top-20 since 2018 (Saquon Barkley, No. 2). That streak likely ends in 2023.

Not only is Bijan Robinson going to be picked inside the top-20, but he could also make a push to go top-10. The former Texas running back is considered one of the most talented prospects in the class. He rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Longhorns in 2022.

The only hold-up is that teams have become reluctant to draft running backs early. They rarely play beyond their rookie contracts and it’s possible to find replacement-level talent later in the draft, so teams have pivoted away from the position. Robinson could change that philosophy, with the Falcons at No. 8 and the Eagles at No. 10 looking like realistic landing spots.

5. On the road again

For the ninth straight year, the NFL Draft will be held at a different location.

Fresh off another Super Bowl win, Kansas City is the draft host for 2023. The event will take place in the downtown area of the city, surrounding the iconic Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Nobody knows exactly who will show up to the draft, but actors Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis and Rob Riggle are all Chiefs fans from the area.

The NFL began rotating the draft site in 2015 after 50 straight years in New York City. It first went to Chicago in 2015 and 2016, followed by stops in Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, virtual (due to COVID-19), Cleveland and Las Vegas.

This year’s draft is set for April 27-29 with the iconic event held in Kansas City.

“This will be one of the biggest and most-anticipated professional sporting events our city has hosted,” said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC, per Chiefs.com. “Not only will fans from around the country be traveling to experience the NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience, but millions of viewers will see Kansas City in the national spotlight on NFL Network, ESPN and other major networks.” 

So ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, here is some insight as to how the host city locations are selected each year.

How is the NFL Draft host city selected?

Cities that are interested in hosting the annual NFL Draft must submit bids each year then the 32 NFL owners vote on where the next draft will be hosted.

Because the NFL Draft has become such a massive event, the league must consider factors such as the size of the venue and return on investment.

Why is the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City?

Kansas City won the bid to host the iconic event.

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held at Kansas City’s Union Station.

Where is the 2024 NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit.

Where will the 2025 NFL Draft be held?

While nothing is set in stone for 2025, the Packers have been working to convince the NFL to bring the draft to Green Bay.

Green Bay would be the second Wisconsin city to host the draft. Milwaukee hosted in 1940.

As memorable as Sanders’ draft swag remains, wearing a track suit on draft night or the jean shorts Brett Favre wore would be scoffed at today with top players gathering for a televised event that has become as much runway show as sporting event.

While top prospects in this year’s draft like quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson and defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr. prepare their fits for the big night, we look back at some of the most memorable draft night ensembles since the splash by Sanders.

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Ray Lewis chose a flashy Versace look when the Ravens took him in the first round in 1996. The linebacker rocked a silk shirt, belt and sunglasses by the designer with white slacks as he helped usher in the move from casual draft night clothes to more sophisticated looks.

Over the next decade, most players made the transition to suits, but they were more going to church with your grandma looks than high fashion statement pieces.

Then came 2016 and running back Ezekiel Elliott’s bold choice of a crop top tuxedo shirt when the Dallas Cowboys took him fourth overall. He stunned on the red carpet when he unbuttoned his suit jacket to reveal his bare, toned abs, raising the bar for draft night fashion surprises.

The following season, safety Jamal Adams shined in a white windowpane patterned, double-breasted suit when he was taken at No. 6 by the Jets.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson took a page out of Lewis’s book by going designer head to toe when he was taken by the Ravens in 2018. He complemented the rich green Gucci suit with a white UFO printed shirt by the designer, a signature Gucci belt and went Gucci down to the shoes with a brown pair adorned with the brand’s bee logo and signature red and green details.

When defensive end Nick Bosa was selected second overall by San Francisco in 2019, he delighted Ohio State fans everywhere by opening his gray suit jacket to reveal a lining covered with images of mascot Brutus Buckeye.

After a virtual 2020 draft because of the pandemic, players raised the bar again with some stunning looks when the event returned in person in 2021.

The star of that draft and arguably the best dressed player in the event’s history was Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith, who was taken 10th by the Eagles. The slim receiver wowed in a impeccably fitted bespoke suit by Brian Alexander.

The blue shawl collar jacket with a tied waist was adorned with gold pins of his initials on one lapel. He also added his initials on blue velvet loafers that pulled the look together.

Last year’s draft was a banner year for fashion.

Perhaps the biggest style star of the night was Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, taken at No. 4 by the Jets. He brought the best jewelry since Sanders to stun — and blind — anyone in his path. He accessorized his sky-blue suit with two thick Cuban link chains adorned with two huge diamond-soaked pendants celebrating his Sauce nickname.

One was a hot sauce bottle and the second was the word “Sauce” in all caps that had diamonds set to look like they were dripping from the letters.

Offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu had the most creative look when he was taken sixth by the Panthers last season. He rocked a white suit with green accents made to look like the Nigerian flag as a nod to his heritage.

The last stunner of the 2022 draft was receiver Garrett Wilson, who took draft style to the next level with his eye-catching ensemble when the Jets took him with the 10th pick. Wilson wore a gray and white double-breasted, color block suit that he set off with $1,690 Prada lug sole combat boots and three strands of chunky pearls.

From Sanders to Sauce, the NFL draft has been a style showcase for more than three decades. Thursday we’ll find out which of these upcoming NFL stars has top-tier fashion sense to match their special talent.

We’ve officially reached silly season in the NFL draft process.

Just days out from the Carolina Panthers officially being on the clock, Will Levis has suddenly gained significant steam as a betting favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick.

But this hasn’t been the result of an 11th-hour meeting between Levis and the Panthers, nor prominent NFL news-breakers reporting significant consideration from Carolina in taking the Kentucky quarterback over Bryce Young. Rather, it’s seemingly due to a random Reddit post.

On Tuesday morning, Reddit user “SaleAgreeable2834” posted in the sportsbook subreddit that Levis has been telling friends and family he’s going to get picked by Carolina.

The post, which accumulated well over 1,000 upvotes, read: “Will Levis is currently +4000 to be the first overall pick. Well ladies and gentleman [sic], he’s telling friends and family Carolina will in fact take him on Thursday. You’re welcome.”

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In a reply thread, the user claimed to know Levis. It’s unclear who exactly owns the account, which was created a week ago.

Still, the post somehow managed to spark betting interest in Levis, who soared from +2000 on Monday night to +450 to be the No. 1 pick on PointsBet. His odds jumped from +4000 to +400 within an hour at a different sportsbook.

Young, however, remains the heavy favorite to be Carolina’s selection at -1250, per PointsBet. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is a distant third at +3300.

So it would still be an absolute stunner if the Panthers went with Levis over Young on Thursday. But if they actually do, “SaleAgreeable2834” will go down in NFL draft lore.

Editor’s note: All odds are provided by our partner, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.

The 2023 NFL Draft is an event that features all 32 teams. But some project to be much busier than others.

There are three teams that own a league-high 12 selections over the course of the three-day, seven-round event being held in Kansas City.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s one franchise that has just four picks.

So before the Carolina Panthers are officially on the clock Thursday night, here’s a look at the teams with the most and least 2023 draft capital.

Which team has the most picks in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are tied for the most 2023 draft picks with 12 apiece. They are actually three of 10 teams with double-digit picks.

The Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers each own 11 picks. Although, Los Angeles’ first selection comes at No. 36 and San Francisco won’t be on the clock until the final few picks of Day 2 at Nos. 99, 101 and 102.

There are four teams with 10 picks each in the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks own the Denver Broncos’ No. 5 overall pick via the Russell Wilson trade, in addition to their own first-rounder at No. 20. Chicago, meanwhile, owns four top-64 selections.

Here’s a full look at the teams that have eight or more picks:

• Green Bay Packers: 12 
• Houston Texans: 12
• Las Vegas Raiders: 12
• Los Angeles Rams: 11
• New England Patriots: 11
• San Francisco 49ers: 11
• Chicago Bears: 10
• Kansas City Chiefs: 10
• New York Giants: 10
• Seattle Seahawks: 10
• Detroit Lions: 9
• Indianapolis Colts: 9
• Jacksonville Jaguars: 9
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9
• Arizona Cardinals: 8
• Cleveland Browns: 8
• New Orleans Saints: 8
• Washington Commanders: 8

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Which team has the fewest picks in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The Miami Dolphins enter with the fewest draft picks for a second straight year with four after having the same number in 2022. Miami was stripped of its first-round pick for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The Fins also don’t have a pick in Rounds 4 and 5.

The Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets are tied for the second-fewest picks at five apiece. Denver doesn’t have any picks in the first two rounds, while Baltimore and Minnesota are both without a second-rounder.

Here are the teams with seven or fewer selections:

• Miami Dolphins: 4
• Baltimore Ravens: 5
• Denver Broncos: 5
• Minnesota Vikings: 5
• New York Jets: 5
• Buffalo Bills: 6
• Carolina Panthers: 6
• Philadelphia Eagles: 6
• Tennessee Titans: 6
• Atlanta Falcons: 7
• Cincinnati Bengals: 7
• Los Angeles Chargers: 7
• Dallas Cowboys: 7
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 7

You can check out a detailed look of each team’s 2023 draft capital here.

The Carolina Panthers are about to be on the clock in Kansas City.

The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, and Carolina will soon make the first selection after acquiring the No. 1 overall pick from the Chicago Bears.

Between trades, compensatory picks and even a few forfeited selections, there are a lot of wrinkles to the list of selections this year. With no consensus on how the first round will go, there could be plenty more chaos to come.

From the No. 1 pick to Mr. Irrelevant, 259 selections will be made over the course of the three-day event. Here is the full list of every single pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and which teams own them heading into the opening night on Thursday. 

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago)

2. Houston Texans

3. Arizona Cardinals

4. Indianapolis Colts

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

6. Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams)

7. Las Vegas Raiders

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina)

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)

11. Tennessee Titans

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

13. Green Bay Packers (from N.Y. Jets)

14. New England Patriots

15. New York Jets (from Green Bay)

16. Washington Commanders

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

18. Detroit Lions

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Seattle Seahawks

21. Los Angeles Chargers

22. Baltimore Ravens

23. Minnesota Vikings

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

25. New York Giants

26. Dallas Cowboys

27. Buffalo Bills

28. Cincinnati Bengals

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver)

30. Philadelphia Eagles

31. Kansas City Chiefs

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Round 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago)

33. Houston Texans

34. Arizona Cardinals

35. Indianapolis Colts

36. Los Angeles Rams

37. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

38. Las Vegas Raiders

39. Carolina Panthers

40. New Orleans Saints

41. Tennessee Titans

42. Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland through N.Y. Jets)

43. New York Jets

44. Atlanta Falcons

45. Green Bay Packers

46. New England Patriots

47. Washington Commanders

48. Detroit Lions

49. Pittsburgh Steelers

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

51. Miami Dolphins

52. Seattle Seahawks

53. Chicago Bears (from Baltimore)

54. Los Angeles Chargers

55. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota)

56. Jacksonville Jaguars

57. New York Giants

58. Dallas Cowboys

59. Buffalo Bills

60. Cincinnati Bengals

61. Chicago Bears (from San Francisco through Carolina)

62. Philadelphia Eagles

63. Kansas City Chiefs

Round 3

64. Chicago Bears

65. Houston Texans

66. Arizona Cardinals

67. Denver Broncos (from Indianapolis)

68. Denver Broncos

69. Los Angeles Rams

70. Las Vegas Raiders

71. New Orleans Saints

72. Tennessee Titans

73. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

74. Cleveland Browns (from N.Y. Jets)

75. Atlanta Falcons

76. New England Patriots (from Carolina)

77. Los Angeles Rams (from New England through Miami)

78. Green Bay Packers

79. Indianapolis Colts (from Washington)

80. Pittsburgh Steelers

81. Detroit Lions

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

83. Seattle Seahawks

84. Miami Dolphins

85. Los Angeles Chargers

86. Baltimore Ravens

87. Minnesota Vikings

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

89. New York Giants

90. Dallas Cowboys

91. Buffalo Bills

92. Cincinnati Bengals

93. Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco)

94. Philadelphia Eagles

95. Kansas City Chiefs

96. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory selection)

97. Washington Commanders (compensatory selection)

98. Cleveland Browns (special compensatory selection)

99. San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection)

100. Las Vegas Raiders (from Kansas City Chiefs through New York Giants [special compensatory selection])

101. San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection)

102. San Francisco 49ers (special compensatory selection)

Round 4

103. Chicago Bears

104. Houston Texans

105. Arizona Cardinals

106. Indianapolis Colts

107. New England Patriots (from L.A. Rams)

108. Denver Broncos

109. Las Vegas Raiders

110. Atlanta Falcons (from Tennessee)

111. Cleveland Browns

112. New York Jets

113. Atlanta Falcons

114. Carolina Panthers

115. New Orleans Saints

116. Green Bay Packers

117. New England Patriots

118. Washington Commanders

119. Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit)

120. Pittsburgh Steelers

121. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tampa Bay)

122. Kansas City Chiefs (from Miami)

123. Seattle Seahawks

124. Baltimore Ravens

125. Los Angeles Chargers

126. Cleveland Browns (from Minnesota)

127. Jacksonville Jaguars

128. New York Giants

129. Dallas Cowboys

130. Buffalo Bills

131. Cincinnati Bengals

132. Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco)

133. Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia)

134. Kansas City Chiefs

135. New England Patriots (compensatory selection)

Round 5

136. Chicago Bears

137. Buffalo Bills (from Arizona)

138. Indianapolis Colts

139. Denver Broncos

140. Cleveland Browns (from L.A. Rams)

141. Las Vegas Raiders

142. Cleveland Browns

143. New York Jets

144. Las Vegas Raiders (from Atlanta)

145. Carolina Panthers

146. New Orleans Saints

147. Tennessee Titans

148. Chicago Bears (from New England through Baltimore)

149. Green Bay Packers

150. Washington Commanders

151. Seattle Seahawks (from Pittsburgh)

152. Detroit Lions

153. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

154. Seattle Seahawks

155. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami)

156. Los Angeles Chargers

157. Baltimore Ravens

158. Minnesota Vikings

159. Detroit Lions (from Jacksonville through Atlanta)

160. New York Giants

161. Houston Texans (from Dallas)

162. Indianapolis Colts (from Buffalo)

163. Cincinnati Bengals

164. San Francisco 49ers

165. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia)

166. Kansas City Chiefs

167. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection)

168. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory selection)

169. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection)

170. New York Jets (from Green Bay Packers [compensatory selection])

171. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection)

172. New York Giants (compensatory selection)

173. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection)

174. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory selection)

175. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (compensatory selection)

176. Indianapolis Colts from Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection)

177. Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection)

Round 6

178. Kansas City Chiefs (from Chicago through Miami)

179. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Houston)

180. Arizona Cardinals

181. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Indianapolis)

182. Los Angeles Rams

183. Detroit Lions (from Denver)

184. New England Patriots (from Las Vegas)

185. Jacksonville Jaguars (from N.Y. Jets)

186. Tennessee Titans (from Atlanta)

187. New England Patriots (from Carolina)

188. Houston Texans (from New Orleans)

189. Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee)

190. Cleveland Browns

191. Los Angeles Rams (from Green Bay)

192. New England Patriots

193. Washington Commanders

194. Detroit Lions

195. Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh)

196. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

197. Miami Dolphins

198. Seattle Seahawks

199. Baltimore Ravens

200. Los Angeles Chargers

201. Houston Texans (from Minnesota)

202. Jacksonville Jaguars

203. Houston Texans (from N.Y. Giants)

204. Las Vegas Raiders (from Dallas)

205. Buffalo Bills

206. Cincinnati Bengals

207. Green Bay Packers (from San Francisco through Houston and N.Y. Jets)

208. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Philadelphia)

209. New York Giants (from Kansas City)

210. New England Patriots (compensatory selection)

211. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory selection)

212. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection)

213. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory selection)

214. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory selection)

215. Washington Commanders (compensatory selection)

216. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection)

217. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory selection)

Round 7

218. Chicago Bears

219. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston through Minnesota)

220. Las Vegas Raiders (from Arizona)

221. Indianapolis Colts

222. San Francisco 49ers (from Denver)

223. Los Angeles Rams

224. Atlanta Falcons (from Las Vegas)

225. Atlanta Falcons

226. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Carolina)

227. New Orleans Saints

228. Tennessee Titans

229. Cleveland Browns

230. Houston Texans (from N.Y. Jets through Tampa Bay)

231. Las Vegas Raiders (from New England)

232. Green Bay Packers

233. Washington Commanders

234. Los Angeles Rams (from Pittsburgh)

235. Green Bay Packers (from Detroit through L.A. Rams)

236. Indianapolis Colts (from Tampa Bay)

237. Seattle Seahawks

238. Miami Dolphins

239. Los Angeles Chargers

240. New York Giants (from Baltimore)

241. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Minnesota through Denver)

242. Green Bay Packers (from Jacksonville)

243. New York Giants

244. Dallas Cowboys

245. New England Patriots (from Buffalo through Atlanta)

246. Cincinnati Bengals

247. San Francisco 49ers

248. Philadelphia Eagles

249. Kansas City Chiefs

250. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory selection)

251. Pittsburgh Steelers (from L.A. Rams — compensatory selection)

252. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (compensatory selection)

253. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection)

254. New York Giants (compensatory selection)

255. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection)

256. Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection)

257. New Orleans Saints (compensatory selection)

258. Chicago Bears (compensatory selection)

259. Houston Texans (compensatory selection)

The NFL draft is one of the biggest events in an NFL fan’s life. It’s where teams will get the opportunity to improve their roster and bring on the country’s biggest and brightest college stars. These athletes will look to start their professional careers and add to the budding success of their new franchises for the ensuing seasons.

This year’s draft is set to kick off at Union Station in Kansas City in just a few days and many will be present to see NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell take the stage and announce the different selections.

To be in the building you must secure a ticket. So, here’s everything you need to know about how to buy a ticket and how much it costs ahead of the draft:

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to kick off on April 27 through April 29. The draft will be held in Kansas City, Mo.

The first round will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 27, with the second and third rounds kicking off on Friday, April 28, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Rounds four through seven will be held Saturday, April 29, beginning at 12 p.m. ET. 

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How do I get 2023 NFL Draft tickets?

Fans can actually attend the 2023 NFL Draft for free all three days.

For entry, fans must register for free access on the NFL.com/DraftAccess site or by downloading the NFL OnePass app at NFL.com/OnePass for more information as the draft approaches. But for those who would like to take the experience a step further, there are a few packages to look into to make the draft extra special.

How much is a 2023 NFL Draft ticket?

Fans can also purchase official draft ticket packages for the 2023 NFL Draft with On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL.

Who has the number 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers will have the first pick in the 2023 draft after taking ownership of the spot through a trade with the Chicago Bears.

The Carolina Panthers are a few days away from making their selection.

After trading with the Chicago Bears to grab the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the debates on who should go first have lasered in on quarterbacks.

Justin Fields leading the show in Chicago led the football world to deliberate top non-QB prospects, but Carolina’s search for a franchise signal caller has narrowed the options.

So, who will go No. 1 overall to the Panthers – barring a trade – in 2023? As the draft approaches, let’s take a look at the odds:

Who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

It was looking like a one-horse race earlier this week, but a former Kentucky QB has apparently started catching up.

As of April 15, Will Levis had +5000 odds to go first overall. That shifted to +2000 on Monday night and moved all the way down to +450 as of Tuesday morning.

Odds for Alabama’s Bryce Young have dipped from -2000 to -1250, still making him the resounding favorite to land with the Panthers.

Here’s what the odds say, courtesy of our betting partner, PointsBet (odds provided as of 9:50 a.m. ET on April 25): 

• QB Bryce Young, Alabama: -1250
• QB Will Levis, Kentucky: +450
• QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: +3300
• QB Anthony Richardson, Florida: +6600

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How many times has a quarterback been drafted No. 1 overall?

Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1967, 26 quarterbacks have been called first in the draft. That could increase to 27 in 2023.

Who was the last quarterback to be drafted No. 1 overall?

The 2022 draft saw the Jacksonville Jaguars take edge rusher Travon Walker with the first selection, but the year before that they snagged Trevor Lawrence as the most recent QB to be drafted No. 1 overall. 

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held throughout a three-day event from Thursday, April 27, to Saturday, April 29.

Editor’s note: All odds are provided by our partner, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.

A new crop of quarterbacks enter the NFL every year.

Sometimes, the fresh faces burst onto the scene and make an immediate impact in the league. Other times, the lights are too bright and the entire class flames out.

With the 2023 NFL Draft less than a week away, C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis hope to join the former group rather than the latter.

Before the action begins in Kansas City next week, here’s a look at the three best and three worst NFL draft classes of the last 50 years:

Best: 1983

Notable picks: John Elway (No. 1), Jim Kelly (No. 14), Tony Eason (No. 15), Ken O’Brien (No. 24), Dan Marino (No. 27)

As the only class (so far) with three Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks, 1983 certainly reigns supreme.

Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts before forcing a trade to the Denver Broncos, where he won two Super Bowls and 1987 MVP. Kelly nearly pulled a similar move, but joined the Buffalo Bills in 1985 after two seasons in the USFL. He led the squad to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, all losses, before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. Marino, the third Hall of Fame QB, dropped in the first round but became a nine-time Pro Bowler and the winningest QB without a Super Bowl win.

Eason and O’Brien are the forgotten first-rounders from this class, but both had respectable pro careers. Eason, drafted by the New England Patriots, started 51 games over eight seasons and finished sixth in MVP voting in 1986. O’Brien made 110 starts and two Pro Bowls after being selected by the New York Jets.

Worst: 2007

Notable picks: JaMarcus Russell (No. 1), Brady Quinn (No. 22), Kevin Kolb (No. 36), John Beck (No. 40), Drew Stanton (No. 43), Trent Edwards (No. 92), Matt Moore (undrafted)

It’s probably not a good sign when the best quarterback from a class ended up being undrafted.

Moore made just 32 career starts, with 49 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, and it’s pretty clear he was the star of this group. Russell was one of the biggest busts in NFL history, playing three seasons with the Oakland Raiders before he was out of the league. Quinn never reached his college heights after the Cleveland Browns selected him later in the first round.

Early in the second round, Kolb and Stanton had a few moments as fill-in starters but neither saw much action. Edwards, a third-rounder, similarly got an opportunity for the Buffalo Bills early in his career but couldn’t figure it out.

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Best: 2004

Notable picks: Eli Manning (No. 1), Philip Rivers (No. 4), Ben Roethlisberger (No. 11), J.P. Losman (No. 22), Matt Schaub (No. 90)

This group could soon join 1983 with three Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

The two classes had similar stories at the top, where Manning refused to play for the San Diego Chargers and was shipped to the New York Giants for Rivers. Both had solid careers in their respective homes – Manning winning two Super Bowls, Rivers posting overall better statistics. Roethlisberger was probably the best of the trio, winning two Super Bowls and totaling the most passing yards of the three.

Losman never made much of an impact after the Bills drafted him, making 33 career starts with 33 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. Schaub, was an underrated fourth quarterback from this class, starting for seven seasons with the Houston Texans and making two Pro Bowls after beginning his career as Michael Vick’s backup.

Worst: 1996

Notable picks: Tony Banks (No. 42), Bobby Hoying (No. 85), Jeff Lewis (No. 100), Danny Kanell (No. 130), Damon Huard (undrafted)

There isn’t much to praise with this group.

Banks had the best numbers, but his career was defined by being the guy before the guy. He started for three seasons with the St. Louis Rams before he was replaced by Kurt Warner, who quickly led them to a Super Bowl. Then he started for a season and a half with the Baltimore Ravens before being replaced by Trent Dilfer, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

Beyond Banks, no one in this class started more than 27 games. Huard, undrafted out of Washington, was in the league for 12 seasons – mostly as a backup. Kannel started 10 games for the Giants in 1997 and 1998, but that was the extent of his NFL career.

Best: 2012

Notable picks: Andrew Luck (No. 1), Robert Griffin III (No. 2), Ryan Tannehill (No. 8), Brock Osweiler (No. 57), Russell Wilson (No. 75), Nick Foles (No. 88), Kirk Cousins (No. 102)

Even with Luck and Griffin’s injuries, this group has sneaky depth.

Luck was a four-time Pro Bowler, retiring at the peak of his powers after just seven seasons due to injuries. RG3 was the Offensive Rookie of the Year, got hurt in the postseason for Washington and was never the same. But even with those unfortunate stories for the top two picks, there were plenty of success stories later on.

Tannehill developed into a capable, longtime NFL starter with the Dolphins and Titans. Osweiler earned a big contract after respectably filling in for Peyton Manning, though he flamed out soon after. Wilson has had the best career of any 2012 quarterback, winning a Super Bowl and making the Pro Bowl nine times so far. Foles had a few solid seasons as a starter and will forever be remembered for his Super Bowl MVP run with the Eagles. Then there’s Cousins, who continues to produce into his mid-30s as a four-time Pro Bowler.

Worst: 2013

Notable picks: EJ Manuel (No. 16), Geno Smith (No. 39), Mike Glennon (No. 73), Matt Barkley (No. 98), Landry Jones (No. 115)

One year after a great quarterback class, one of the worst showed up.

Smith is fighting to salvage this group. He finally got another chance as a starter in 2022 after a rocky start to his career with the Jets – responding with a Pro Bowl season for the Seahawks before earning a big contract.

Glennon is the only other player with more than 20 starts, but he has a 6-25 career record while playing for seven different teams. Manuel got a chance to play for the Bills as a rookie, quickly proving that he wasn’t a starting QB. Barkley is still bouncing around as a backup, though he’s only made seven starts in his 10-year career.

Sleeper: 2020

Notable picks: Joe Burrow (No. 1), Tua Tagovailoa (No. 5), Justin Herbert (No. 6), Jordan Love (No. 26), Jalen Hurts (No. 53)

If the first three seasons of this class’s career is any indication, it could soon be one of the best ever.

Burrow made the Super Bowl in just his second season, quickly turning around a Bengals franchise that hadn’t seen that kind of success in decades. When healthy, Tagovailoa posted above-average numbers in 2022 – injuries obviously remain a concern, though. Just behind him at No. 6, Herbert was Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, a Pro Bowler in 2021 and top-10 in MVP voting in 2022.

Later in the draft, Hurts is rapidly becoming a star. He had a breakout season for the Eagles in 2022, leading Philly to the Super Bowl and posting historic numbers in a close loss. Love will get his first crack at starting in 2023 after the Packers trade Aaron Rodgers.

With the 2023 NFL Draft just a week away, it’s crunch time for teams across the league.

Every franchise will enter the draft looking for potential star players. Even if a draft class is necessarily strong, there’s always value to be found.

Since the draft was cut to 12 rounds in 1977, every single round has produced at least one player who made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These stars don’t just grow on trees, but it is certainly possible for a late-round pick to develop into a hidden gem.

Here’s a full look at the success of players from each round and certain draft slots since 1977:

What draft position has produced the most Hall of Famers?

Since 1977, two draft positions have produced the most Pro Football Hall of Famers: Nos. 1 and 4 overall. Both slots have seven Hall of Famers, with the number potentially growing in some upcoming years.

Here are the seven Hall of Famers drafted No. 1 overall:

• Earl Campbell, 1978
• John Elway, 1983
• Steve Young, 1984 (supplemental draft)
• Bruce Smith, 1985
• Troy Aikman, 1989
• Orlando Pace, 1997
• Peyton Manning, 1998

Looking ahead, there are several future inductees who will soon join this list. Eli Manning (2004) is a likely selection after winning two Super Bowl MVPs for the New York Giants. Matthew Stafford (2009) probably needs a few more productive seasons, but a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams strengthened his case. It’s way too early for a few other players, but Myles Garrett (2017) and Joe Burrow (2020) are starting to build their cases.

Here are the seven Hall of Famers drafted No. 4 overall:

• Dan Hampton, 1979
• Reggie White, 1984
• Chris Doleman, 1985
• Derrick Thomas, 1989
• Jonathan Ogden, 1996
• Charles Woodson, 1998
• Edgerrin James, 1999

The No. 4 pick list will likely be adding Philip Rivers (2004). Recently retired wide receiver A.J. Green (2011) and the ageless Lane Johnson (2013) could also join the club someday. In the way-too-early category, Andrew Thomas (2020) and Sauce Gardner (2022) need another decade or so of similar production to garner consideration.

What is the worst slot in the NFL draft?

There are plenty of draft slots in later rounds where no players have amounted to anything. But strictly looking at the top 10, every single slot has produced at least one Hall of Famer since 1977.

To narrow it down, Nos. 7 and 9 overall have produced the fewest Hall of Famers among the top 10 spots with two each.

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At No. 7, Bryant Young (1994) and Champ Bailey (1999) are the two inductees. Young, a defensive tackle for the 49ers, was inducted in 2022, while Bailey, a cornerback for Washington and Denver, was a first-ballot selection in 2019.

Bruce Matthews (1983) and Brian Urlacher (2000) are the two Hall of Famers from pick No. 9. Matthews is one of the NFL’s greatest offensive linemen, playing for 19 years with the Houston Oilers and eventually the Tennessee Titans before becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2007. Urlacher was a linebacker with the Bears for 13 seasons and, like Matthews, was a first-ballot selection.

How many Hall of Famers were picked outside the first round?

There have been 38 players who have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame while being selected in rounds two through seven since 1977. In addition, four players over that span have been inducted after going undrafted.

Here are some of the best selections by round and the year they were drafted:

Second round

• Mike Singletary, 1981
• Howie Long, 1981
• Rickey Jackson, 1981
• Andre Tippett, 1982
• Brett Favre, 1991
• Michael Strahan, 1993
• Brian Dawkins, 1996

Third round

• Joe Montana, 1979
• Curtis Martin, 1995
• Ronde Barber, 1997

Fourth round

• Charles Haley, 1986
• Cris Carter, 1987

Fifth round

• Kevin Greene, 1985
• Zach Thomas, 1996

Sixth round

• Joe Klecko, 1977
• Terrell Davis, 1995

Seventh round

• Shannon Sharpe, 1990

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held from April 27-29 in Kansas City. The first round will take place on April 27, with the second and third rounds on April 28 and the fourth through seventh rounds on April 29.

Sometimes matches are made in heaven. 

At least in NFL terms, when watching X player in college, you might find yourself pondering how he’d be a great fit for Y team.

Watching Travis Etienne thrive at Clemson with his frame and intangibles made the Jacksonville Jaguars a stalwart landing spot in 2021. Then seeing Seattle grab Tariq Woolen in the fifth round in 2022 produced a similar feeling given the Seahawks’ history with tall, physical corners. The same applies to the San Francisco 49ers’ recent affinity for picking defensive lineman with their first pick, regardless of it being in the first round or later. 

The examples are endless, but the 2023 draft is quickly approaching. Let’s take a look at which players would make a consummate fit with one respective team, regardless of where they’re positioned in the draft order (listed in alphabetical order by city name):

Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) 

This starts on the right foot given it’s a highly likely scenario in the draft. If the Bears didn’t trade down, Anderson was essentially locked in the No. 1 spot. Overall, he could end up being the best prospect in the draft, including quarterbacks. The 6-foot-4 edge rusher recorded 17.5 sacks in 2021 and with the Cardinals in retool mode, he would become the face of their defense alongside Budda Baker.

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Atlanta Falcons – DB Christian Gonzalez (Oregon)

This pick came prior to Jeff Okudah’s arrival from Detroit for a fifth-rounder, but it still stays. Okudah’s arrival alongside A.J. Terrell, Casey Hayward, Mike Hughes and more is a logjam that questions adding Gonzalez to the fold, but factoring in where the franchise is in their rebuild and Hayward turning 34 in September, moving on from him and developing Gonzalez for the future would make their secondary dangerous for years to come. And that’s before we get into Jessie Bates III’s pending debut. 

Baltimore Ravens – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State)

The jury’s still out on Lamar Jackson’s future with Baltimore, but if the Ravens want to keep him, give him more weapons. Odell Beckham Jr. should not be their marquee wideout on the roster; instead, drafting someone who could become WR1 sooner rather than later should be a priority. If they can get a hold of Smith-Nijgba, who is one of the complete players in his pool this year, the Ravens could really fly next season and beyond.

Buffalo Bills – EDGE Myles Murphy (Clemson)

Handing Von Miller a six-year, $120 million deal when he was 33 years old would always come with inherent risk – then he tore his ACL on Thanksgiving. Though he’ll be good to go for 2023, adding the 6-foot-5, 275-pound Murphy off the edge to rotate with Miller and Greg Rousseau could help improve Buffalo’s slightly below average pass rush. Going for a potential WR2 alongside Stefon Diggs could also be looked at. 

Carolina Panthers – QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)

It’s obvious Carolina is looking for a franchise quarterback with Andy Dalton currently serving as the bridge. Just who that is, though, remains to be seen, but the hints point at Stroud. That makes it easy because the two sides make a great fit, despite the roster clearly needing improvements in the long term to align with Stroud’s growth. He’s patient, accurate and loaded with a strong arm, but putting it all together alongside his mobility is pivotal. 

Chicago Bears – DL Jalen Carter (Georgia)

The Bears have several positions to address to take the next step, but the defensive line (as well as the offensive side) needs serious talent. That’s where Carter comes in as he’s one of, if not the best, defensive tackles available in 2023. His arrest on March 1 due to reckless driving and racing charges may see him slip, but he’d undoubtedly be an excellent starting point to retool that department. 

Cincinnati Bengals – CB Emmanuel Forbes (Miss. State)

Cornerbacks should be the name of the game for Cincinnati. With Eli Apple not re-signing, second-year Cam Taylor-Britt and Chidobe Awuzie currently are the top two options for a team that ranked No. 26 in pass yards allowed per game last year. Forbes may not be a physical specimen, but he’s an incredible athlete – primarily aerially – who has the ball production to potentially make an immediate impact for a team in the title mix.

Cleveland Browns – DT Bryan Bresee (Clemson)

Cleveland’s offense can’t be fully evaluated yet due to Deshaun Watson only playing the latter six games of the season, but the defense can be: the rush defense was atrocious. Dalvin Tomlinson came over from Minnesota as a veteran addition, with former 49er Maurice Hurst possibly being an underrated move, but they’ll need more. That’s where Bresee comes in, a 6-foot-5, 298-pound tackle. He had an ACL tear in 2021 and shoulder surgery in 2022, but his athletic build down the middle could make him a unique prospect as long as he stays healthy. 

Dallas Cowboys – EDGE Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)

Brandin Cooks fortified the wideout options for Dak Prescott, so the attention turns to the defensive side. Dallas could look to improve the interior, but Tyree Wilson’s profile here couldn’t be overlooked. The Texas Tech product is a 6-foot-6, 271-pound edge rusher with a 7-foot wingspan, and his intangibles combined with his potential forms a frightening ceiling. With DeMarcus Lawrence on one side and Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. emerging on the other, adding Wilson to the mix could make that rotation special.

Denver Broncos – OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)

Russell Wilson couldn’t have endured a worse cookout to begin his tenure as a Bronco. The offense ranked dead last in points per game (16.9), but they were also 30th in QB sack percentage (9.94%). So the offensive line is the focus here, and Jones might be what Wilson needs. Mike McGlinchey came from San Francisco to shore up the right tackle spot, so Jones, an athletic and quick 6-foot-5 tackle, could aid Wilson’s mobility on the left side. Denver does not have a first-round pick, but trading up for a stout lineman would be beneficial. 

Detroit Lions – TE Dalton Kincaid (Utah)

With Okudah gone for an already struggling secondary, it’s likely that Gonzalez or Devon Witherspoon – to be named later – goes to Detroit. But Kincaid comes here to boost the Lions’ promising aerial attack with Jared Goff quietly logging robust numbers in his second season with the franchise. The 6-foot-4 Kincaid is the best ready-made route-running tight end in this draft, which Detroit currently lacks. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Marvin Jones Jr. at wideout, Kincaid would make life tougher for opposing defenses despite limitations as a blocker.

Green Bay Packers – OT Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

A lot of Green Bay’s roster construction hinges on Aaron Rodgers’ prolonged exit. Will it happen or will it not? For the purpose of this exercise, let’s say Jordan Love is handed the keys. Rush defenders is a department in need of help, but creating a stable environment for Love tops that. David Bakhtiari’s injury history is far too unreliable, so the 6-foot-8 Jones could help swallow defenders from Love’s blindside should he land in Lambeau. With that height and weighing 374 pounds comes natural athleticism concerns, but the Buckeye has immense power to counter defenders.

Houston Texans – QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)

The Texans obviously need a long-term quarterback. Davis Mills’ 5-22-1 record in two seasons as a starter isn’t good enough, and new head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, both from San Francisco, will want something new. Slowik recently discussed the philosophy they want the team to have, where he said he wants the first thing to jump out on the tape about their players is: “Are we fast, are we physical, are we tough?” The 6-foot-4, 244-pound Anthony Richardson definitely fits the bill with a 4.43 40-yard-dash time at the combine. Houston’s offense still needs more weapons, but Richardson, who arguably has the best ceiling of the QBs in this class, needs time, and he should receive that with Ryans and Co. 

Indianapolis Colts – QB Will Levis (Kentucky)

The Colts are also in the same boat as the Texans, one of their AFC South counterparts, in terms of needing a quarterback for the future. New head coach Shane Steichen explained his QB philosophy as someone who “love(s) playing that position and love(s) the grind and love(s) the process of having a chance to be successful.” That’s essentially another way of saying he wants someone who exudes good vibes or “has that dawg in him.” While Levis’ potential and ceiling is highly debated among the NFL spectrum, seeing him transition from the Wildcats’ blue and white to the Colts’ has a good vibe to it. 

Jacksonville Jaguars – LB Trenton Simpson (Clemson)

The Jaguars’ offense is rising by leaps and bounds (the passing is ahead of the rushing), but their pass defense needs tightening if they are to build off this past season’s playoff exit. One way is improving their pass rush, as they ranked 28th in sack percentage (5.29%). They also would benefit from more speed in their 3-4 setup, which is why Simpson comes in here. He’s a 6-foot-2 linebacker who ran a 4.43 40-yard at the combine and covers ground superbly on the outsides. He could fittingly go from a Tiger to a Jaguar.

Kansas City Chiefs – WR Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee)

With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs will always be in the title race despite a lackluster secondary. The defending Super Bowl champions have dealt with secondary woes the last few seasons but managed to win games, so a wideout enters the fold. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s departure means Marquez Valdes-Scantling is now WR1, with second-year Skyy Moore and 2021 first-rounder Kadarius Toney primed for bigger roles. But also factoring in Mecole Hardman’s exit, Hyatt makes sense given his elite speed. He primarily optimizes it on deep seams, but if he can branch out his route tree, there’s a serious prospect Mahomes could work with.

Las Vegas Raiders – CB Devon Witherspoon (Illinois)

Quarterback may be a sneaky route the Raiders take in spite of Jimmy Garoppolo’s addition, but cornerback has to be the way to go. Last year, Las Vegas allowed a 67.63% completion percentage, ranking 30th. Witherspoon, potentially the best corner in the 2023 class, allowed a completion rate of 34.9% last season, per Pro Football Focus. He’d have plenty of reps with the potential to be CB1 for years to come with the Raiders.

Los Angeles Chargers – TE Darnell Washington (Georgia)

Austin Ekeler’s trade situation may see the Chargers eye a young running back, but they’re all about passing the football with Justin Herbert slinging it. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer are the top pass catchers and another could be added via the draft, with the 6-foot-7 Washington having potential as a long-term upgrade over Gerald Everett. His receiving stats at Georgia grew every year, but it’s the mismatches he could supply with Los Angeles that could charge their offense to a new level. Kincaid is another profile that fits.

Los Angeles Rams – WR Jordan Addison (USC)

Head coach Sean McVay reportedly didn’t want to be part of a rebuild amid rumors of him possibly stepping away from the gig, but since his renewed commitment, the Rams have shipped several stars without any elite players filling in. They have 11 picks in 2023 – no first-rounders – so defense looks to be a priority. But so should a wide receiver, with Addison located a few miles away. Cooper Kupp needs more help than Allen Robinson II and Van Jefferson have supplied, so Addison can become just that. He’s not a physical specimen, but he has excellent speed and agility to create separation across the three route levels, which would give Matthew Stafford another trusty target. 

Miami Dolphins – WR Marvin Mims Jr. (Oklahoma)

Tua Tagovailoa needs to stay healthy if the Dolphins want to fly above water in 2023, and secondary was a glaring issue until Jalen Ramsey’s recent acquisition. With no first-rounder for Miami, another receiver comes in alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Mims is another deep threat for a team that wants to go long, but he can also catch short and accumulate yards after the catch. Just keep stacking the explosive wideouts, Miami. 

Minnesota Vikings – WR Quentin Johnston (TCU)

Adam Thielen out, Quentin Johnston in? The Vikings are another team that wants to throw the ball, and why not? Justin Jefferson fell 200 yards shy of a 2,000-yard receiving campaign in 2022, and T.J. Hockenson will have a full year after coming from Detroit via a trade. Adding the 6-foot-3 Johnston as the WR2 would keep defenses honest on overloading Jefferson’s side, though the TCU product still needs reassuring with his hands. 

New England Patriots – LB Drew Sanders (Arkansas)

The Patriots endured quite the rollercoaster season in 2022, and 2023 should answer even more questions about the long-term roster construction. New England has some intriguing linebackers in Ja’Whaun Bentley and Matthew Judon, but Sanders in its 3-4 system could add dazzling versatility. The 6-foot-4 linebacker can play inside or rush from the edge, so his uniqueness under Bill Belicheck could be a fun one to track.

New Orleans Saints – QB Bryce Young (Alabama)

You might have been wondering why Young hadn’t been paired with Houston or Indianapolis. He was saved for this section. The Drew Brees comparisons are tough to overlook given their frame and the way they operate on the field, but also seeing Young in the Saints’ black and gold would be quite the sight as their next franchise QB. Michael Thomas’ injury status is still precarious, but Chris Olave collected 1,000-plus receiving yards as a rookie. The only downfall here is New Orleans opted for Derek Carr, with Jameis Winston hoping to fight for his former starting role.  

New York Giants – WR Cedric Tillman (Tennessee)

The Giants have to hit on a wide receiver at some point, right? Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley anchored the offense in their run to the postseason last year, but having Darius Slayton’s 724 receiving yards as their No. 1 option isn’t going to cut it. The key is Jones doesn’t throw long often, so the 6-foot-3 Tillman would bring a fruitful blend of size, physicality and reliability on all three levels for a team needing a gem at that position. 

New York Jets – RB Bijan Robinson (Texas)

As aforementioned in the Packers section, Rodgers’ situation holds significant influence. If he does join the Jets, they already boast a playoff-caliber defense. Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman bolstered the receiving room, so it comes down to the right side of the O-line or landing an eccentric weapon. Robinson would be phenomenal for New York to pair with Breece Hall. He would keep Rodgers’ workload lighter and though the usual rule of thumb is not getting a RB in the first round, Robinson is one of those rare exceptions. 

Philadelphia Eagles – DT Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh)

The Eagles were extremely well-balanced last year en route to their trip to the Super Bowl, but they’ve lost key players that helped them get there. One of them is Javon Hargrave, who flipped coasts and signed with the 49ers. Jordan Davis will be tapped for an increased role down the middle with Fletcher Cox, but Kancey is a riser in mocks who could be looked at. His build is reminiscent of Hargrave, though he’s about 20 pounds lighter. Kancey is exceedingly quick and productive as a pass-rushing tackle who can cause havoc as a rotational run defender, and his hard-nosed, motor-driven profile feels right in Philly. 

Pittsburgh Steelers – EDGE Nolan Smith (Georgia)

How Kenny Pickett develops in Year 2 will determine the brunt of the Steelers’ success in 2023 and beyond, but a versatile defender in Smith comes next. His 238-pound frame may not be ideal for a 3-4 system, but if there’s a team with a history of optimizing shifty edge players like Smith and extracting more production from them, it’s Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.

San Francisco 49ers – OT Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)

The 49ers have a paramount battle at QB between Trey Lance and Brock Purdy – and don’t count out Sam Darnold under Kyle Shanahan just yet – but which five players protects whoever triumphs is just as imperative. San Francisco’s biggest strength has been fielding versatile players who can move around in the case of injury – which usually ends up being the case every year – and Skoronski on the O-line fits that bill. Spencer Burford and Jaylon Moore are the projected starters at right guard and right tackle, respectively, but Skoronski’s talent and profile, having played tackle but might be best suited as a guard, is what strengthens this O-line.

Seattle Seahawks – CB Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)

The Seahawks’ run defense is suspect and needs confronting, but as aforementioned about their history with corners, adding someone next to Woolen could make them dangerous to throw against yet again. Porter Jr. is just under 6-foot-3 and is fast and physical at 193 pounds. If he maximizes his ceiling, there’s a CB1 in him. But slotting him with the 6-foot-4 Woolen, who recorded six picks as a rookie, wouldn’t be ideal for opposing receivers. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Jack Campbell (Iowa)

The initial pick here was DT Adetomiwa Adebawore from Northwestern, but Devin White’s trade request spices this up. Tampa Bay will be led by Baker Mayfield and may have enough individual talent to top an open NFC South, but losing White would impair the heart of its defense. Campbell, at 6-foot-5 and 249 pounds, is as solid and reliable as it gets in the middle of the box. His ceiling isn’t exceptional, but his feel for the game and consistency as the QB of the defense is worth gambling on. 

Tennessee Titans – EDGE Lukas Van Ness (Iowa)

The Titans are fortunate to be in the AFC South given they can still compete for a wild card spot despite a lackluster team, but they had the best rush defense in the NFL last season. However, their pass defense and inability to rush the QB hindered them, as they ranked near last in several statistical categories. Van Ness won’t stuff the sack sheet right away, but his floor is high and his ceiling can augment even higher thanks to his speed and strength. Tennessee needs a leader on the D-line, and the “Hercules” nickname he’s been dubbed with from college makes sense for a team named the Titans. 

Washington Commanders – CB Deonte Banks (Maryland) 

Like the Jets, the Commanders also possessed a defense worthy of competing in the playoffs but lacked the signal caller to take the offense over the top. Jacoby Brissett and Sam Howell are the top options there, but Washington could also benefit from drafting a future CB1, too. Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St. Juste are slated to be the top two at the moment, but someone like Banks, 6-foot, 197 pounds with versatility in multiple schemes and elite athleticism, is the type of player the Commanders need. His back-to-the-ball IQ will need polishing, but playing behind a vigorous D-line led by Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Co. should help him acclimate. He’s also from Maryland, which adds to the feasibility. Alabama safety Brian Branch is another deserved shout.

The Carolina Panthers have been on the clock since making a blockbuster trade last month to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and get their choice of potential franchise quarterbacks.

There’s still no general consensus on which QB will go first, Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.

The Panthers themselves are still trying to decide and they’re doing their due diligence on Anthony Richardson and Will Levis in the process.

The Panthers traded four picks, including No. 9 overall and a first-rounder next year, along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.

The first edition of the AP’s 2023 mock draft says it’ll be Stroud. The other 30 picks can be seen below — this year’s first-round draft has only 31 picks instead of the normal 32 after the Dolphins were stripped of their first-round pick last August on tampering violations.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): C.J. STROUD, QUARTERBACK, OHIO STATE
   Stroud’s size – 6-foot-3, 214 pounds – gives him an edge over Young – 5-foot-10, 204. Stroud has a strong, accurate arm and possesses the leadership ability and other intangibles that Reich values.
2. Houston Texans: BRYCE YOUNG, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMA
   Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, becomes the face of the Texans and allows Houston to move past Deshaun Watson. His size is below standard but it was never an issue when Young played at a high level at Alabama. He can make every throw, has strong pocket presence and is a dynamic playmaker.
3. Arizona Cardinals: WILL ANDERSON, EDGE, ALABAMA
   New coach Jonathan Gannon benefited from having a dominant defensive line last season as a defensive coordinator for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. Anderson is the best pass rusher in the draft and Arizona has to replace T.J. Watt and Zach Allen.
4. Indianapolis Colts: ANTHONY RICHARDSON, QUARTERBACK, FLORIDA
   Another pick inspired by the Eagles. New coach Stane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, had tremendous success with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Colts owner Jim Irsay is a big fan of Hurts’ style. Richardson has incredible athleticism, a strong arm and elite talent. He needs time to work on accuracy and mechanics.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): JALEN CARTER, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA
   Before his off-field issues, Carter was a potential No. 1 overall pick if Chicago didn’t trade down. He’s too talented to slip further. Carter is the right fit for Seattle and coach Pete Carroll.
6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angels Rams): DEVON WITHERSPOON, CORNERBACK, ILLINOIS
   Witherspoon has slid on some drafts probably because a hamstring injury limited his workouts. He was impressive at Illinois’ pro day and is widely considered the top cover cornerback. The Lions had the NFL’s second-worst pass defense in 2022.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: TYREE WILSON, EDGE, TEXAS TECH
   Size, build, speed, Wilson has it all for an edge rusher. The Raiders can team Wilson up with Maxx Crosby to get after the elite QBs in the AFC West.
8. Atlanta Falcons: MYLES MURPHY, EDGE, CLEMSON
   Murphy instantly upgrades a pass rush on a defense that had the second-fewest sacks in 2022.
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): PETER SKORONSKI, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, NORTHWESTERN
   The Bears need to protect Justin Fields so it starts with Skoronski covering his blindside.
10. Houston Texans (mock trade from Philadelphia via New Orleans): LUKAS VAN NESS, EDGE, IOWA
    After taking Young at No. 2, the Texans swing a deal in our first mock trade and move up to grab an elite edge rusher in Van Ness.
11. Tennessee Titans: WILL LEVIS, QUARTERBACK, KENTUCKY
    Titans can’t pass up this opportunity to take Levis. He didn’t have eye-popping stats at Kentucky but he has size, build, makeup and experience in a pro-style offense that teams desire.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (mock trade from Houston via Cleveland): NOLAN SMITH, EDGE, GEORGIA
    Smith joins former Bulldogs teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean on a revamped defense in Philly.
13. New York Jets: PARIS JOHNSON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATE
    Johnson has all the physical tools and intangibles to anchor the O-line, protect Aaron Rodgers and help the Jets improve their run game.
14. New England Patriots: CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, CORNERBACK, OREGON
    Gonzalez is an immediate starter for Bill Belichick’s defense, giving the Patriots the bigger cornerback they lack in the secondary.
15. Seattle Seahawks (mock trade from Green Bay): JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE
    Seattle moves up to take the first wide receiver. Smith-Njigba teams up with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to give Geno Smith another dynamic option.
16. Washington Commanders: JOEY PORTER JR., CORNERBACK, PENN STATE
    The Commanders tab a physical cornerback, taking the son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: BRODERICK JONES, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA
    The Steelers get an athletic left tackle to protect Kenny Pickett’s blindside.
18. Detroit Lions: CALIJAH KANCEY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, PITTSBURGH
    After selecting a CB earlier, the Lions continue to bolster a poor defense with an interior d-lineman who can get after QBs.
19. Kansas City Chiefs (mock trade from Tampa Bay): DARNELL WRIGHT, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, TENNESSEE
    The Super Bowl champs move up to select a right tackle after more turnover on their offensive line.
20. Green Bay Packers (mock trade from Seattle): DALTON KINCAID, TIGHT END, UTAH
    Kincaid will quickly become Jordan Love’s go-to target as he settles into a starting role.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: ZAY FLOWERS, WIDE RECEIVER, BOSTON COLLEGE
    Flowers slots in nicely with veterans Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
22. Baltimore Ravens: CAM SMITH, CORNERBACK, SOUTH CAROLINA
    Smith provides immediate help for a pass defense that finished 26th.
23. Vikings: JORDAN ADDISON, WIDE RECEIVER, USC
    Addison is polished enough to instantly step in to replace Adam Thielen.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: MICHAEL MAYER, TIGHT END, NOTRE DAME
    Mayer upgrades the run game and pass game, giving Trevor Lawrence a potential top target.
25. New York Giants: JALIN HYATT, WIDE RECEIVER, TENNESSEE
    Giants get a wideout with game-breaking speed in Hyatt.
26. Dallas Cowboys: BIJAN ROBINSON, RUNNING BACK, TEXAS
    Cowboys replace Ezekiel Elliott with the best back in the draft.
27. Buffalo Bills: JACK CAMPBELL, LINEBACKER, IOWA
    The 2022 Dick Butkus award winner replaces Tremaine Edwards.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: DEONTE BANKS, CORNERBACK, MARYLAND
    Bengals add a physical, athletic cornerback to a depleted secondary.
29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco): MAZI SMITH, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, MICHIGAN
    In a draft stocked with interior d-linemen, Saints get a big man with freakish athletic skills.
30. Chicago Bears (mock trade from Philadelphia): BRYAN BRESEE, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON
    Chicago moves back into the first round to get a run stuffer.
31. Buccaneers (mock trade from Kansas City): BRIAN BRANCH, SAFETY, ALABAMA
    After trading back, Bucs get a safety many have them taking at 19.

NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Apr 21, 2022

Ranking the Greatest Draft Classes in NFL History

NFL Draft Apr 19

Ranking the 10 Best No. 1 Draft Picks in NFL History

NFL Draft Apr 18

2024 NFL Draft Top Prospects by Position, First-Round Picks, Date

Brock Purdy shocked the world in 2022.

After the San Francisco 49ers’ first- and second-string quarterbacks went down with injuries, Purdy came in and the team only got better. The final selection of the 2022 draft – Mr. Irrelevant – led a Super Bowl contender to a 7-0 record before finally losing in the NFC Championship Game.

Purdy’s rise from the bottom of the draft continued on Wednesday when it was reported that he would likely be the 49ers’ starter moving forward with former No. 3 pick Trey Lance on the trade block.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see another Mr. Irrelevant leading a team to playoff wins as a rookie quarterback, there are gems hidden throughout the 2023 class.

It’s unrealistic to expect any Day 2 or 3 quarterbacks to become a starter. But here are five late-round quarterbacks that could potentially follow Purdy’s path from irrelevance to importance:

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA

A five-year starter for the Bruins, Thompson-Robinson steadily improved throughout his college career. Last season was his best yet, posting career-highs in passing yards (3,169), passing touchdowns (27), completion percentage (69.6%), rushing yards (645) and rushing touchdowns (12).

Thompson-Robinson is a projected Day 3 pick, but he could immediately step in as a backup in the right situation. He played under former NFL coach Chip Kelly, has great mobility and can create outside the pocket. Keep an eye on him if he’s drafted by a team with a dual-threat quarterback for him to learn under.

Aidan O’Connell, Purdue

Similar to Purdy, O’Connell didn’t peak during his senior season. The Purdue alum was at his best as a junior in 2021, when he posted 3,712 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

O’Connell has limited mobility but thrives in the pocket and has experience in a pro-style system under Jeff Brohm. With limited weapons, O’Connell led the Boilermakers to the Big Ten Championship Game. He’s probably best served as a game manager-type player, which is a similar trope that we heard about Purdy when he took over last season.

Stetson Bennett, Georgia

All eyes will be on Bennett when the draft reaches its final rounds. He was the starting quarterback for Georgia as the Bulldogs won back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. But Bennett has plenty of flaws that will make him a longshot to become an NFL starter: he’s undersized (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) and older than most other prospects (turns 26 in October), to name a couple.

However, Bennett has a history of rising to the occasion, as he showed throughout Georgia’s title runs. He’s clearly a capable leader who a team can rally around. Is that enough to translate to the NFL? We will see.

Max Duggan, TCU

Duggan came out of nowhere in 2022, finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting and leading TCU all the way to the national title game. In his senior season, the 6-foot-2 Duggan totaled 3,698 passing yards, 41 total touchdowns (32 passing, nine rushing) and eight interceptions.

Scrappy and tough are the cliché characteristics often used to describe Duggan, but they reign true when you watch him play. Even though he needs work as a passer, Duggan should get a chance to compete for a backup and third-string role this summer.

Jake Haener, Fresno State

The least-known name from the smallest school on this list actually has the most similarities to Purdy. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit compared Haener to Purdy after the Senior Bowl, when the Fresno State alum won MVP and showed off his impressive arm strength and decision-making skills.

Haener’s measurements (6-foot, 207 pounds) are nearly identical to Purdy’s (6-foot-1, 212 pounds). He’s also known more for his football IQ than his physical talent, according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. Sounds familiar, if you ask me.

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It’s deal-making season for NFL general managers, and the draft is just the next thing on their laundry list. 

After weeks of the NFL combine and Pro Day clinics, the 2023 NFL Draft is upon us and expert opinion will finally be put to use as each team looks to secure the necessary pieces to contend for a Super Bowl. Depending on the strength of the group, teams could gamble everything tonight to score a shot at the cream of the crop. 

Just like choosing an exceptional first-round draft pick, determining the quality of a draft class is up for debate, with some showing preference to star power, while others give weight to the overall depth of a class. 

Only time can tell how a draft class will truly age, but that won’t keep fans and pundits alike from weighing in with early evaluations on where a class ranks in NFL history. 

Tune in to this year’s draft to see how the 2023 class measures up. 

Honorable mentions 

1969

Super Bowl MVPs: None

Hall of Famers: 6 – O.J. Simpson, Joe Greene, Ted Hendricks, Charlie Joiner, Roger Wehrli and Ken Riley

1985

Super Bowl MVPs: None

Hall of Famers: 5 – Bruce Smith, Jerry Rice, Chris Doleman, Andre Reed and Kevin Greene

2017

Super Bowl MVPs: 2 – Patrick Mahomes (Super Bowls LIV and LVII) and Cooper Kupp (Super Bowl LVI)

Hall of Famers: Not eligible (must be retired for at least five years)

1979

Super Bowl MVPs: 3 – Joe Montana (Super Bowls XVI, XIX and XXIV), Phil Simms (Super Bowl XXI) and Ottis Anderson (Super Bowl XXV)

Hall of Famers: 3 – Kellen Winslow, Joe Montana and Dan Hampton

1998

Super Bowl MVPs: 2 – Hines Ward (Super Bowl XL) and Peyton Manning (Super Bowl XLI)

Hall of Famers: 4 – Randy Moss, Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson and Alan Faneca

NFL Draft Apr 19

Ranking the 10 Best No. 1 Draft Picks in NFL History

NFL Draft Mar 30

Who Will Be the No. 1 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft? Odds for Top Prospects

What are the best NFL draft classes of all time?

10. 2004 

Super Bowl MVPs: 1 – Eli Manning (Super Bowls XLVI and XLII)

Hall of Famers: None

I’m hesitant to start this list out with a draft class north of 2000, but the name recognition among this group simply can’t be ignored.

This was the year of the quarterback – Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger all gone by the 11th pick. The first round also included Larry Fitzgerald and the late Sean Taylor. But talent wasn’t exclusive to the top of the draft. The 2004 class featured an impressive group of undrafted players such as Wes Welker and Jason Peters, both of whom were named to the Pro Bowl multiple times.

9. 2011

Super Bowl MVPs: 2 – Malcolm Smith (Super Bowl XLVIII) and Von Miller (Super Bowl 50)

Hall of Famers: None

Recency bias aside, the 2011 NFL Draft is generally considered to be the best of the last two decades. Cam Newton – coming off a Heisman victory at Auburn – headlined this group as the No. 1 overall pick, but the accolades didn’t stop there. 

Von Miller, the No. 2 pick, has two Super Bowl rings and was named MVP for his effort with the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. A.J. Green, Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones — selected fourth through sixth — have earned Pro Bowl honors a combined 22 times. For perspective, three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt didn’t even crack the top-10 in this class.

8. 1968

Super Bowl MVPs: 1 – Larry Csonka (Super Bowl VIII)

Hall of Famers: 8 – Larry Csonka, Art Shell, Ron Yary, Elvin Bethea, Charlie Sanders, Curley Culp, Claude Humphrey and Ken Stabler

The 1968 NFL Draft was the second joint draft between the NFL and AFL, and it certainly helped establish a tradition of excellence between the two leagues. It featured eight Hall of Famers — all taken in the first three rounds — and a host of athletes that left their footprint on the league, including Curley Culp and Ron Yary.

7. 1971

Super Bowl MVPs: 2 – John Riggins (Super Bowl XVII) and Jim Plunkett (Super Bowl XV)

Hall of Famers: 5 – Jack Ham, John Riggins, Dan Dierdorf, Jack Youngblood and Harold Carmichael

1971 was the original “Year of the Quarterback,” but few could predict how the legacy of this draft class would play out. 

The draft opened with three straight quarterback selections: Two-time Super Bowl champion Jim Plunkett, Archie Manning – whose surname needs no explanation — and Dan Pastorini. Later in the fourth round, the Miami Dolphins took Joe Theismann off the board. All experienced varying degrees of success in the league, but none of them are enshrined in Canton. 

Despite that, this draft class still mounted an impressive resume on the field. Those four quarterbacks combined for 93,514 career passing yards and all recorded over 100 passing touchdowns. Meanwhile, John Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns to earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame. On the defensive end, Jack Youngblood led the way, recording double-digit sacks in eight of his 14 seasons. 

6. 1989

Super Bowl MVPs: 1 – Troy Aikman (Super Bowl XXVII)

Hall of Famers: 5 – Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders and Steve Atwater

What this class lacked in depth, it made up for in star power. Aikman’s three Super Bowl rings and Barry Sanders’ five seasons with at least 1,500 rushing yards are just a few of the highlights that make this class so great. 

This class makes a strong bid for the best first round in NFL history, with four of the top-five picks making it to the Hall of Fame. No. 2 overall pick Tony Mandarich is considered to be one of the biggest busts in draft history, in part because of the incredible careers that surrounded him on the list.

5. 1967

Super Bowl MVPs: None

Hall of Famers: 10 – Ken Houston, Willie Lanier, Gene Upshaw, Alan Page, Bob Griese, Jan Stenerud, Lem Barney, Larry Little, Rayfield Wright and Floyd Little

The 1967 draft was so dominated by Michigan State, the NFL might as well have held it in East Lansing. The Spartans, coming off a No. 2 finish in the AP and coaches polls, accounted for four of the top-eight picks. 

However, despite the impressive start for the Spartans, the real talent from this draft came elsewhere. The 10 Hall of Famers this class produced trail only the 1964 draft, and names such as Gene Upshaw and Bob Griese put this class in elite company. 

The accomplishments of this class extended beyond the football field, stretching from the basketball court to the court house.

Hall of Famer Alan Page went on to earn his law degree and serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the last pick of the draft — known as “Mr. Irrelevant” — went to Jimmy Walker, a two-time All-Star who wrapped his NBA career with 11,655 points. One of the biggest surprises from this list is Pat Riley — yes, the same Pat Riley who has 10 NBA titles to his name and currently serves as president of the Miami Heat. Neither Walker nor Riley ever competed in the NFL but both made their mark on the sports world.

4. 1981 

Super Bowl MVPs: None

Hall of Famers: 7 – Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, Howie Long, Rickey Jackson, Russ Grimm and Kenny Easley

The 1981 draft was the epitome of a stacked class from top to bottom. While the first round had no shortage of stars, including Lawrence Taylor, Kenny Easley and Ronnie Lott, the real accomplishment of this class was the complete talent through all 12 rounds. Much like the 2004 group, the 1981 class saw a number of talented players going undrafted, including six-time Pro-Bowler Deron Cherry and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Jacoby.

3. 1957

Super Bowl MVPs: 1 – Len Dawson (Super Bowl IV)

Hall of Famers: 9 – Jim Brown, Jim Parker, Sonny Jurgensen, Paul Hornung, Len Dawson, Don Maynard, Henry Jordan, Tommy McDonald and Gene Hickerson

Offense was the name of the game in 1957. 

Paul Hornung led the group as a fullback, halfback and quarterback combo out of Notre Dame. 

No. 3 overall pick John Brodie and No. 43 overall pick Sonny Jurgensen have over 31,000 passing yards, putting both of them among the top 50 in NFL history. The fifth, sixth and eighth picks — quarterback Len Dawson, fullback Jim Brown and offensive tackle Jim Parker — each have an NFL championship to their name and are all in the Hall of Fame. Thus, the legend of the 1957 class was born. 

2. 1964

Super Bowl MVPs: 1 – Roger Staubach (Super Bowl VI)

Hall of Famers: 10 – Bob Brown, Charley Taylor, Carl Eller, Paul Warfield, Mel Renfro, Paul Krause, Dave Wilcox, Bob Hayes, Leroy Kelly and Roger Staubach

It’s hard to argue with the record-tying 10 yellow jackets that belong to the 1964 class. They left an indelible mark on the league and were some of the original architects responsible for propelling the NFL into the massive popularity it shares today. 

Even more impressive are how many players probably could be in the Hall of Fame — Dave Parks (5,619 receiving yards), Bill Munson (12,896 passing yards), Pete Beathard (8,176 passing yards and 680 rushing yards) and Jack Concannon (6,270 passing yards) are just a few that come to mind.

Denying this group the top spot might ruffle some feathers among Hall of Fame hardliners, but that doesn’t take away from their accomplishments.

1. 1983

Super Bowl MVPs: 2 – Richard Dent (Super Bowl XX) and John Elway (Super Bowl XXXIII)

Hall of Famers: 8 – Eric Dickerson, Jim Kelly, John Elway, Dan Marino, Bruce Matthews, Darrell Green, Richard Dent and Jimbo Covert

The first-round haul of the 1983 draft puts this class in a league of its own. 

The Baltimore Colts kicked things off by taking Stanford quarterback John Elway with the No. 1 overall pick, followed by five other first-round quarterback selections, including Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. In the record books, Elway and Marino sit 12th and eighth, respectively, in total career passing yards while Elway added 3,407 rushing yards throughout his career, good for 11th among quarterbacks. 

Just behind Elway was Eric Dickerson, the six-time Pro Bowler who led the league in rushing yards for four seasons. Rounding out the first round was an unstoppable secondary unit featuring Terry Kinard, Joey Browner, Gill Byrd and Hall of Famer Darrell Green. 

This class had every dimension of success — depth, star power, record and rings.

Who is the No. 1 No.1?

The first pick in the NFL draft will soon be made, putting enormous pressure on a college star to meet the expectations that come with being selected at the top of the class. 

Many have lived up to the hype, like Archie Manning’s sons. 

Others have not, like JaMarcus Russell and Jay Berwanger, who in 1935 became the first winner of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy (later called the Heisman Trophy) and the following year was the top pick in the NFL’s first draft. He never played in the NFL because of a contract dispute and began working at a Chicago rubber company.

So, yeah, even with the first pick, there are no guarantees.

NFL Draft Mar 30

Who Will Be the No. 1 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft? Odds for Top Prospects

NFL Draft Apr 21, 2022

Ranking the Greatest Draft Classes in NFL History

Since the NFL draft began in 1936, 14 of the 87 players selected first overall went on to have Hall of Fame careers, with recent picks like Joe Burrow still building their case and possible soon-to-be top pick Bryce Young set to start making his. 

Here’s a look at the top No. 1 picks selected in the history of the NFL draft:

Honorable mentions: Ron Yary, Minnesota Vikings (1968); Le Roy Selmon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976); Eli Manning, San Diego Chargers (2004); Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Dallas Cowboys (1974); Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (2012); Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (2011); Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (2009)  

10. Paul Hornung, Green Bay Packers (1957)

Paul Hornung used his feet in a variety of ways to put points on the board. In 1960, the Hall of Fame halfback led the league with 13 rushing touchdowns, caught a pair of TDs and also converted 15 field goals and 41 extra points to set a then single-season record of 176 total points. He followed up that season by winning MVP and one of his four championships.  

9. Orlando Pace, St. Louis Rams (1997)

Gotta give some love to the big guys. Orlando Pace became the first lineman drafted No. 1 overall in nearly three decades and went on to become arguably the most integral player on “The Greatest Team on Turf.” Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner are in consideration for that title, but where would they be without the blocking of their seven-time Pro Bowl tackle? 

8. Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys (1989)

It didn’t look like Troy Aikman would make this list when he lost his first 11 starts as a rookie quarterback. But just a few short years later he’d get the first of six Pro Bowls selections and win the first of three Super Bowl championships.  

7. Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers (1978)

Add up the numbers from Earl Campbell’s first three seasons: 5,081 rushing yards, 45 touchdowns, one Offensive Rookie of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, three Pro Bowl selections, two AFC Championship games and one Most Valuable Player award. The Hall of Fame running back powered through opponents to lead the league in rushing in each of his first three seasons, capped by a 1,934-yard season in 1980.    

6. Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers (1970)

Yes, many would label Terry Bradshaw a game manager. But any quarterback who can manage his way to four Super Bowl wins has met the Hall of Fame expectations of a No. 1 pick. The 1978 MVP and three-time Pro Bowler became the first QB to win four Super Bowls, and he has since been matched only by Joe Montana and passed only by Tom Brady (seven).    

5. O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills (1969)

Back when “The Juice is Loose” phrase was strictly about his on-field activity, O.J. Simpson led the league in rushing four times over a five-year span. He became the first running back to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a single season during his MVP season in 1973. When his Hall of Fame career came to an end, the six-time Pro Bowler trailed only Jim Brown in career rushing yards.   

4. Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles (1949)

Chuck Bednarik created one of the coldest photos in NFL history:

The Hall of Fame linebacker’s most-famous hit left New York Giants running back Frank Gifford unconscious for a few moments and sidelined for 18 months. Bednarik was 25 years old when he was selected No. 1 overall, entering the draft after he fought in the Army during World War II and then attended college. The eight-time Pro Bowler is the last player to start on both offense and defense, having also played center during his 14-year career.    

3. John Elway, Baltimore Colts (1983)

John Elway orchestrated “The Drive” in the 1986 AFC Championship game, went to five Super Bowls (winning two), and retired as the NFL’s then all-time leader in passing yards. Sadly for the Baltimore Colts, none of those completed passes, game-winning drives or championship runs was for them. 

The Colts made the right pick at No. 1, but they knew prior to the selection that Elway had no interest in playing for them. So, Baltimore had to trade Elway after he threatened to play baseball for the New York Yankees, who drafted the left-handed hitting right fielder in the second round of the 1981 draft and watched him hit .318 in 42 games for the Oneonta Yankees in 1982. Elway instead was dealt to the Denver Broncos, where he became one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

2. Bruce Smith, Buffalo Bills (1985)

No player in NFL history took down the quarterback more times than Bruce Smith. 

The Hall of Fame defensive end is the all-time leader in sacks with 200, reaching double-figures in 13 seasons. The eight-time first-team All-Pro selection and 11-time Pro Bowler was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 when he recorded a personal best 19 sacks, and again in 1996 when he led the league with five forced fumbles.

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts (1998)

And to think there was a debate over who would be selected No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft: Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? Wise choice, Colts! 

The seven-time first-team All-Pro selection and 14-time Pro Bowler is the only player in NFL history to win five MVP awards. He went on to win two Super Bowls, one with the Colts and another with the Denver Broncos. He rewrote the history books by setting single-season records of 55 touchdown passes and 5,477 passing yards. He retired as the then all-time leader with 200 wins, 539 touchdown passes and 71,940 passing yards. He was voted into the Hall of Fame following a debate that lasted 13 seconds. 

As for Ryan Leaf? He was selected No. 2 overall by the San Diego Chargers and threw for 3,666 yards and 14 touchdowns during a career that lasted just 25 games over three seasons.  

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The 2023 NFL Draft hasn’t even happened yet, but it isn’t too soon to look ahead to 2024.

Before you know it, the 2023 college football season will be here. NFL fans – especially those cheering for struggling franchises – will keep an especially close eye on the collegiate standouts.

While there’s still an entire season of evaluation to go, the 2024 class is already emerging as an intriguing group.

Who are the top prospects to watch? Here’s a full breakdown of next year’s class:

Who are the top 2024 NFL Draft prospects by position?

At this point, it’s still unclear which prospects will even declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. There are some guarantees due to their class or their pro stock, but stars seemingly emerge every year out of nowhere. Before his senior season at LSU, Joe Burrow was an afterthought within NFL circles.

Keeping that in mind, here’s a position-by-position look at some of the potential top prospects for 2024:

Quarterback

• Caleb Williams, USC
• Drake Maye, North Carolina
• Michael Penix Jr. Washington
• Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State
• Quinn Ewers, Texas

Running back

• Traveyon Henderson, Ohio State
• Raheim Sanders, Arkansas
• Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
• Blake Borum, Michigan
• Will Shipley, Clemson

Wide receiver

• Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
• Xavier Worthy, Texas
• Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
• Rome Odunze, Washington
• Troy Franklin, Oregon

Tight end

• Brock Bowers, Georgia
• Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
• Michael Trigg, Ole Miss
• Jaheim Bell, Florida State
• Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota

Offensive tackle

• Joe Alt, Notre Dame
• Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
• Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
• Reuben Fatheree II, Texas A&M
• Zion Nelson, Miami

Interior offensive line

• Connor Colby, Iowa
• Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
• Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
• Bryce Foster, Texas A&M
• Andrew Raym, Oklahoma

Defensive tackle

• Michael Hall, Ohio State
• Maason Smith, LSU
• Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
• Shermar Turner, Texas A&M
• Damon Payne Jr., Alabama

EDGE rusher

• Dallas Turner, Alabama
• Jared Verse, Florida State
• Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
• Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington
• Xavier Thomas, Clemson

Linebacker

• Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
• Laiatu Latu, UCLA
• Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
• Terrence Lewis, UCF
• Deshawn Pace, Cincinnati

Cornerback

• Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
• Denzel Burke, Ohio State
• Storm Duck, Penn State
• Sheridan Jones, Clemson
• Quavian White, Georgia State

Safety

• Andrew Mukuba, Clemson
• Calen Bullock, USC
• James Williams, Miami
• Javon Bullard, Georgia
• Lathan Ransom, Ohio State

Who are the top quarterback prospects in 2024?

It all starts with Caleb Williams.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner was dominant in his first season at USC, throwing for 42 touchdowns and rushing for 10 more. He will be draft-eligible in 2024 after his junior season, and he’s already being penciled in as the No. 1 overall pick.

Beyond Williams, there are several other intriguing signal-callers who could enter the 2024 draft. North Carolina’s Drake Maye could challenge Williams for the top spot after totaling 45 touchdowns in 2022, his first season as a starter.

Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Jackson State’s Shedeur Sanders, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Texas’ Quinn Ewers are among the other quarterbacks to watch.

Who has the most first-round picks in 2024?

Thirty of the 32 NFL teams are currently scheduled to pick in the first round in 2024.

The Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers have already traded their 2024 first-round picks. The Browns’ pick is owned by the Houston Texans after the Deshaun Watson trade, while the Panthers’ pick goes to the Chicago Bears after they moved up for the No. 1 overall pick in 2023.

So, Chicago and Houston have two first-round picks in 2024. Cleveland and Carolina don’t have any first-round picks in 2024. Every other team, as of now, owns its 2024 first-rounder.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft is set for April 25-27, 2024, in Detroit.

The 2023 NFL Draft is just over a week away.

While there’s still plenty of discussion about the teams that each player will be drafted to, one thing is for certain: the draft site.

Each year, the NFL rotates the annual event to different cities across the country.

Here’s a look at the 2023 host, plus information about past and future sites:

Where is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City, Mo. 

Events will take place in the downtown area of the city, surrounding the iconic Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Here’s a rendering of what the scene in Kansas City could look like next week:

How does the NFL decide where to hold the draft?

Just like any other major event, think the Olympics or World Cup, cities across the country bid to host the draft and the NFL votes on a winner. The vote comes down to the owners of the 32 NFL teams, and they are generally voted on two years in advance.

This process is relatively new to the NFL, as the draft was previously held annually in New York City. That all changed in 2015 when the draft moved to Chicago after 50 consecutive years in New York. Since 2016, the draft site has changed every year.

What city has hosted the most NFL drafts?

As you might’ve guessed, New York has hosted the most NFL drafts with 57 – including a 50-year stretch from 1965 to 2014. Philadelphia, which hosted the first NFL draft in 1936, has hosted the second-most times with 12. Here’s the full list of cities that have hosted the event:

1. New York City, 57 (1937, 1939, 1945-47, 1952, 1955, 1965-2014)
2. Philadelphia, 12 (1936, 1949-50, 1953-54, 1956-61, 2017)
3. Chicago, 10 (1938, 1942-44, 1951, 1962-64, 2015-16)
4. Milwaukee, 1 (1940)
5. Washington D.C., 1 (1941)
6. Pittsburgh, 1 (1948)
7. Los Angeles, 1 (1956, rounds 1-3 were in Philly before rounds 4-30 were in L.A.)
8. Dallas, 1 (2018)
9. Nashville, 1 (2019)
10. Virtual, 1 (2020 due to COVID-19)
11. Cleveland, 1 (2021)
12. Las Vegas, 1 (2022)

Future NFL Draft host cities for 2024, 2025

Only one future draft site has been announced at this time: Detroit.

The Motor City will host the 2024 NFL Draft for the first time in 12 months.

Beyond that, another NFC North city could be in line to host in 2025, though nothing has been confirmed just yet. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay is pushing to host the draft in either 2025 or 2027. Owners could potentially vote on the 2025 draft site at the NFL league meetings in May.

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While the game of football has drastically changed in the last 18 years, the draft process remains the same.

Prospects are required to jump through hoops for teams, while teams can turn around and stab them in the back at any moment.

There’s the NFL Scouting Combine, followed by pro days and pre-draft meetings scattered across multiple months. It all leads to the draft, where dreams can become a reality.

Oftentimes, teams will speak ill of prospects they actually fancy themselves to – just so other franchises might not steal them away.

“It’s almost like one big game in order for you to fall into that spot that they want you to,” 2005 first-round pick Shawne Merriman recalled.

Merriman, a retired three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, was in the middle of it all – being courted by teams, being criticized by others – all before his 21st birthday.

A University of Maryland alum, Merriman opted against working out at the combine. Instead, he chose to show off for teams at Maryland’s pro day, a decision that didn’t come without controversy.

“Being surrounded by certain teams in a little hotel room, you’ve got the GM, the coaches and the staff, and they’re circling you up,” Merriman said. “… I remember teams asking me, ‘Who do you think you are? Do you think you’re better than everybody else? So you’re not going to work out here?’

“I’m just sitting there as a 20-year-old kid, just taking it in. You can’t get mad, you can’t get upset, because that’s obviously what they’re trying to do and see if they can get under your skin and see how you react. But I just calmly looked at everybody and said, ‘Hey, you’ll come see me at the pro day or not. I’m gonna put on a show for the pro day and that’s it.’”

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The move paid off for Merriman, as his stock quickly rose after posting impressive testing numbers at his pro day. While his measurables looked great, the Maryland native still couldn’t escape harsh assessments from certain teams. Many prospects this year are in the midst of that stage right now with just a few weeks until the draft.

“There was just a lot of talk, and teams bad-mouthing you because they want you to drop a couple of spots so you can get to them,” Merriman said. “Some teams not showing their hand, showing no interest at all during that period, And then all of a sudden, they’re talked about when the draft comes on, like ‘Oh, whatever team is looking at you’ and you’re like ‘Hold on, they never even talked to me. They never said anything to me at all.’”

Merriman was projected to go in the top half of the first round. But unlike many top prospects, he decided against attending the draft in New York City.

In a 2005 draft class that famously featured Aaron Rodgers waiting and waiting and waiting in the green room until pick No. 25, Merriman made a forward-thinking decision to pass.

“I saw many horror stories of guys being at the draft and having that camera zoomed in on you for two hours,” Merriman said. “You’re supposed to go top 10, and you end up in the bottom half of the first round, some guys even slip by that first round. To me, I said, ‘No way in hell that’s happening to me, I’m not going.’

“I ended up renting a big house back in Maryland. All my high school coaches and family and friends, everybody came. Everybody had Dallas Cowboys jerseys because that’s where they thought I was going to get drafted. Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells, I went to go meet with them before the draft, told me they were picking me and they went with another great player with DeMarcus Ware. But it was one of the best experiences, because you see your name called on TV and everybody’s watching, not just the people in the house, but everyone in the country.”

The Cowboys passed on Merriman with the No. 11 pick, but the Chargers quickly scooped him up at No. 12. Using the pick they acquired from the Giants a year earlier in the famous Eli Manning-Philip Rivers trade, Merriman was suddenly dropped onto a rising contender. 

As many players do, Merriman quickly realized that being the 12th pick meant that 11 teams didn’t choose him. Every year, players across all sports will find motivation in little ways like that.

“You’re fortunate to get drafted anywhere, right? Especially in the first round,” Merriman said. “But you do have this thing always, that there were 11 teams that passed me up. That’s the athlete’s way of staying motivated. You find ways to get pissed off and find ways to create this thing inside – and I did that.”

After an eight-year career with the Chargers and Bills where he made three Pro Bowls and totaled 45.5 sacks, Merriman founded Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, an MMA league focused on developing the next combat stars.

The 38-year-old Merriman still has a passion for football, though. He often speaks with prospects about the draft process, considering how difficult it can be for young men to be judged so closely based on their every move.

“I always tell them to take their time,” Merriman said of the advice he gives prospects. “There’s a lot of things that are going to be flying at you all at once. And what you have to focus on is what got you there in the first place – and that’s taking care of what’s on the field. You have to be successful on the field before these other things are thrown your way – the endorsements, the TV, the money, the appearances, everybody wanting you to show up somewhere at all times. 

“You have to really manage your time. I tell a lot of these young guys coming in, ‘Manage your time and just take it slow.’ Because if you try to do two things at once, you’re going to lose sight of the most important reason why you get there, and that’s to play football.”

The process is far from over with just under a month to go until the 2023 draft weekend begins. Even as the game evolves with new rules, NFL procedures from February through April remain unchanged – for better or worse.

The two-time Super Bowl winner announced Tuesday that he’ll host his first-ever festival called “Kelce Jam” during NFL Draft weekend. The inaugural event will be held April 28 at the Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas — a metropolitan area of Kansas City.

The event will feature performances by Machine Gun Kelly, Rick Ross, DJ duo Loud Luxury and Kansas City rap legend Tech N9ne.

“With the draft coming to KC, I think it’s perfect timing for me to throw the biggest music festival that’s ever come here,” said Kelce, who believes the festival could lure around 15,000 attendees. “We’ll have some unreal stage productions, Kansas City’s best food, tons of attractions and football-related games. This will be a whole lot of fun.”

Kelce said he’s taking advantage of his surging popularity after the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 in February. Last month, he hosted “Saturday Night Live” and he co-hosts a flourishing podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, who plays for the Eagles.

In this moment, Kelce is enjoying “every bit of it” and feels ecstatic about his upcoming music festival.

“Every door that’s been opened because of winning the Super Bowl, I’ve been running through them,” he said. “It’s not going to stop anytime soon – especially with Kelce Jam. I think this will be the nail-in-the-coffin for the 2022 season.”

Kelce said he wanted to bring some of his favorite artists including Machine Gun Kelly – who is an Ohio native like himself. He felt inspired to host his own music festival after he attended four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski ’s Gronk Beach during the NFL Draft in Las Vegas last year.

“I took note from what Gronk did last year,” he said. “I want to throw a big party knowing that the draft is coming to Kansas City. It’s a special event for the city to host. … I’m going to need Kansas City to come out and be electric with me.”

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One of the most memorable moments for every player selected in the NFL Draft is getting the hat of your new team and putting it on for the first time.

With each new year brings a new hat, and the official 2023 NFL Draft hats were unveiled Monday by New Era. 

Here’s a look at the template New Era crafted for 2023:

Each team has two versions of the design: snapbacks and baseball caps, both coming in fitted sizes. Each version costs $45.99 before taxes on New Era’s official shop.

This year’s draft is scheduled to begin April 27 in Kansas City.

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Who will be the first overall pick in 2023?

Well, no one really knows just yet with the draft still over a month away. But that can’t stop analysts and fans from speculating, especially since the Carolina Panthers traded up with the Chicago Bears for the pick.

Former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis has a bit more insight than the casual observer after playing for the organization from 2005 to 2018. In a Tuesday appearance on NFL Network, Davis dropped a potential bomb about who could be the No. 1 pick.

“I think it’s going to be a very, very surprising pick in Carolina,” Davis said coyly. “If this pick happens, who I think they are in love with, I’m not a fan of it. I just know there are a couple of guys upstairs that are enamored with the physical ability of Anthony Richardson.”

The Florida quarterback would certainly be a surprising selection, even as he’s risen up draft boards following a dominant combine performance. He set the quarterback record in the vertical jump and board jump while running a 4.44 40-yard dash and measuring in at just over 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds.

Even with these impressive physical skills, there are concerns about his actual ability to play quarterback in the NFL. He completed just 53.8% of his passes for the Gators last season, with 17 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games.

Davis believes Bryce Young, who NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah projected to the Panthers in his latest mock draft, would be the better selection.

“I think he would be a great fit in this organization,” Davis said of Young. “Look at his resume. The kid was a Heisman Trophy winner last year for a reason. And then when you put guys around him like Alabama had, play in the SEC, the highest level of competition in college football. I just think he would come in and fit well in Carolina, if they were going to draft.

“But I don’t think he’s going to be their pick.”

If the Panthers do select Richardson, there will immediately be comparisons to the last quarterback they took at No. 1: Cam Newton. The top pick in 2011, Newton won MVP in 2015 and led Carolina to a Super Bowl appearance the same season.

Davis, who played with Newton for eight seasons, was quick to denounce the notion that Richardson can reach those levels.

“He’s not Cam Newton, he’s not Cam Newton,” Davis, a Georgia alum, explained. “I watched this guy a lot, being an SEC guy. He has all the physical characteristics of being a really good quarterback in the NFL, but I don’t think he’s going to be that great player that the Carolina Panthers need to take them to the next level.

“When you look at Bryce Young and what he brings to the table, he’s a proven winner. When you look at C.J. Stroud, this kid has proven he can win football games. Anthony Richardson, on the other hand, Will Levis, on the other hand, those guys have been in programs that could potentially be good but they just haven’t been, and the reason to me has been the quarterback position.”

The Panthers still have plenty of time to make their decision, but indications are that they remain undecided between Young, Stroud and Richardson.

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Georgia defensive lineman and top NFL draft prospect Jalen Carter pleaded no contest to charges of reckless driving and racing, his attorney, Kim Stephens, said in a statement.

Stephens said that Carter’s actions “did not cause the tragic accident” that resulted in the deaths of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and team staffer Chandler LeCroy on Jan. 15. She also said that Carter never left the scene of the accident without being told he could leave and that he was not under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substance at the time of the crash.

“We are happy that we were able to work with the Solicitor General’s office to reach a resolution that was fair and just based on the evidence in this case,” Stephens said. “Mr. Carter continues to grieve the loss of his friends and continues to pray for their families, as well as for continued healing for injured friends.”

With the no-contest plea, the state of Georgia is not able to bring any additional charges against Carter.

Carter was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service and a state-approved defensive driving course.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Carter on March 1 while he was in Indianapolis for the NFL combine. Carter traveled back to Athens, was booked, posted bond and returned to the combine the following day.

The news of Carter’s no contest plea comes one day after he worked out at Georgia’s Pro Day, though he did not speak to reporters.

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The addition of the five-time Pro Bowler came on the same day Dallas re-signed safety Donovan Wilson as the Cowboys try to further bolster a defense that carried the club at times during a second consecutive playoff season in 2022.

The Cowboys will give up a compensatory fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade hasn’t been announced.

It will be the third team in three seasons for Gilmore, the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year when he was with New England.

The 32-year-old Gilmore played 16 games for the Colts last season, finishing with two interceptions and 11 pass breakups as a four-year Pro Bowl run ended.

The second of Gilmore’s two All-Pro seasons was with the Patriots in 2019, when he led the NFL with 20 pass breakups and had six interceptions.

The trade pairs Gilmore with 2021 NFL interceptions leader Trevon Diggs, who had 11 of his 17 career picks that season. Diggs dropped off to three interceptions last year.

The addition of Gilmore could mean the end of Anthony Brown’s career in Dallas. Brown’s seventh season with the Cowboys ended in Week 13 when he tore an Achilles tendon against the Colts.

DaRon Bland, a 2022 fifth-round pick who had a strong rookie season, is back along with Jourdan Lewis, who was limited to six games last season because of a broken foot.

Gilmore was with four teams in his first 11 seasons, beginning with Buffalo as the 10th overall pick in 2012. He has 29 interceptions in 148 games and won a Super Bowl with the 2018 Patriots.

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Panthers willing to trade down from No. 1 pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Carolina Panthers, who traded for the No. 1 pick on Friday, reportedly are willing to trade down in the draft if they see more than one quarterback prospect fit, according to multiple reports. 

The Athletic’s Joe Person also reported there’s a sense around the league that Carolina moved up for C.J. Stroud, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound prospect out of Ohio State. Stroud has physical promise and arm talent that is unique to his draftmates in Bryce Young, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. 

The Panthers will do their due diligence with all the quarterback prospects, obviously. Yet, if they see more than one quarterback as a good fit for their team, they’ll look to retain more draft assets via trade. 

They gave up a haul to acquire the first pick in the draft. They traded the No. 9 and No. 61 picks in this draft, a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 second-rounder and wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Bears to move up to the premier selection.

The trade is widely considered a win for the Bears while giving the Panthers an opportunity to end their vicious cycle of quarterbacks with a hopeful, long-term franchise signal caller. 

Back in the 2022 draft, the Panthers passed on one Ohio State quarterback by the name of Justin Fields. The Panthers elected to draft defensive back Jaycee Horn with the No. 8 pick, while Fields fell to the Bears at the No. 11 pick. Seemingly, they don’t want history to repeat itself. 

Certainly, Stroud will have a different destiny than Fields to fulfill, despite attending the same college. However, Stroud should bring a more probable chance of success against the line of Panthers quarterbacks who have tried and failed in recent history. 

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Updated NFL draft order after Bears-Panthers blockbuster originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Carolina Panthers are on the clock!

This year’s NFL draft is over a month away, but we have seen our first blockbuster trade of the season. The Chicago Bears have reportedly traded the coveted No. 1 pick to the Panthers in exchange for the No. 9 overall pick and No. 61 overall pick in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and wide receiver D.J. Moore, first reported by Ian Rapoport and compensation confirmed by Adam Schefter. 

The Bears, who are sticking with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback, will now move down to No. 9 for their first pick in this year’s draft. Chicago still remains in the top ten draft order and can draft a game-changing player for their team.

Here’s a look at the full NFL draft order for the first round:

1. Carolina Panthers* (from Chicago)

2. Houston Texans

3. Arizona Cardinals

4. Indianapolis Colts

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

6. Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams)

7. Las Vegas Raiders

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears* (from Carolina)

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)

11. Tennessee Titans

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

13. New York Jets

14. New England Patriots

15. Green Bay Packers

16. Washington Commanders

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

18. Detroit Lions

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Seattle Seahawks

21. Los Angeles Chargers

22. Baltimore Ravens

23. Minnesota Vikings

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

25. New York Giants

26. Dallas Cowboys

27. Buffalo Bills

28. Cincinnati Bengals

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver)

30. Philadelphia Eagles

31. Kansas City Chiefs

The Miami Dolphins forfeited the 21st pick in this year’s NFL draft

Report: Bears trade No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Chicago Bears are trading the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for the No. 9 pick, the No. 61 pick, wide receiver D.J. Moore, a first-rounder in 2024 and a second-rounder in 2025, first reported by Ian Rapoport and compensation confirmed by Adam Schefter. 

The Bears remain in the top ten draft order and can draft a game-changing player for their team. Reports say Bears general manager Ryan Poles believes seven “blue” players are worth taking at the No. 1 pick. Clearly, he’s confident in this year’s crop by trading back as far as the ninth pick. 

The Bears loaded up their future war chest, securing a first-round pick in next year’s draft and a second-round selection in two drafts from the upcoming one.

The Panthers finished 7-10 last season while trading away Christian McCaffrey and now D.J. Moore. Assuming this is the start of a rebuild for Carolina, the Bears should reap the benefits of a high draft pick next season. 

Finally, the Bears checked a No. 1 receiver off their laundry list. Poles and the Bears secured Moore, adding him to a group with Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool and Cole Kmet as the team’s best pass catchers. 

Moore, 25, has five NFL seasons under his belt, all with the Panthers. Last March, Moore signed a three-year extension with the Panthers worth about $62 million. That totaled his contract to four years, giving him three years in control with the Bears. 

The former No. 24 overall pick in the 2018 draft has three seasons receiving over 1,000 yards. Last season, he posted 888 yards and seven touchdowns, the most he’s recorded in a single season. The Bears found their No. 1 receiver ahead of free agency. 

Now, the Bears’ focus shifts to drafting at the No. 9 spot. 

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