Baker Mayfield in first position. Players selected at unexpected levels. Big trades. Each year, the Draft is full of little surprises. While waiting for the live on Twitch from midnight, here are five possibilities to liven up the evening.
Houston Texans don’t take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick
Their new coach has built his reputation with his defensive skill with the 49ers. With San Francisco, he could see that a team could win with an average quarterback and a very good defense. Trained in Alabama, DeMeco Ryans could be tempted by the fast Will Anderson (here on video). Possessing a template made for the pros, Tyree Wilson is also an option with choice number 2.
Especially since the Texans would not lack the option to still select a pitcher: a choice of 12 or by using this one and another choice to go back to the top 10. Lions, Raiders, Bears and Eagles will be necessarily listening to possible offers.
The Texans could also wait for the start of the second round (or come back at the end of the 1st round) to choose Hendon Hooker. Or simply wait for the 2024 Draft to choose the future face of the franchise: the Texans will still have two choices in the 1st round next year!
Anthony Richardson is selected ahead of CJ Stroud
Who would have thought that Justin Fields slipped to the No. 11 pick in 2021? Often, players appreciated by observers (pros or amateurs) are not so appreciated by decision-makers.
In terms of current level, CJ Stroud lives in a roof-terrace apartment while Anthony Richardson occupies the basement of the building! But on the potential to become a superstar, Richardson could win the race for second quarterback pick.
Confirmed NFL players traded
Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore looks more uncertain than ever. While player and franchise have still not found a long-term agreement, their paths could separate. The outcome could come from an agreement with a franchise with a choice in the top 5 or likely to yield a player: Trey Lance of the 49ers?
Dalvin Cook could leave Minnesota to join Cincinnati or Dallas. Rumors also persist about the availability of Derrick Henry and the Titans need to go up in the 1st round for a quarterback. DeAndre Hopkins could join a better team than the Cardinals in reconstruction and therefore in need of draft picks.
The Chargers could take advantage of a very talented vintage at the pass rusher position to part with one of their own. Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa have large contracts and the leaders must save to extend their quarterback Justin Herbert.
Eight Edge Rushers in Round 1
This cuvée is simply exceptional: both in quality and in quantity. And as this position is of prime importance on the field, the edge record selected from the 1st round could be beaten in 2023.
Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson, Nolan Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Myles Murphy, Isaiah Foskey, Will McDonald, Keion White, BJ Ojulari and Felix Anudike-Uzomah are 10 very credible candidates to be among the first 31 players chosen. The 2012 record (7) could be equaled and even exceeded!
A franchise will return in the 1st round to take a quarterback
The odds are very high for Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis to be selected in the 1st round. Despite an injury and an older age, Hendon Hooker could also represent a bet on the future in the most important position in the NFL.
Such as the Ravens in 2018, who after choosing Hayden Hurst with their choice 25, returned in the 1st round with choice 32 to recruit Lamar Jackson. Texans, Colts or Seahawks, depending on their selections in the 1st round, are credible candidates to animate the end of the 1st round.
The interest is already to ensure the recruitment of the player, rather than waiting to see how the 2nd round unfolds. But above all, one element argues more than anything about taking a quarterback in the 1st round: the possibility of activating a fifth year on the player’s rookie contract!
