A hectic first day of NFL free agency has concluded. As teams fill holes on their respective rosters, it changes their perspective on the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are the Day 1 signings that could impact a team’s strategy on draft night:
Head coach Josh McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo reunite after spending four years together in New England. Garoppolo received a lucrative deal (three years, $67.5 million) that certainly implies he will be the team’s starter initially. More importantly, the move gives Las Vegas flexibility. The Raiders do not have to act out of desperation to fill the position, but if a quarterback to their liking were to be available in the draft, then the contract does not prevent them from adding that player.
Left tackle Taylor Lewan was released and right tackle was already a need. Andre Dillard fills one of those roles and allows the Titans to play the draft board instead of being in a position where they had to pick an offensive tackle. One should not rule out the idea that Tennessee takes an offensive tackle in the first round, but it is not a given after Day 1 of free agency. The Titans could theoretically sign another free agent offensive tackle and remove the need entirely.
The interior defensive line has been an issue for Cleveland despite investing multiple draft picks into the unit. Monday night’s terms agreement with Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson removes some of the pressure as first-year defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz builds his defense. The Browns are without a first-round pick as a result of the Deshaun Watson trade but defensive tackle was a high priority in the second round. The team could still draft an interior player but it is no longer a necessity.
Cameron Sutton gives Detroit depth at the cornerback position with Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs. The Lions, who hold the Nos. 6 and 18 overall selections, have been associated with the top cornerbacks in this draft class. The Sutton signing does not automatically remove the position from consideration but it allows them the flexibility to take a different position whether that is quarterback, defensive tackle, edge rusher, tight end or otherwise.
Indianapolis has done a good job of developing linebackers, but that development has cost it over the past few years losing veteran contributors like Anthony Walker and Bobby Okereke….
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…