The 2023 NFL Draft is one week away and we are no closer to unmasking the mysteries of the first round. Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso and I tackle some of the biggest narratives awaiting Thursday night when commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage for the first time.
1. Who should be taken No. 1 overall?
Ryan Wilson: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama — “He’s the best quarterback in this class, he had to do more with less, not only when compared to CJ Stroud, but to his Alabama predecessors in Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. Yes, yes he’s 5-10, but he plays much bigger, rarely getting balls knocked down at the line of scrimmage. He’s also unflappable; if the play isn’t there, there’s no one consistently better at executing off-platform, from different arm angles, and always accurate. He’s a Day 1 starter and it’s pretty easy to argue that he’s better than both Tua and Mac coming out of Alabama.”
Chris Trapasso: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida — “If the Panthers rebuild the right away, they’ll want Richardson as their quarterback because of his immense upside.”
Josh Edwards: Young — “He is the top prospect at the game’s most important position in this class. He may not possess the highest ceiling but his skill set gives me the most confidence. His intangibles and leadership qualities are the highest of the class.”
2. Who is the safest prospect in the draft?
Wilson: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama — “In much the same way Aidan Hutchinson, Chase Young and Nick Bosa were safe picks, the same holds for Anderson. He loves football, is a great teammate, is close with his family and his sole focus is on getting better – and in the process, improving those around him. He had an off year by his standards in 2022 but his 2021 tape is play after play of college offenses struggling to account for him. He’s a game-wrecker and will have an immediate impact in the league.”
Trapasso: Anderson — “Even if he’s not a hybrid of Khalil Mack and Von Miller, his floor is incredibly high. He’s a three-down, high-end edge rusher from Day 1.”
Edwards: Brian Branch, S. Alabama — “Anderson is certainly a contender but the choice is Branch. He can fill a variety of roles. I trust his preparedness to translate to the next level even if his athletic testing does not draw a second look from onlookers.”
3. Who is the prospect with the biggest red flag?
Wilson: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky — “Will Levis…
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