The 2023 NFL Draft, or at least the buzz surrounding it, is different from recent years. Texas running back Bijan Robinson is viewed as one of the best players in the draft despite playing one of the NFL’s most devalued positions. Teams don’t seem to be too high on first-round wide receivers: TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston is 6-foot-3, weighs around 210 pounds, runs about a 4.5 40-yard dash, and was one of the biggest reasons the Horned Frogs made it to the national championship game. Yet, he wasn’t invited to attend the draft in Kansas City.
No one seems to have a strong read on what the Houston Texans are going to do with the No. 2 overall pick, despite needing a quarterback and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud seeming like the obvious choice. Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. is one of the most sure-thing prospects overall at a premium position, edge rusher, and he might fall out of the top three.
Those make up four of the most interesting propositions. Here’s a closer look at those odds, courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook, and what they could mean for the draft that begins Thursday evening.
Bijan Robinson is going to be the first RB selected inside the top 20 since 2018
Robinson draft position O/U: 15.5
Over: +220 Under: -275
There have only been nine running backs selected in the first 20 picks of an NFL Draft since 2010. There haven’t been any such running backs since the 2018 NFL Draft, when the Giants took Saquon Barkley second overall. Bijan Robinson is special enough to warrant such a selection, and he may even sneak into the back end of the top 10: Looking at you, Falcons (owners of the eighth overall pick) and Eagles (owners of the 10th overall pick).
Robinson led the NCAA with 113 tackles avoided in 2022, the most by an FBS player in the last five seasons. He’s an every-down back who can be a true weapon as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He’s one of the best prospects in this draft, regardless of position, which is why people can’t currently get plus-money odds on him going inside the top 15. The truly special running backs can be valuable for their teams with the right offensive game-plan. Robinson is special and his draft position in a league tilted toward passing will reflect that.
Teams aren’t high on WR class, which could lead to late first-round steals like Quentin Johnston
Johnston draft…
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