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Matt Verderame

NFL Draft 2023: Grades For All 31 First-Round Picks

Bryce Young NFL Panthers Matt Verderame Alabama Kansas City

The 2023 NFL draft is finally here.

On Thursday night at Union Station in Kansas City, commissioner Roger Goodell put the Panthers on the clock. Over the following three days, 259 picks will be made before all 32 clubs scramble to sign undrafted free agents, filling out their 90-man rosters for training camps come late July.

Over the first three rounds, Sports Illustrated will provide instant analysis and a grade for each choice, followed on Saturday with immediate team marks. Let’s get rolling.

Here are Matt Verderame’s and Gilberto Manzano’s draft grades:

1

Carolina Panthers (from Chicago), Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Young finished his college career with 8,365 yards passing, 80 TD passes and only 12 interceptions.

Marvin Gentry/USA TODAY Sports

After trading multiple first-round picks and star receiver DJ Moore to the Bears for the No. 1 pick, the Panthers decided on Young. The diminutive Heisman Trophy winner stands only 5'10" and weighs 204 pounds but produced immensely at Alabama, throwing 80 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while starting 27 games over the past two years. In Carolina, Young has former NFL quarterback Frank Reich as his head coach, veteran weapons in receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark, and a winnable division in the NFC South. — Matt Verderame

Grade: A

2

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

Stroud’s draft slide didn’t occur, despite what the smokescreen reports said the past two weeks. The Texans didn’t overthink it and took arguably the most accurate quarterback in the draft in Stroud, who will overtake Davis Mills as the new QB1 the moment he arrives in Houston. The 6'3" Stroud threw a combined 85 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions the past two seasons at Ohio State. Stroud lacks athleticism, but he makes up for it with his smooth demeanor in the pocket and his ability to pick defenses apart with accuracy and arm strength. — Gilberto Manzano

Grade: A

3

Houston Texans (from Arizona), Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama

After trading the 12th pick among others to move up nine spots, the Texans addressed their defense with Anderson. A t wo-time Nagurski Award winner, Anderson is the draft’s best prospect, having racked up 27.5 sacks over the past two years with the Crimson Tide. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans got his quarterback in Stroud, and then landed his defensive cornerstone only minutes later. 

Grade: A+

4

Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Colts owner Jim Irsay made it obvious he wanted to draft a quarterback, and GM Chris Ballard delivered by giving him a splash pick. Richardson probably has the highest ceiling among the quarterback prospects with his size, arm strength and athleticism. Richardson struggled with accuracy in college, but perhaps Colts coach Shane Steichen can help him improve in that category. Steichen did a remarkable job with Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. He might be the right coach to help Richardson reach his high potential. — G.M.

Grade: B+

5

Seattle Seahawks (from Denver), Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Seattle struck gold last year with corner Tariq Woolen, and it's looking to give him a running mate in Witherspoon. At 5'11" and 181 pounds, the Illinois product is undersized but plays with excellent technique and anticipation. Adding Witherspoon also gives the Seahawks more firepower to fight with the 49ers’ perimeter weapons in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. If Seattle is going to contend in the NFC West, it starts with slowing down San Francisco. — M.V.

Grade: A-

6

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

After three draft-day trades, the Cardinals finally settled on No. 6 to take Johnson, the first offensive tackle off the board. Johnson, a first-team All-American, is a stout and athletic blocker. It’s often a good idea to build the offensive line, but the Cardinals need plenty of help on the defensive side. — G.M.

Grade: C+

7

Las Vegas Raiders, Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

The Raiders have struggled defensively for years, and general manager Dave Ziegler looked to address that with a pass rusher in Wilson to pair with Maxx Crosby. As a rookie, he’ll likely rotate in with veteran Chandler Jones, but he should assume almost all of the snaps by 2024. At Texas Tech, Wilson totaled 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons, showcasing elite burst and power with his 6'6", 271-pound frame. — M.V.

Grade: B+

8

Atlanta Falcons, Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Longhorns in 2022. 

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons ignored analytics and took the most dynamic playmaker in the draft to plug into coach Arthur Smith’s offense. Yes, Robinson plays running back, but he’s the complete package as a productive pass catcher, stout blocker and home-run threat in the running game. The Falcons now have a standout offensive trio with Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. — G.M.

Grade: A

9

Philadelphia Eagles (from Chicago and Carolina), Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has built from the trenches out. He did it again Thursday by trading up one spot to select Carter, a tremendous athlete with real question marks off the field. During the pre-draft process, Carter was charged with reckless driving and racing in an incident which killed two people. On the field, Carter struggled throughout his pro day due to bad conditioning. The talent is undeniable, but the concerns off the field are significant and many. — M.V.

Grade: C

10

Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia), Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

After trading down one spot, the Bears upgraded their protection for Justin Fields, which was desperately needed after the quarterback was sacked 55 times last season. Wright might be the best prospect when it comes to playing right tackle, but he struggled playing left tackle in college. The Bears will need to figure out which side to play Wright, but it doesn’t matter as long as Fields gets better protection this season. —*G.M.*

Grade: B-

11

Tennessee Titans, Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Titans needed to upgrade their offensive line after releasing left tackle Taylor Lewan and losing guard Nate Davis in free agency. With his first pick as Tennessee’s general manager, Ran Carthon addressed the need with Skoronski, who can play tackle but also projects as an elite guard. A two-time first-team Big Ten selection, he should slot in as an immediate starter with upside at multiple spots. — M.V.

Grade: B

12

Detroit Lions (from Cleveland, Houston and Arizona), Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

The Lions delivered a head-scratching pick with the addition of Gibbs, who’s an electric running back, but not the complete package compared to what Robinson gives the Falcons. Gibbs lacks size, and perhaps the Lions could have gotten him in the second round. Gibbs now joins David Montgomery and D’Andre Swift in a crowded backfield. — G.M.

Grade: C-

13

Green Bay Packers (from Jets), Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

The retool is on for the Packers, and a critical draft begins with Van Ness. The Iowa product did not start a game for the Hawkeyes, but still totaled 13 sacks. He’ll become part of a three-headed monster with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, giving Green Bay a potentially elite rotation. His power is undeniable, but the question is whether he can develop other ways to get to the quarterback.— M.V.

Grade: B-

14

Pittsburgh Steelers, Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Steelers moved up three spots to ensure they got one of the last available prospects from the top tier of tackles. Jones is known for his athleticism and discipline, and could now be the Steelers’ left tackle of the future. Jones’s arrival could benefit quarterback Kenny Pickett and running back Najee Harris. Jones started 19 games at left tackle for Georgia the past two seasons. —*G.M.*

Grade: B

15

New York Jets (from Green Bay), Will McDonald IV, LB, edge, Iowa State

The Jets believe in the upside of McDonald IV, who racked up 34 sacks over five years with the Cyclones, including 22 combined over 2020 and ’21, but dipped to five last season. At 239 pounds, the Iowa State star gives New York another problem up front for opponents, flanking defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and edge rusher Carl Lawson. —*M.V.*

Grade: C+

16

Washington Commanders, Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

With Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. still on the board, the Commanders went with Forbes, who drew concerns from draft experts because he weighs 166 pounds. But Forbes has outstanding instincts and is a savvy playmaker with 14 total interceptions in college. Washington needed help in the secondary, but perhaps it chose the wrong cornerback. —*G.M.*

Grade: C

17

New England Patriots, Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Patriots have some young corners in their building led by Jonathan Jones, but the value of Gonzalez is too great to ignore. Projected as a top-10 pick in many corners, the Oregon product gives New England a potential shutdown corner in an AFC East loaded with elite receivers. With the Ducks, Gonzalez earned first-team Pac-12 status last season after two years with Colorado. His size is also a big plus at 6'1" and 197 pounds. — M.V.

Grade: A

18

Detroit Lions, Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

The Lions turned back the clock by using their two first-round picks on an inside linebacker and a running back. Campbell was the first off-ball linebacker drafted. He has the size, athleticism and solid instincts to develop into a top playmaker in the middle of the Lions’ defense. Campbell had more than 128 total tackles the past two seasons at Iowa. —G.M.

Grade: B-

19

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

The Buccaneers have a litany of holes, and could have addressed their quarterback need with Will Levis. Instead, general manager Jason Licht opted for Kancey, an interior pass rusher to pair with the run-stuffing Vita Vea. Kancey is only 281 pounds, but he dominated at times in the ACC, totaling 14.5 sacks over the past two years. Tampa Bay has long valued a pass rush, and it decided to build out from the trenches with the Pittsburgh product. — M.V.

Grade: B-

20

Seattle Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Smith-Njigba only played three games last season because of injury, but he had a dynamic 2021 season with 1,606 receiving yards.

Orlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks took care of the offensive side with their second first-round pick, adding Smith-Njigba, the first wideout taken in the first round. Smith-Njigba is a smooth route runner and has reliable hands. He only played three games last season because of injury, but he had a dynamic 2021 season with 1,606 receiving yards. Quarterback Geno Smith will now have a standout wideout trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Smith-Njigba. — G.M.

Grade: A-

21

Los Angeles Chargers, Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Of all the projected first-round receivers, Johnston has the best combination of size and solid speed. Measuring at 6'3" and 208 pounds, Johnston ran a 4.5 40-time at his pro day, showcasing why he was a top option last year with the Horned Frogs, amassing 60 receptions for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns. He’ll play outside for Los Angeles with Keenan Allen sliding inside and Mike Williams opposite the rookie. — M.V.

Grade: B+

22

Baltimore Ravens, Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Ravens gave Lamar Jackson a massive contract extension and a speedy wideout on Day 1 of the draft. Flowers lacks size, but he’s capable of creating space with his route running and could be a standout playmaker in the slot. The Ravens will have a new-look offense with offensive coordinator Todd Monken and the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. — G.M.

Grade: B

23

Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The run on receivers continued in Minnesota, with the Vikings taking Addison to play opposite Justin Jefferson. While the player is terrific, Minnesota had one of the league’s worst defenses in 2022 and still has ample holes. There were terrific options in edge rusher Nolan Smith and corner Deonte Banks as well. Good player, strange pick. —*M.V.*

Grade: C

24

New York Giants, Deonte Banks, DB, Maryland

The Giants filled a need in the secondary with the addition of Banks, who could develop into a quality outside cornerback because of his size and speed. But Banks doesn’t play fast enough at times because of subpar instincts and only had two career interceptions in college. With time, Banks could form a solid duo with Adoree’ Jackson. — G.M.

Grade: B+

25

Buffalo Bills (from Jaguars), Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Kincaid starred in the Pac-12 last year with 890 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Rob Gray/USA Today Sports

It’s impossible to argue against the value for Buffalo. The Bills got an elite talent in Kincaid, who starred in the Pac-12 last year with 890 receiving yards and eight touchdowns for the Utes. While many expected the Bills to add a receiver this offseason to pair with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Buffalo now has a nasty two tight-end set with Kincaid and veteran Dawson Knox. —*M.V.*

Grade: B

26

Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

Dallas added a beefy defensive tackle to an interior defensive line that was inconsistent at times last season. Smith, who was taken ahead of Bryan Bresee, is a productive run stopper and has upside as a pass rusher. The Cowboys might have reached here, but they needed depth on the defensive line in a division that features the mobile Jalen Hurts. — G.M.

Grade: B

27

Jacksonville Jaguars, Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Jaguars addressed a pressing need. After losing Jawaan Taylor in free agency, Jacksonville needed to fill right tackle, and could use short-term assurance at left tackle with a reported looming suspension of Cam Robinson. Ultimately, Harrison is a mountain at 6'4" and 315 pounds, providing security for star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, he’s a questionable athlete, especially against speed rushers. — M.V.

Grade: C+

28

Cincinnati Bengals, Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

With a stacked roster, the Bengals went with the best-player-available approach, and they didn’t waste any time announcing the selection of Murphy, who has high upside and displayed a relentless motor at Clemson. The Bengals could have a deep pass-rushing group with Murphy, Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. — G.M.

Grade: B+

29

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

After watching Shy Tuttle and David Oneymata leave for other NFC South teams in free agency, the Saints replenished their interior with Bresee. At Clemson, Bresee played 25 games across three seasons and totaled 15 tackles for loss along with nine sacks. At 300 pounds, he’s more of a run defender than a disruptor in the pass game. —*M.V.*

Grade: C

30

Philadelphia Eagles, Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia

Philadelphia ended Smith’s draft-day slide by making him the latest Georgia product to join the Eagles’ talented defense. Smith put on a show at the combine with his blazing time of 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Smith might need time to reach his potential, but he’s explosive off the line of scrimmage. He’ll settle in nicely with Jalen Carter and the rest of the Georgia Bulldogs on the Eagles’ roster. — G.M.

Grade: A

31

Kansas City Chiefs, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State

The Chiefs released Frank Clark and haven’t re-signed Carlos Dunlap this offseason, leaving them thin at edge rusher opposite second-year man George Karlaftis. General manager Brett Veach rectified the need by taking Anudike-Uzomah, who had 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons at Kansas State. At 6'3"and 255 pounds, Anudike-Uzomah has similar size to Karlaftis, fitting the mold defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks for up front. — M.V.

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