KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Texans got two of the best players in the NFL draft in the first three picks. The Eagles added three more defensive standouts from…
The Texans got two of the best players in the NFL draft in the first three picks. The Eagles added three more defensive standouts from Georgia.
While it takes two or three years to judge whether players panned out, it’s easy to identify the potential winners of the 2023 NFL draft.
Houston selected quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2 and traded up to get Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. with the third pick. In a 10-minute span, the Texans added two players who could dramatically change the future of the franchise.
Defending NFC champion Philadelphia needed to replenish the defense so it looked toward the two-time national champion Bulldogs. The Eagles moved up one spot to No. 9 for defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a player widely considered the most talented in the draft who slipped because of off-field issues.
At No. 30, Philly added edge Nolan Smith. General manager Howie Roseman still wasn’t finished. He got Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo in the fourth round and added another former Bulldog, acquiring running back De’Andre Swift in a trade with Detroit. The Eagles have drafted five Georgia players in the past two years.
Here are AP’s early grades on each team’s overall draft:
ARIZONA CARDINALS: B
OT Paris Johnson Jr. (6) will protect QB Kyler Murray. Addressed defensive needs with DE BJ Ojulari and CB Garrett Williams. OL Jon Gaines II and LB Owen Pappoe were value picks in Day 3.
ATLANTA FALCONS: C-
RB Bijan Robinson should be a superstar but No. 8 was too high. Teams win Super Bowls with late-round picks and undrafted free agents carrying the ball. OT Matthew Bergeron and DE Zach Harrison bolster both lines.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: C+
With Odell Beckham Jr. in the flock, should’ve addressed the secondary in the first round instead of taking WR Zay Flowers at No. 22. Went defense with next three picks.
BUFFALO BILLS: B
Traded up for TE Dalton Kincaid at No. 25 despite other needs. Got better value in second round with OL O’Cyrus Torrence and third round with LB Dorian Williams.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: B-
No. 1 pick Bryce Young has superior talent but needs to overcome size concerns. WR Jonathan Mingo is a playmaker. OL Chandler Zavala highlighted Day 3 picks.
CHICAGO BEARS: A
Moved down one spot and got OT Darnell Wright (10) to anchor the O-line.
