It was a wild three days in Kansas City, Missouri, at the 2023 NFL draft. We saw 259 players find new homes, a record 43 in-draft trades, three teams invest first-round picks in quarterbacks and an uncountable number of surprises. In all, 86 of my top 100 prospects were drafted in the first 100 picks, and I particularly loved what the Eagles and Seahawks did over the course of seven rounds. But I'll leave the team grades to Mel Kiper Jr. -- I want to focus instead on what every team did right.
So I'm picking out the single best pick for each of the 32 franchises, from the perfect Day 1 matches to the Day 3 steals. To be clear, "best pick" does not necessarily mean "best player." In fact, it's quite the opposite in most cases, since I'm looking mostly at value. Of the 32 excellent selections I'm about to run through, 20 were great additions found in Rounds 2-7. Team needs -- in which a player was picked in relation to my board -- scheme fit and any trades involved in the selection all factored in here.
Here are 32 of my favorite selections this year, grouped by division. Let's get things rolling with the Cowboys and the NFC East.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
DeMarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas (Round 3, No. 90)
Finding more options at inside linebacker has a trickle-down impact for the Cowboys. Dallas took Micah Parsons in Round 1 in 2021 as an inside 'backer, but injuries pushed him into an edge-rushing role in which he now has 26.5 sacks over two seasons. Having reliable options stacked up the middle means Dallas is free to move Parsons around and let him get after the passer off the edge, and the team is better for it. Leighton Vander Esch had a solid season (90 tackles), but adding depth here is smart.
Overshown has tremendous range. That's what jumps out first when watching his tape. He flies around the field, has enough quickness to spy quarterbacks and can cover tight ends and running backs. Overshown has 50 games of experience under his belt and is coming off an 89-tackle, four-sack campaign. He's a bit of an inconsistent finisher, and improving his strength could unlock his potential as a pass-rusher, but I think he could develop into a starter.
Dallas was 17th in run defense last season (4.4 yards per carry allowed), and Overshown -- and first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith out of Michigan -- should help out there.
New York Giants
John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota (Round 2, No. 57)
The Giants wasted no time in attacking their needs, and as much as I really liked the Deonte Banks (Maryland CB) and Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee WR) picks on Days 1 and 2, respectively, this one is clear for me. It's Schmitz, who will be a 10-year starter for New York. He was my No. 2 center and a top-50 prospect, and his tape is a treat to watch. Schmitz has the mirror-and-slide quickness to take away interior bull rushers and the power to open lanes in the run game. I know running back Saquon Barkley is happy about this pick -- Schmitz takes great angles as a zone blocker at the second level.
After Nick Gates signed in Washington, there was a big hole at center. And this Giants line wasn't all that spectacular to begin with, save for tackle Andrew Thomas. New York was No. 29 in pass block win rate last season (52.6%), so this should be a big boost. Schmitz allowed just one sack over nearly 1,000 career pass-block snaps. Nice work by the Giants in getting difference-makers at a few key weak spots.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (Round 1, No. 9)
I mean, right off the bat, this is arguably the most talented player in this draft class, and the Eagles got him at No. 9 overall. He has outstanding first-step explosion, powerful hands and flexibility as an interior pass-rusher. The toolbox is full in that area, even if the production hasn't come just yet (six sacks over the past two seasons). And Carter is strong against the run, too. He rarely gets neutralized in one-on-ones, and he has some range once disengaged. Even while playing on one of the most loaded defenses in college football history, he stood out often.
Now, there's of course the off-field aspect of it all, part of the reason he was No. 6 on my final board. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal January crash and was out of shape at his pro day. He needed to land in the right situation, and he couldn't have asked for a better one. Veterans such as Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox will help him adjust to the NFL, and it's convenient that a chunk of the Georgia defense is in Philly with him. The Eagles already had Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, and they drafted two more Bulldogs this week (Nolan Smith and Kelee Ringo). In fact, Philadelphia tied for the most defensive players drafted from the same school in the common draft era, per ESPN Stats & Information research. That's a great support system that will help hold Carter accountable.
Cox is 32 years old and back for just one year, and given how much emphasis general manager Howie Roseman puts in building from the trenches, this selection sets the Eagles up with a solid duo up the middle going forward. Davis is a massive run-stopper, while Carter can get after the QB from the inside. It's a solid fit no matter how you look at it.
Washington Commanders
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State (Round 1, No. 16)
I had this match in my final mock draft, and the scheme fit works well here. Forbes is at his best in off coverage, where he can use his fast eyes and recognition skills to jump routes and create turnovers. And wouldn't you know it, the Commanders play a ton of off coverage, while mixing in man looks and split coverages. He's only 166 pounds, and that lack of bulk shows up against the run. But he's also 6-foot-1 with 32¼-inch arms and runs a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, so it's no surprise that Forbes picked off 14 passes over three college seasons, including six that were returned for TDs.
The Commanders' pass defense was solid last season, recording the league's second-best completion percentage against (59.9%) and allowing the 10th-best yards per dropback (5.9). The area where they really struggled, though? Creating interceptions. Washington had just nine all season, more than just four other teams. And only four of those came from corners. But the Commanders just landed the draft class' best ball hawk.
Forbes joins Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste to form a solid cornerback trio, and he could start right out of the gate. And it's worth pointing out that Fuller is under contract for only one more year.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina (Round 3, No. 64)
Matt Eberflus' defense relies on a good, penetrating 3-technique up the middle, and that's Pickens. We're talking about a unit that totaled 20 sacks in 2022, last in the NFL. And while Pickens had only 2.5 sacks last season, his explosion, first-step quickness and power suggest he can be more disruptive than his numbers suggest. A great performance at the combine boosted his stock, too. He ran a 4.89-second 40 and jumped 9-foot-8 in the broad jump at 291 pounds. I'd like to see a more diverse pass-rush move arsenal, and he's still leaving some opportunities to make plays out there, but the potential is really good. That burst and power up the middle will define his pro game.
I will say that the Bears could have addressed the 3-technique spot in Round 1 if they had stayed at No. 9 and taken Jalen Carter. And I'm not sure Chicago needed to pick two defensive tackles -- Florida's Gervon Dexter and Pickens -- on Day 2, especially when it scooped up run-stuffer Andrew Billings in free agency. But Pickens is a different kind of player, is a good fit in Chicago and will be key in this defensive scheme. I think he'll be an impact starter in no time. Getting him in the third round is solid value.
Oh, and shoutout to Chicago for grabbing Texas running back Roschon Johnson in Round 4 and Minnesota cornerback Terell Smith in Round 6. They both have upside.
Detroit Lions
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee (Round 3, No. 68)
Detroit took heat for its selection of Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18 and rightfully so, but I see legit starters across this draft class. Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta has speed and ball skills, Alabama safety Brian Branch does a little bit of everything, and Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs -- positional value at No. 12 aside -- is going to be an integral part of the Lions' offense. But Hooker in the third round? I love that, especially with the Lions' situation. Hooker was in the Round 1 conversation, but the Lions were able to get him in the middle of Day 2.
With Jared Goff in place, there's no reason to rush Hooker along. He tore his left ACL in November and can take his time with his recovery, though reports have been good about his rehab. In the meantime, Hooker can learn behind Goff and adjust to the NFL game. He played in a passer-friendly scheme at Tennessee, so getting at least a season to develop on the sideline would be good for his transition. And if Detroit wants to move on from Goff after 2023, his dead cap is only $5 million at that point. This pick gives Lions GM Brad Holmes options.
David Pollack explains his favorite pick and his surprise pick from Day 2 of the NFL draft.
Before his injury last season, Hooker led the nation in Total QBR (89.5) and yards per attempt (9.5), while putting together a wild 27-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has a smooth delivery and can change arm angles when necessary. He mixes speeds on his passes, leads receivers into yards after the catch, has mobility when healthy and throws a beautiful deep ball. There's a lot to like with his game.
As for his age, yes, he's 25 years old. There aren't many success stories for older QB draft prospects, but again, this is a good situation. Detroit -- which is quickly becoming a serious playoff contender -- could turn to Hooker next season. It would have been a different argument if he went in Round 1, but at No. 68 overall, I'm not as concerned there.
Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State (Round 2, No. 50)
Reed is fun to watch, and he was the most dynamic receiver down in Mobile, Alabama, in January during Senior Bowl week. He's only 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds, but he's versatile, explosive and savvy in his routes. And while he had only 636 receiving yards and five TDs in 2022, Reed has above-average ball skills and went for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021. The Packers are getting a reliable pass-catcher with big-play ability, underrated speed and impressive acceleration.
At this point we shouldn't be too surprised when Green Bay skips on pass-catchers in Round 1, but it does have a knack for finding them on Day 2, which it did as recent as Christian Watson last April. But the need was heightened this time around. The Packers can't lean on Aaron Rodgers to get it done no matter who is running routes, and Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan left town in free agency. Getting Jordan Love help was critical. The pair of tight end picks will help, and Green Bay actually also used two Day 3 selections on receivers, but I just really like what Reed brings.
Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Addison, WR, USC (Round 1, No. 23)
K.J. Osborn is the only returning receiver not named Justin Jefferson who cracked 180 receiving yards last season, and he had only 650. It's great when you have an elite, top-of-the-league pass-catcher, but it can't be all you have. Minnesota had to address the WR2 spot after Adam Thielen signed in Carolina in free agency, and it was lucky to get one at the tail end of a four-WR run in Round 1.
At 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, Addison is a small slot receiver who knows how to get separation, hits top speed in a flash and then displays the instincts necessary to create after the catch. He caught 59 balls for 875 yards and eight touchdowns last season, but he was downright dominant the year prior, catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 TDs while at Pitt.
I'll also call out getting UAB's DeWayne McBride in Round 7. The late flier on my No. 141 prospect could pay off as running back depth if the Vikings decide to release Dalvin Cook to save some cap space.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (Round 1, No. 8)
There are two camps on this pick. There are the Kipers of the world who won't like it because it's a running back in the top 10. We've all heard his rule by now, and I get it. The position is devalued in 2023, and we saw evidence as to why just this past season with the same team. Tyler Allgeier went from fifth-round pick to 1,000-yard rusher as a rookie.
But come on, Robinson is a different kind of player and has the chance to be truly special. He's my highest-graded running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018 and finished No. 2 overall on my board. The Falcons have plenty of needs, but they often go with a "best player available" approach, and that's certainly what they did here. Robinson could dominate in Atlanta's run-heavy offensive scheme right out of the gate. He piled up 1,580 rushing yards and 18 TDs on the ground last season and was one of the nation's most effective backs in the pass game.
Robinson is patient and has the burst to turn the corner on outside rushes, which Atlanta ran more often than 30 other teams last season (171 rushes). But it's his contact balance that really wows you when you watch him take a handoff. His 91 forced missed tackles led the country by a significant margin last season. Simply put, Robinson is elite and in the perfect offense, so I'm OK with the use of a top-10 pick here. In fact, I'm excited about it.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (Round 1, No. 1)
It's hard to not like the No. 1 pick. After all, there's no competition when you can take anyone in the class. But the Panthers needed to get this right, and they did. Young is my No. 1 overall prospect in this class and has the skill set to turn around a dreadful Carolina pass game. The Panthers rank in the bottom four over the past three seasons in Total QBR (38.3), touchdown-to-interception ratio (46-50) and completion percentage (61.5%). So while they paid a premium to move up from No. 9 to No. 1 in March, it was a necessary move for a team that has seen five different quarterbacks start at least five games over that three-year span.
As for Young, he has a chance to be a top-tier NFL quarterback. No moment is too big for him, and he plays with such composure, even when the play is crumbling around him. He quickly gets through his progressions, has the movement traits to navigate pressure and create off platform and displays the touch, ball placement and release to make any throw. He threw for 79 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions over the past two seasons. With veteran Andy Dalton and a QB-oriented coach in Frank Reich there to help him adjust to the NFL game, this is a great spot for Young.
There's no arguing that Young is the Panthers' best selection, but I have a lot of appreciation for their first Day 2 pick, too. Ole Miss receiver Jonathan Mingo is instant support for Young. This offense has the potential to be a lot of fun in 2023 in a division that's very much up for grabs.
New Orleans Saints
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU (Round 3, No. 71)
The Saints have Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, but Miller is going to see some touches in this offense. The 215-pound back averaged 6.7 yards per carry over three seasons, and he just ran for nearly 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. Miller can ski through traffic, weaving in and out of cuts without losing speed, and he has the field vision to find holes. The agility and lower-body flexibility really pop on tape, though he's not an overpowering back by any means, and he is just adequate in the pass game.
There's also the current Kamara situation, which could result in a suspension at some point. He pleaded not guilty in March to felony and misdemeanor charges for battery after allegedly punching, kicking and stomping a man in Las Vegas during Pro Bowl week. So adding depth to the running back room could be even more important if the Saints are without Kamara at some point.
The Saints were in the bottom half of the NFL in rushing last season (4.3 yards per carry), and Williams will definitely help, but Miller should be able to sprinkle in some big gains when he gets touches. The only thing truly standing between Miller and a big role in the pros is his receiving skills, which he'll need to improve on.
I've been high on Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener for most of the draft cycle and want to acknowledge my guy, too. At 6-foot, he's an undersized baller with plus accuracy, and he can develop into a solid backup behind Derek Carr if Jameis Winston doesn't return in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh (Round 1, No. 19)
The Buccaneers need some youth as they reload this roster, and the defensive line just isn't what it was a few years ago. So landing the No. 2 defensive tackle in the first round should help inject some life into that unit. Kancey is as explosive as they come, running the fastest 40-yard dash for a defensive tackle since 2006 at the combine (4.67). He is so quick to get off the line of scrimmage and get into blockers, and he has the power in his hands to get to the quarterback. He racked up 14.5 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.
At 281 pounds, Kancey is a tweener, so he'll be at his best next to a true nose tackle. And he'll get that with 347-pound Vita Vea lined up alongside him in Tampa Bay. Vea actually led the team in sacks last season with 6.5, so getting a penetrating and versatile guy like Kancey could immediately boost the pass rush and defensive line.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (Round 1, No. 6)
Two trades preceded this pick, and we need to consider that context. First, Arizona moved from No. 3 to No. 12 and added three picks, all on Day 2 or better and including a 2024 first-rounder. Then it jumped back up to No. 6, swapping firsts, picking up a third and losing a second and fifth. I had heard the Cardinals liked Johnson, but taking him at No. 3 was too rich, especially given what they could get to trade out. So they took advantage and slid back, but then they were able to get back ahead of the offensive tackle run to still get their guy.
The offensive line needed some youth, with Kelvin Beachum turning 34 years old and D.J. Humphries playing only eight games last season. In Johnson, Arizona gets an easy-moving pass protector with really good striking power at the point of contact. And as a run-blocker, his quickness shows up in zone-blocking schemes. I really love his awareness and think he's going to be a high-level starter for a long time. Toss in versatility -- Johnson started 13 games at tackle and 13 games at guard -- and you have a potential franchise cornerstone. With Kyler Murray coming off a torn ACL, that's huge.
Los Angeles Rams
Byron Young, OLB, Tennessee (Round 3, No. 77)
There might not be a team with more needs in the NFL, as this roster undergoes a bit of a transition. Luckily, Los Angeles came into the draft with 11 picks to attack those needs. Unluckily, none of those 11 were first-round selections.
Hitting on the Day 2 and 3 picks is going to be important, and I think a lot of prospects in the Rams' rookie class will have a chance to start at some point this season. So getting an impact edge rusher such as Young in the third round? Massive. He has a really explosive first step and closing burst, and it's no surprise that Young lit up the combine with a 4.43-second 40 at 250 pounds, along with wild 11-foot broad and 38-inch vertical jumps. All three numbers were first or second among edge rushers.
Check out the highlights that contributed to Byron Young's career at Tennessee.
Young is a little raw, and he had only 1.5 sacks last season, but once he develops his pass-rush moves and is more consistent with a plan of attack there, his game will take off. And Young will make an impact as a run-game penetrator (24.5 tackles for loss over two seasons) and spot-dropper in coverage, too. He's an older prospect at 25, but I think he'll get on the field plenty right away, at the very least as a pass-rush specialist to support Aaron Donald. Especially since the Rams just don't have many other options there.
San Francisco 49ers
Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State (Round 3, No. 87)
The Niners' first pick came at No. 87, and it was a good one. Brown could be an NFL starter very soon. San Francisco has a very capable safety duo in Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson Sr., but the latter re-signed for just one year and is turning 33 years old.
Brown has high-level instincts and the versatility to move around the defense as an interchangeable safety. He ran a really disappointing 4.65 40 at the combine, but he plays way faster than that. And with his recognition skills, he can make plays on the ball. He picked off 10 passes over the past two seasons, often getting early jumps and attacking the ball in the air. Against the run, Brown is aggressive, always seems to be around the ball and finishes as a tackler.
I had Brown at No. 67 on my board, but I had a feeling he'd be underdrafted. He's going to outplay his draft slot. Brown is an incredibly hard worker who will carve out a role in this 49ers defense, maybe even lining up as a big nickel in some situations.
Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (Round 1, No. 20)
I love Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon's game, but this has to be Smith-Nijgba. Seattle landed the top receiver in the class way back at No. 20. It needed a reliable third option alongside DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and there was no better available in this class. JSN was limited to three games in 2022 because of a nagging hamstring injury, but he went for 1,606 receiving yards in 2021. Go back and watch that tape to see what he can do.
And here's the thing: Smith-Njigba posted those numbers with first-round talents Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave lined up next to him. Now he goes to Seattle where he can operate again out of the slot and stand out in a similar way, with Metcalf and Lockett taking some pressure off him.
What makes Smith-Njigba so special? For one, I love his route-running detail -- the way he sells and tempos the route and how well he accelerates out of his cuts. You can just tell by watching the tape that he has a feel for the game and uses those instincts to beat defensive backs. But he also has terrific hands, body control and after-the-catch ability. This is going to be a dangerous offense if Geno Smith can repeat what he did last season.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (Round 1, No. 25)
Maybe you saw this pick late in Round 1 and said, Wait, didn't the Bills just extend Dawson Knox on a four-year deal last September? You're not misremembering. But I still love this selection because of what the Bills can do with Kincaid. Look at him more like a 6-foot-4, 246-pound slot receiver who can create mismatches.
Buffalo moved up from No. 27 to get Kincaid at No. 25 just a couple of picks after the top four receivers were selected in consecutive fashion. So rather than reach, why not take the top tight end in the class to give Josh Allen another target? Kincaid accelerates in a flash, can win down the seam and is a smooth route runner. He was second among FBS tight ends last season in yards (890) and touchdowns (eight). The Bills will flex him out to give Stefon Diggs some support and let him feast against zone looks, where he shows the ability to find open windows.
Miami Dolphins
Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M (Round 3, No. 84)
What a perfect fit this is for Achane and the Dolphins, who had just four selections. Despite re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., the Dolphins needed to find a running back in the draft this year to round out a potent offense. They were in the bottom half of the NFL in yards per rush (4.3) and rushing TDs (12) last season. Even more telling, Miami was last in the league in NFL Next Gen Stats' rushing yards over expectation at minus-0.4 per carry. But with coach Mike McDaniel pulling the strings, Achane is going to be a versatile matchup nightmare for opponents and could pick up chunk plays early and often in 2023.
Because of his 5-foot-9, 188-pound size, Achane might never be a three-down back ... but he doesn't need to be to have a big impact. With his 4.32-second speed and sudden, sharp-cutting ability, he is a home run hitter who can take any handoff to the house. He will create even behind marginal blocking, using his shiftiness to find seams and pull away in the open field. He went for 1,102 yards on the ground last season.
But what I really love about this pick is what Miami can do with Achane in the pass game. You'll see him lined up in the slot, using his speed and reliable hands to smoothly transition upfield after the catch. He'll be a real asset for Tua Tagovailoa here as an underneath target, though he's also a solid route runner.
New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (Round 1, No. 17)
Getting my No. 8 prospect at No. 17 is fantastic for the Patriots, but this pick also addresses a need and comes after a trade-down that netted an additional fourth-round pick. That's just masterful work from coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots' brass. Gonzalez is so good in press coverage, with long arms and speed for days (he ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, but he might play even faster). He will flip his hips to run with receivers, and he's never out of it if he gets caught out of phase -- his burst means he can recover quickly and still make a play on the ball. After transferring from Colorado, Gonzalez picked off four passes last season and broke up another seven.
New England re-signed Jonathan Jones to a two-year deal, so Gonzalez will line up opposite the 29-year-old. But he can also flex into the slot when necessary. He has all the physical traits to be a really reliable cover man in the NFL. And after surrendering 28 passing TDs -- a bottom-six number -- that's exactly what the Patriots need.
On the trade element of it all: Belichick & Co. not only picked up another selection but also blocked a division rival seeking an offensive tackle in Round 1. Positioned at No. 14, New England moved back to No. 17 in a swap with the Steelers, who drafted Georgia's Broderick Jones, the last of the top four tackles on the board. The Jets, who needed to address the position, were lurking at No. 15. You can't tell me that wasn't part of the thinking for the Pats. And New England followed it up by taking Georgia Tech pass-rusher Keion White on Day 2 to exploit the edges twice a year against New York.
New York Jets
Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin (Round 2, No. 43)
Improving the protection for newly acquired Aaron Rodgers was key for the Jets over these three days in Kansas City. But as mentioned, the Jets missed out on the top four offensive tackles in Round 1 so went with edge rusher Will McDonald IV at No. 15. With only one pick on Day 2, they had to address that O-line and ace the selection -- and they did with my No. 40 prospect and top center in the class.
Tippmann brings really impressive awareness and the ability to drop an anchor against bull rushers. The Jets re-signed Connor McGovern, but he just turned 30 years old and ranked 24th out of 33 qualified centers in pass block win rate last season (92.4%). Slotting Tippmann between Alijah Vera-Tucker and Laken Tomlinson will build a wall on the interior, even if New York still needs a long-term answer for the tackle spots. Tippmann doesn't even know what it's like to allow a sack -- he gave up zero over three years and 23 starts at Wisconsin.
And as good as he is in pass protection, the thing that jumps out on tape is his run-blocking range. Breece Hall, Michael Carter and fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda are going to love running behind this 6-foot-6, 313-pounder.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (Round 1, No. 22)
I love Flowers' game, and no matter how many times Kiper tries to claim this is his guy, I've been touting him since I watched Boston College practices last summer. College coach Jeff Hafley called him the "Energizer Bunny" and it fits; Flowers plays with so much juice. He has 4.42 speed, but that's just part of it. He releases off the line of scrimmage in a flash and immediately gets separation with burst. If Flowers finds daylight, he's gone. And you bet the Ravens will use him in motion and on sweeps, putting defenses on their heels.
Think about where this offense was a few weeks ago, and think about where it is now. Baltimore signed Odell Beckham Jr., extended Lamar Jackson and now used its first-round pick on Flowers. Factor in Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman and J.K. Dobbins, and you have a legit Super Bowl-caliber unit. It'll be a long way from the league-low 1,517 receiving yards from the Ravens' WR crew last season.
Check out the best highlights that contributed to Boston College WR Zay Flowers' stellar college career.
Flowers has the chance to make an instant impact, using his instincts and afterburner to bring in deep balls and toast defenses after the catch. He had 12 TD catches last season (tied fifth in the FBS) and forced 25 missed tackles on receptions (fourth). So while I think the Trenton Simpson add in Round 3 was terrific value, there's just no arguing that Flowers was the team's top selection of the week.
Cincinnati Bengals
DJ Turner, CB, Michigan (Round 2, No. 60)
There was some buzz that Turner could go in the first round in the weeks leading into the draft, but the Bengals landed him in the final picks of the second round. Position of need? Check. Excellent value? Check. And talent? Check again.
Turner blazed a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest time for the event this year. I see an outstanding combination of speed, suddenness and fluid movement on tape, and he can mirror receivers so well, recognizing route combos and sticking with them like glue. He won't be the biggest corner in the league at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, and he picked off only one pass last season, but he has the traits to be a solid starter in Cincinnati. And I actually think the ball production could improve in the pros because of how well he closes on targets.
Eli Apple left in free agency, and Chidobe Awuzie is coming back from a torn ACL, so this was definitely a need. With Mike Hilton locking down the slot, the Bengals can use Awuzie, Turner and Cam Taylor-Britt on the outside to lock down receivers and try to help this team back to the Super Bowl.
One more note on the Bengals: Purdue receiver Charlie Jones can make an impact as a rookie despite the talented receiving corps already in the Cincinnati locker room, and Illinois running back Chase Brown comes at terrific value in the fifth round. The running back situation is up in the air (though Joe Mixon just got a vote of confidence from coach Zac Taylor), so he's another one who could see meaningful action in Year 1.
Cleveland Browns
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee (Round 3, No. 74)
For a team that was shut out of the first two rounds, I was impressed with the caliber of players the Browns were able to find in the draft. Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika checks off a big need, Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones is a good get on Day 3, UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a solid developmental depth option, and Ohio State center Luke Wypler is excellent value down at No. 190 overall. But before I list off the entire Cleveland draft class, I'll get to the best pick, which also happened to be the first one.
Tillman is big and physical at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, and he has a wide catch radius. He's not a burner, but he's a savvy route runner with really impressive body control. Tillman wins on contested catches and plays with enough power to break tackles after the catch. He dealt with an ankle injury last season, which limited him to six games. But flip on the tape from his 2021 breakout season (1,081 yards and 12 touchdown catches), and you'll quickly see why this is a good selection.
Cleveland traded for Elijah Moore this offseason, but I was still looking for it to add to the receiver room behind Amari Cooper. Tillman could quickly become a starter in this offense, especially since he's similar to the type of receiver Deshaun Watson found success with at Clemson -- big and physical with good hands. Donovan Peoples-Jones is coming off a good season, but he's entering the final year of his contract. Tillman could become very heavily involved in this offense right away and emerge as a starter opposite Cooper.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (Round 2, No. 32)
I had Porter at No. 23 on my board, and outside of Kentucky QB Will Levis, he was the best available player entering Day 2. Pittsburgh took care of a big need in Round 1 by selecting offensive tackle Broderick Jones out of Georgia, but corner was still a hole heading into Friday night. The Steelers replaced Cameron Sutton with soon-to-be 33-year-old Patrick Peterson, and they allowed 7.5 yards per attempt last season, 29th in the NFL. So yeah, I really like the Porter move at the top of Round 2.
With ridiculously long 34-inch arms and great physicality in press coverage, Porter should make an impact early in his career, pushing Peterson and Levi Wallace for rookie-year snaps. He reroutes receivers off the line of scrimmage and has the recognition skills to break on the ball. Critics of his game will point to just one interception over four seasons, but they're ignoring the fact he forced incompletions on 37.9% of his targets last year, best in the entire nation.
Pittsburgh reportedly was getting some calls from teams looking to move up into the No. 32 pick, but it knew the opportunity it had in staying put and taking Porter. And yes, the talented defensive back goes to the team that drafted his father in 1999. Pretty cool.
If there were 1A/1B favorite picks for the Steelers, I'm going with Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton as the other standout. He's a fantastic run defender with a lot of power, and while he's not going to put up big sack numbers as an interior pass-rusher, Benton is disruptive.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (Round 1, No. 2)
The Texans shocked the football world by nabbing Stroud and Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. in some aggressive drafting early on Thursday night. But I'm going with Stroud because a) he's going to be their franchise quarterback, b) they had to trade a sizable haul to Arizona to move up for Anderson, and c) Stroud always should have been the pick at No. 2, in my opinion. Houston was last in Total QBR (26.0) and ranked in the bottom five for completion percentage (60.8%), interceptions (19) and yards per attempt (6.3). How do you not take a quarterback there? I liked the value of the third-round dart throw on Davis Mills in 2021, but it's clear he isn't the long-term answer here.
Stroud was QB2 on my board behind Bryce Young, but he is the best pure pocket passer in this class. Yes, we saw signs of his potential as a more mobile quarterback during the College Football Playoff matchup with Georgia, but he thrives when he's able to make accurate, on-time throws from the pocket. I see spectacular touch, a smooth delivery and really good trajectory on deep shots. And he doesn't make many bad decisions, throwing just six interceptions in each of the past two seasons while tossing 40-plus touchdown passes in both of those campaigns.
I have some questions about the supporting cast, though. Dameon Pierce looked great as a rookie, Nico Collins is a bigger target, John Metchie III is returning after missing last season with leukemia, and maybe Robert Woods reemerges as a difference-maker. But while Nathaniel Dell is an explosive target, I would have liked to see a little more attention to the offensive skill positions in the Texans' draft. Assuming Marvin Harrison Jr. goes in Round 1 next year, Stroud will have played with four first-round wideouts over the past two years. That type of talent isn't on the Houston depth chart right now.
Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (Round 3, No. 79)
This one was tough to choose. I love so many of these prospects, including Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents, Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore and South Carolina cornerback Darius Rush, and I'm intrigued by Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson's sky-high potential. But if Richardson and an offense that bottomed out in the NFL in offensive points per game last season (15.8) are to find success, the Colts needed to locate some solid offensive skill players in this draft. Downs, who combined for 2,364 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons, will be an immediate boost out of the slot, despite being undersized at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds.
If the offensive line can turn things around, this Colts offense could be a lot of fun to watch. Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and now Downs form a solid supporting cast for Richardson and/or Gardner Minshew. Downs has explosive traits and can change directions in an instant. His instincts in the open field lead him to big-play opportunities, though he lacks the second gear to routinely impact the vertical pass game. And yeah, his size will limit him against press coverage. But I'm excited about what Downs can do in this offense as a quick-game target out of the slot.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State (Round 2, No. 61)
Even though the Jaguars ended up making 10 picks on Day 3, I tentatively had Strange circled as their best pick on Saturday morning before Round 4 had kicked off. That's how much I like his game. He's possibly the most underrated player in this class and ended up No. 68 on my board. Yes, he ran a 4.70 in the 40, and yes, he never broke 400 receiving yards in a season at Penn State. But I plead you to go watch some highlights before you make an evaluation of Strange. He just wasn't targeted much in the Nittany Lions' offense and can outplay his college resume in the pros.
The Jaguars franchise-tagged Evan Engram after a 766-yard season, but Strange is a different type of tight end, and they can coexist in this Jacksonville offense. Strange has good acceleration and reliable hands, and he's a smooth route runner. I don't see seam-stretching ability in his game, but he can improve there. And he will still produce big gains by hauling in intermediate-level passes and using his strength to pick up yards after the catch. Strange is also a powerful in-line blocker.
Like I mentioned with Deshaun Watson earlier, Trevor Lawrence enjoyed success at Clemson with big targets such as Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross. Adding 6-foot-4, 253-pound Strange to the receiving mix should benefit the third-year quarterback.
Tennessee Titans
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (Round 2, No. 33)
The Titans jumped at the chance to get Levis, their second Day 2 quarterback pick in as many years. He needs to cut down on the turnovers (23 interceptions over the past two years) and work on his touch, but the value here -- he's my No. 11 overall prospect -- was tremendous. Ryan Tannehill, who is entering the final year of his contract and has zero guaranteed money remaining, is turning 35 years old, and his play declined last season. Malik Willis, a third-rounder last year, didn't show enough to prove he's the answer, and there's a scenario in which Levis takes over this offense as soon as this season.
Levis has a magnificent arm, with the ability to just flick his wrist and drive the ball with velocity. And he's a powerful runner at 229 pounds when he tucks the ball and tries to pick up yards. If you go back to 2021, he scored nine times on the ground. The physical traits are there; he just needs some refining. It helps that Levis spent time in pro-style systems in college, and he'll have first-rounder Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) blocking for him, too. If Tennessee sticks with Tannehill this season, it's a good spot for Levis to learn and develop before taking over.
I really like how the Titans navigated the board and landed a top-four quarterback almost 30 picks after the other three were gone. If Levis cleans up his game, this could be a steal. Outside of Levis, I really like Tulane running back Tyjae Spears, and I think he could find success in this offense. He can be a solid complementary back to Derrick Henry.
Check out highlight-reel plays from former Kentucky QB Will Levis as he gets ready for his rookie season with the Titans.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Riley Moss, CB, Iowa (Round 3, No. 83)
It's tough to really nail a draft when you have five picks and nothing before No. 63 (which Denver had to trade up to get on Friday night). The pick that stood out most to me was Moss, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback. Pat Surtain II is of course a star locking down one of the Broncos' cornerback spots, but opposite him? Denver is looking for answers. So I can get behind a ball hawk at No. 83.
Moss totaled 11 interceptions and 23 pass breakups over his five seasons at Iowa. He's a little tight, but he has the speed to turn and run with pass-catchers and the instincts to read the QB in zone looks. His frame allows him to compete with big receivers, but I could see him moving inside to a nickel role. Maybe he kicks back to safety, too, where Kiper has him projected. Regardless, Moss has the traits to really help this defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma (Round 3, No. 92)
The Chiefs' two starting offensive tackles from their 2022 Super Bowl roster are gone. In comes Jawaan Taylor via free agency, and Lucas Niang is getting a promotion to a starting gig. Kansas City needs depth badly here, especially since Niang played nine snaps last season. The Chiefs' offensive line paced the league in pass block win rate last season (74.6%), but this isn't the same unit in 2023. So landing Morris in the third round stands out in their draft class.
To be clear, Morris is not a finished product. He falls off blocks when his pads rise, and his angles climbing to the second level are inconsistent. But he has a high ceiling. At 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds (with 35-plus-inch arms), he has an impressive frame and plays with enough power to overwhelm defenders. And Morris is versatile, having played both sides in college.
This pick is all about the upside. The Chiefs have taken mid-to-late-round swings on offensive linemen in recent years and hit some home runs, including 2021 sixth-rounder Trey Smith. So I'm all for taking a chance on a prospect with potential.
Las Vegas Raiders
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (Round 2, No. 35)
I was pretty surprised Mayer, who was No. 19 on my board, didn't go in the first round. Talk about a high-floor prospect. He will give you a little bit of everything, but his best traits are toughness and strength after the catch. He's a human bulldozer once the ball is in his hands, running over defenders. At 6-foot-5, he's a huge target with good hands, and no one is better in contested catch situations in this class. But Mayer is also a true all-around tight end, with the power to be effective as an in-line blocker. I could see him moving around quite a bit in Las Vegas, stacking as a base Y tight end or flexing out to beat defensive backs with his precise routes and size advantage.
The Raiders came into the draft with 12 picks, tied for the most in the league. And you had to figure one would be used on a tight end after they moved on from Darren Waller after a disappointing 2022 season. Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard came in on one-year deals, but I'm still banking on Mayer quickly developing a connection with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G will need a security blanket over the middle when opponents focus on taking away Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers.
Los Angeles Chargers
Daiyan Henley, ILB, Washington State (Round 3, No. 85)
The Chargers allowed 5.4 yards per carry last season, worst in the NFL. But they waited until Round 6 to draft a defensive tackle (Boise State's Scott Matlock), unless you consider second-round USC tweener Tuli Tuipulotu an interior option. For what it's worth, though, they did address the run game at the second level, using a third-rounder on my No. 75 overall prospect and fourth-ranked inside linebacker in Henley.
He's small for the position at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, but Henley has really good instincts and burst. He can make plays in the backfield (nine tackles for loss last season) and has the range to run down ball carriers. Once he gets in their neighborhood, he's a wrap-up tackler who uses his 33-inch arm length to lasso opponents. Watching the tape, Henley can hang with running backs and tight ends in coverage, but the pass-rush element of his game isn't quite there yet.
Drue Tranquill signed in Kansas City, leaving Kenneth Murray Jr. and 31-year-old Eric Kendricks up the middle. Henley should provide immediate depth and has the chance to develop into a solid off-ball linebacker in short order.
I'll round out my annual best picks column with one more name for Los Angeles -- a specialist: TCU receiver Derius Davis is the most dangerous return man in this class and could be taking kicks back as a rookie.