A Look at the Top 4 Picks in the 2023 NFL Draft
The first round of the 2023 National Football League (NFL) Draft was held on April 27 in Kansas City, Missouri. As expected, the Carolina Panthers selected University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young as the first overall pick. Two other quarterbacks—C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson—were taken in the first four picks. Alabama linebacker Will Anderson was the third overall pick, drafted by the Houston Texans.
1. Quarterback Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
The betting favorite to be the first overall pick, Young is primarily a pocket passer but has shown the ability to extend plays on the ground with his mobility. He threw for 32 touchdowns and 3,328 yards with five interceptions in 12 games last season with Alabama. He also had 49 rushing attempts for 185 yards. Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021, a year in which he set Alabama's single-season records for touchdowns (74) and passing yards (4,872).
Young is expected to be the Panthers' starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2023 regular season and is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.
2. Quarterback C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
The Texans used the first of their consecutive picks to select Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. A 6-foot-3, 215-pound player known for his intelligence on the field, Stroud finished top four in Heisman Trophy voting in each of the last two seasons. He threw for 41 touchdowns and 3,688 yards with six interceptions in 2022.
Houston has desperately needed a quarterback since trading Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. Davis Mills, last year's starter, had the third highest off-target percentage among all quarterbacks. Stroud should be in contention for the Rookie of the Year in 2023.
3. Outside Linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans)
The Arizona Cardinals held the third overall pick but traded it, along with pick No. 105, on draft night to the Texans in exchange for picks No. 12 and 33 and a pair of picks in 2024. Houston seized the opportunity to select the most talented defensive player available in Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2021 after recording 101 tackles and 17.5 sacks. He finished last season with 51 tackles, 10 sacks, and one interception in 13 games.
4. Quarterback Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
The Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson, a 6-foot-4, 244-pound quarterback, with the fourth overall pick. While there are concerns about his accuracy and consistency in throwing the ball, he led all college quarterbacks in yards per rush (6.4) last season. Richardson threw for 24 touchdowns and 3,105 yards with 15 interceptions in 22 career games with Florida.