The NFL Draft 2023 just concluded this year’s event last April 27-29, 2023. Five players were selected to be the top this year during the three days and seven rounds selection process. After an over-the-edge anticipation for who will become the top players overall, the results were surprising and unexpected.
The selected players are undoubtedly one of the best rosters in this generation, which will surely go down in history. Here’s the list of who made it to the top five:
QB Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
Bryce Young is the top pick during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and for a good reason. He’s been consistently on the top ranks and a favorite among people who bet on the NFL draft.
Young has been attracting interest since the early months because of his excellent performance despite being under 5 ’11, which is considered relatively shorter than the average height of NFL players.
He spent his years playing college football in Alabama, where he bagged several Player of the Year awards and even held the school record for having the most passing yards in a single game with 559. On the first round on the first day of the NFL Draft, Bryce Young was selected by the Carolina Panthers and will spend his initial professional game with the team.
QB C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
Aside from Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud was also one of the early prospects to be the top pick for the NFL Draft. He was in the top two and will play with the Houston Texans this season. He used to play college football at Ohio State, where he became one of the most outstanding quarterbacks and holds several school records as well.
A brief overview of his record includes an astonishing 177.7 passer rating with 3,688 passing yards in his last season in NCAA basketball.
The Bleacher Report was full of compliments on Stroud’s play. They described it as watching “smooth jazz” unfolding in the field but lacking the creativity often found in the musical field. This phrase describes Stroud’s compact and tight yet efficient mechanics.
The report believes that his athleticism wasn’t completely displayed at the collegiate level. Thus, Texans fans can look forward to what this young football player will present to everyone this coming season.
OLB Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans)
Coming in the third pick is Will Anderson who was selected by the Houston Texans after trading C.J. Stroud to get him.
Outside linebacker, Anderson used to play college football at Alabama and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy twice, an award honored by the Football Writers Association of America to collegiate American football defensive players who are the best in the NCAA. He already participated in Alabama’s national championship in 2020, proving him worthy of the trading efforts.
A report has shared that Anderson is considered one of the best defenders of the last 15 years because of his amazing skills. He’s not only quick to his step, but he’s also a defensive defender who is equally good in both phases of the game.
Anderson also has heavy hands, is great in stunting and on slants, and possesses a high motor. It’s no wonder the Texans traded another excellent player for their defensive centerpiece.
QB Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
Next on the rank is yet another quarterback, Anthony Richardson. He’s in the top four overall after getting selected by the Indianapolis Colts and is also considered the most athletic quarterback to rank in the NFL. It’s because he’s built like the perfect athlete being faster than Cam Newton, more powerful than Michael Vick, and even bigger than Lamar Jackson.
Though as human beings, as perfectly imperfect as everyone is, Richardson also has a few weaknesses. This includes his lack of experience, inconsistent mechanics, and accuracy, considering he’s only played at the collegiate level. However, with his amazing traits and accumulating experience in the future, there’s no denying that he could easily be one of the most memorable players in NFL history.
CB Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks)
Devon Witherspoon used to play his college football years at Illinois and was even awarded last year with 2022 Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. One of his strengths includes his ball skills and timing, and as an excellent defensive player, he also has quick-thinking skills while on the field. Aside from that, he’s also fluid in his backpedal, which helps him break on the ball.
Furthermore, you must have an athletic attitude to smoothen some edges to be an excellent athlete. Aaron Henry, the Illinois defensive coordinator, described Witherspoon as someone he has never had before. He explained that the cornerback knows his capabilities and is confident in his work.
He was in the top five after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks.
Final Thoughts
The 2023-24 NFL regular season is up to more fun and exciting games with all the new NFL team additions. Fans can expect many more new and surprising events. Until then, the teams will train with their new members, and you can spend time waiting and preparing yourself for what is about to come for the rest of the year.
