Sebastian Martinez ChristensenESPN Digital WriterReading: 7 min.
The 2023 Draft was historic for quaterbacks
Stetson Bennett and Max Duggan will return to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the start of their professional careers.
KANSAS CITY — As every year, we look at the winners and losers after a new NFL draft.
Winners
If anyone needed more evidence to prove that Howie Roseman is one of the best general managers in the NFL, this draft is another proof of that. Jalen Carter was considered arguably the best player in this draft, and the Eagles didn’t hesitate to trade up to take him. I understand that he has some legal problems, and there are questions about his personality, but his talent is unquestionable. The succession plan has to be put in place before you have a need, and Philadelphia is shining in that regard. Last year they took Jordan Davis, and with Fletcher Cox close to retirement, now they take Carter to ensure strength at that position. On top of that, they then took Nolan Smith, who inexplicably went down late in the first round, and the Eagles got great value; Brandon Graham is also close to retirement. There’s an element of familiarity to the two, since they both went to the University of Georgia, and they join Nakobe Dean and Davis, who were drafted last year.
Another Bulldog coming to the Eagles is cornerback Kelee Ringo, for whom Philadelphia also got great value since he had a second-round grade. If there’s one weakness on the Eagles’ roster, it’s safety, and Sidney Brown should help them right away. At the same time they lost Isaac Seumalo and Andre Dillard to free agency, and their second-round pick, Tyler Steen, should move to guard and help out from day one. As if that were not enough, the Eagles made a trade with the Lions to obtain the services of D’Andre Swift, who if he stays healthy, will shine in that offense. The strong are getting stronger, and the Eagles are more candidates than ever.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Another of the drafts that I liked the most is that of the Steelers. They came to the draw with two imperative needs, and not only filled both holes, but also chose what I consider to be the best eligible players at the time they had to choose. Broderick Jones is not only the perfect size for a next-level offensive tackle, but he’s also extremely athletic. He has the ability to get to the next level, and had the fastest 40 yards by an offensive tackle at the Scouting combine. A starter from Day 1 that he’s going to help protect Kenny Pickett, who suffered two concussions last season.
As if that were not enough, then they were fortunate that Joey Porter Jr. fell until the second round. Not only did he have a first-round grade to him, but there’s also an emotional element, given that his father Joey was a major figure in the Steelers franchise. Porter Jr. has very long arms and is very physical, although he can still hone his tackling ability. How much more will Patrick Peterson play? Regardless of the answer, Pittsburgh already has a replacement. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton will replace Montravius Adams, helping anchor an already good run defense. And to add more to the physical and terrestrial identity that characterizes the Steelers, they added tight end Darnell Washington, who is one more offensive lineman and by far the best tight end when it comes to blocking in this draft. He’s a bit stiff in open space, but that’s not going to be his main role and we’ll see a lot of two-tight end formations in Pittsburgh. Returning to the sentimental aspect, the Steelers chose Edge Nick Herbig, who will once again play with his brother Nate.
Seattle Seahawks
After years of poor drafting, this is the second year in a row that I think the Seahawks did a terrific job. While my favorite cornerback was Christian Gonzalez, there’s no question Devon Witherspoon plays with superior instincts that will make him a very good next-level cornerback. While Tariq Woolen proved to be a great pick last year, there’s no doubt Seattle needed more corner help considering they gave up nine touchdowns of 20-plus yards last year. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was widely considered the best wide receiver in this draft. He operates primarily in the slot, and had a historically good 2021 although in 2022 he suffered a couple of injuries and had limited action.
For starters, the Seahawks will have a formidable trio of receivers, and eventually have Tyler Lockett’s successor, since he has very similar characteristics. Boye Mafe disappointed in his rookie year, and the Seahawks needed another pass rusher. Enter Derick Hall, who has a very explosive first step, and never trades on effort. Seattle also buoyed up nicely in free agency, and it’s clear that coach Pete Carroll wants to get back to his roots. That’s why he chose running back Zach Charbonnet, who has hellish power to run between tackles. He’s going to be a good complement to Kenneth Walker, and I’d imagine a backfield similar to what’s in Green Bay; Charbonnet being more similar to AJ Dillon. Anthony Bradford will help inside that offensive line, which continues to rebuild. Seattle is on the right track.
Losers
New York Jets
The Jets came into this draft with an absolute need, which was offensive tackle. New York had a terrific draft last season, but I’m afraid they couldn’t replicate the success this year. Obviously the Jets don’t control what happens in front of them, but they could have been more aggressive; They weren’t and the Steelers jumped on them to take Broderick Jones. That meant the Jets were left without many options at the position, and ended up taking Iowa State Edge Will McDonald. While he’s not the ideal size, he’s a pure pass-rusher, though at the same time I think he would have been available later in the first round. Even more important is the fact that they didn’t attack his main need, and insisted on defense with his first pick; McDonald will likely battle Carl Lawson for snaps.
Aaron Rodgers turns 40 in December, and the window for success is small. You have to keep it upright, and Mekhi Bector has proven to be anything but dependable. In the second round, I love the value they got on Joe Tippmann, who can play guard or center. He possesses similar versatility to Alijah Vera-Tucker, although he can’t play tackle. And I wouldn’t move Vera-Tucker to the extreme, because I feel like you’d have a weakness at two positions on the offensive line. They took Carter Warren in the fourth round, but he’s a little lacking in muscle and I don’t know if he’d be ready to start the inning. I did like the selection of running back Israel Abinikanda, who is explosive, and will help complement Breece Hall, who is returning from injury.
Malik Willis y Jared Goff
Succession plans are underway in both Tennessee and Detroit. Of course, both cases are different. Jared Goff finished last season in magnificent fashion, with two years remaining on his contract. However, after this season, the Lions would have a chance to cut it by soaking up just $5 million in dead money. Goff won himself the benefit of the doubt, though if he doesn’t play at a high level this coming season, in which the Lions have higher expectations, I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit turns the page. So I wasn’t sold on the value the Lions got with their first-day picks, I was intrigued by the selection of Hendon Hooker, who is 25 and coming off knee surgery. However, he’s very talented, he’s a pace quarterback who has the nerve in his pocket, and I genuinely believe he can succeed at the next level. In the case of Malik Willis, I think the Titans are admitting a mistake. Willis played limited time last season, although he didn’t show anything special, and he looked green. That’s not to say he doesn’t have one last chance, as I’m also not convinced Will Levis is ready to play right away. Levis has an arm cannon, but his footwork is fickle and he doesn’t have much flair inside the pocket. We’ll see how it all ends in both Detroit and Tennessee, but succession planning has begun at quarterback.
2023-04-30 00:53:38
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