The NFL’s first round of the 2023 Draft promises to be exciting, as for the first time since 2016, the first round will only have 31 picks instead of 32. The reduced pick in the first round is due to the Miami Dolphins losing their first-round choice due to their “impermissible communications” with quarterback star Tom Brady, who was still under contract with the Patriots and Buccaneers at the time.
With that in mind, let us briefly summarize how the NFL draft works and what some teams need to do and avoid in the first round to set their season up for success.
How does the NFL draft system work?
The NFL draft comprises seven rounds, allowing teams to add new and upcoming talent to their squads to set themselves up for a successful season. A team’s performance in the previous season will determine when it gets to make its pick. So, franchises that performed the worse will get the first picks, and more successful teams will get the last pick. In the first round, teams are allowed ten minutes to make their pick, but that gradually decreases, and by the final round, they are only allowed four minutes to make their choice.
Make no mistake; the Draft is a big part of the NFL season. In 2022, the first round drew in 10 million viewers as fans eagerly watched their teams make predictions on which talent would bring them success.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sometimes Having a Good Attack Means Having a Great Defense
The Eagles have found themselves in an ideal situation in 2023. Narrowly missing out on winning the Super Bowl, they also have a top-ten pick. In this situation, it would be easy to go for a blue-chip offensive player like Bijan Robinson, CJ Stroud, or Bryce Young.
However, the Eagles should be wary. Some of their top defenders, like Fletcher Cox, Ndamukong, and Javon Hargrave, are free agents. It seems, then, that adding to their defensive depth rather than their attacking capabilities is the more logical option.
Houston Texans: You Need to Start Laying Bricks if You Want to Build Rome
It’s been tough in recent years for the Houston Texans. On the back of three consecutive unsuccessful seasons, it really is now or never to sow the seeds of success for the upcoming season and beyond. Not choosing the right picks now could be devastating for the team.
With Texans Quarterback Davis Mills failing to impress since his third-round signing in 2021, the franchise is desperate for a playmaker to turn their luck around. Luckily, they get the 2nd and 12th picks (via Cleveland Browns) and are in a prime position to pick up young talents C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young.
Chicago Bears: With Great Power Also Comes Great Responsibility
Blessed with the 1st pick in 2023, Chicago Bears have the opportunity to pick up some exceptional talent with which they can trade down. As discussed, the Houston Texans need a quarterback, but realistically, Chicago Bears need to improve in the defensive department. Therefore, a trade-down with the Houston Texans would seem profitable.
What Chicago Bears need to be wary of is trading down too far. The list of blue-chip defensive choices is small, and trading down too far may put them out of running to get their hands on players like Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr.
Seattle Seahawks: Don’t Kill the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg
Seattle Seahawks have the golden opportunity of having both 5th and 20th picks in this year’s Draft. The two choices give the team a chance to bolster its ranks. Coming on the back of the Seattle Seahawks exceeding expectations in the last year and quarterback Geno Smith proving his worth, the opportunity has arisen at the perfect time. The Seahawks are yet to confirm whether they trust Smith to keep performing, with a contract extension in the works. For now, however, securing a defensive pick will be vital for the Seahawks.
Exciting Times in the NFL?
With several squad rebuilds on the horizon; the competition is heightened for the franchises this coming season. No doubt, Superbowl Winners Kansas City Chiefs will be working hard to maintain their dominance. With the Draft due to begin on the 27th of April, anticipation builds as fans wait to see this year’s picks. One thing is for sure, the 2023/24 season, which starts in September, will be one to watch.