My 4 favourite crew hauls from the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is now over, and with it comes everybody’s favourite train: draft grades!

Probably not although, we gained’t be handing out a grade for each single crew right here. What’s going to occur as an alternative is highlighting a few of our favourite draft lessons, from groups that executed each on Day 1 and Day 3, and have allowed followers and media members to see the imaginative and prescient behind what’s being constructed. Should you’re in search of draft grades, I already graded each choose in spherical one, in addition to graded each choose in spherical two and spherical three. I additionally have you ever lined on a way-too-early 2024 NFL mock draft.

So, let’s discuss a couple of NFL groups who’s draft lessons knocked it out of the park.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts had a heck of a draft from high to backside, and it begins with standing pat at quantity 4 and choosing Florida’s Anthony Richardson. For the Colts (hypothetical) offense to work underneath new HC Shane Steichen, a cellular QB with the power to pressure defenses into including on within the run sport is essential. Richardson will try this, whereas additionally getting extra reps within the Colts offense. On Day 2, the Colts added CB Julius Brents and WR Josh Downs from North Carolina. Brents is considered one of my favourite DBs on this class, and his athletic profile and elegance of play make him an ideal match within the Colts’ protection. Downs is a a lot smaller, shiftier variation of the Colts wideouts which can be already on the roster, and he’ll present a a lot totally different fashion of play, whereas completely being a slot defender. Just a few of my favourite Day 3 provides: DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, CB Darius Rush, and S Daniel Scott. All Senior Bowl alums who will add to that protection, particularly Rush.

Most significantly, they added athletes:

This has the potential to be an important foundational draft class, one that would maintain GM Chris Ballard with a job.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals didn’t wow anybody with their picks, however crucial factor is that they stocked up on their future defensively, whereas getting strong function gamers for the current.

EDGE Myles Murphy might not be a famous person, however he’s an extended, robust and bodily defender who suits the Bengals physique kind on the sting. They’ll kick him inside on passing downs and he’ll trigger havoc. On Day 2, the Bengals added Michigan DB DJ Turner, who can ultimately fill within the spot for Mike Hilton because the nickel or be depth on the skin. Nevertheless, my favourite choose of theirs was Alabama S Jordan Battle within the third spherical. Battle isn’t going to wow followers along with his athleticism, however he’s at all times in the fitting spot on the proper time, and performs very instinctively. The Bengals bought quite a bit youthful on protection, whereas they nonetheless should pay their stars on offense.

Talking of the offensive facet of the ball, on Day 3 the Bengals added Illinois RB Chase Brown, Princeton WR Andrei Iosivas, and Purdue WR Charlie Jones. Brown is a pleasant complement to RB Joe Mixon, whereas Iosivas and Jones present extra pace to the Bengals wideout group, Jones a bit extra nuanced in his route working. General, the Bengals had a very nice draft, and ensured the way forward for their protection.

New England Patriots

Invoice Belichick labored his voodoo magic as soon as once more within the first spherical, buying and selling again from 14 to 17, and nonetheless drafting one of many high gamers within the draft in Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is an extended, fluid and athletic nook who suits the Pats protection like a glove. On Day 2, the Patriots added a flexible defensive lineman in Keion White who can play on early downs towards the run, then kick inside in passing conditions so New England can have White, Matt Judon and Josh Uche on the sector collectively. Plus, they drafted considered one of my favourite gamers on this draft cycle, Sacramento State LB Marte Mapu. He’s a bit undersized as a real LB (he performed security in faculty), however he’s fluid and instinctive in protection, and comes downhill with dangerous intentions. Sub packages with he and Kyle Dugger on the sector on the identical time will trigger plenty of issues for opposing offenses.

On Day 3, they addressed the offense with including guards Sidy Sow and Antonio Mafi, each highly effective gamers who match the New England offensive line completely. In addition they swung for upside in LSU WR Kayshon Boutte within the sixth spherical. If all of it works out, Boutte is a superb complement to the Pats receivers, along with his skill after the catch. The Patriots wanted to get youthful and extra explosive on either side of the ball, and on this draft they did simply that.

Pittsburgh Steelers

If that is what NFL Draft lessons are like for the subsequent few years underneath GM Omar Khan, the Steelers are in good arms. Pittsburgh traded up over the New York Jets to go get mauling offensive lineman Broderick Jones within the first spherical, participant who will set the tone bodily on that offensive line for a very long time. Then, on Day 2 the Steelers chosen CB Joey Porter Jr. (sure, the son of Steeler nice Joey Porter Sr.), who’s physicality and talent in press ought to assist the Steelers protection out quite a bit. Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton is a typical Steeler defensive lineman, with huge, robust arms that dislodge lineman on the level of assault.

Maybe the most important choose was taking Georgia TE Darnell Washington within the third spherical. Washington fell resulting from issues about his knee, but when his medicals try and he’s wholesome, the one factor stopping that offense is offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Cory Trice and Nick Herbig will each play quite a bit as rookies with the possibility to turn into starters as properly. The Steelers knocked this draft class out of the park.

Draft season by no means ends. Take a look at my first 2024 NFL Draft huge board while you’re prepared to maneuver onto subsequent yr’s class.