Not all general managers are created equal. Howie Roseman from the Philadelphia Eagles has been making solid drafts year after year, while some other front offices make boneheaded decisions. Now that the dust has settled, what are the five best picks in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Five Best Picks 2023 NFL Draft
1. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson’s profile is impressive to say the least. He scored a ten on the relative athleticism score, which accounts for size and explosiveness in addition to speed. It should be noted Richardson is quite literally the most athletic quarterback prospect the NFL has ever seen. He fell to the Colts at number four, after being the third quarterback off the board. At the very worst, Richardson adds an explosive element to a team that has rolled out the who’s who list of 2010’s quarterbacks. At his best, Richardson has the physical traits to go toe to toe with any of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. This may go down as one of the biggest draft steals, and is one of the best picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2. Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
Levis wasn’t even that high on the 2023 rookie big board. But the Titans did a great job being patient at quarterback. Normally the need at the position and desire to be aggressive pushes guys like Levis up the draft order. Instead the Titans stayed put until 33 overall, and have the possibility of their long term starter. Levis currently profiles as a starter in the NFL, but struggled with accuracy and elevating an offense. The Titans roster does not have the pass catchers to take care of Levis in 2023, but he can garner some important experience while the team reloads for 2024. This pick is less about the talent of Levis, but more about the ability of the Titans front office to take advantage of the draft.
3. John Michael Schmitz, New York Giants
Michael Schmitz is an immediate starter at a position of need for the Giants. He was the top rated center in the draft, and while it’s not the pick that makes ESPN jump out of their seats, he could be a pro bowl caliber player for years to come. John Michael Schmitz profiles as an almost complete center with a nasty streak in the run game. He won hearts over during the Senior Bowl and sets the tone for the offense every snap. Whether it’s Saquon Barkley getting better running lanes or Daniel Jones with more time to pass, this pick is a clear win.
4. Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young is going to need help. As an undersized quarterback who loves to run the scramble drill, he is going to need pass catchers that can work back to him and make plays after the catch. Mingo never truly broke out at Ole Miss, but has all of the measurables to dominate at the next level. His combine performance put him on the radar for many draft analysts. At 220 pounds he posted a 4.46 40 and almost a 40 inch vertical. He might not be a polished receiver right now, but to get him at 39 is one of the best picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Mingo profiles as the number one in this offense as early as week one.
5. Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
The Saints running back room was one of the big question marks ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Kendre Miller brings a steadying presence to a team that may lose their lead back. They also just signed Jamaal Williams, the ‘swagikaze’ himself. If Kamara is suspended, Miller and Williams are a more than serviceable one-two punch until he returns. If he’s not, Miller has the talent to run the rock for the team in 2024 and beyond. This pick handles some needs for 2023, but will really pay off in a year or two.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee USA Today Sports
