The NFL Draft alters the NFL forever, and where the top prospects land will change history. The Draft is highly anticipated and mocks are made continuously after the Super Bowl in an attempt to predict where each player will go. It is impossible to predict who will be drafted by who, which is what makes the draft exciting for many. 

So where will the top players be heading?

Bryce Young, QB: Carolina Panthers, Round 1, Pick 1 

Young was the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. He was a very effective QB from Alabama, and is extremely experienced. Young can accurately deliver the ball almost anywhere on the field and is good at evading the rush. Young is only 5 ’10 ” which was cause for concern for some NFL teams, however, if he can stay healthy and the O-line can create gaps for him to see through, he will be a quality starting QB in the NFL. THe panthers -who have been lacking a good starting quarterback since Cam Newton in 2018- will benefit greatly from Young. 

Bijan Robinson, RB: Atlanta Falcons, Round 1, Pick 8

Robinson is one of the best running back prospects in a while. He has excellent vision, speed, size, and explosiveness. He is a three-down back with few weaknesses and can be great on inside and outside runs. Not only is he a great running back, he is also strong in the receiving game. The new weapon for the Atlanta Falcons will be a threat against any opposing defense, even as a rookie. 

Devon Witherspoon, CB: Seattle Seahawks, Round 1, Pick 5

Witherspoon has great instincts and can make plays on the ball all across the field. He is very fluid and an extremely hard hitter: reminding many Seahawk fans of the Legion of Boom. Witherspoon will be on the opposite side of rising star Tariq Woolen.  These two upcoming stars will make pushing the ball down the field difficult for any offense. 

CJ Stroud, QB: Houston Texans, Round 1, Pick 2

Stroud is technically the perfect QB. He has the desired size, arm strength, and decision-making. He has good footwork, a strong platform, a smooth release, and throws a tight spiral. He had an outstanding performance against the 2022 National Champions, the Georgia Bulldogs, in the semi-finals, and only narrowly lost. Stroud has the potential to be a great passer and could be even better if he trains his scrambling skills more. His arm will put fear into many defenses and hopefully help out the previously struggling Texans offense. 

Jordan Addison, WR: Minnesota Vikings, Round 1 Pick 23

Addison was the best WR who declared for the draft this year and can line up anywhere on the field. He is a polished route runner and has great game speed. Addison could work on getting stronger on jump balls, but that will come with time. After the catch he has great vision and wiggle. This allows him to create important and exciting plays when he has the ball in his hands. He will be able to learn from the NFL’s best, Justin Jefferson, who can further help develop the young WR. After losing WR Adam Thielen in the offseason, a new solid WR will help make up for that loss. 

The 2023 NFL Draft Class had lots of talent across all positions and should make an impact in the league even in their rookie years. The draft is one of the most anticipated parts of the NFL but once it is over the hype immediately transitions to next year’s draft. People are already predicting the 2024 NFL Draft, even before many of the college players have even had a chance to show off their skills.