2023 NFL Draft Round 1 grades for all 31 picks (2024)

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Welcome to The Athletic’s pick-by-pick grades for Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft. From quarterbacks Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud to defensive linemen Jalen Carter and Lukas Van Ness, we’ll break down every selection as the drama grows throughout Thursday’s pomp and circ*mstance.

Many prefer to wait until three or four years from now to grade these selections. And it’s true, in 2027 we’ll get a better idea of each player’s successes and failures but an instant reaction is warranted for each pick. We will analyze each choice based not only on the prospect but also on the methodology and value. That goes for draft picks to the trades. Did a team give up too much or take a prospect too high? Or, did a team navigate its need with value to perfection? That’s what goes into our grades.

Just like perhaps half of the teams in their selections, we will miss the mark on some grades. We can take some good-natured ribbing. As always, I suggest you catch up on prospects by perusing Dane Brugler’s Beast, which has become the annual must-have guide of draft season. So, buckle in to watch the marriage of America’s two most popular sports in real time.

NFL Draft: Pick-by-pick analysis
Mock draft:Dane Brugler’s Day 2 projections
Best available: Updated list
The Athletic Football Show: Live from K.C.

1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Carolina has tried four former first-round QBs and three others since Cam Newton’s last good season in 2018 (including Newton again in 2021), and nothing has worked. So the Panthers traded up to No. 1, gave up multiple first-rounders and their top receiver to Chicago and picked their long-term guy in Bryce Young. It’s a necessary risk, but is it the right risk for the right quarterback for coach Frank Reich?

Nobody is questioning Young’s ability, just his size. Young’s frame (5-foot-11, 204) has led to fair speculation about how he could handle the NFL pounding. Other quarterbacks with his height have successfully adapted in recent years (Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray), but they had thicker bodies. That’s a huge question mark despite Young’s prowess at Alabama, where he set single-season school records for passing yards (4,872) and touchdowns (47) in 2021 when he won the Heisman Trophy.

Perhaps the best physical comp for Young is Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who threw for 47,003 career yards and was nicknamed “The Scrambler.” If Young can complete passes and stay healthy like Tarkenton did in an era with far less quarterback protection, he’ll be an upper-third NFL quarterback within three years. If not, this decision could haunt Carolina for the next half-decade.

Grade: B-

2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Texans ranked last in yards per play and 31st in total offense last season. Houston needed a quarterback, and after significant posturing and speculation, the Texans did the smartest thing possible: they drafted a quarterback and it was the right one.

Much was made about C.J. Stroud’s lack of running ability, but that’s somewhat overrated because he could do far more damage through the air. Stroud posted national highs in touchdowns (41) and yards per attempt (9.5) while completing 66.3 percent of his throws. At Ohio State, Stroud (6-3, 214) was surrounded by some of the best receivers in college football history, and he let them make plays.

Stroud has great touch, and the Texans now can build around him. Though the Houston brass might have preferred a defender for defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans, drafting Stroud is a step in the right direction. And they didn’t wait to get defensive help, either.

Grade: B+

3. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama

Now that’s what we call gutsy, and it’s fantastic. The Texans appeared to waver between taking a franchise quarterback and a defensive pillar at No. 2. Instead of standing pat, the Texans went for both, and they drafted the top defensive player in Alabama edge Will Anderson.

The last time the Texans had a defender with double-digit sacks was J.J. Watt back in 2018, and Anderson will help right away in that area. No matter what SEC offenses threw at Anderson, none of them could slow him down. Few, if any, edge rushers were more accomplished in three seasons. Anderson became the first true freshman ever to start for Nick Saban, and he recorded seven sacks and he finished with 34.5 and 62 tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus recorded Anderson with an incredible 134 hurries and 36 hits outside of sacks.

Almost exclusively Anderson lined up outside the tackle with 84 percent of his snaps. He has an explosive first step with elite bend and outstanding closing speed. Anderson (6-3 ½, 253) twice was a unanimous All-American and a two-time team captain. Maybe his overall weight and speed (4.6 in the 40) aren’t considered ideal, but his potential is sky high.

Grade: A

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

The Colts finally got off the veteran Merry-Go-Round after opening the season with a different quarterback for five consecutive years. This fall marks the sixth, and nobody has more physical potential than Florida’s Anthony Richardson, whose combine numbers were off the charts. Not only does he have great size (6-4 ¼, 244) with big hands (10 ½ inches), but he ran the 40 in 4.43 seconds and posted a 40 1/2-inch vertical. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 654 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. His former teammates rave about him and his character.

But for every “wow” play there was a “whoa” moment. GMs and coaches get fired when potential doesn’t produce, and Richardson is the riskiest first-round quarterback in draft history. Richardson is a one-year starter at Florida who completed 53.8 percent with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions for 2,549 yards. He was the only Power 5 quarterback in the last three seasons with at least 300 attempts who completed less than 54 percent of his passes.

Richardson is the ultimate catnip. With his generational talent, he could lead the Colts to the Super Bowl multiple times. If he busts, everybody is getting fired.

Grade: C

5. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Seahawks needed major help along the defensive line and instead chose to go with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Seattle was 26th in total defense and against the run and lost three key players up front. Perhaps Seattle believes it can pick up a D-lineman at No. 20 overall, which eliminates some criticism considering Witherspoon is outstanding.

Nobody was better in coverage this year for Illinois, which led the FBS in yards allowed per game. Opponents caught just 22 passes on 62 targets for 206 yards and no touchdowns. He allowed only one touchdown in 2021. Even with two other talented defensive backs in Sydney Brown and Quan Martin, Witherspoon was the most dominant defender on the field.

Former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters put Witherspoon on the opponent’s best receiver rather than lining him up to the boundary or field. Opposing quarterbacks still combined for a 25.3 passer rating against Witherspoon, who intercepted three passes and had 17 passes defensed. Witherspoon (5-11 ½, 181) didn’t run at the combine but he recorded a 4.43 in the 40 at Illinois’ pro day. Though he doesn’t have elite length or weight, his play and dimensions are comparable to five-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay.

Grade: B-

6. Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Cardinals could have moved in multiple directions, including defensive line, but after giving up 46 sacks last year, they felt Johnson was pivotal for an offense missing its quarterback.

A two-year starting offensive lineman at Ohio State, Johnson (6-6 3/8, 313) thrived at left tackle for the Buckeyes last season and earned first-team All-America honors. In 2021, Johnson played right guard and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection. With a massive wingspan (85 ½ inches) and arm length (36 1/8), Johnson is built uniquely for left tackle.

One thing is certain: Johnson will pick up the Cardinals’ new scheme very quickly. A 4.0 student in high school, Johnson is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and earned his college degree in three years.

Grade: B

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech

With only 27 sacks last year, the Raiders needed a pass rusher in the worst way. It was perhaps unexpected that Wilson would fall to them, but he’s a solid pick for the edge in their 4-3. It could be argued the Raiders needed a defensive tackle more than an edge, but Wilson lining up opposite Maxx Crosby and alongside Chandler Jones is a massive lift for the pass rush.

Blessed with a great frame (6-5 ½, 271) and massive arms (35 5/8) and wingspan (84 ½), Wilson is physically impressive and showcases it often with quickness, strength and acceleration. A premium edge rusher, Wilson gradually shifted from playing primarily over the tackle (50 percent in 2020) to shifting outside of the tackle (80 percent in 2022).

Despite facing constant attention, Wilson generated 73 hurries in three seasons, according to PFF, including 32 last season in just 10 games. Wilson began his career at Texas A&M and transferred to Texas Tech in 2020. Wilson opted out of combine drills after recovering from foot surgery last fall.

Grade: B+

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

With one of the NFL’s worst defenses that generated only 21 sacks last year and ranked 27th, the Falcons chose to turn their offense into their signature unit with Robinson.

Robinson (5-11, 215) stood out as the complete package of a running back. He had 45 plays of 20-plus yards in three seasons and blends power with speed, footwork and elusiveness unlike any first-round running back since Saquon Barkley. Perhaps the best comparison for Robinson is Hall of Famer Edgerrin James.

A unanimous first-team All-American at Texas, Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He also caught 19 passes for 314 yards. His 4.46 40 time solidified his speed for scouts to go along with his obvious power.

It’s an exciting pick, and Atlanta could be fun on offense, but there were multiple defenders available who could have helped this team improve right away.

Grade: D+

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Howie Roseman, take a bow. By moving up one spot and giving up a 2024 fourth rounder, the Eagles grabbed one of the best interior defensive tackles in recent memory. The Eagles have the infrastructure to surround Carter and help him reach his potential, and Philadelphia is on track to maintain its defensive dominance.

Carter was a force for both of Georgia’s national championship teams. Brugler describes Carter as possessing “exceptional play strength and body control” with “remarkable balance in space” and “strikes with natural power to stack, reset the line of scrimmage and disengage to make stops in the hole.” Thick and powerful, Carter (6-3, 314) has massive hands (10 ¼ inches) coupled with long arms (33 ½) and wingspan to match (81). He finished with six sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss on a deep Georgia defensive line.

The only concern comes off the field. After weighing 314 at the combine, Carter was nine pounds heavier for Georgia’s pro days just two weeks later. While at the combine, Carter was charged and later pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors in a racing incident that killed a teammate and Georgia football employee. He’s considered a popular teammate but immature at times.

Grade: A

10. Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Duh Bears

The Bears had an NFL-low 20 sacks, ranked 31st in total defense and had a major need along the defensive line, especially at Matt Eberflus’ coveted 3-technique spot. Instead, Chicago opted for a right tackle in the draft’s most questionable early move.

GM Ryan Poles was a former offensive lineman and has tried to rebuild his roster on the O-line first. And Wright will help, but the Bears have nothing on the defensive line. Absolutely nothing.

Wright started at three different positions along Tennessee’s offensive line over four seasons but played his best football last fall at right tackle. In the Vols’ quick-tempo, big-strike scheme, Wright was forced to block some of the country’s top edge rushers and didn’t allow a sack in 2022. He’s physical and nasty but still has room to grow in his technique to become an upper-level offensive lineman.

At the combine, Wright (6-5 3/8, 333) ran the 40 in 5.01 seconds and recorded an 82-inch wingspan. His arm length (33 ¾) suggests he could slide to left tackle if necessary, but based on his performance and fit at right tackle, that appears his best position going forward.

Grade: D-

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Tennessee really needed an offensive lineman after limping to the finish line last year. Skoronski is the perfect fit for the Titans, whether it’s at guard or tackle.

Every year there’s a polarizing offensive lineman when it comes to arm length, and this year it’s the Northwestern All-American. Skoronski’s arms measured at 32 ¼ inches, which were the shortest of any tackle prospect at the combine.

Let’s compare Skoronski to three other former Big Ten lineman with similar résumés and concerns. Fellow Chicagoland product Bryan Bulaga of Iowa measured 33 ¼, which kicked him to the right side, where he played for a decade. Iowa’s Brandon Scherff’s measured 33 3/8, which solidified his switch to guard, and he has earned five Pro Bowl nods. Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas was 33 ¾, but he stayed at left tackle and become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Technique-wise, Skoronski (6-4, 313) was their equal and the Big Ten’s best offensive lineman from the moment he started the season opener at left tackle as a true freshman.

The grandson of Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Bob Skoronski, the current Skoronski faces significant questions about whether his arms are long enough to reach elite NFL edge rushers as a left tackle. It’s a valid concern.

So what will the Titans do with Skoronski? It might make sense to work him at guard first, get caught up to speed and then shift him outside. Or, let him prove he can’t play tackle before kicking him side. Either way, Skoronski has a Pro Bowl future.

Grade: A-

12. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

For three years, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could do no wrong. In this case, he reached on the draft’s second running back. The No. 22 player on Dane Brugler’s big board, Gibbs was likely to be there at No. 18 when the Lions picked again. Considering Detroit ranked last in total defense and yards per play, it was an odd move. Even if the Lions stood pat at No. 6, they could have had Bijan Robinson.

That doesn’t mean Gibbs (5-9, 199) can’t help the Lions with his blazing speed and quickness. He posted a 4.36 40-time at the combine and often made defenders look silly with his cuts. At both Georgia Tech (2020-21) and Alabama (2022), Gibbs was a threat as both a runner and a receiver. Last year, he ran for 926 yards at 6.1 yards per carry, and also caught 44 passes for 444 yards.

In combination with new running back David Montgomery and holdover D’Andre Swift (if he remains a Lion), it could be a heck of a trio. But Gibbs could have been there at 18 or even No. 34 early in the second round.

Grade: F

13. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

Without a clear need, the Packers opted for value at No. 13 overall with Van Ness (6-5, 272), who never started a game at Iowa. But there was a reason for that. Van Ness was just a third-year sophom*ore, and Iowa’s starting defensive ends were fifth-year seniors on one of the nation’s top defenses. Still, Van Ness, whose sculpted build led to teammates calling him Hercules, did have the most snaps of the three during the regular season.

In two seasons at Iowa, Van Ness totaled 14 sacks as both an interior pass rusher and edge defender. In pass-rushing situations, Van Ness was too quick for most guards, and his bull rush on the edge was uncommon. He possesses violent, heavy hands although as a rookie he will be a work in progress as a run defender.

With 34-inch arms, a 4.58 40 time and a heavy-handed bull rush, Van Ness has drawn comparisons to Justin Smith and even Howie Long. Van Ness will fit right in as a 3-4 end or outside linebacker.

Grade: B+

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Steelers entered the draft with three major needs: offensive tackle, linebacker and cornerback. With the early run on offensive tackles, the Steelers got aggressive and traded up for the top remaining offensive lineman.

A pure left tackle, Jones (6-5 ¼, 311) started all 15 games last season for the two-time national champions. His arm length (34 ¾) is fine for the position, but other than spot duty in 2021, Jones only has one year of starting experience.

No lineman was faster at the combine than Jones, who ran the 40 in 4.97 seconds. His burst and ability to get to the second level are rare. Jones will need to make some technical improvements to become a good offensive lineman, but he’s capable of starting right away.

Grade: B+

15. New York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

Without an offensive lineman of value at No. 15 overall, the Jets opted for an edge rusher to bolster their elite-level defense. It makes sense, especially because they picked one of the most twitchy athletes in the draft. It also ends a 50-year drought of first-rounders for the Iowa State program.

McDonald, a first-team All-American in 2021, is no stranger to winding up in the backfield. A three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, McDonald tied the league record with 34 career sacks. He also generated 42 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles and 18 hurries. His first step and bend are elite.

At nearly 35-inch arms and a broad jump of 11 feet, McDonald (6-4, 239) can become a high-level pass rusher with a few more pounds and improved technique. He’s perhaps better served as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 but can put his hand in the ground if necessary in the Jets’ 4-3.

Grade: B+

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

The Commanders’ defense needed a quality corner, and there were plenty available. Instead of opting for at least two higher-rated all-around corners, Washington chose the ultimate playmaker.

There’s no better pure cover corner in the draft than Forbes, who recorded 14 interceptions and defended 35 passes in three seasons at Mississippi State. Forbes returned six picks for touchdowns to set an FBS record and averaged 27.9 yards per interception return. His quickness, ball skills and speed (4.35 in the 40) are astounding.

But — there’s always a but — Forbes weighed just 166 pounds at the combine. He has long arms (32 ¼ inches) and a great wingspan (79) but looks more like a long-distance runner rather than an NFL player. Still, his size didn’t prevent him from tackling or attacking much larger players. Some teams avoided Forbes because of his weight, but his cover skills are special. Nah, they’re elite.

Grade: B

17: New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Patriots married need with value better than any team thus far in the first round. New England had question marks in the secondary, and it landed the highest-rated corner in the draft.

A two-year starter at Colorado, Gonzalez transferred to Oregon last year and thrived with four interceptions and 11 passes defended. He allowed receivers to catch 39 passes (on 64 targets) for 495 yards and three touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus.

The most physically gifted and smoothest of the cornerbacks, Gonzalez played both outside and in the slot at Oregon last year. With perfect dimensions for a cornerback, Gonzalez (6-1, 3/8, 197) ran a 4.38 40 at the combine and has more fluidity than other upper-tier corners.

Brugler wrote Gonzalez has the skill to be a future Pro Bowler and needs continued work in zone, “but he offers strong man-cover talent with speed, fluid movements and body length to blanket outside receivers.”

Grade: A

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

If the Lions’ first pick was puzzling because of value and need, this one is also could be considered a reach. But when it comes to culture and what coach Dan Campbell wants for his team, it all makes sense.

An underrated athlete, Campbell posted the top position marks at the combine in the 3-cone and shuttle drills, while finishing second in the broad and vertical jumps. As a junior, Campbell led the nation in tackles with 143. Last year, he had 128 tackles and was a unanimous first-team All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Campbell (6-4 ½, 249) has a long frame and is disruptive in zone pass coverage. He’s fast enough to play man, but he’s better in zone. His quickness is underrated, and he’s a fierce hitter. He won the William V. Campbell Trophy as college football’s top academic football player and the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. If a team wants a culture changer or enhancer, Campbell will become a team captain by year two.

Grade: B

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

The Bucs had plenty of needs along the line of scrimmage, and Kancey is a smart pick provided the team reshapes its 3-4 for his talents.

A unanimous first-team All-American, Kancey thrived as an interior pass rusher last season with 30 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. The past two seasons he combined for 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss, and nearly all of his snaps came as a 3-technique defensive tackle in Pitt’s 4-3 defense. He also played some in the A gap.

Although the comparisons are inevitable with former Pitt All-American Aaron Donald, perhaps Kancey’s best comparison is with former La’Roi Glover, a perennial Pro Bowl defensive tackle with the Saints. Kancey (6-1, 281) has small arms (30 5/8), but his quickness off the ball (1.58 in his 10-yard split) has negated those issues in the past. It’s a little unusual for a 3-4 to pull a defensive tackle built like Kancey, but it can work.

Grade: B-

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

In Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks found the perfect complement to their receiving corps, and they will force defenses to cover every blade of plastic grass.

On perhaps the greatest receiving corps in college football history, Smith-Njigba still found a way to stand out. In the COVID-altered 2020 campaign, Smith-Njigba caught 10 passes alongside eventual NFL first-round selections Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams. Then in 2021, Smith-Njigba broke out with a Big Ten-record 1,606 receiving yards on 95 catches and nine touchdowns. By then, Williams had transferred to Alabama, but Olave and Wilson remained at Ohio State. Both opted out of the Rose Bowl following the season, which allowed Smith-Njigba to shine on his own. He caught 15 passes (on 16 targets) for a Rose Bowl-record 347 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-45 win.

A hamstring injury limited Smith-Njigba to just three games last season. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine but posted the best shuttle time (3.97 seconds) since 2019, and his 3-cone was just as fast as Tyreek Hill. At Ohio State’s pro day, Smith-Njigba ran 4.52 in the 40, proving he’s more quick than straight-ahead fast. With Smith-Njigba, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks boast one of the best trios of receivers in the league.

Grade: A

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Chargers’ talented receiving corps has struggled with injuries in recent years, and Johnston gives them another tall threat at a position of need.

Johnston (6-2 ¾, 208) has the look and feel of an X receiver, which is what he’ll play with the Chargers. Johnston led TCU in receptions in each of his last three seasons and was a difficult matchup because of his size, catch radius and athletic ability. Johnston is explosive, as displayed at the combine with a 40 ½-inch vertical jump and a 134-inch broad jump. At his pro day, he followed up with a 4.51 40-yard dash.

At TCU, Johnston primarily played out wide, where he logged 308 of his 365 snaps last season. He caught 60 passes for 1,067 yards (18.8 yards per catch) and six touchdowns for the College Football Playoff runner-up. He also had eight drops last year, which is what kept him off many All-American teams. But with his tangible gifts, résumé and competitive instincts, Johnston has a chance to start and produce right away.

Grade: B

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Ravens were thin at receiver, and the electrifying Flowers happened to fall in their laps. It seems to happen every year in Baltimore, and it did this year, too.

Flowers was the only player on Boston College’s roster who could scare defenses, and still nobody could stop him. He’ll do the same thing with the Ravens. Last season he caught 78 passes for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns to earn first-team All-ACC honors for the second time. Flowers finished with 200 career catches for 3,056 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Flowers (5-9 ¼, 182) lined up everywhere for the Eagles, with 33 percent of snaps coming from the slot, according to PFF. Although he’s undersized, opponents struggled to keep up with his short-area quickness and 4.42 40-yard speed. A tenacious competitor, Flowers stayed loyal to Boston College last year and chose to remain with the Eagles rather than enter the transfer portal. Not to be overlooked, Flowers overcame a tough childhood as the 11th of 14 children, and his mother died when he was 5 from a head injury and his older brother was murdered when Flowers was 17.

Grade: A-

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

With only five overall picks, a tough salary cap situation and the 31st-ranked defense, the Vikings seemed set to improve that side of the ball. Or, with quarterback Kirk Cousins under contract for only one more year, Minnesota could have selected his replacement. Instead, the Vikings chose a prolific receiver in Addison to combine with Justin Jefferson and take their chances.

In some ways, it’s understandable. In two seasons, Addison (5-11, 173) caught passes from first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett at Pitt, then from Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams at USC. In 2021, Addison was a first-team All-American and Biletnikoff Award winner with 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns for the ACC champion Panthers. Then, in a move that garnered plenty of attention, Addison entered the transfer portal and ended up at USC.

He’s the only three-year receiver in the draft with more than 3,000 career receiving yards. Most of his targets — 57.8 percent, according to Brugler — came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Addison played more outside snaps in 2022 but was primarily a slot receiver over his career.

The Vikings’ offense gets more explosive with this move, but it comes at the risk of exposing an already challenged defense.

Grade: C

24. New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Giants couldn’t sit back and wait for a player they needed to elevate their secondary, so they did the right thing and moved up one spot.

Muscular, fast, physical and smooth, Banks soared up draft boards after an under-the-radar but effective career at Maryland. Banks has 21 starts spread over four seasons but has only 10 over the past two years combined. He recorded one interception last year and defended nine passes with 38 tackles. According to PFF, Banks gave up 26 catches on 60 targets for 258 yards and four touchdowns.

But his measurables and combine results are top-shelf, as is his potential. Banks (6-0 1/8, 197) ran the 40 in 4.35 seconds, his 10-yard split was 1.45 seconds, and his 42-inch vertical led all cornerbacks. He’s physical and energetic. Chances are that more people would have heard about him had he not missed all but two games following shoulder surgery in 2021.

Grade: B

25. Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Josh Allen needed another talent in the passing game, and Kincaid gives it to him. Working in combination with Dawson Knox, Kincaid has a good frame, large hands and is a tremendous pass catcher. At this point in his career, Kincaid is more effective as a pass receiver than a full-service tight end.

Kincaid (6-3 ½, 246) is a true college football success story. He nearly declined to play college sports, then chose to compete for the University of San Diego, a non-scholarship FCS program. In two seasons, Kincaid totaled 19 touchdowns on 68 receptions. He entered the transfer portal and left for Utah. He saw action in five games in 2020, then became a go-to player for the Utes’ consecutive Rose Bowl teams in 2021-22 with 16 combined touchdowns and only two drops.

Last year, Kincaid caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. At midseason, he caught 16 passes on 16 targets for 234 yards in a 43-42 home upset of USC. He was unable to compete in the Rose Bowl against Penn State because of an injury and declined his Senior Bowl invitation.

Grade: B+

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

Dallas had needs at tight end and defensive tackle, and the Cowboys chose the latter to fortify a below-average run defense. Smith (6-3, 323) put up 34 reps of 225 pounds and holds up physically, even against double teams. There are questions about consistent effort and his inability to finish at the quarterback, but those will be addressed.

The No. 1 athlete on Bruce Feldman’s 2022 Freaks List, Smith’s impact is felt way more than through his statistics. The past two seasons Smith put up only two sacks but generated 33 quarterback hurries, according to PFF. Smith fluctuated between playing over the center and shifting to a 3-technique, and he could play either with effectiveness.

Smith was arrested on a gun charge while pulled over for speeding last fall, but he had a permit for the firearm; he just didn’t carry it with him. He still started every game at Michigan the past two seasons.

Grade: B

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

A three-year player with two seasons as Oklahoma’s starting left tackle, Harrison worked in multiple schemes and has enough versatility to become a quality starter on either side for the Jaguars.

With starting left tackle Cam Robinson suspended for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing policy, Jacksonville needed at least a swing tackle capable of starting along with Walker Little. The Jaguars traded down twice and picked up three additional mid-round selections.

Harrison (6-4 3/8, 315) perhaps is light for an NFL left tackle, but he has the requisite arm length (34 1/8 inches), speed (4.98 in the 40) and strength (24 bench press reps of 225) to suggest he’s capable of becoming a backside protector.

Grade: B

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson

With only 30 sacks as a team last year and competing against elite quarterbacks seemingly every week, the Bengals matched need with value in selecting Murphy.

A former five-star recruit, Murphy has all of the physical tools to be an outstanding defensive end. Murphy (6-4 ½, 268) is powerful with a 405-pound bench press and has high-level acceleration with a 4.53 40 time at his pro day. He’s physical and powerful with heavy hands despite their smallish measurements (8 ½ inches).

The Tigers kept Murphy mostly on the edge the past three years with 1,244 snaps outside the tackle. Murphy was prolific at getting to the quarterback, with 17.5 sacks and 37 tackles for loss in 38 career games. Murray also recorded 66 hurries the last three seasons, according to PFF. He has the flexibility to play either side in the Bengals’ 4-3 and could start at some point this season.

Grade: A

29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

The Saints struggled stopping the run, which is something a healthy Bresee could help with immediately. He has freakish athletic ability that the Saints could use both over the center and as a 3-technique. New Orleans also could have looked at tight end or defensive back, but Bresee has immense upside at the biggest position of need.

Bresee had a non-traditional college career after being the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in 2020. He had to overcome significant adversity during his three years at Clemson, from his mental health following his younger sister’s tragic death to an ACL that cut his 2021 season short. But his massive, well-distributed frame (6-5 ½, 298), speed (4.86 seconds) and strength (28 reps of 225 pounds at his pro day) suggest Bresee is capable of breaking out fairly soon.

In 10 games last year, Bresee picked up 17 quarterback hurries. He played everywhere for the Tigers but primarily lined up in the B gap. In only 26 games played, Bresee’s experience is limited, as are his statistics with 15 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Grade: B+

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia

Philadelphia has the best roster in the NFL, and it continues to scoop up defensive starters from two-time national champion Georgia. This time, the Eagles grabbed the electrifying Smith, who follows teammate Jalen Carter (No. 9 overall) and former teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean last year.

No pass rusher in the draft boasts the speed off the edge that Smith presents. At the combine, he was disappointed with his 4.39 40 time, which was the fastest of any non-receiver/running back/cornerback. His 41 ½-inch vertical jump was the fourth highest. That athletic ability is rare for an edge rusher, even one on the small side like Smith (6-2 ¼, 238).

Despite tearing a pectoral muscle that limited him to eight games last season, Smith recorded a pair of sacks and 12 hurries. He was an instrumental member of Georgia’s 2021 squad as part of one of college football’s greatest defensive lines. With nearly 500 snaps, Smith picked up seven sacks and 18 hurries with a rare burst off the edge.
This was yet another a steal for the Eagles, who might break the NFL’s sack record next year.

Grade: A

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State

The defending champions lost a key edge rusher in Frank Clark this offseason and replaced him with local product Anudike-Uzomah. It was the second consecutive year the Chiefs drafted an edge defender in the first round, although Anudike-Uzomah and George Karlaftis are built completely differently.

An amazing success story, Anudike-Uzomah started his college career as a walk-on in 2020, then blossomed into one of the Big 12’s elite pass rushers. A big motor and well put-together, Anudike-Uzomah put on 40 pounds and became a two-time All-Big 12 defensive lineman, including the league’s defensive player of the year in 2022.

PFF records Anudike-Uzomah (6-3 1/8, 255) lining up outside the tackle for 859 snaps the last two years, he also played over the tackle and in the B gap last fall. In those two seasons, Anudike-Uzomah recorded 20.5 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss and 54 hurries.

It’s not even necessary for Anudike-Uzomah to start, but he’ll fit in well as a situational pass rusher.

Grade: B

(Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic;
photos: James Gilbert, Carmen Mandato, Joe Robbins / Getty Images)