2023 NFL Draft: Here’s Who Will Be Picked Second and Third
We’re just a week away from the 2023 NFL Draft (Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29) and you can get all of the information you need on TV times and everything else right here.
There are several teams jockeying for positions to draft their next franchise quarterback.
But I’m calling it now. This year, there are only two: Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.
And those two will go No. 1 and No. 2 overall – to the Panthers and Texans, respectively.
Other teams drafting in the top 10 are debating attempts to move up and try to secure one of those two guys (prediction: not happening) or settle for one of the next two so-called “stud QBs”: Anthony Richardson (whose stock is sizzling) and Will Levis (whose stock seems to be getting lukewarm).
The Arizona Cardinals hold the biggest card by picking No. 3.
If someone really wants Richardson – and that’s likely the Colts – then it’s going to cost Indy a bit.
But less than it would cost to land Lamar Jackson, so that scenario has definitely cooled.
But I’m betting Colts owner Jim Irsay is still fuming that the Panthers gave the Bears a honey-pot deal to secure the No.1 overall pick.
He seems to have eyes on Richardson.
So to ensure that another team, possibly the Raiders or Falcons or maybe even the Lions, don’t leapfrog them again, he’ll work out a deal with the Cardinals to get the No. 3 pick.
Which makes sense for both teams.
The Cards have more holes than a marked deck and need help all across the draft-board table.
Other teams might decide not to risk seeking a franchise quarterback this year, but wait until the 2024 NFL Draft, which will be chock-full of QB talent, including:
Caleb Williams, USC
Drake Maye, North Carolina
Michael Pratt, Tulane
Bo Nix, Oregon
Michael Penix Jr. Washington
Jordan Travis, Florida State
Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State
Quinn Ewers, Texas
That’s eight talented quarterbacks who could all go in the first round. (If you’re wondering what the record is for QBs drafted in the first round, it’s six, in 1983).
For now, though, let’s take a look at the current odds for this year’s Draft of where Richardson might go, and I’m saying it’s going to be No. 3.
The odds I’m using are from FanDuel Sportsbook, one of our favorite sites, along with many other great gambling companies in the U.S., including BetMGM and more.
FanDuel 2023 NFL Draft: Number 2 Overall Pick
Will Anderson +200
CJ Stroud +270
Tyree Wilson +290
Most experts agree that Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. is the safest pick in this year’s Draft, with a good 10-12 years and Pro Bowl honors ahead of him.
Could be.
But I’m not buying it. Stroud is going No. 2.
FanDuel 2023 NFL Draft: Number 3 Overall Pick
CJ Stroud +250
Anthony Richardson +250
Will Anderson +300
Tyree Wilson +430
Will Levis +1000
Jalen Carter +2000
There are always smoke screens in any major league draft, but I don’t believe that Stroud falls to No. 3. Now that’s where Anderson comes into play. Still, some team is going to trade up with the Cards to grab Richardson at No. 3.
