28 April 2023
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The leadup to the 2023 NFL draft indicated it was going to be one of the most unpredictable first rounds we have seen in a long time, and it did not disappoint.
Three quarterbacks went in the first four picks, the Houston Texans picked at No. 2 and No. 3 overall, a pair of running backs went in the first 12 picks, and Kentucky quarterback Will Levis – who just this week was rumored to go No. 1 overall – still has not been selected.
The Draft Dudes – Joe Marino and Kyle Crabbs – hosted a live reaction show on Locked on NFL Scouting, and released an episode discussing the winners and losers from the first 31 picks of the 2023 NFL draft.
Winner: Houston Texans
Acquired: QB C.J. Stroud (No. 2) and EDGE Will Anderson (No. 3)
Quote: “Between the C.J. Stroud pick and Will Anderson, I feel like this team finally has an identity. They look like a roster that is coming together. You can see the building blocks for the Houston Texans.” – Joe Marino
Loser: Detroit Lions
Acquired: RB Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 12) and LB Jack Campbell (No. 18)
Quote: “I like these two football players. I really do…I don’t necessarily love the pick, it’s not what I would have done.” – Joe Marino
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Acquired: Jalen Carter (No. 9) and Nolan Smith (No. 30)
Quote: “If you had to name a team that won, Philly getting two players who were both in consideration for them at No. 10 [overall], and the cost to do so was a 2024 fourth round pick….bravo. Job well done.” – Kyle Crabbs
Loser: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Acquired: DT Calijah Kancey (No. 19)
Quote: “There’s a pathway to success here, but with the other needs they have on the roster…it’s not the direction I would have gone. And it doesn’t mean it’s not going to be successful.” – Kyle Crabbs
For more coverage of Day 2 and 3 of the NFL draft, subscribe to Locked on NFL Scouting with the Draft Dudes podcast!