Students Speculate About 2023 NFL Draft, Number One Pick

The 2023 NFL Draft will take place on April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. All 32 NFL teams will have a selection in the Draft that takes place across three days, totaling seven rounds and 262 total picks.

While much of the buzz is centered around the coveted first round, teams have consistently found elite players in the later rounds, showcasing that the first pick can be just as meaningful as the last, nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant.” Well, the 2022 “Mr. Irrelevant” sure didn’t live up to his title. The 262nd pick in 2022, Iowa State Quarterback Brock Prudy, became a legend across the NFL and for the San Francisco 49ers when he went 5-0 in the regular season and led the 49ers on a postseason run after replacing the injured Jimmy Garappolo. Purdy and the 49ers reached the NFC Championship where their magical run came to an end after Purdy got injured against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the 49ers suffered a defeat. 

On the other side, Georgia outside linebacker Travon Walker was the first player to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars and played crucial snaps en route to a playoff appearance from the Jaguars. Players from throughout the seven rounds are capable of generating a major impact on their new teams, regardless of the hype that may enter the Draft.

Junior Ben Kossow is looking forward to this year’s NFL Draft, coming in with a few thoughts on the class. “I think Bryce Young will go number one,” Kossow said. “I think this class is super athletic, but I’m not sure how that will translate to the field.”

As a 49ers fan, Kossow also talked about San Francisco’s success in the Draft. “Another noteworthy thing is that the 49ers have a lot of compensatory picks in the later rounds because they had minority coaches leave to be hired elsewhere,” Kossow noted. “The 49ers are always really good at finding late-round talent.” 

Junior Jackson Deutch is an avid NFL fan and is excited to see the storylines that come out of the draft. Deutch believes that Bryce Young or CJ Stroud will be selected with the first overall pick. Deutch also noted the importance of making a successful pick, especially at the beginning of the Draft, and how that can impact a fanbase.