Biggest Losers From Round One Of The 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft saw some clear losers, and here's a rundown of the team's, and player, that really stuck out:
Will Levis
Quarterback Will Levis was highly-touted heading into the draft, with many believing he would go 2nd overall, but surprisingly went unselected in the first round. While this doesn't necessarily impact his long-term prospects in the league, it did cost him a significant amount of money and potentially a bruised ego.
The #Steelers’ phone was already ringing for the No. 32 pick before Round 1 ended, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2023
Multiple teams made calls to teams at the bottom of the first and were believed to be targeting Kentucky QB Will Levis. Now the bidding is underway for the first pick of Round 2.
Buffalo Bills
Despite their need for additional weapons on the outside, the Bills traded up for the 25th overall selection and drafted Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid. This pick could make sense if the Bills didn't already have a young, skilled tight end in Dawson Knox. While the Bills may choose to use more two-tight end sets, they still need more options at wide receiver to take pressure off Allen and improve their passing game.
Dalton Kincaid in Utah’s upset over #7 USC…
— Air Raid | Buffalo (@TheBillsGuys) April 28, 2023
▪️16 catches, 234 yards, TD
Kelce-esque dominance #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Ii60ZM0hI4
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons took running back Bijan Robinson at No. 8, a puzzling move for a team not close to contending. While Robinson is a talented player, Atlanta would have been better off addressing another position of need, especially since they had the opportunity to select Jalen Carter or Christian Gonzalez and passed up, an odd decision. Also, they already have RB Tyler Allegier, and he looked very good as a rookie last season.
HOLY S--T, the Falcons took a RB in the TOP 10 🤯
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 28, 2023
Texas RB Bijan Robinson is going to Atlanta at No. 8 pic.twitter.com/4PakxElbn2
Detroit Lions
The Lions made some puzzling decisions in the first round, selecting Jahmyr Gibbs to pair with D'Andre Swift and David Montgomery, despite having other pressing needs. They also reached for LB Jack Campbell with their second pick, passing up on top corners and wide receivers still on the board. These moves may not significantly improve their team for the upcoming season and it's likely those players would have been available later on as well.
The Lions had an interesting first round. According to ESPN Analytics there was a:
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 28, 2023
🦁 >99% chance Jahmyr Gibbs would've still been available at No. 18
🦁 96% chance Jack Campbell would've still been available at No. 34 pic.twitter.com/ZJpsd9Oxak
Green Bay Packers
The Packers had a chance to send a message of support to new starting quarterback Jordan Love by selecting a top wide receiver, but instead, they opted for defender Lukas Van Ness. While Van Ness is talented, the Packers could have either traded back if they really wanted him or taken a wide receiver at No. 13. This move may not provide Love with the necessary weapons to succeed in his new role.
The Green Bay Packers select Lukas Van Ness..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 28, 2023
"My brain is in an ABSOLUTE PRETZEL right now" 😂😂 ~ Mad Mel Kiper#PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/1xlWVbp4O3
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins lost their first-round pick due to owner Stephen Ross's failed attempts to woo Tom Brady and Sean Payton to the franchise. The punishment handed down in August came to fruition on draft night as the Dolphins were left without a first-round pick. It's a humiliating punishment for the team and shows their ineptitude in their illegal courtship of two guys who eventually chose to go elsewhere.
Hearing that the Miami #Dolphins have called teams about moving into the first round so they could target Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Miami views Gibbs as the final piece to their already-loaded offense and this could put them over the top, as @peter_king already said.
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