Eagles aren't Alone! Strong NFL Draft Class Grades
Which Front Offices boosted their franchises future in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Yes, the Eagles Howie Roseman deserves much credit for strengthening a Super Bowl-caliber roster. And yes, he is officially now in charge of the University of Georgia national championship reunion committee. But there's no denying that he maneuvered wealth through the first four rounds acquiring players that can help the Eagles return to the Super Bowl.
In addition to Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, two blue-chip prospects in this defensive draft class, the Eagles were able to add to the secondary with speed, physicality and tenacity. Kelee Ringo and Sydney Brown will serve them well in the years to come.
They rounded out the draft with two excellent picks in round 7 with Tanner McKee and Moro Ojomo. They will provide future payoffs.
Indianapolis Colts
It's been a tumultuous year in Indianapolis. Questions still surround the organization, the owner and the future. So Chris Ballard came out swinging in this NFL draft! Ballard stayed strong and secured a quarterback he believes can make a difference now and in the future. Whether Anthony Richardson turns out to be a franchise quarterback or not, Ballard pulled out all the stops to win while he is at the helm.
The Colts' front office surged on day two to stock the organization with talent in their archetype. They got length and size at corner in Julius Brents, and they got instant separation with Josh Downs underneath to go with their sizeable outside receivers.
They returned on day three and went heavy on athleticism with Blake Freeland, Tommy Adebawore, Daniel Scott, Evan Hull and Jake Witt. All of those players were in the top five in the Athletic Matrix at their positions.
It's likely to continue to be a tightrope act in Indianapolis, but Ballard set the organization up to stay on the wire.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have a vast array of draft picks in 2023, but they made the most of them.
In rounds one through three, they picked players that fit their needs and had upside in development across the board in Broderick Jones, the tackle from Georgia; they have our top offensive tackle prospect in this draft.
They came back with Joey Porter and Keanu Benton, who fit their schemes and can develop into cornerstone players. Then they give Kenny Pickett an enormous target in Darnell Washington that can help in the run game and secure the quarterback’s ability to get the ball out underneath.
Day three picks were icing on the cake and we'll be instant contributors and special teams.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona's new (and possibly temporary) regime made the most of its first draft. They negotiated the trade space the most definitely of any franchise in this year's event.
After a pair of nimble trades, they selected the nimble offensive tackle Paris Johnson to try and correct the protection woes facing Kyler Murray. By securing the safest bet at tackle in this draft, they got their guy and draft capital. On day two, they were able to add talent they can get on the field in Arizona and help them move the ball on offense as well as enhance the attack.
Day three was athleticism and upside that could pay off if Kyler Murray has to miss more time. Clayton Tune is possibly the steal of the quarterback class.
Seattle Seahawks
John Schneider and the Seattle Seahawks made the most of their four top-100 picks. They were able to select speed and power throughout the 2023 NFL draft. On day one securing Devon Witherspoon in Jaxon Smith-Njigba they added attitude, skill and change of direction.
On day two, it was about power with Derek Hall, the straight-line edge rusher and Zach Charbonnet, the power running back from UCLA. The Seahawks paid a premium for both of them at their draft slots, but we'll see early and often use in 2023.
On day three, the front office did a service to Geno Smith in adding along both trenches so that they have the power to support him. For an organization reeling from the end of the Wilson era, the Seahawks could be back on track.