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Andy's 2023 NFL Draft re-do. Which rookies should have each team selected during the 2023 NFL Draft. Which teams got it right or wrong on draft day?
2023 NFL Draft Do-Over: Full First Round Shuffle
With the 2025 NFL Draft behind us, let’s take a look back two years and do a re-do of the opening round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While some teams made the right call and selected the best player on the board, some teams reached for a position of need. We will not incorporate any trades in this mock draft and will use the order at the start of the 2023 NFL Draft. Did your favorite team make the right pick? Let’s dive in!
No. 1: Carolina Panthers
Original Pick: Bryce Young, QB
New Pick: C.J. Stroud, QB
In this alternate draft, the Panthers opt to take the former second overall pick, C.J. Stroud. Stroud has continued to impress during his first two seasons in Houston. In his rookie campaign, he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the Texans to the postseason. During this campaign, he led the league with 273.9 YPG. In 2024, Stroud posted a 10-7 record and led Houston to the Divisional Round of the postseason.
No. 2: Houston Texans
Original Pick: C.J. Stroud, QB
New Pick: Bryce Young, QB
With the Panthers taking the QB1 of the class, the Texans will take Bryce Young with the second selection. While Bryce Young has shown growing pains during his first two NFL seasons, the former Heisman winner has begun to turn the corner. Following their Week 11 bye during the 2024 season, Young went on to average 226.1 yards per game with an 11:3 TD:INT over his final seven games.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals
Original Pick: Will Anderson Jr., LB
New Pick: Jalen Carter, DT
Jalen Carter was initially selected with the ninth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, given his impressive first two seasons in Philadelphia, he slots in at the No. 3 spot, and the first defender off the board. As a rookie, Carter finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in his debut campaign. In his sophomore season, the Alabama product was named second-team All-Pro and was a key part of one of the top defensive units in the sport.
No. 4: Indianapolis Colts
Original Pick: Anthony Richardson, QB
New Pick: Christian Gonzalez, DB
With the Colts passing on Anthony Richardson in this re-do, they instead select top defensive back Christian Gonzalez. During his rookie season, Gonzalez only appeared in four games but made an impact as he tallied one interception with 17 tackles. Then in 2024, Gonzalez emerged as one of the league’s top defensive backs by being named second-team All-Pro. He logged 59 tackles and added 11 pass deflections.
No. 5: Seattle Seahawks
Original Pick: Devon Witherspoon, DB
New Pick: Will Anderson Jr., LB
Will Anderson Jr. has been one of the most productive linebackers since joining the NFL. As a rookie, Anderson was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl. He tallied seven sacks and added 22 QB hits. In 2024, Anderson continued his development, finishing 14th in Defensive Player of the Year voting and logging 11 sacks with 19 QB hits.
No. 6: Detroit Lions
Original Pick: Paris Johnson Jr., OT
New Pick: Bijan Robinson, RB
The Detroit Lions find their franchise running back in Bijan Robinson at the sixth slot in the draft. During his rookie season, Robinson was given a slightly limited workload but was still very effective, tallying 4.6 YPA. He finished fifth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. However, as a sophomore, Robinson emerged as one of the best running backs in the league. He ran for 1,456 yards and scored 15 combined touchdowns.
No. 7: Las Vegas Raiders
Original Pick: Tyree Wilson, DE
New Pick: Puka Nacua, WR
Puka Nacua was one of the best steals in the original 2023 NFL Draft. However, in the re-do, Nacua is the first wide receiver off the board. During his first two seasons in Los Angeles, Nacua tallied 2,476 yards on 184 receptions. He has found the back of the end zone 10 times. As a rookie, Nacua was named to the Pro Bowl and was named second-team All-Pro.
No. 8: Atlanta Falcons
Original Pick: Bijan Robinson, RB
New Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
With the Lions selecting Robinson, the Falcons will opt to take the next-best running back on the board, Jahmyr Gibbs. In his first two professional seasons, Gibbs has been named to two Pro Bowls. He has found the back of the end zone 31 times and led the league with 20 total touchdowns during the 2024 season. During this campaign, Gibbs tallied 1,929 scrimmage yards with an impressive 5.6 YPA.
No. 9: Chicago Bears
Original Pick: Jalen Carter, DT
New Pick: Devon Witherspoon, DB
The Chicago Bears opt to strengthen their secondary by selecting Devon Witherspoon out of Illinois. Even though Witherspoon fell a few slots from his original spot (fifth overall), he is still viewed as an elite defensive back. During his first two seasons in Seattle, Witherspoon has been named to two Pro Bowls and logged 25 total pass deflections. In his rookie campaign, Witherspoon finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
No. 10: Philadelphia Ealges
Original Pick: Darnell Wright, OT
New Pick: Brian Branch, S
Brian Branch was initially drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2023 Draft. Branch wasted little time making an impact as a rookie, as he finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. During this campaign, he logged 74 combined tackles with three interceptions. Then in his second season, Branch tallied 109 combined tackles and was named to the Pro Bowl.
No. 11: Tennessee Titans
Original Pick: Peter Skoronski, OT
New Pick: Paris Johnson Jr., OT
Paris Johnson Jr. was initially selected with the sixth overall pick and fell a few spots down in this re-do. Through the first two seasons of his professional career, Johnson has seen time at right and left tackle. During his rookie season, Johnson earned the trust of his coaching staff quite quickly as he played 100% of the total snaps. In 2024, Johnson was shifted to left tackle and continued to play a key role on the offensive line.
No. 12: Houston Texans
Original Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
New Pick: De’Von Achane, RB
The Houston Texans opted to select their franchise running back in De’Von Achane. Achane was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft but is now one of the first skill position players off the board. Achane has flashed elite speed during his first two NFL seasons. Through 28 games, Achane has posted an impressive 5.6 YPA with a 7.6 YPR. He has scored double-digit touchdowns in each of his first two seasons.
No. 13: Green Bay Packers
Original Pick: Lukas Van Ness, DE
New Pick: Jordan Addison, WR
The Green Bay Packers bolster their wide receiver room with Jordan Addison. Addison was selected by their division rivals in the 2023 NFL Draft with the 23rd selection. Even though he has played alongside one of the best wide receivers in the league, Justin Jefferson, Addison has still been able to make a significant impact. The Pitt/USC product has scored 10 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons and averaged 949 yards per season.
No. 14: New England Patriots
Original Pick: Broderick Jones, OT
New Pick: Sam LaPorta, TE
Sam LaPorta was a second-round pick by the Detroit Lions but now finds himself in the first half of the opening round. Even though he played in a crowded Detroit passing attack, LaPorta enjoyed one of the best rookie seasons by a tight end in league history. LaPorta finished his debut campaign with 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his second season, he took a slight step back, tallying 726 yards with seven touchdowns.
No. 15: New York Jets
Original Pick: Will McDonald IV, LB
New Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
The New York Jets opt to pair Garrett Wilson with his Ohio State teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba had a quiet rookie season as he was typically deployed as the No. 3 option behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. However, in 2024, Smith-Njigba began to showcase his elite upside. During this season, Smith-Njigba tallied 1,130 yards on 100 receptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl and scored six touchdowns.
No. 16: Emmanuel Forbes
Original Pick: Emmanuel Forbes, DB
New Pick: Rashee Rice, WR
The Washington Commanders follow the current trend and opt to add an elite option alongside Terry McLaurin. Rice will provide a much-needed proven No. 2 option to the Washington passing attack. As a rookie, Rice emerged as the top wideout in Kansas City (outside of tight end Travis Kelce) as he tallied 938 yards with seven touchdowns. In his sophomore campaign, Rice was on track to enjoy a breakout season but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4.
No. 17: Pittsburgh Steelers
Original Pick: Christian Gonzalez, DB
New Pick: Zay Flowers, WR
The Pittsburgh Steelers conclude the wide receiver run by adding Zay Flowers to their offense. Even though Flowers has played on a run-heavy Baltimore offense, he has emerged as one of the top young wideouts in the league. In his rookie season, Flowers caught 77 passes for 854 yards. Then in 2024, Flowers surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and found the back of the end zone four times.
No. 18: Detroit Lions
Original Pick: Jack Campbell, LB
New Pick: Nolan Smith, DE
Nolan Smith was taken with the 30th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and has moved up a few spots in this edition. Smith did not have a starting role during his rookie season but made a strong enough impact to earn a larger role during his sophomore season. In 2024, Smith was a starter on the defensive line and tallied 6.5 sacks with 42 combined tackles and eight tackles for a loss. Smith could be poised for a true breakout season in 2025.
No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Original Pick: Calijah Kancey, DT
New Pick: Tank Dell, WR
Even though Tank Dell has battled injuries throughout the early part of his NFL career, when he is on the field, he has made a significant impact. In this re-do, he will join Tampa Bay and serve as the No. 3 option alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. As a rookie, Dell emerged as a legit playmaker in the Houston offense, tallying 709 yards and seven scores across 11 games. In 2024, Dell posted a strong 13.1 YPR.
No. 20: Seattle Seahawks
Original Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
New Pick: Kobie Turner, DT
The Seahawks will opt to strengthen their defensive line by adding Kobie Turner with the 20th pick in the draft. As a rookie, Turner emerged as a contributor to the Los Angeles defensive line, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and adding nine sacks with 16 QB hits. In 2024, Turner continued to produce, tallying eight sacks and a career-best 62 combined tackles.
No. 21: Los Angeles Chargers
Original Pick: Quentin Johnston, WR
New Pick: Darnell Wright, OT
Darnell Wright went nearly 10 spots higher in the 2023 NFL Draft but still carries solid draft capital in this edition. Wright has had a full-time role on the Chicago offensive line over the past two seasons. While the Chicago line struggled during the 2024 season, Wright has shown impressive raw talent, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 333 lbs. He should find much more success on one of the top offensive line units in football.
No. 22: Baltimore Ravens
Original Pick: Zay Flowers, WR
New Pick: Will McDonald IV, DE
After a disappointing rookie season, Will McDonald IV began to find his footing during his second season and landed with the Baltimore Ravens with the 22nd pick. In 2023, McDonald did not start a single game for the Jets and tallied just three sacks. However, in 2024, the Iowa State product logged 10.5 sacks with 28 combined tackles, and 11 for a loss.
No. 23: Minnesota Vikings
Original Pick: Jordan Addison, WR
New Pick: Peter Skoronski, OT
Peter Skoronski was selected with the 11th pick by the Tennessee Titans in the initial 2023 NFL Draft. During his first two seasons in Tennessee, Skoronski has been deployed as a full-time starter but has shown some growing pains. During his rookie season, he primarily played on the outside but was moved to guard in the 2024 season. While he may need more development, the Vikings could have landed one of the top linemen in the class.
No. 24: Jacksonville Jaguars
Original Pick: Deonte Banks, DB
New Pick: Calijah Kancey, DT
Shortly after Kobie Turner went off the board, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected the next-best defensive tackle in Calijah Kancey out of Pittsburgh. During his first two seasons in the NFL, the Buccaneers have deployed Kancey as a starter on the defensive line. As a rookie, Kancey showed potential as he finished 10th in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. In 2024, Kancey logged 7.5 sacks with 11 tackles for loss.
No. 25: New York Giants
Original Pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE
New Pick: Broderick Jones, OT
The New York Giants look to bolster their offensive line by adding Broderick Jones from Georgia with the 25th pick in the re-do of the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones was initially taken with the 14th pick in the actual draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones has seen close to a full-time role on the Pittsburgh offensive line, primarily playing at right tackle. While he has struggled at times, like the other linemen in the class, he possesses elite raw talent that could develop over time.
No. 26: Dallas Cowboys
Original Pick: Mazi Smith, DT
New Pick: Dawand Jones, OT
The Cowboys follow the lead of their divisional rival and select offensive tackle Dawand Jones with the 26th pick of the draft. In the actual 2023 NFL Draft, Jones was selected in the fourth round but has begun to show solid upside. In his rookie campaign, Jones started in nine of the 11 games he appeared in for Cleveland. In 2024, Jones made eight starts (out of 10 games) and was one of the few bright spots of a disappointing Cleveland offense.
No. 27: Buffalo Bills
Original Pick: Anton Harrison, OT
New Pick: Jack Campbell, LB
Jack Campbell moves a few spots down in relation to his initial draft selection (18th overall). As a rookie, Campbell emerged as a leader of the Detroit defense, logging 95 combined tackles (52 solo) and finishing eighth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. In 2024, Campbell continued to progress well, tallying 131 combined tackles and adding five deflections and one forced fumble.
No. 28: Cincinnati Bengals
Original Pick: Myles Murphy, DE
New Pick: Tucker Kraft, TE
While Mike Gesicki was productive at times during the 2024 season, the Bengals found their true TE1 in Tucker Kraft. In his rookie season, Kraft played primarily behind Luke Musgrave but was productive when given targets, posting a strong 11.5 YPR. However, in 2024, Kraft took over the top role on the depth chart. Across 17 games, Kraft caught 50 passes for 707 yards with seven touchdowns.
No. 29: New Orleans Saints
Original Pick: Bryan Bresee, DT
New Pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE
The New Orleans Saints missed out on Kraft but strengthened their tight end room by adding Dalton Kincaid. While Kincaid was viewed as a top prospect at his position entering the draft, he has yet to reach his full potential. In his rookie season, Kincaid showed promise, tallying 673 yards on 73 receptions. However, even with Stefon Diggs leaving the Buffalo offense, Kincaid took a step back and caught only 448 yards on 44 receptions.
No. 30: Philadelphia Eagles
Original Pick: Nolan Smith, LB
New Pick: Byron Young, DE
The Eagles select defensive end Byron Young with the 30th pick in the draft. Young was one of the best value picks on the defensive side of the ball in the actual draft, going at the No. 77 spot to the Los Angeles Rams. As a rookie, Young was a full-time starter and earned the eighth-most votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year. During his first two seasons, Young tallied at least 7.5 sacks in each campaign and logged 123 combined tackles.
No. 31: Kansas City Chiefs
Original Pick: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE
New Pick: Joey Porter Jr., DB
The Kansas City Chiefs conclude the 2023 NFL Draft do-over by selecting defensive back Joey Porter Jr. Porter was initially selected with the 32nd pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Porter has served as a starting option in the Pittsburgh secondary during his first two seasons. In his debut campaign, the Penn State product finished fifth with the fifth-most Defensive Rookie of the Year votes. Through 33 career games, Porter has logged 17 pass deflections with 113 tackles.
