The first round of the NFL draft has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike as the selections appear on the board. Here the details on the first five picks of the first round.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers did what was expected, taking quarterback Bryce Young from Alabama with the first pick. The Panthers are in need of a starting quarterback with the ability to be a franchise player. Young fills that profile. In particular, Young possesses the skills to complement Frank Reich's offensive design.
After a disappointing season, the Panthers will look to improve on their 7-10 record. It will remain to be seen if Young will be the starter from day one, or if the Panthers will look for an experienced quarterback like Andy Dalton to accompany Young as he takes the reins.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans had possession of the second pick. They used it to take C.J. Stroud, Ohio State's super quarterback. Stroud would have been the number one pick, but his style of play fits Houston's offense better than Carolina's. For now, the Texans have the quarterback with the potential to be their next franchise player.
The Texans then surprised the public by making a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for the third pick. The Cardinals received the 12th and 33rd picks in this draft, as well as Houston's first- and third-round picks in 2024.
With the third pick, Houston selected Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. Anderson Jr. was the second Alabama player selected in the first three slots, giving Houston a foothold on both offense and defense. Specifically, Anderson Jr. will support the pass-rush mitigation-focused defense. This linebacker has the skills to stop the aerial game so Houston made a great selection.
HISTORIC 🚨! Colombian in the NFL Draft
Christian Gonzalez becomes the first Colombian in the first round of the NFL draft. Christian was the 17th pick selected by the New England Patriots.
He also wore the tricolor during his presentation.Come on 💛💙❤️! pic.twitter.com/jicxR8ZeAn
- Deporte Colombiano 🇨🇴 (@DeportColombia) April 28, 2023
Indianapolis Colts
The third quarterback in the first round went to the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts need a starting quarterback with a style of play through the air and on the ground. Florida's Anthony Richardson is the answer. Measuring 6'4" and 244 pounds, Richardson has an enviable combination of size and athletic ability.
Of the three quarterbacks selected in the first four slots, Richardson has the best chance to make an impact from day one. The Colts need all the help they can get after a 4-12 season. Richardson will be that help.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle addressed a clear need by taking the best defensive player available at the No. 5 spot. Devon Witherspoon will be an immediate upgrade for the Seahawks' defense, who finished last season with a 9-8 record.
Witherspoon has the skills to compete with any receiver, so he will make a significant impact from the start. His style of play is ideal for Seattle's defensive scheme, allowing him to channel his aggressiveness into defensive opportunities.
