On April 27, when the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, chances are, we’ll see the Carolina Panthers select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. Despite recent reports suggesting otherwise, most anticipate the Houston Texans to promptly follow by picking a QB with the second overall pick just minutes later.
After the Panthers and Texans likely aim for their QB of the future, the Arizona Cardinals, who hold the third overall pick, could very well try and trade down in an attempt to secure more long-term assets. If so, any team moving up to the third pick would likely be doing so for a QB, trying to catapult ahead of the Indianapolis Colts, who also appear locked in on securing a potential face of the franchise under center.
But what if we’re all wrong? As anyone can tell you, if there’s one thing we for sure know about the NFL Draft, it’s how unpredictable the event is. As many hours experts spend into evaluating draft prospects, considering team needs and fits, no one knows how all 32 teams will independently operate once the bullets start flying on draft weekend.
That’s what makes ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s latest report so fascinating. As far as the idea that a QB could be the pick at each spot 1-4, he says, “That’s not going to happen.” He even brings up the possibility that after Carolina, another QB may not be selected until Indianapolis is on the clock with the fourth overall pick, allowing the Colts to get the perceived second-best QB in the class.
If Schefter’s belief comes true, it will shock the NFL community, leaving everyone wondering what Houston’s plan to address their QB position will become. While the Texans also hold the 12th and 33rd picks, the draft board will look much different at that point in the process. If nothing else, Schefter’s report provides plenty of intrigue ahead of April 27.
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft: Texans trade down with Las Vegas Raiders, Rounds 1-3 projections