The NFL offseason has gotten off to a fun start, and it’s not close to being over!
Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, David Montgomery, Miles Sanders, Brandin Cooks, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darren Waller (among others) will be wearing different uniforms, and we’re still waiting on a potential blockbuster trade between the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers involving future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
Plenty of other moves have also been made that will change the outlook of real and fantasy depth charts, and the next personnel shake up is coming up soon. That’s the 2023 NFL draft, which will be held next month from April 27-29 in Kansas City
draft insider Kevin Hanson is already hard at work, scouting players and posting his most recent mock draft that could give fantasy fans a look at what teams around the NFL might do when it comes time to make their selections.
Here’s how I would break down Kevin’s first -round predictions from a fantasy standpoint.
1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Hanson believes the Panthers will take Stroud over Bryce Young, but regardless the team will take their future franchise quarterback. Stroud, who was challenged to a game of HORSE by Carolina quarterbacks coach Josh McCown at Ohio State’s Pro Day, will be worth a late-round pick as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback in most re-drafts.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Texans will take whoever the Panthers don’t between Stroud and Young, and that quarterback will be the likely Week 1 starter. Young, who isn’t what you would call a “big” field general, threw for 3,328 yards and 32 touchdowns in his final season at Alabama. Like Stroud, he’ll be in the late-round conversation in re-drafts.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Richardson thrilled scouts and coaches alike at the NFL Scouting Combine, and Hanson likes him as a top-five pick to the Colts. While he’s still raw and only had one year as a starter at Florida, his size and speed make him an interesting pick in real and fantasy football. He’d also benefit from new head coach Shane Steichen.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Raiders signed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who will open next season as the team’s No. 1 quarterback, but he’s not a long-term option. Levis, the big man out of Kentucky, could be that option. He’d likely be a backup with dynasty value alone as a rookie, but Levis could also see some burn since Garoppolo isn’t overly durable.
