2023 NFL Draft Prospect Team Pairings
One of my favorite exercises to do every off-season is to look at the upcoming NFL draft class and analyze which prospects fit best with certain teams. This isn’t a mock draft but merely a look into which prospects would be best suited with a specific team. Not every top prospect will be on this list but I hope this is the first in a running series leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft in April.
JALEN CARTER
CHICAGO BEARS
The Matt Eberflus defense works best when it has a solid DL, especially at the 3-Tech and there is no better option than Jalen Carter. The Bears could certainly use pass rush help but if the HC can get his version of DeForest Buckner in Chicago, it seems easy an easy pairing.
CJ STROUD
HOUSTON TEXANS
While Bryce Young is the better QB prospect, CJ Stroud may fit the team better in Houston. The Texans are a young team and lack true playmakers on offense and a QB like Stroud could add his athleticism as another dynamic that might be needed until they get some WR talent.
TYREE WILSON
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Arizona desperately needs pass rushers after the departure of future Hall of Famer, JJ Watt, and Tyree Wilson is a good option. The Texas Tech standout may not be the top pass rusher in the draft but the Cardinals lack size and speed on the DL and Wilson may be the most physically gifted defender in the draft.
BRYCE YOUNG
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
New HC Shane Steichen will be tasked with brining in and developing the Colts next QB of the future and Bryce Young makes perfect sense. Indianapolis has a top tier run game and if they add another weapon or two across from WR Michael Pittman Jr., Young could be in good position to succeed early with the young HC.
WILL ANDERSON JR.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Will Anderson Jr. just looks like a Seattle Seahawk. We’ve seen in the past HC Pete Carroll bring in undersized edge rushers who had success like Bruce Irvin and Cliff Avril and Anderson Jr. could be the next in line. Anderson Jr. is the top edge rusher in the draft so him landing in Seattle seems unlikely but not impossible.
PARIS JOHNSON JR.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans released veteran OT and former pro-bowler, Taylor Lewan, opening up a a big hole at LT. Enter Paris Johnson Jr. Regardless of who the QB is in Tennessee, Johnson Jr. would give them a big protector and someone who is versatile and experienced at both T positions.
DEVON WITHERSPOON
DETROIT LIONS
Last year the Lions added a couple of young stud pass rushers in Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston and potentially adding a CB like Devon Witherspoon would go a long way for Detroit’s defense. This physical CB may have a slim build but it doesn’t stop him from being one of the heaviest hitters in the DB class and is just as good in coverage.