NFL reporters spend weeks scratching their heads about the NFL Draft. Often, their mock drafts prove to be as useful as ticker tape. The 2023 draft was predictable for about two picks! Then, teams ripped up the mocks, and several top-rated players stayed on the board for a while. For example, the Patriots nabbed CB Christian Gonzalez of Oregon down at #17. And the Bengals got Clemson DE Myles Murphy down at #28.

The draft drama played out at the same time the Ravens made a big move to keep them competitive in the AFC North, retaining their star QB, Lamar Jackson. But, in my view, the AFC East took over as the NFL's toughest division with the Jets signing QB Aaron Rodgers and pairing him with his top target, WR Allen Lazard, recently acquired in free agency. The Bills are still top dogs in that division, and the Dolphins are contenders . . . now the Jets? . . . Good luck, Patriots.

I think the Texans made the best moves, taking Ohio State QB CJ Stroud at #2, and then moving up to get the draft's top pass rusher, Will Anderson of Alabama.

We continue to witness the rise of the NFC South. The Panthers took Alabama QB Bryce Young with the first pick. In free agency, Carolina nabbed Eagles RB Miles Sanders, Vikings WR Adam Thielen, and Bengals TE Hayden Hurst.
 
I am still in shock about the Falcons taking a RB, albeit a really good one, Bijan Robinson of Texas. The league’s #4 rushing attack already sports Tyler Algeier and Cordarelle Patterson. With Robinson added to the backfield, the Falcons may now have the best running back tandem in the league. QB Desmond Ridder must be in heaven. The Falcons’ free agent acquisitions on defense need to work out for Atlanta to take over the division.
 
I was surprised that the Bucs and Raiders did not go for a QB in the first round. The Cardinals doubled down on protecting Kyler Murray by drafting an OL, further evidence that the little guy, like other battered runners, is going to be running less. 
 
I was floored when the Lions drafted a RB after easily giving up a very good RB, Jamaal Williams, to the Saints in free agency. Williams really wanted to stay in Detroit, where the fans loved him. What the heck were the Lions thinking?
 
The Eagles took DL Jalen Carter and LB Nolan Smith — a total of four Georgia Bulldogs acquired in the last two years. That was predictable for a defense-minded team that has aging veterans to eventually replace. The Eagles’ offense survived free agency, losing only RB Miles Sanders to the Panthers, and Philly moved up in the QB room, signing Marcus Mariota to backup Jalen Hurts.

It may be a little bit early to start talking about playoffs for the Texans and Panthers, but I like what they are building for the future.