With the NFL draft right around the corner, the rumor mill is churning at full force. There is a lot of smokescreens being put out from front offices and agencies to try to make things fall right for their team or client. This draft has much more speculation around it compared to recent years. Signs are even pointing toward the team with the first overall pick still does not know who they are going to pick. There are three bold predictions we have coming into day one of the 2023 draft that may end up coming true.
1. The Carolina Panthers Will Select Will Levis With the First Overall Pick
As previously mentioned, the Carolina Panthers still have not made it clear who they will pick with the first overall pick. Many have believed that Bryce Young was the clear choice for the top pick while a small minority has been pulling for C.J. Stroud. However, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis has made a late run at going number one overall.
Currently, Levis’s odds to be the top pick surged from 40-1 to 4-1 in only one day. This was allegedly in response to an anonymous post that claimed Levis was telling those close to him that Carolina will take him with the top pick. While this could end up being a fake post, and it would be a very puzzling pick for the Panthers, there could be something to this with the sportsbooks moving their lines this drastically.
2. The Green Bay Packers Will Learn From Their Mistakes
It could be argued that the beginning of the end of Aaron Rodgers’ time with the Green Bay Packers came when they selected Jordan Love in the first round rather than selecting a prospect from a skill position to aid Rodgers. They will learn from their past mistakes and either select a wide receiver or tight end with the 13th overall pick that they just received from the New York Jets.
There is a chance that the top receiving prospect in the draft, Jaxson Smith-Njigba could still be there, and if he is, there is no doubt the Packers will take him. He is a player that can make Love’s first year at the helm run much smoother. Currently, Green Bay has a very weak receiving core, and as the roster is today, Love has a slim chance of having a successful season if they do not get him some help.
3. The Eagles Will Select Bijan Robinson 10th Overall
The final prediction is that the Philadelphia Eagles will select Bijan Robinson with the 10th overall pick. Many analysts believe that Robinson is arguably the most talented player in this draft. However, because he is a running back, he is not as valuable as players who play positions like quarterback or defensive end. The Eagles have a huge hole at the running back position after losing Miles Sanders. If they are able to land an elite back like Robinson, it would propel them to potentially having the strongest offense in the entire league.
If they are unable to land Robinson, they may look to the trade market to find their running back. The most likely target would be Derrick Henry who allegedly has been put on the trade block by the Tennessee Titans. Henry, like Robinson, would round out the offensive unit in Philadelphia extremely well along with giving them an incredible goal-line threat.
