Signs point towards the top of the 2023 NFL draft being very quarterback-heavy. There are four or five quarterbacks slated to go in the first round, with three of them potentially going in the top ten. As a result of this, teams have been doing everything in their power to move up and find their franchise player. There are three teams in particular that are most likely to make a draft-day deal for one of the top picks.
1. Tennessee Titans
It appears that a massive rebuild is coming for the Tennessee Titans. They have allegedly been shopping Derrick Henry, and are desperately trying to find a way to move on from Ryan Tannehill.
Last season, they drafted what many thought would be his successor in Malik Willis, however, he went on to have an atrocious rookie season. With the team back at square one, there is a strong chance that they try to move up from their 11th overall pick to try to find a new quarterback.
Currently, there is a strong link between the Titans and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. Head coach Mike Vrabel is also a Buckeye alumnus and is apparently head over heels for the prospect. This could end up working out in his favor as Stroud’s draft stock has recently plummeted due to some bad press.
However, if the Titans start receiving signs that Stroud will not slide to them at the 11th overall pick, they likely will find a way to trade up and add him to the roster.
2. Oakland Raiders
The second team that will be looking to add a quarterback is the Oakland Raiders. They recently moved on from Derek Carr who was the starter for the past nine seasons. Despite signing Jimmy Gorroppolo in free agency, he is not a long-term solution.
They currently hold the 7th overall pick in this year’s draft. While there are some glaring holes in their defense that they could use this pick to fill, they are just as if not more likely to try to bring in their next franchise quarterback.
With the Arizona Cardinals shopping their third overall pick, this could end up being a move that works out for both sides. Having Jimmy G on the roster would give the Raiders the luxury of not forcing their rookie quarterback into the starting role before they are ready. This could lead them to select a prospect who would be more of a project like Anthony Richardson.
3. Seattle Seahawks
The final team that could trade up for one of the top quarterback prospects is the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle recently signed Geno Smith to a one-year deal. This hints that the front office is preparing to bring in a rookie to take over once Smith’s contract retires. He is an ideal player to serve as a mentor and get whoever the Seahawks take readily to take over the reins.
Similar to the Raiders, this could lead them to take a project player with a high upside like Richardson. Seattle already has an extremely talented young core built up, and if they are able to mold him into an NFL-caliber passer, he could end up taking the league by storm. The Seahawks have a very talented coaching staff, and there is no doubt that they would be up for the challenge if this is the route they decide to take.
