The NFL draft so far has been a whirlwind of activity, with key events, surprises, and notable selections shaping the landscape of the league. From blockbuster trades to unexpected draft-day maneuvers, the draft has kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The USC quarterbacks have a long and storied history, with many legendary players having graced the field for the Trojans. From Heisman Trophy winners like Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart to All-Americans like Sam Darnold and Caleb Williams, USC has produced some of the best quarterbacks in college football history.
Top performers have emerged from the draft, showcasing their skills and potential. These prospects have the talent to make an immediate impact on their respective teams, bringing excitement and anticipation to the upcoming season.
Draft Overview
The 2023 NFL Draft has been filled with surprises and notable selections. The top quarterbacks were drafted within the first three picks, with C.J. Stroud going to the Indianapolis Colts at number one overall. The Houston Texans traded up to select Bryce Young at number two, while the Arizona Cardinals took Anthony Richardson at number three.
Other notable selections include Jalen Carter to the Philadelphia Eagles at number nine overall and Will Levis to the Washington Commanders at number 16 overall.
There have also been some significant trades during the draft. The Carolina Panthers traded up to select Bryce Young, while the New Orleans Saints traded down to acquire additional draft capital.
Top Performers
Here are some of the top-performing prospects who have been selected so far:
| Name | Position | Draft Position | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud | QB | 1 | Threw for 4,435 yards and 41 touchdowns in his final season at Ohio State |
| Bryce Young | QB | 2 | Won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 |
| Jalen Carter | DT | 9 | Had 32 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his final season at Georgia |
| Will Levis | QB | 16 | Threw for 2,921 yards and 24 touchdowns in his final season at Kentucky |
Team-by-Team Analysis
Carolina Panthers, Nfl draft so far
- Selected Bryce Young with the first overall pick
- Traded up to select Chandler Zavala in the second round
- Need to address their defense in the later rounds
Houston Texans
- Selected Bryce Young with the second overall pick
- Traded up to select Jalen Carter in the first round
- Have a lot of holes to fill on their roster
Positional Trends
The most targeted positions so far in the draft have been quarterback and defensive tackle. This is likely due to the fact that these are two of the most important positions in football.
Some positions that have been overlooked so far include wide receiver and linebacker. This could be due to the fact that there are more talented players available at other positions.
Surprises and Snubs
One of the biggest surprises of the draft so far has been the selection of Anthony Richardson by the Arizona Cardinals. Richardson was considered to be a raw prospect, but he has a lot of potential.
One of the biggest snubs of the draft so far has been Nolan Smith. Smith was considered to be one of the best pass rushers in the draft, but he fell to the second round.
Remaining Prospects
Here are some of the top remaining prospects who are still available for selection:
| Name | Position | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan Smith | OLB | Had 36 tackles and 10.5 sacks in his final season at Georgia |
| Peter Skoronoski | OT | Started 38 games at left tackle for Northwestern |
| Julius Brents | CB | Had 32 tackles and 4 interceptions in his final season at Kansas State |
Expert Opinions
Here are some expert opinions on the draft so far:
“This is one of the most talented drafts I’ve seen in a long time.”
Mel Kiper Jr.
“I think the Cardinals made a mistake by drafting Anthony Richardson.”
The University of Southern California (USC) has a long and storied history of producing elite quarterbacks, from Heisman Trophy winners to NFL stars. Among the most notable USC quarterbacks is Matt Leinart, who led the Trojans to a national championship in 2004 and won the Heisman Trophy that same year.
Todd McShay
“I’m excited to see what Nolan Smith can do in the NFL.”
Daniel Jeremiah
Historical Context: Nfl Draft So Far
The 2023 NFL Draft is comparable to the 2018 NFL Draft in terms of overall talent. Both drafts featured a number of quarterbacks who were taken in the first round.
However, the 2023 NFL Draft is unique in that it has a number of players who are considered to be “generational talents.” These players include C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Jalen Carter.
Final Summary
The NFL draft so far has provided a glimpse into the future of the league, with teams making strategic moves to bolster their rosters. The top performers selected in the draft have the potential to become stars, while the surprises and snubs have added an element of unpredictability to the upcoming season.
As the draft concludes, teams will continue to assess their needs and make final decisions, shaping the landscape of the NFL for years to come.
