The NFL sent a mock ‘script’ to each of the 32 franchises ahead of an NFL Draft first-round rehearsal on Tuesday.
After months of anticipation, the 2023 NFL Draft is right around the corner and takes place this week, with the first round kicking off on Thursday night. Fans and figures around the NFL world have been discussing and predicting who the 32 teams might add to their rosters - including the NFL itself.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini took to social media to show off the ‘dress rehearsal’ mock draft the NFL itself circulated ahead of a run through on Tuesday. There were plenty of surprising selections on offer as the randomised mock threw up some eyebrow-raising decisions.
Despite the hype surrounding the quarterbacks on offer in the 2023 draft, the mock draft suggests none will be taken in the first round and instead, Jake Andrews from Troy will be the first pick. None of the trades that have gone through are also registered, with the Chicago Bears still possessing the first overall pick.
There are a number of other selections that made fans react to the mock draft, including the New York Giants selecting kicker Christopher Dunn with the 26th pick. The last time a kicker was drafted in the first round was 2000, when the Oakland Raiders spent the 17th overall pick on Sebastian Janikowski.
Ultimately, this mock exercise is simply to ensure the teams understand the nuances of the first round of the NFL Draft. It can often be a chaotic day, so the NFL felt the need to send out a randomised ‘script’ to go with the dress rehearsal, which will be conducted in Kansas City on Tuesday - two days before the draft.
It is unthinkable that the Carolina Panthers will not pick a quarterback with the first overall selection. February’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis saw a strong showing from the heralded quarterback class as Alabama’s Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis, Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and Florida’s Anthony Richardson all received rave reviews.
Carolina certainly saw enough to make a move for their long-term star, completing a blockbuster trade with the Bears to move up to the first overall pick. The franchise traded the ninth overall pick, the 61st overall pick, a 2024 first-round selection and a 2025 second-round selection as well as star receiver DJ Moore in order to get their pick of the talent.
The Panthers have been heavily linked with Young, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2021. The former Alabama star reportedly cancelled his remaining visits ahead of Thursday’s draft amid growing optimism he is going to wind up in Carolina.
Young’s arm talent is undoubtedly impressive and the quarterback also clearly understands the fundamentals of the game. According to Albert Breer, Young scored an impressive 98 on the S2 cognitive test - a higher score than Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) and Justin Fields (Bears).
