Who has the number one draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft? Revisiting top-10 draft order as things stand

Modified Mar 24, 2023 15:05 GMT

Quarterback CJ Stroud of Ohio State speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Carolina Panthers have the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, thanks to their monumental trade with the Chicago Bears. The Bears traded the Draft's first pick to the Panthers in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore, the No. 9 overall pick, the 61st pick, another first-rounder in 2024, and a second-rounder in 2025.

Several other teams have had the opportunity to make big moves, as there have been seven trades involving first-round picks. The Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles are in line to have two first-round selections.

This year's first round will have 31 picks as the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their pick for tampering violations. The Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers will also not have a first-round selection. The Denver Broncos do not own their own first-round selection but will have one from a trade that sent outside linebacker Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins in a deal that included the 49ers' 2023 first-round pick.

The 2023 NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated in recent history, as potential franchise-altering players are all over the draft board. No position is underrepresented in the 2023 NFL Draft, and any team that picks in the first round will most likely come away with a top-notch talent to build a team around or compete immediately.

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Who will the Carolina Panthers select number one?

The Carolina Panthers sent at least fourteen senior staff members to watch C.J. Stroud's Pro Day at Ohio State University. Unless they send double the number to watch Bryce Young's showcase in Alabama, Stroud will likely be their number-one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Yes, it is true that Stroud struggled when pressured most of the season and was restricted to the pocket, which led many to question whether he was a viable long-term starting quarterback in the modern NFL.

But we must remember that Stroud answered all the questions about his ability as an elite QB prospect with this performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia.

C.J. Stroud was electric against the best defense in College Football, and his silky smooth mechanics have enchanted the Panthers. Additionally, he has the height, build, and stature to be a QB1 from his first game at the Pros.