Less than a month away from the 2023 NFL draft, we're going to hear constant whispers about what teams may do with premium picks and how high or low prospects may go compared to our expectations.
As always, the first day of the draft will have several storylines.
This year, the Carolina Panthers hold the No. 1 overall pick with their eyes on a potential franchise quarterback, and they'll probably keep us in suspense until the evening of April 27.
After the Panthers, two or three other teams may select a quarterback in the top five. One NFL insider believes that a playoff team will make an aggressive move for a signal-caller with arguably the highest upside in the class.
Aside from the quarterback discussion, Jalen Carter's draft stock has become a hot topic, and one team might have decided they won't select him at its current first-round draft position. Which club is it?
We'll dive into the biggest draft rumors and assess each report on the B.S. meter using a 1-10 scale. One is closest to the truth and 10 leans toward B.S.
Panthers Believed to Be Taking C.J. Stroud at No. 1
The Carolina Panthers made the bold move to trade up from No. 9 to the No. 1 spot. Who will they pick to be their franchise quarterback?
According to ESPN's David Newton, Carolina has narrowed its choices down to C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. In most mock drafts, they're regarded as the top two quarterback prospects.
ESPN's Dan Graziano went a little further in his report on Thursday.
"The Carolina Panthers would have you believe they moved up from No. 9 to No. 1 in the draft without knowing which quarterback they're taking. As you'd expect, some people don't believe that, and a very unscientific poll of sources to whom I spoke at the meeting tells me most people believe they're taking Ohio State's C.J. Stroud."
On Tuesday, Panthers head coach Frank Reich shared some thoughts with reporters about Young and the discussion about his size.
"Reich made it clearer than he has at any point during the process that this is more about durability than height, and that durability is a concern with Young due to his stature, though he missed only one game at Alabama," Newton wrote.
At 5'10", 204 pounds, Young will play against bigger bodies in a longer season on the pro level, which may raise concerns in the Panthers building. If they're choosing between 1A and 1B, they may go with the quarterback who has the prototypical size. Stroud stands at a sturdy 6'3", 214 pounds.
Nonetheless, we must consider the possibility that the Panthers may change their mind multiple times as they dig into the background of the two quarterbacks. Perhaps they're leaning toward Stroud but need more time to confirm that decision.
B.S. Meter: 4
Seahawks Will Leapfrog Colts to Pick QB Anthony Richardson at No. 3 Overall
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Geno Smith to a three-year, $75 million extension with $40 million guaranteed after he threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and won 2022 Comeback Player of the Year.
Despite Smith's standout season, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has shown interest in the rookie quarterback class and says the veteran signal-caller is on board with the team's evaluation process.
"I told Geno we're doing it," Carroll said via NFL Total Access (h/t SI.com's Harrison Reno). "He knows what is going on; he's just trying to win; he knows we are trying to win. So this is how we compete."
While in attendance at Florida's pro day, Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline caught wind of an intriguing trade rumor that may shake up the top of the draft.
"Speculation from league insiders during Florida's pro day is the Seattle Seahawks could be the team that leapfrogs the Indianapolis Colts and trades up with the Arizona Cardinals to secure Richardson. Several reasons were given. The cost to move up won't be much for the Seahawks, who have another first-round pick — the 20th selection.
"Additionally, the general manager and coach who draft Richardson have to be on safe footing. Even Russell Wilson couldn't get Pete Carroll and John Schneider fired. Finally, Richardson is the type of …. athlete that the Seahawks have drafted in the past and had success with — think Tariq Woolen and DK Metcalf."
While most expect a quarterback-needy team without a clear-cut starter to make a strong move for the No. 3 spot, the Seahawks, who have their signal-caller, would be a bit of a surprise.
Seattle has two first-round picks, and it can use both to improve a playoff team for the 2023 season rather than trade up for a quarterback who will likely sit for at least a year. Because they're in a win-now window, the Seahawks may prefer to wait and see if Richardson is available at No. 5 than give up draft capital to acquire him.
B.S. Meter: 9