NFL Draft 2023: Biggest Shockers

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KANSAS CITY- The last few drafts featured selections that had us scratching our heads and shaking them in disbelief. The first round featured several decisions that are hard to understand. Here are some of the most shocking selections of the 2023 NFL Draft.

8th overall pick- Atlanta Falcons- Bijan Robinson-Running Back- Texas

The Atlanta Falcons selected Texas’ running back Robinson out of the University of Texas. Although he’s likely a solid scheme fit and a nice addition to the Falcons offense which already features studs like tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver London Drake, taking a running back at number right seems like the NFL version of taboo. You just don’t do it. The Falcons likely thought the 2023 NFL draft has a different feel and required an adaptable approach. Perhaps the Falcons heard rumblings that the running backs were going early this year and we were back to the old ways of drafting? Perhaps the Falcons believed the character concerns for defensive tackle Jalen Carter were too much for the team to deal with. This team has a golden opportunity to get the top defensive tackle in the draft or take a stud receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Even Calijah Kancey, a defensive tackle out of Pittsburgh would’ve seemed a more logical choice at pick number eight Although Robinson will likely pit up huge numbers and have unreal production in Atlanta’s offense, he could’ve been a second-round pick. We’ll never know.

12. Detroit Lions- Jahmyr Gibbs- Running Back- Alabama

The Gibbs selection isn’t as quite as shocking as the Robinson selection but two running backs came off the board in fewer than 13 picks. With the NFL becoming more of a passing league each year, this pick was still unexpected. We knew the Lions were looking for a running back to take the place of DeAndre Swift but this was early.

21. Seattle Seahawks- Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver – Ohio State

This is a solid pick and the Seahawks took advantage of a golden opportunity. It’s surprising for two reasons. Smith-Njigba should’ve been off the board before the 21st overall pick. The second reason was the mere fact that the Seahawks didn’t need another receiver. They have Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. However, the Seahawks took the next available playmaker and Geno Smith is one happy quarterback right now.

26. Buffalo Bills -Dalton Kincaid – Tight End- Utah

The Bills didn’t need a tight end but Dawson Knox has good company now. Quarterback Josh Allen has another primetime playmaker. The Bills had other choices but it’ll be interesting to see what Kincaid does in this offense.

33. Tennessee Titans- Will Levins- Quarterback – Kentucky

It’s a mystery how and why Levins was available to the Titans but he was finally taken off the board. Will he silence his critics and improve his ability to be a more accurate passer who knows how to read defenses?

111. Cleveland Browns – DaWand Jones- Offensive Tackle- Ohio State

Browns fans wanted Jones and here he is! Are the Browns moving on from Jedrick Wills? He had some injuries the last few years and perhaps the Browns no longer feel Wills is part of the future. It’s also possible the Browns want a viable backup if Wills goes down again. There’s no way Jones should’ve been available to Cleveland this late in the draft. The Browns took advantage of the opportunity to select a Buckeye and they chose a great one to protect Quarterback DeShaun Watson from the juggernaut AFC North defenses.