5 biggest winners from Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft
Honorable mention
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals added a nice piece to their offensive line in tackle Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State, but trading down from No. 3 to No. 12, and then back up to No. 6, netted them an earlier pick in the second round, and first– and third-round picks next year.
Justin Fields
Fields and the Bears should be even bigger winners of this draft by the end of the day Saturday, but getting offensive tackle Darnell Wright to protect their franchise quarterback after collecting plenty of assets already while moving down from the No. 1 pick is as good as it gets so far.
Kansas City
From another celebration with the Lombardi Trophy by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce to open the draft, to ending the final round with fans singing “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” by Beastie Boys, Kansas City was rocking in its first time hosting the NFL draft. The Chiefs also selected an upside hometown product in Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the final pick of the night.
New England Patriots
The Patriots traded down three spots from No. 14 to No. 17 with an AFC rival in the Steelers, and were still able to fill a big area of need with one of the best players available at his position in Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez. It’s another win for Bill Belichick’s defense.
Running backs
In a surprise to many, two running backs were selected in the first round. Perhaps even more shocking was the fact that both were taken within the first 12 picks, as Bijan Robinson was selected No. 8 overall by the Falcons, while the Lions made Jahmyr Gibbs the 12th pick of the draft.
