Predicting the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

There will be many key storylines going into the draft process, but among the biggest is what former collegiate star will be the number one pick. While finishing with the worst record in the NFL is a bummer, several perks come with the pick, such as getting the first overall pick. The Chicago Bears have the program-building opportunity to decide what to do with the first overall pick. They will have an interesting decision ahead of them as they have many position needs to take care of. Chicago might also look into trading the pick or trade their franchise quarterback Justin Fields.

There will be great opportunities to make money by betting for the first overall when the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft starts on April 27th. You can wager up to $1000 using BetMGM, for the first New York Giants pick.

All players in the 2023 draft process are eligible to be draft number one, but five players have a legitimate shot of being that first overall pick. The quarterback position is always the biggest need for an NFL team during the draft process. This year three quarterbacks have the biggest likelihood of being drafted first overall. Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, and Kentucky's Will Levis are the players that many teams will attempt to potentially trade up to the first overall pick in the draft. All three quarterbacks have a set of specific skill sets that make them valuable playmakers in the league.

Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, has been one of the most dynamic and explosive playmakers in college football. He is an adaptive player, who can throw on the run, run for extra yards, and make second reads to his other receivers. His arm strength, extensive knowledge, and presence in the pocket make him an attractive option for the first overall pick. The biggest downside to Young is his size at 5-10; 194 pounds, as NFL Draft analysts are concerned with his ability to take hit after hit.

Levis is a quarterback that has played in a pro-style offense in his four seasons at Kentucky. Unlike Young, Levis has NFL-caliber size at 6-3; 232 pounds, as he has shown to be durable in college. He also possesses a great strong arm and a good release. When it comes to his decision-making and the ability to make plays, he is, by far, the lesser of the two quarterbacks.

In the history of the NFL draft, there have been 34 quarterbacks taken first overall. 16 of the last 23 picks since the 2000 NFL Draft have been quarterbacks. Of the seven non-quarterbacks selected first overall since 2000, five of them have been edge rushers/defensive linemen. The need to get to the quarterback through an elite pass rusher has risen with the passing offense being the focus in the NFL.

Finally, Stroud is the more balanced quarterback between Young and Levis in terms of size and passing abilities. He possesses good arm strength, speed, and power in his runs, and great accuracy. Among the biggest concerns with Stroud is his footwork. NFL Draft analysts see Stroud has been prone to panic and make some mistakes. He is considered a safe pick between the three quarterbacks.

There are two more players both from the defensive side of the ball who have the potential to be the first overall pick and this year's NFL draft. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. have both presented elite playmaking abilities to be considered for the first overall pick. The Bears, if they stay put with the pick, are more likely to draft either Carter or Anderson to address their 32nd-scoring defense (worst in the league).

Carter is a tenacious three-technique that clogs running holes at the line of scrimmage and creates a pass rush from the interior defensive line. He is a player that fulfills needs as a defensive tackle similar to the Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald. Anderson is a dominant pass rusher that beats the opposing with speed, strength, or athleticism. He is a player that has similar traits to Von Miller. The Bears might not take the risk of losing both players if they trade back.

If a quarterback-needy team makes it enticing offer enough to trade for the first overall pick with the Bears, those teams are likely going to be either the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans, the Las Vegas raiders, or the Carolina Panthers. These are the four likeliest teams to select either Levis, Stroud, or Young in the first round, as they have a top-ten selection they could use to trade up.