2023 NFL mock draft: Cowboys, Falcons make massive trades up
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Alabama. Bryce Young. player. Pick Analysis. QB. Scouting Report. 2. 10
Bryce Young will soon be one of the smallest quarterbacks in the NFL, but does that really matter? We’ll see how much it matters to NFL teams when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. For the time being, I think if the Carolina Panthers go with CJ Stroud (as many expect them to), then the Texans’ decision becomes a bit easier with this selection. Bryce Young is a more polished player at the position than Anthony Richardson, though Richardson has the physical gifts and tools teams covet.
In an offense like we’re going to see in Houston under new OC Bobby Slowik, I think Young can really excel. The Texans have built a pretty nice foundation under GM Nick Caserio, who comes from the New England front office where Nick Saban players are highly valued and prioritized. I think if Caserio has a shot at Young here, he could look at this as a one-year trial before getting to the 2024 NFL Draft. I know teams maybe aren’t thinking like that, but give yourself a shot to get a real evaluation in a one-year window, see where you’re at in next year’s draft order, and make a decision from there.
The Texans will have had six first-round picks (at least, to begin with) from 2022-2024. They have ultimate flexibility at QB right now.
3. Atlanta Falcons (trade): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Pick Analysis. player. 44. QB. Florida. Anthony Richardson. 3. Scouting Report
TRADE
Use your imagination here. The Atlanta Falcons are jumping into the third overall spot in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. The trade value chart puts the 3rd overall pick as being worth 2200 points while the 8th overall pick is worth 1400 points. NFL teams aren’t sticklers about that chart but I think you can bank on it being pretty accurate in terms of the value going back most of the time. A trade like this would likely cost the Falcons their 2nd-round pick in 2023 as well as a future 2nd or 3rd. Maybe both depending on how badly they want Richardson.
The motivation here to get Richardson and jump the Indianapolis Colts to do so is obvious. Both the Falcons and the Colts have coaches in place — Arthur Smith and Shane Steichen — who have built offenses that Richardson could thrive in early instead of sitting and waiting to play.
I know the message the Falcons have been sending of late is that they are ready for Desmond Ridder season, but I’ll believe that when the NFL Draft is over.