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5 NFL teams that can’t afford to have a bad 2023 NFL Draft

By Brendan Danaher

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the New York Giants pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the New York Giants pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The NFL Draft is the event of the NFL offseason where teams have the opportunity to alter the future of their franchise. Teams have drafted players they have scouted for years and found generational talent that led them to Super Bowls. Other franchises have selected poorly either drafting certain players too early or taking risks on questionable athletes. Some prospects never pan out in the NFL altogether, regardless of what round they are drafted in.

Here are five teams that can’t afford to have a bad draft or they may set their team back for not only the 2023 NFL season but for the foreseeable future.

5 teams that cannot afford to have a bad 2023 NFL Draft

2022 NFL Power Rankings
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 27: Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a missed field goal during the fourth quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 27, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /

Team #5 – Baltimore Ravens

This draft may be centered around bringing in new, young talent for the Baltimore Ravens. But it really is ultimately focused around quarterback Lamar Jackson. Instead of paying Jackson the substantial extension, he desires the organization has opted to franchise tag Jackson. Since then Jackson has formally requested a trade and wants a new start (and a large contract).

While the Ravens wait out Jackson they can use the 2023 NFL Draft to convince their quarterback that they are willing to surround him with premier talent. This can be accomplished by….drafting premier talent. Jackson has been without a true number one wide receiver for almost the entirety of his career.

The Ravens have only five draft picks after the Roquan Smith trade with the Chicago Bears. The Ravens still have a first and third-round pick to help their cause. The Ravens cannot stumble in this draft and fail to add offensive talent to give Jackson more weapons. If Jackson feels the team is willing to invest in him with playmakers perhaps he will concede to playing under the franchise tag.

Ravens 2023 NFL Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 22
Round 3, Pick 86
Round 4, Pick 124
Round 5, Pick 157
Round 6, Pick 199

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