Every year we see players fall down the draft board and go much lower than expected. Although they haven’t seen an NFL field just yet, we have a pretty good idea of who got a good bang for their buck. Without any further ado these are my biggest steals from the 2023 NFL Draft.
Indianapolis Colts: (R3) 79 – Josh Downs | WR, UNC
Chris Ballard has potentially cooled down the hot seat after what many consider a pretty stellar draft. The Colts wanted a wide receiver to pair with their young quarterback in Anthony Richardson, and boy did they get some great value in North Carolina receiver Josh Downs in the third round.
Downs’ career in Carolina was very solid and though he missed some time here and there due to injuries, it never seemed to slow him down. He was the go-to guy for the likes of Sam Howell and Drake Maye due to his incredible route running ability and he demands respect over the middle of the field as he is extremely shifty. Downs’ is a home-run hitting slot receiver with elite straight line speed. He should make an immediate impact on this slim Indianapolis receiving corps.
One of the reasons that he may have fallen is simply because of his size – Downs’ is just 5’9 and weighs 171 lbs. That hasn’t stopped him from being productive though. The North Carolina receiver was a Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist in 2022 and led the ACC in receptions in both 2021 and 2022. He was one of the best slot receivers in this draft and will fit in nicely in this new-look Colts offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: (R3) 93 Darnell Washington | TE, Georgia
This was another great selection in the third round, with Darnell Washington also falling into that same tier of talent that could have gone much sooner. He brings an immediate impact to this Steelers offense and makes their two tight end sets that much more difficult to defend against.
The former Georgia tight end is an elite blocker in part because of his massive frame. In his time in college he didn’t allow a single pressure in the 72 times that he lined up purely as a pass blocker. Washington practically eliminates the fear of a team blowing by your tight end, hopefully giving Pickett more time in the pocket. Whilst the Steelers’ offensive line graded out as the 16th best pass blocking unit in 2022, Pickett could really benefit from more time to go through his progressions.
So why did a top five tight end in this years draft fall towards the bottom of day two? Much of the concerns stem from his knee issues. Washington also had a history of ankle and foot injuries that led him to miss time in college. If he can stay healthy he can be a real contributor for Pittsburgh, with rare athleticism for his size – Washington ran a 4.64 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. I loved Washington during the pre-draft process and cannot wait to see what he does at the next level.
Cleveland Browns: (R4) 111 Dawand Jones | OT, Ohio State
Congratulations to the Cleveland Browns for doing more with less in this year’s NFL Draft. One of the best picks in this class might have been none other than Dawand Jones. The Ohio State tackle is larger than life, flashing a 6’8″ frame and tree trunks for arms, with the power to overwhelm edge rushers at the next level. The only way to really beat him is to get around him, but his surprising lateral quickness won’t make it easy.
Dawand Jones played an important part in this extremely successful Buckeyes’ offense. In 419 pass blocking snaps last season he allowed zero sacks, creating clean pockets for CJ Stroud to thrive in. He also helps in the running game, where his overwhelming strength allows him to annihilate defenders.
One concern is that he is built like an NFL left tackle, but has very little experience in that department, with the vast majority of his snaps in college coming from the right side. Nonetheless, the ability is there and I am confident that, if need be, he can line up on the left. The Cleveland Browns got an absolute beast of a tackle, making this one of my favorite picks in the entire draft.
Honorable Mentions:
Atlanta Falcons: (R4) 113 Clark Phillips | CB, Utah: Clark Phillips was one of my favorite cornerbacks in this draft and the value that Atlanta got with him is stupendous. The Utah corner has a nose for the football and showcases the ability to jump routes. His incredible awareness as well as playmaking ability gives me reason to believe in his game – the Falcons got somebody special.
Baltimore Ravens: (R3) 86 Trenton Simpson | ILB, Clemson: Leave it to the Ravens to once again have a very solid draft. Simpson was excellent value at this pick, and with Patrick Queen practically out the door that makes it even better. The Clemson linebacker is at his best as a weak side linebacker and over time this pick will age like fine wine. This Ravens defense just seems to keep getting younger and better.
Pittsburgh Steelers: (R7) 241 Cory Trice | CB, Purdue: The Steelers make it on this list for a second time. Trice falling to the seventh round still hasn’t made sense to me. The pick has been overshadowed by the selection of Joey Porter Jr. but Trice can be a real contributor. He is lengthy and fast, flashing a top-end speed as well as play strength to press the receiver at the line of scrimmage. He is also a very solid tackler in the run game as well. That Steelers secondary is in safe hands for years to come.
