Written by Matt Green
April 28, 2023
Image of Bijan Robinson at the 2023 NFL Draft. | Retrieved from Getty Images.
The Biggest Surprises from Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft
Running Backs go High
There were many moments throughout the night of April 27, 2023 that NFL fans probably said, "What the ___." The two draft picks that probably got the most "WTF's" were when the Atlanta Falcons took running back Bijan Robinson eighth overall and the Detroit Lions took tailback Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick.
Robinson was highly considered to be the best running back prospect in years, but the Falcons have Tyler Allgeier. In each of the past three years, Atlanta has taken skill position players in the first round. That is a shocking statistic considering there was a bunch of talent available that could have helped a defense that let up 22.7 points per game last season.
Even more surprising was the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick. Coming into the draft, Gibbs was projected to be an early second round pick. Many people were shocked to see Gibbs go so high to a team in desperate need of cornerbacks. Additionally, running back seemed like the least of Detroit's worries with D'Andre Swift and David Montgomery on the roster.
Here we go: Return of the back!! The #Lions take at No. 12 #Bama RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2023
Eagles Get Two Dawgs
Are we talking about the Philadelphia Eagles or Georgia Bulldogs? It seems like the Eagles are trying to get as many Georgia alumni as possible after selecting defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge Nolan Smith on the first night of the draft.
The surprising part about the Eagles getting these two players is where the team was able to select them. Carter was considered by many experts to be the best prospect in the draft, but the Eagles snagged him ninth overall. Meanwhile, Smith fell all the way to pick 30 after there was speculation that he would go in the top half of the first round. In one night, the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles acquired two former Bulldogs with tremendous potential.
Christian Gonzales Falls to Patriots
The New England Patriots may have gotten the steal of the night with cornerback Christian Gonzales. Even crazier than Gonzales falling outside of the top ten is that he was available at pick 14, the Patriots traded back, and they were still able to get him at pick 17.
There is no clear reason why NFL teams passed on the former Oregon cornerback. The Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all teams that need help in the secondary, yet passed on Gonzales.
Will Levis Falls Out of First Round
In the days preceding the first night of the draft, there was talk that Will Levis was a candidate to go first overall. After 31 picks were made, Levis' name was still on the board.
From our NFL Draft coverage: Will Levis waits. pic.twitter.com/hiFr9ozExb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2023
Many general managers definitely have concerns about Levis; teams likely have questions about his health, ability to read defenses, and capability to elevate talent. While those are valid disquietudes, it definitely came as a shock to many that no team took a gamble on him in the first round.
The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft did not lack in the surprise department. With six rounds still left in the draft, more surprises are guaranteed to be on the way.
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Comments
Nice work Matt.....Levi's wasn't that good at PSU so him dropping is not a surprise. I am expecting a lot out of these guys, but it takes time.