Cowboys Select DT Mazi Smith At No. 26
The Cowboys are using their first-round pick to shore up their defensive line. With the No. 26 pick, Dallas has selected Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
With the way the draft board was shaking out, many assumed the Cowboys may use their first-round selection on a tight end to replace Dalton Schultz. However, the Bills traded up ahead of Dallas to select Dalton Kincaid, and while Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer was still on the board, the Cowboys opted to take a defender instead.
They ultimately landed on Smith, who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors following a 2022 campaign that saw him compile 48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a half-sack. Thanks to his performance, the prospect was certain to hear his name called during one of the first two rounds, with scouts loving his size and quickness but raising an eyebrow at his consistency.
Ultimately, this will be an upside pick for Dallas, and the team has plenty of defensive line depth to bring Smith along slowly. It’ll be interesting to see whether the rookie settles in as a defensive tackle or nose tackle, but for the time being, he’ll find himself in the mix with the recently re-signed Johnathan Hankins and rookie-contract presence Osa Odighizuwa on the Dallas D-tackle depth chart.
Seahawks Select WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba At No. 20
The first wide receiver is finally off the board. The Seahawks have used pick No. 20 on Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Even while playing alongside 2022 first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba posted a huge season in 2021, hauling in 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. The then-ascending Buckeye was expected to take another step in 2022 as the top receiver on the depth chart, but he was limited to only three games and five catches while dealing with a lingering hamstring injury.
Despite the injury, ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rated Smith-Njigba as one of four wide receivers with a first-round grade (alongside TCU’s Quentin Johnston, Boston College’s Zay Flowers, and USC’s Jordan Addison). The Ohio State product ended up being the first of that grouping off the board, although his selection came a bit later than anticipated.
The Seahawks were reportedly motivated to select a quarterback at some point on Thursday. However, the front office used the fifth overall pick on cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and the team is using its second first-round select on a skill player. This will bolster Geno Smith‘s chances of replicating his stunning 2022 slate, rather than introducing an eventual replacement.
Smith-Njigba generated late momentum to be the first wideout off the board, and instead of heading to a team with a clear need at the position, he will join one of the NFL’s best receiving pairs. The latest Buckeye receiver standout to be a Round 1 choice, Smith-Njigba spent much of his time as a C.J. Stroud slot target.
The one-year Big Ten wonder will join a talented wide receivers corps that also includes D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. After the Seahawks have not received much from 2021 second-round pick D’Wayne Eskridge, the team doubled down to give Smith another weapon alongside the Metcalf-Lockett duo.
Patriots Take Christian Gonzalez At No. 17
Christian Gonzalez has seen a slight drop down the draft board, but his fall has landed him in New England. After trading down three spots with the Steelers, the Patriots selected the Oregon cornerback with the No. 17 pick. The Pats picked up a 2023 fourth-rounder from the Steelers to move down.
Gonzalez spent his first two collegiate seasons at Colorado, but he firmly put himself on the first-round radar in 2022 thanks to his performance with the Ducks. He notched the only four interceptions of his college tenure at Oregon, adding a career-high seven pass breakups along the way.
That performance helped put him in the conversation to be the draft’s top corner this year. His main competition for that title, Devon Witherspoon, was selected earlier in the first round, but the Commanders surprised some by selecting Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16.
This looks to be a value add for the Pats. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. graded the Oregon product as the seventh-best prospect in this draft; NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah slotted him 11th. This is the first cornerback the Patriots have chosen in Round 1 in Bill Belichick‘s 24-draft tenure.
The Pats have managed to find gems later in the draft (Asante Samuel) or in post-draft free agency (Malcolm Butler, Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson). For the most part, Belichick’s recent early-round corner picks (Cyrus Jones, Duke Dawson, Joejuan Williams) have not panned out.
New England let Jackson walk in free agency last year, par for the course during Belichick’s tenure, but re-signed Jones this offseason. Jones has fared better in the slot but provided some value as a boundary defender last season as well, giving the team some flexibility. The Pats also reached a new agreement with Jalen Mills, who has corner and safety experience. Two other Joneses — Jack and Marcus — will join Gonzalez at corner.
Packers Select Lukas Van Ness At No. 13
With their first selection in their post-Aaron Rodgers era, the Packers have added a player on the defensive side of the ball. Green Bay used the No. 13 pick on Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness.
The move continues a run of Packers defensive investments in Round 1 and continues to leave Green Bay fans waiting yet another year for a first-round receiver move. The Packers were connected to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and tight end Michael Mayer, but Van Ness became the team’s pick at No. 13 — a choice it obtained in Monday’s long-awaited Rodgers swap. But after taking two defenders in last year’s first round and Eric Stokes in 2021, the Packers continued to bolster Joe Barry‘s unit.
Green Bay is betting on potential here; Van Ness did not work as a full-time starter at Iowa. But the 6-foot-5 defender showed versatility by operating as an outside and inside rusher for the Hawkeyes. Van Ness combines a 272-pound frame with 4.58-second speed, giving the Packers upside as they add yet another early-round defender to their roster.
Van Ness, who totaled 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, could give the Pack some options. The team used a 2022 first-round pick on defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt and still rosters anchor Kenny Clark. Dean Lowry departed as a free agent, joining the Vikings. Van Ness could also line up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The Packers have Preston Smith under contract and Rashan Gary going into his fifth-year option season. Gary, however, is coming off a November ACL tear.
This marks a big night for the Hawkeyes, who saw two front-seven bastions — Van Ness and linebacker Jack Campbell — become top-20 picks. Campbell also stayed in Big Ten country, going to the Lions at No. 18.
Lions Select Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs At No. 12
Jahmyr Gibbs saw his draft stock rise in recent weeks, and that culminated in him being selected with the No. 12 pick. The Lions have used their selection on the Alabama running back. 
After transferring from Georgia Tech, Gibbs put together a 1,370-yard, 10-touchdown season with the Crimson Tide. Almost a third of his total yards came in the receiving game, leading scouts to assume that he’ll serve in a Swiss Army Knife-type role in the NFL.
We’ve haven’t seen a single running back selected in the top 20 since 2018, and now Gibbs joins Bijan Robinson as the second prospect at the position to be selected in the top 12 tonight. While there have been some concerns regarding Gibbs’ 5-foot-11, 200-pound frame, he’ll now be a foundational piece on Detroit’s offense.
Gibbs was seen almost universally as the second-best back in the 2023 class, but recent reports indicated some NFL teams may have had him ranked higher than Robinson. In any case, it was assumed by the time tonight’s draft started that he would be a first-round lock. Most of the teams connected to Gibbs were slated to pick toward the end of the round, and in Detroit he will join a crowded backfield. Gibbs’ receiving chops were believed to have moved him, according to some teams, closer to Robinson. That pre-draft assessment of the backs’ draft stock turned out to be accurate.
The Lions have 2020 second-rounder D’Andre Swift in the fold, though he has struggled with injuries and generally failed to live up to expectations. Detroit inked David Montgomery on one of the most lucrative running back deals of free agency, a move which presumably set him up for the lead role. Gibbs should be able to establish himself as a pass catcher early on, though. His addition could lead to increased questions regarding Swift’s future in the Motor City, but in any event, the Lions’ rushing attack should be well-positioned for years to come.
Titans Take OL Peter Skoronski At No. 11
The Titans were rumored to be one of the team’s in hot pursuit of a quarterback. Despite Kentucky QB Will Levis still remaining on the board, the team isn’t pivoting to another position. The Titans have used pick No. 11 on Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski.
Skoronski was considered by some pundits to be the draft’s top offensive line prospect, but the Big Ten product was ultimately the third OL off the board. Skoronski was college football’s most dominant pass blocker this year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), allowing only five pressures on 383 snaps in pass protection.
The lineman found himself susceptible to much of the same criticism as his former teammate — 2021 first-round Chargers pick Rashawn Slater. Slater fell victim to criticism that his 33-inch arms were too short for him to be a successful NFL tackle. Lo and behold, Skoronski’s arm length is reportedly almost an inch shorter. He may end up playing guard in the NFL, but it would not be shocking if the Titans at least give him a shot at offensive tackle.
Tennessee is close to starting over up front. The team cut its longtime starters at left tackle (Taylor Lewan) and center (Ben Jones) and let four-year right guard Nate Davis walk in free agency. The Titans signed former Eagles first-rounder Andre Dillard, giving him decent money despite Jordan Mailata having instead become Philly’s Jason Peters heir apparent. The Titans kept RFA guard Aaron Brewer, however, and used 2022 third-rounder Nicholas Petit-Frere at right tackle.
Skoronski — the grandson of former 1960s Packers starting left tackle Bob Skoronski — figures to be ticketed for one of the team’s starting guard spots come September.
Bears Select OT Darnell Wright At No. 10
The Bears moved back one spot and got their guy. Chicago has used the 10th overall pick on Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter), the Bears intended to select Wright at No. 9 before the Eagles came in with a trade offer.
Chicago picked up a 2024 fourth-rounder in the swap and will check a key box on offense. The Bears pursued Mike McGlinchey but bowed out of those sweepstakes, letting the five-year 49ers right tackle starter sign a monster deal with the Broncos. Now, the Bears moved down a spot and landed a likely early-season starter at the position.
In Wright, the Bears added a 40-game college starter who has experience at both left and right tackle. Wright spent more time on the right side with the Volunteers, starting 27 games at that position. The experienced blocker enjoyed a showcase performance against eventual No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. last season, and the Bears chose him over Georgia’s Broderick Jones, who entered the draft with similar grades as a prospect.
Coming into the draft with needs along both lines, the Bears opted to address their offensive front first. The team had Jalen Carter available at No. 9, and although pre-draft reports indicated Chicago was comfortable with the Georgia defensive lineman, it does not seem like Ryan Poles‘ team was willing to make a big bet — seeing as it took just a 2024 fourth to send Carter to Philadelphia. The Bears are set to enter Round 2 with some additional needs on their defensive front, but the team is in much better shape regarding the protection of Justin Fields.
The Bears have now added Wright and four-year Titans guard starter Nate Davis up front. Chicago replaced Larry Borom at right tackle last season, plugging in veteran Riley Reiff. The nomadic blocker signed with the Patriots this offseason. If Wright becomes a Day 1 starter, he looks set to join late-round find Braxton Jones as Chicago’s first-string tackles. With 2021 second-rounder Teven Jenkins having shown promise at guard and Cody Whitehair having center experience, the Bears — after Fields took a league-high 55 sacks last season — are positioned to be an improved front in 2023.
Eagles, Cardinals Settle Jonathan Gannon Tampering Investigation
The Eagles and Cardinals have settled a tampering investigation involving the hiring of Jonathan Gannon, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The former Eagles defensive coordinator was hired to be the Cardinals head coach earlier this offseason.
As part of the settlement, Philadelphia will receive the No. 66 pick in the draft. The Cardinals will receive pick No. 94 and a 2024 fifth-round pick.
The two teams released a statement regarding the settlement (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter):
“The Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles have agreed on the settlement of an issue concerning an instance of impermissible contact by Arizona during its head coaching search this past January.
“The Cardinals self-reported to the National Football League that General Manager Monti Ossenfort had a phone conversation with then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in the days following the NFC Championship Game, a period during which contact is not permitted under the League’s Anti-Tampering Policy.
“To resolve the matter between the two clubs, the Cardinals and Eagles have agreed to swap third round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and the Cardinals receive Philadelphia’s fifth-round selection in 2024.”
The NFL has very specific guidelines when it comes to interviews for coaches who are still in the playoff hunt. There’s a brief period at the beginning of the playoffs where the Cardinals could have approached Gannon, and they also wouldn’t have faced consequences had they first talked with the former defensive coordinator following Philly’s Super Bowl loss.
A league source told Josina Anderson that the Cardinals were not initially truthful about their pursuit of Gannon, presumably resulting in an investigation (Twitter link). Ultimately, the Eagles managed to move up about 30 picks in the third round of the draft. Based on the popular trade chart, this means the two organizations basically equated Gannon’s value to a fourth-round pick.
Bengals, Bills Eyeing RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs continues to generate first-round buzz, and it sounds like a pair of AFC contenders have their eye on the Alabama product. According to Albert Breer of SI.com, both the Bills and Bengals have been tied to the running back.
Gibbs has continued to climb up draft boards in recent weeks following a productive season at Alabama. After transferring from Georgia Tech, Gibbs put together a 1,370-yards, 10-touchdown season with the Crimson Tide. Almost a third of his total yards came in the receiving game, leading scouts to assume that he’ll serve in a Swiss Army Knife-type role in the NFL.
While there have been some concerns regarding his 5-11, 200-pound frame, Gibbs has emerged as the draft’s clear No. 2 RB behind Texas prospect Bijan Robinson. ESPN’s Todd McShay recently wrote that Gibbs has received continued attention around the NFL from evaluators, and it’s gotten to the point where he is expected to be drafted in the first round.
The valuation of running backs has made it difficult to project the range for high-end prospects at the position. However, McShay noted that some teams have little in the way of a gap in ranking between Gibbs and Robinson, and both players are expected to hear their names called later tonight.
Buffalo (No. 27) would be a natural landing spot for Gibbs considering their uncertain depth chart, while Cincinnati (No. 28) would have to get creative with his usage considering the presence of Joe Mixon. Of course, they’re not the only teams with their eye on the player. Breer reiterates previously reported interest from the Giants and Chiefs, and the Dolphins have also been mentioned as a suitor.
Draft Notes: Flowers, Eagles, Bills, Ravens
The Bears have already moved back once in the first round, sending the No. 1 pick to the Panthers for a package that included the No. 9 pick in Thursday’s draft. While the front office was able to restock their draft capital, the team could still look to move back a second time. According to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, the Bears “probably would like to trade down” as they pursue more picks.
Volin suspects that the organization likes Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers but has no intention of taking him in the top 10. By trading back in the first round, Ryan Poles and co. can continue to collect assets while also selecting their preferred prospect in a more palatable spot. Volin also suggests that the front office could simply look to deal some of their non-firsts to trade into the back end of the first round, with the writer suggesting a package of picks No. 53, No. 61, and No. 64.
The Bears made a clear commitment to Justin Fields when they traded out of the first selection, eliminating any shot at adding one of the draft’s top QB prospects. The team’s apparent pursuit of Flowers emphasizes their desire to surround Fields with as many talented playmakers as possible, and it wouldn’t be shocking if the organization adds a handful of skill players before the draft is complete.
More notes leading up to Thursday’s draft…
- A league executive told Peter King of Football Morning in America that the Eagles “love” Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith, and the writer believes there’s a chance the organization selects the prospect with the 10th-overall pick. While many pundits have assumed the Eagles would select someone like Northwestern lineman Peter Skoronski, King notes that the organization generally hasn’t used high draft picks on offensive guards. Further, the team’s grouping of edge rushers (Brandon Graham, Haason Reddick, Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat) are pushing an average age of 30, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they add some youth to the grouping.
- The Bills like North Carolina wideout Josh Downs, according to King. Scouts believe the receiver could start in the slot from Day 1, providing Josh Allen with another talented pass-catcher outside of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Downs averaged nearly 100 yards per game over the past two seasons.
- A number of teams believe the Ravens will be eyeing wide receivers when it’s their turn to pick at No. 22, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. While the organization added Odell Beckham to a grouping that also includes Rashod Bateman, the team could be looking for another burner to pair with Lamar Jackson. Breer points to Flowers as a “potential interesting fit.”
- The Chiefs have made calls about moving up from the No. 31 pick, according to Breer. While teams believe Kansas City is simply looking for a “discounted way” to move up the board, Breer notes that the organization wouldn’t make such a move unless they had their eye on a particular prospect. Once again, Flowers comes up as a potential target, and Breer also points to Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt, and Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith as options.