Three Biggest Reaches in the First Round of the 2023 NFL Draft

The first night of the NFL Draft is complete. There were some interesting moves. The Houston Texans pulled off the incredible to trade up and land two of the best players in the NFL Draft at 2 and 3. I did not see that happening, and I am not sure anyone else did either.
I absolutely loved the move by Monte Ossenfort to trade out of three and get draft picks, and still find a way to keep his franchise QB happy.
Well, let’s look at three of the biggest reaches in the 2023 NFL Draft after Round 1.
New York Jets selecting Will McDonald IV – I think this was the biggest reach of the first round. The Jets panicked. I think they had their eyes set on Big Broderick Jones, and they were pumped he was falling right to them, until the Patriots pulled a fast one. The Patriots traded with the Steelers allowing them to jump over the Jets and select their player. At this point the Jets could have traded back but they take McDonald. They took McDonald with guys like Nolan Smith still there. I am not sure I like this pick, and I had a mid second round grade on McDonald who ended up going top 15.
Washington Commanders selecting CB Emmanuel Forbes – I love Emmanuel Forbes, he is a great player, but I would have never picked him over Christian Gonzalez who was just dropping like a fly for no reason. The Commanders love Forbes, but I have some concern with his body weight. He needs to get his weight up, because he is lean. Weighing in less than 170 could hurt him at the next level. He is a ball hawk yes, but to pass on Gonzo for him, I think that was a mistake.
Detroit Lions select Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama – This was a shock to me. I am not pissed at the pick, I think he is a first round talent for sure, but I am not sure I like him going 12th overall. I actually had him rated as the 36th best player on our big board. I think he will be a good player for the Lions, but they could have traded back and still landed him. I think they just said screw it give me my guy.

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