This Seismic Move Can Still Shake Up the 2023 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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The 2023 NFL Draft is only a couple weeks away, and this looks like arguably the most unpredictable draft that we’ve had in recent memory. The Chicago Bears have already traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, thus completely altering the outlook of this year’s draft. However, another seismic move could soon happen that would shake up the 2023 NFL Draft even further.
Over the past few days, there has been a ton of scuttlebutt surrounding the Arizona Cardinals and the idea that they could consider trading the No. 3 overall pick. On Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that “at least six teams” have inquired about trading for the selection.
Presumably, these are teams looking to trade up for a quarterback. Assuming C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young go off the board, that would leave a scuffle below them for Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. With that in mind, here is a preliminary list of some likely teams that could be in contention for this pick:
- Indianapolis Colts
- Seattle Seahawks
- Detroit Lions
- Atlanta Falcons
- Tennessee Titans
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If the list goes beyond six, and beyond the teams that may be trying to find a QB, the Chicago Bears could be another team to keep an eye on. They traded down to No. 9, but with some rejuvenated firepower from the Carolina trade, they could try to get back into the mix for a potential star in Will Anderson or Jalen Carter.
Regardless, teams committing to quarterbacks early on in this draft is terrific news for the Vikings. If other teams prioritize QB, it allows Minnesota to swoop in and take needs at other positions such as cornerback or wide receiver.
Throughout the offseason, people have discussed the possibility of the Vikings going “all-in” and being one of the teams to trade up for a QB. In this scenario, we could see them make a smaller-scale trade to snag one of the top players at CB or WR.
Minnesota absolutely needs to find more CB depth, and they may even need another starter on the outside. Joey Porter Jr. is a prospect to keep an eye on here as someone with incredible length and physicality who could immediately jump into a starting role.
As for a wide receiver, it seems like any of the top prospects could fall as it seems many NFL teams aren’t entirely impressed with this class at the position at this point in time. Prospects to keep an eye on here would include Jordan Addison, Quentin Johnston, and even Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
As for the Vikings chances of trading up to draft a QB, if this many teams are actually interested in the No. 3 overall pick, it seems like a very slim chance that Minnesota would find the type of draft capital that makes Arizona consider trading 20 spots down the board when much of the top talent lies within the first half of the round.
In all, nothing is imminent at this time, but a Cardinals trade of the No. 3 overall pick would make things much more interesting for the Vikings in a couple weeks. The 2023 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 27th.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.