The NFL Draft Appraisal: Best Pick, Biggest Reach, Snazziest Outfit, and Much More
K. Joudry
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The NFL Draft really is a sensational event.
Deep down, we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that plenty of players who get picked aren’t going to work out. It happens every year and yet we always come back for a fresh infusion of hope that only the opening round can bring.
And, of course, the immediate aftermath of the opening round is the time to overreact and make assessments we have no business making. We’ll only truly know whether picks were wise or unwise in several years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t proceed with our initial impressions.
We here at PurplePTSD are not immune to the charm of way-too-early judgments, so we’ve got a fresh batch for you to consider.
Deciphering The NFL Draft
Best Pick: Philadelphia Eagles & Jalen Carter
Honorable Mention: Indianapolis Colts & Anthony Richardson
Carter’s off-field concerns are noteworthy. So too is his remarkable play. In Philly, Carter will get every chance to succeed. It’s a well-run team that boasts Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Haason Reddick, and Jordan Davis up front. Oh, and they may have recently kept their great young QB in town for years to come. Perfect team for the young DT.
Greatest Card Read: Kyle Stickles
Honorable Mention: Roger Goodell? The Other Guest Card Readers
The kid had his shot and he went for it. Excellent stuff from the young fella; breaking into the J-E-T-S chant was amazing.
Shrewdest Move: New England Patriots Acquiring Christian Gonzalez
Honorable Mention: Jacksonville Jaguars Trading Down Several Times
Classic Bill Belichick. Trades down and gets more draft capital. He then sprints the card up to the podium to pick a super gifted young corner. Getting a potentially top-tier CB at 17th is tremendous value, especially given the added pick.
Biggest Reach: Detroit Lions
Honorable Mention: Detroit Lions
Every analytics expert collectively groaned when they opted for Jahmyr Gibbs at 12. Let’s not forget the team already boasts David Montgomery and D’Andre Swift. The groan turned into disbelief when they went for middle linebacker Jack Campbell at 18. Like Mr. Frey, I’m of the belief that they could have likely been chosen later in the draft. Team rivalry aside, I do genuinely hope each one puts together great NFL careers even as people voice their early concerns.
Most Improved Team: Seattle Seahawks
Honorable Mention: Baltimore Ravens
Devon Witherspoon is going to be Pete Carroll’s best friend. And then the move on offense to top it all off. The Seahawks offense is going to be scary in 11 personnel. Matching up (somehow) with D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba seems like a near impossibility. If the pass rush isn’t elite, then Seattle will be able to move the ball through the air. Thankfully, Seattle isn’t on Minnesota’s schedule in 2023.
Finest Trade: Arizona Cardinals Dropping from 3
Honorable Mention: Detroit Lions Dropping from 6
The Cardinals did a marvellous job (a phrase we haven’t been able to write for a long time). Converting pick #3 into a pair of firsts alongside a second and third? Excellent stuff from the new leadership group. Cardinals fans should be thrilled.
Snazziest Outfit: Jordan Addison
Honorable Mention: Christian Gonzalez
Was there ever going to be a different answer? The young WR looked good.
Be sure to keep swinging by PurplePTSD for all of your Minnesota Vikings content needs. We’ll be offering a robust amount of updates, analysis, and opinions in the coming hours and days.
Extra Reading: Vikings Select WR Jordan Addison with the No. 23 Overall Pick – 10 Noteworthy Numbers for Jordan Addison – Jordan Addison is Already Providing Some Sensational Quotes
