2023 NFL Draft: Fact or Fiction on NFL Draft, Trade Rumors
Analysis 4/25/23
NFL Draft Week: The one week on the calendar where everyone claims they’re hearing so-and-so, and no one knows who’s telling the truth. Let’s take a look at some of the recent information going around and dissect if there’s any truth to it.
2023 NFL Draft: Fact or Fiction?
Texans Thinking Defense in Round 1?
The Chatter: Texans Will Pass on QB at No. 2
At first, this was a hard one to believe for most people. But keep in mind the Houston Texans had real interest in trading for the No. 1 overall pick when the Chicago Bears owned it, which tells us they had one quarterback in mind who they liked. That quarterback is believed to be Alabama’s Bryce Young (scouting report), who is now expected to go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers.
That means Houston will be “settling” on a quarterback at No. 2, which is likely the last thing new coach DeMeco Ryans wants to do, especially after signing a six-year contract to take over a rebuilding team. That’s why there is a strong belief Houston will lean defense with the second overall pick, and the two names people are focused on are Will Anderson Jr. (scouting report) and Tyree Wilson (scouting report).
Verdict: Fact
49ers Are Shopping Trey Lance
Chatter: 49ers Have Not Received Calls On Lance
We’ve hinted during the last few months there is a strong possibility the San Francisco 49ers could look to trade the former No. 3 overall pick. The reports are now finally out. The problem is figuring out the proper value for a quarterback who has not started and finished consecutive games since 2019.
The 49ers aren’t going to do a deal for 60 cents on the dollar, but they’ve had discussions with teams, and that is expected to continue throughout the week. Friday is likely the key day in all of this. The 49ers have 11 picks in the draft, but their first pick doesn’t come until No. 99. If they can get acquire a pick higher on Day 2, that might be enticing.
Verdict: Fiction
New RB1 in Music City?
Chatter: Titans Will Trade RB Derrick Henry
The Tennessee Titans are not looking to trade Derrick Henry and the rumor over the weekend the Philadelphia Eagles were getting him was false. However, Henry is in the final year of his contract and is due to make just $10.5 million next season, and the belief is he wants that to be reworked. The two sides, under then-general manager Jon Robinson, reworked his deal last season giving him a $2 million raise.
Verdict: Fiction
QB1 Already in Buccaneers' Building?
Chatter: Bucs Are Sold on Mayfield vs. Trask for QB1
This year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are carrying well more than $70 million in dead money from their all-in approach during the Tom Brady years. They got Baker Mayfield to take an incentive-laden deal and used a second-round pick on Kyle Trask a couple of years ago with the intention of having him around once Brady leaves.
The Buccaneers did do some work on this year’s rookie class, and it wouldn’t be a shock if they take one in the later rounds, but training camp is going to be about Mayfield vs. Trask.
Verdict: Fact
Vikings Are Trying to Move Up?
Chatter: Minnesota Has Its Eyes on a Quarterback
Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and the Minnesota Vikings have been reluctant to do an extension, which is why taking a quarterback has been such a big talking point. However, Minnesota currently only has five picks in this year’s draft, so doing a deal is difficult unless it wants to touch future picks.
Keep in mind general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded down four times last year in his first year in charge. People around the league think there’s a better chance Minnesota stays put than there is of a big leap from No. 23.
Verdict: Fiction
>> READ: Cousins Has Murky Future