2023 NFL Draft Round Up Part One – AFC Teams

The 2023 NFL Draft is now consigned to the history books and we have already brought you our reaction to how the First Round of the draft panned out for the 31 picks.

Certainly, things turned out differently than I predicted in my final mock, ostensibly because the Texans changed the shape of the draft by trading back in to pick second and third in the draft, taking a QB and the top defensive player on many boards.

That rippled throughout the remainder of the draft and meant that as some players were picked higher than expected, others slid down the first round and even dropped into the second.

In this first of two articles (you can see the Second Part of this article by following the link) we are going to look at how each of the 16 teams in the AFC did in the draft.

We’ll review how the draft has altered the prices for them in the betting for the Divisional and Conference titles, as well as taking a look at their latest Super Bowl odds.

The odds are from bet365 Sport and were correct at the time of writing but may have changed in the meantime.

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How did the AFC teams do in this draft? Let’s take a closer look and find out!

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Team Needs – WR, CB, EDGE, RB, DL, OL, LB

Ravens Draft Picks

R1 (22): WR Zay Flowers, Boston College – 10/10
R3 (86): LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson – 9/10
R4 (124): EDGE Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss – 7/10
R5 (157): CB Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford – 7/10
R6 (199): OG Sala Aumavae-Laulu, Oregon – 6/10
R7 (229): OG Andrew Vorhees, USC – 7/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 12/5
  • To Win Conference Title – 11/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 20/1

2023 Draft Grade – 46/60 (77%) – A-

Zay Flowers will be a productive Day One starter for the Ravens and will give Lamar Jackson a legitimate deep threat once again. Simpson is a good pick up, though linebacker wasn’t an area of great need. Robinson could be an intriguing Edge or outside linebacker depending on how the Ravens see him. I like the Vorhees pick, as despite being out a year with a torn ACL from the combine, he showed plenty of grit in benching 38 press reps despite the injury.

Cincinnati Bengals

Team Needs – TE, OT, CB, RB, S, DL, EDGE

Bengals Draft Picks

R1 (28): EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson – 9/10
R2 (60): CB DJ Turner, Michigan – 9/10
R3 (95): S Jordan Battle, Alabama – 9/10
R4 (131): WR Charlie Jones, Purdue – 7/10
R5 (163): RB Chase Brown, Illinois – 8/10
R6 (206): WR Andrei Iosivas, Princeton – 6/10
R6 (217): P Brad Robbins, Michigan – 5/10
R7 (246): CB DJ Ivey, Miami (FL) – 6/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 5/4 fav
  • To Win Conference Title – 5/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 9/1

2023 Draft Grade – 59/80 (74%) – B+

The Bengals were on the money on the first two days of the draft and I could not fault them picking Myles, despite their being other needs, as he offered such good value at 28. Turner and Battle were excellent second and third round pick ups, while I think Chase Brown fitted a need well at running back.

Cleveland Browns

Team Needs – DL, WR, EDGE, LB, S, RB, OL

Browns Draft Picks

R3 (74): WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee – 9/10
R3 (98): DL Siaki Ika, Baylor – 8/10
R4 (111): T Dawand Jones, Ohio State – 8/10
R4 (126): EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Missouri – 7/10
R5 (140): QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson – 6/10
R5 (142): CB Cameron Mitchell, Northwestern – 6/10
R6 (190): C Luke Wypler, Ohio State – 6/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 18/5
  • To Win Conference Title – 20/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 40/1

2023 Draft Grade – 50/70 (71%) – B+

Considering they didn’t have a pick in the first two rounds due to the DeShaun Watson trade, the Browns came away from the draft in good shape filling needs at DL, WR and on the edge, plus landing a prospect tackle in the huge Dawand Jones. Thompson-Robinson is a bit surprising as a pick but they generally came out of the draft as well as could be expected.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Team Needs – CB, OT, DL, EDGE, LB, OL, WR

Steelers Draft Picks

R1 (14): OT Broderick Jones, Georgia – 10/10

R2 (32): CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State – 10/10
R2 (49): DL Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin – 9/10
R3 (93): TE Darnell Washington, Georgia- 10/10
R4 (132): EDGE Nick Herbig, Wisconsin – 8/10
R7 (241): CB Cory Trice Jr., Purdue – 8/10
R7 (251): OG Spencer Anderson, Maryland – 7/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 6/1
  • To Win Conference Title – 40/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 80/1

2023 Draft Grade – 62/70 (89%) – A+

The Steelers knocked it out of the park with this draft addressing their four main areas of need in the team with outstanding prospects in Jones, Porter Jr., Benton and Herbig. I love the Darnell Washington pick as his size means he could well be the next Gronkowski-type of Tight End. Both their seventh round picks could also offer significant value too making this a great draft in Steel Town.

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AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Team Needs – WR, OL, RB, LB, S, DL, OT

Bills Draft Picks

R1 (25): TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah – 9/10
R2 (59): G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida – 9/10
R3 (91): LB Dorian Williams, Tulane – 8/10
R5 (150): WR Justin Shorter, Florida – 7/10
R7 (230): OG Nick Broeker, Ole Miss – 8/10
R7 (252): CB Alex Austin, Oregon State – 6/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 13/10 fav
  • To Win Conference Title – 9/2
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 8/1

2023 Draft Grade – 47/60 (78%) – A-

The Bills had an outstanding first two days of the draft, bringing in arguably the best Tight End in the draft and a first-round quality guard deep in the second. Dorian Williams should bring some quality to a need at linebacker too. Shorter and Broeker were sensible additions, but I was surprised they did not pick up a running back with one of their seventh rounders.

Miami Dolphins

Team Needs – TE, RB, OL, OT, CB, LB, DL

Dolphins Draft Picks

R2 (51): CB Cam Smith, South Carolina – 7/10
R3 (84): RB Devon Achane, Texas A&M – 6/10
R6 (197): WR Elijah Higgins, Stanford – 5/10
R7 (238): OT Ryan Hayes, Michigan – 5/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 31/10
  • To Win Conference Title – 20/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 40/1

2023 Draft Grade – 23/40 (57%) – C

It’s about now the loss of that first rounder this year will sting in Miami. With just four picks, the fewest of any team in the draft, the Dolphins did what they could. However, I think they only really managed to improve depth at positions they are already strong at and haven’t really added any guaranteed day one starters.

New England Patriots

Team Needs – CB, OT, WR, EDGE, S, DL, OL

Patriots Draft Picks

R1 (17): CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon – 10/10
R2 (46): EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech – 9/10
R3 (76): S Marte Mapu, Sacramento State – 9/10
R4 (107): C Jake Andrews, Troy – 6/10
R4 (112): K Chad Ryland, Maryland – 5/10
R4 (117): OG Sidy Sow, Eastern Washington – 7/10
R5 (144): OG Atonio Mafi, UCLA – 5/10
R6 (187): WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU – 5/10
R6 (192): P Bryce Baringer, Michigan State – 5/10
R6 (210) WR Demario Douglas, Liberty – 6/10
R6 (214): CB Ameer Speed, Michigan State – 6/10
R7 (245): CB Isaiah Bolden, Jacksonville State – 5/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 15/2
  • To Win Conference Title – 33/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 66/1

2023 Draft Grade – 78/120 (65%) – B-

Bill Belichick’s draft wanderings saw him land 12 picks in this draft eventually, but the Patriots only really added some star quality with their first three picks, with Gonzalez in particular a great addition at cornerback. White and Mapu are also well regarded, but taking a kicker in the fourth round is a strange one for me.WR and CB predominated in the later rounds as Belichick probably seeks to find a gem on special teams who could contribute later down the line.

New York Jets

Jets Draft Picks

Team Needs – OT, OL, S, DL, LB, WR, EDGE

R1 (15): EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State – 7/10
R2 (43): C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin – 10/10
R4 (120): OT Carter Warren, Pittsburgh – 8/10
R5 (143): RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh – 6/10
R6 (184): LB Zaire Barnes,  Western Michigan – 7/10
R6 (204): CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse, LSU – 6/10
R6 (220): TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion – 8/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 9/4
  • To Win Conference Title – 13/2
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 12/1

2023 Draft Grade – 52/70 (74%) – B+

After signing Aaron Rodgers the Jets needed to trade some offensive line talent to protect the veteran QB and they picked up two great options in Tippman and Warren in Rounds 2 and 4. McDonald did seem to be a bit of a reach for me but I thought the acquisition of Kuntz with the last pick was a very shrewd late pick.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Team Needs – EDGE, CB, OT, OL, LB, RB, DL

Broncos Draft Picks

R2 (63): WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma – 5/10
R3 (67): LB Drew Sanders – 6/10
R3 (83): CB Riley Moss, Iowa – 7/10
R6 (183): S JL Skinner, Boise State – 5/10
R7 (257): C Alex Forsyth, Oregon – 6/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 9/2
  • To Win Conference Title – 20/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 40/1

2023 Draft Grade – 29/50 (58%) – C+

A somewhat baffling draft for the Broncos who didn’t pick until late in the second round and then picked a player Mims who plays in a position where the Broncos have already plenty of talent. Only Riley Moss really addressed a real need for the team and it was a surprise that they did not address either the lack of Edge Rush or improve the offensive line.

Kansas City Chiefs

Team Needs – EDGE, WR, OT, DL, TE, RB, S

Chiefs Draft Picks

R1 (31): EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah – 8/10
R2 (55): WR Rashee Rice, SMU – 8/10
R3 (92): T Wanya Morris, Oklahoma – 6/10
R4 (119): S Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech – 8/10
R5 (166): EDGE BJ Thompson, Stephen F. Austin – 7/10
R6 (194): DL Keondre Coburn, Texas – 8/10
R7 (250): CB Nic Jones, Ball State – 6/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 4/6 fav
  • To Win Conference Title – 7/2 fav
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 11/2 fav

2023 Draft Grade – 51/60 (85%) – A

A very solid draft by the Chiefs who addressed their main needs on the first two days of the draft and then added some very talented late pick ups in Conner and Coburn. The Super Bowl Champions have restocked well in the draft ameaning they should be amongst the front runners once again this season.

Las Vegas Raiders

Team Needs – QB, CB, OT, DL, EDGE, OL, LB

Raiders Draft Picks

R1 (7): EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech – 10/10
R2 (35): TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame – 10/10
R3 (70): DL Byron Young, Alabama – 7/10
R3 (100): WR Tre Tucker, Cincinnati – 6/10
R4 (104): CB Jakorian Bennett, Maryland – 7/10
R4 (135): QB Aidan O’Connell, Purdue – 7/10
R5 (170): S Christopher Smith, Georgia – 5/10
R6 (203): LB Amari Burney, Florida – 5/10
R7 (231): DL Nesta Jade Silvera, Arizona State – 5/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 10/1
  • To Win Conference Title – 20/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 40/1

2023 Draft Grade – 62/90 (69%) – B

The Raiders made two outstanding picks with their first two selections in Wilson and Mayer but the lack of a higher pick at corner is a real puzzler considering how needy they are in that position and I am not sure Jakorian Bennett will solve all their issues. O’Connell has a chance to make his mark at QB backing up Jimmy Garoppolo if he can beat out Brian Hoyer from the role as second string.

Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Draft Picks

Team Needs – WR, TE, RB, DL, EDGE, CB, OT

R1 (21): WR Quentin Johnston, TCU – 10/10
R2 (54): EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC – 7/10
R3 (85): LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State – 6/10
R4 (125): WR Derius Davis, TCU – 7/10
R5 (156): T Jordan McFadden, Clemson – 6/10
R6 (200): DL Scott Matlock, Boise State – 6/10
R7 (239): QB Max Duggan, TCU – 7/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 17/5
  • To Win Conference Title – 12/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 25/1

2023 Draft Grade – 49/70 (70%) – B

The Chargers will live and die by how well their first pick performs. Johnstone is a quality WR who should contribute immediately and can step up when one of the Chargers big money receivers is moved on due to the salary cap. The most intriguing pick is QB Max Duggan who starred for TCU in their run to the National Championship game and it will be intriguing to see if he can make it in the NFL.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Team Needs – QB, WR, EDGE, DL, CB, OL, OT

Texans Draft Picks

R1 (2): QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State – 10/10
R1 (3): EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama – 10/10
R2 (62): C Juice Scruggs, Penn State – 8/10
R3 (69): WR Nathaniel Dell, Houston – – 8/10
R4 (109): EDGE Dylan Horton, TCU – 8/10
R5 (167): LB Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama – 7/10
R6 (201): C Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame – 8/10
R6 (205): WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State – 7/10
R7 (248): S Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh – 7/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 9/1
  • To Win Conference Title – 100/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 150/1

2023 Draft Grade – 73/90 (81%) – A

I loved how aggressive the Texans were in this draft with that trade up to third to take Anderson Jr alongside Stroud at number 2. However adding Scruggs, Dell, Horon and Patterson in particular makes this a fantastic draft for the Texans. Houston needed a number of weaknesses on their roster addressing and they have done precisely that here.

Indianapolis Colts

Team Needs – QB, CB, WR, OT, EDGE, OL, DL

Colts Draft Picks

R1 (4): QB Anthony Richardson, Florida – 9/10
R2 (44): CB Julius Brents, Kansas State – 10/10
R3 (79): WR Josh Downs, North Carolina – 9/10
R4 (106): T Blake Freeland, BYU – 8/10
R4 (110): EDGE Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern – 9/10
R5 (138): CB Darius Rush,  South Carolina – 9/10
R5 (158): S Daniel Scott, Cal – 7/10
R5 (162): TE Will Mallory, Miami (FL) – 7/10
R5 (176): RB Evan Hull, Northwestern – 5/10
R6 (211): EDGE Titus Leo, Wagner – 6/10
R6 (221): CB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M – 7/10
R7 (236): OT Jake Witt, Northern Michigan – 7/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 5/1
  • To Win Conference Title – 50/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 80/1

2023 Draft Grade – 93/120 (77%) – A-

After a poor season, the Colts needed to utilise their healthy number of draft picks and they certainly did that. Anthony Richardson will be boom or bust. He could either be the next Michael Vick (or better), or the next Vince Young. It will be hugely interesting to see whether he starts or sits in his first year as a pro. The Colts had one of the best 2nd to 4th round run of selections in the entire draft bringing in some real difference-makers.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Team Needs – CB, S, TE, EDGE, OT, DL, OL

Jaguars Draft Picks

R1 (27): T Anton Harrison, Oklahoma – 8/10
R2 (61): TE Brenton Strange, Penn State – 6/10
R3 (88): RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn – 5/10
R4 (121): DE Ventrell Miller, Florida – 5/10
R4 (130): LB Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State – 7/10
R5 (136): LB Yasir Abdullah, Louisville – 6/10
R5 (160): S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M – 8/10
R6 (185): WR Parker Washington, Penn State – 5/10
R6 (202): CB Christian Braswell, Rutgers – 7/10
R6 (208): S Erick Hallett II, Pittsburgh – 6/10
R7 (226): OT Cooper Hodges, Appalachian State – 6/10
R7 (227): DL Raymond Vohasek, North Carolina – 6/10
R7 (240): FB Derek Parish, Houston – 4/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 4/6 fav
  • To Win Conference Title – 16/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 35/1

2023 Draft Grade – 79/130 (61%) – C+

Harrison was a solid pick up, but the Jaguars didn’t really address their need to find a complement to Josh Allen and strangely used both Day 2 picks on a tight end and a running back who figures to be, at best, back up to Travis Etienne.

Tennessee Titans

Team Needs – OT, QB, WR, OL, EDGE, TE, CB

Titans Draft Picks

R1 (11): OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern – 10/10
R2 (33): QB Will Levis, Kentucky – 10/10
R3 (81): RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane – 8/10
R5 (147): TE Josh Whyle, Cincinnati – 7/10
R6 (186): OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland – 7/10
R7 (228): WR Colton Dowell, Tennessee-Martin – 6/10

Latest Betting Odds from bet365 Sport

  • To Win Division – 17/5
  • To Win Conference Title – 40/1
  • To Win The Super Bowl – 66/1

2023 Draft Grade – 48/60 (80%) – A-

Many experts predicted the Titans would trade up to take Will Levis in the first, well, they did trade up but took Levis early in the second for a relatively cheap price. That’s a great piece of business especially when you consider they added the best offensive tackle/guard in the draft in Skoronski who will be a day 1 starter. Spears is also a good pick up while Whyte could be a useful piece in the Titans multiple tight-end packages.

Draft Grades Key

  • Up to 30% – F
  • 30-39% – E
  • 40-44% – D-
  • 41-45% – D
  • 45-49% – D+
  • 52-57% – C
  • 58-62% – C+
  • 63-66% – B-
  • 67-71% – B
  • 71-75% – B+
  • 76-80% – A-
  • 81-86% – A
  • 87%+ – A+

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