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One Player Each Team Should Target in the 2023 NFL Draft

By A.J. Fagerlin

Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bijan Robinson, potential target of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) celebrates a touchdown during the annual Red River Showdown against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas on Oct. 8, 2022.Bijan4 /

Philadelphia Eagles – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

This just makes too much sense. The Philadelphia Eagles already have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL. They have a need for a workhorse running back and can add one of the best prospects in decades to an already dynamic offense. Bijan Robinson could be the piece that gets the Eagles over the top to win the Super Bowl this season.

Dallas Cowboys – Steve Avila, OL, TCU

It seems that every year the Dallas Cowboys have one player that they are enamored with and are destined to draft. Last year, people plugged into the Cowboys knew they would be drafting Tyler Smith. As of now, all signs point to that guy being Steve Avila in the 2023 NFL Draft.

There are some other names being floated around, but Avila would be such a great fit. He is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the class and could really play all five positions at the next level. Dallas would find a role for Avila immediately, and he would eventually become a new staple of their offensive line, likely at either left guard or center.

New York Giants – O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

Everyone and their brother is mocking a wide receiver to the New York Giants in the first round. Sure, they could use a true number one receiver, but that is something that the 2023 NFL Draft lacks, aside from maybe Jaxon Smith-Njigba who will likely be off the board when they pick at 25. With Wan’Dale Robinson, Parris Campbell, Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Jamison Crowder, and Collin Johnson already in the fold, as well as Darren Waller at tight end, does any other first-round receiver move the needle? I don’t think so.

Instead, I think Florida mauler O’Cyrus Torrence would be a plug-and-play left guard for a team slated to start Joshua Ezeudu at the position right now. Torrence has shown that he can learn and elevate his game to a new level, jumping from Louisiana to the SEC with the Gators seamlessly. He will fit in well alongside Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal as solid pieces to build their offensive line around in front of quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley.

Washington Commanders – Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

The Washington Commanders actually have a fairly well-rounded roster. There aren’t a ton of super glaring holes that they need to fill. A lot of spots that they could improve at, sure, but nothing super glaring.

When I really dove into the roster, I think the Commanders really need to focus on the future of their offensive line. We don’t know for sure who their quarterback will be moving forward, Sam Howell or someone else, but either way they will need to be protected to fully develop. Charles Leno Jr. has been serviceable at left tackle, but I think his best days are behind him. Bringing in a young and promising tackle prospect could be really important for the future of this franchise, under new ownership.

Jaelyn Duncan started at left tackle for four years for the nearby Maryland Terrapins. However, he did not start playing football until he was 14 years old, so he is likely still learning the nuances of the game, providing teams with the upside and coachability that they desire in young players. He is very athletic and will continue to fill his frame at the next level, giving him the potential to be a steal in the middle rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.

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