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  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Carolina Panthers

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Carolina Panthers

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Panthers:

    It has been a busy offseason in Charlotte for the Panthers over the past few months following another sub .500 season. The Matt Rhule era came to a quick end in the 2022 season as he was fired after a 1-4 start. The Panthers rallied under interim coach Steve Wilks to finish 7-10, landing them the 9th pick of the NFL Draft. The organization decided to turn to Frank Reich to become the next Head Coach, and have built a strong support staff under him. 

    After the staff was finalized, the organization turned its focus on the NFL Draft and made a blockbuster trade to receive the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2023 draft. It came at a steep price of two 1st- and two 2nd-round picks over the next three draft cycles and star WR D.J. Moore. Now the Panthers hold the keys to the 2023 Draft, and are likely to select someone who they want to be their franchise quarterback No. 1 overall.

    Even though the Panthers parted ways with Moore, they have replenished their stable of weapons for the next quarterback with offseason additions like, RB Miles Sanders, WR’s Adam Theilen and DJ Chark, and TE Hayden Hurst. Carolina also returns all 5 starters on the offensive line and a young defense that will help bolster any quarterback the Panthers select.

    #1 Overall

    Bryce Young – Quarterback – Alabama 

    Young’s accuracy, awareness, and steadily poised demeanor make him a good starting-level QB, and don’t allow his size concerns to affect his ability to be a true playmaker on the field.

    The former Heisman winner is the top QB on the SIS Big Board, and is the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 pick. His decision making and playmaking ability is similar to a point guard in basketball (read his draft profile for more info).

    C.J. Stroud – Quarterback – Ohio State 

    Stroud has the makings of a high-level NFL starter due to his spot-on accuracy, pocket management, and ability to perform in clutch situations assuming he develops his decision making under pressure.

    Stroud seemed like early favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick after the Panthers traded up in March. His size and accuracy are traits that the new Panthers head coach seems to value in a quarterback. 

    Anthony Richardson – Quarterback – Florida

    Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

    Richardson has the biggest upside out of all the quarterbacks in this draft cycle. His size and athletic profile also have a similar resemblance to the last franchise quarterback the Carolina Panthers selected with the No. 1 overall pick, Cam Newton. 

    To learn more about the Panthers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Houston Texans

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Houston Texans

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Texans:

    The Texans enter 2023 with their third head coach in three years with DeMeco Ryans returning to the franchise. The Texans are looking to have similar success in rookie production to last season when they got top performances by Jalen Pitre, Derek Stingley Jr. and Dameon Pierce. They are well underway in revamping and rebuilding their offense in hope of landing one of the top QBs in the 2023 draft. 

    However, if the Texans do not believe their starting QB is there, they will have a plethora of options in the class that will be able to provide instant impact on the field.

    #2 Overall

    Bryce Young – QB – Alabama

    Young’s accuracy, awareness, and steadily poised demeanor make him a good starting-level QB, and don’t allow his size concerns to affect his ability to be a true playmaker on the field.

    The Texans have spent the offseason loading up and building for a young QB to come in. If the Panthers take any other player at No. 1, the Texans pick up someone whose poise, leadership, and accuracy will be a constant for their offense. 

    C.J. Stroud – QB – Ohio State

    Stroud has the makings of a high-level NFL starter due to his spot-on accuracy, pocket management, and ability to perform in clutch situations assuming he develops his decision making under pressure.

    Stroud has accuracy and clutch ability to be a long term leader on the offensive side of the ball. We have Young ahead of Stroud in our QB rankings (click here to see them) but both are graded at 6.9, as solid starting quarterbacks within two seasons, just a little bit away from being high-end performers.

    Will Anderson Jr. – ED – Alabama

    Anderson has impressed from his first game at Alabama to his last as a deadly pass rusher and strong run defender, and he has everything it takes to be a top-end EDGE at the next level.

    If neither QB is at the top of the Texans draft board, Will Anderson is the best overall prospect and has proven himself as a consistent and dominant edge defender. His top-end skill set could make him a mainstay on the defensive line.

    Tyree Wilson – ED – Texas Tech

    Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

    Wilson would certainly be a shock to the draft landscape here, but he has all of the skills necessary to be a disruptive and productive rusher for the Texans. His length and power will certainly make him a Day 1 starter.

    To learn more about the Texans and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Arizona Cardinals

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Arizona Cardinals

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Cardinals:

    The 2022 season was an abject failure for the Arizona Cardinals. Attempting to build off the excitement from 2021’s playoff appearance, they fell flat on their face finishing 4-13 and earning the third overall pick. General Manager Steve Keim and Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury signed extensions that would keep them through 2027 but neither made it to 2023. In Week 14 Kyler Murray tore his ACL putting his status for the start of the 2023 season in jeopardy.

    The Cardinals offense had their struggles but the defense is what really let them down, finishing near the bottom in most defensive efficiency rankings. This team needs an infusion of talent at all three levels immediately. The Cardinals are reported to be shopping the pick, but if they make the decision to stand pat here are four prospects they could be targeting.

    # 3 Overall

    Will Anderson Jr. – Edge – Alabama

    Anderson has impressed from his first game at Alabama to his last as a deadly pass rusher and strong run defender, and he has everything it takes to be a top-end EDGE at the next level.

    Anderson Jr. is the top prospect in the draft and would fill a glaring need as the Cardinals’ Edge group finished 29th in positional Total Points*.

    Total Points is our all-encompassing player value stat, which measures everything a player does on his field.

    Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle – Georgia

    There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

    Replacing J.J. Watt is a tall order but Carter has the on-field ability to become an impact player on a defensive line that is lacking impact talent.

    Devon Witherspoon – Cornerback – Illinois

    Witherspoon has the press-man coverage and ball skills to be a solid starter in any NFL defense, but he will need to improve his open-field tackling and off-man ability to hit his ceiling as a true No. 1, shutdown corner.

    Witherspoon has the highest ceiling of any cornerback and would elevate a group that finished last in positional Total Points.

    Tyree Wilson – Edge – Texas Tech

    Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

    The Cardinals have shown interest in Wilson due to his game-wrecking ability off the edge, and as we noted before, that’s a huge area of need.

    To learn more about the Cardinals and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Indianapolis Colts

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Indianapolis Colts

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Colts:

    The Colts 2022 season was bordering on disastrous when compared to the expectations of the fan base. The offensive line underwent a very sudden crash to become one of the worst units in the league and resulted in stop-gap QB Matt Ryan dealing with injuries and poor play due to an insufficient surrounding cast. 

    Head Coach Frank Reich was relieved of his duties midseason while Owner Jim Irsay and GM Chris Ballard each spoke publicly about organizational shortcomings and discontentment with team results. The Colts now look to the turn the page after hiring former Eagles’ offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and will look to make the first selection of his tenure with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

    To learn more about the Colts and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

    # 4 Overall

    Anthony Richardson – QB – Florida

    Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

    Richardson has been one of the more talked about prospects throughout this draft process. He has elite natural athleticism (regardless of position), traits worth drooling over, and provides a seamless fit in Steichen’s vertical attacking offense to create a great situation for him to grow in and strive toward his ultimate ceiling. 

    Will Levis – QB – Kentucky

    Levis is a boom-or-bust prospect who has high-end physical traits and upside to be an All-Pro, but he needs massive improvements to his decision making and accuracy in order to achieve his potential.

    Coach Steichen came out and shut the door on all talk regarding Lamar Jackson as the Colts future quarterback, virtually cementing that the Colts will choose a signal caller with their first- round pick. Whether Richardson is gone or Ballard and Co. just prefer Levis, he is a very real possibility to be taken with this pick. Levis is also a good fit in the Colts’ new system with tools to develop and comes with a good amount of experience under his belt.

    Will Anderson Jr. – EDGE – Alabama

    Anderson has impressed from his first game at Alabama to his last as a deadly pass rusher and strong run defender, and he has everything it takes to be a top-end EDGE at the next level.

    Quarterback seems like a lock for the Colts at their pick, but where’s the fun in proposing all the top players at one position to the same team? 

    If a team trades up to jump Indianapolis in the draft and the Colts are not satisfied with any of the remaining QB options, Anderson would be a perfect fit. He can provide good run support while also offering deadly pass rush ability to a franchise that has been looking for a top-flight edge rusher since Robert Mathis’ retirement in 2016.

    Devon Witherspoon – CB – Illinois

    Witherspoon has the press-man coverage and ball skills to be a solid starter in any NFL defense, but he will need to improve his open-field tackling and off-man ability to hit his ceiling as a true No. 1, shutdown corner.

    The Colts enter the 2023 season with very little depth at cornerback, especially on the outside. They traded away former DPOY Stephon Gilmore seemingly for peanuts after just one season with the team and have a massive hole to fill at the position as a result. Witherspoon possesses lockdown abilities and is adept at taking the ball away, which would be a valuable skill set in a defense that finished last season near the bottom of the league in interceptions forced.

  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Seattle Seahawks

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Seattle Seahawks

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Seahawks:

    While the Seahawks final 2022 record of 9-8 and a first-round playoff exit may seem mediocre, they showed the football world they were a much better team than anyone expected prior to last season. After trading away franchise quarterback Russell Wilson last year, many projected the Seahawks to be a shoo-in for the #1 overall selection in the 2023 Draft. 

    Despite the rumblings of last offseason, the Seahawks made the 12th Man proud by finding success through trusting in the vision of long-time GM and HC tandem of John Schneider and Pete Carroll and a surprising upgrade in QB play in previous journeyman Geno Smith. The Seahawks now find themselves in the top five of this month’s draft and in a better situation than most predicted, but are not without shortcomings (or holes, you pick) that can be addressed with this prime selection at No. 5 overall. 

    # 5 Overall

    Jalen Carter – DT – Georgia 

    There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

    Carter is one of the premier talents in this draft class. He would step in and immediately provide support to a Seahawks defensive unit that gave up the third-most rush yards per game in the NFL last season while also providing much coveted pass rush production from the inside.

    Will Anderson Jr. – EDGE – Alabama

    Anderson has impressed from his first game at Alabama to his last as a deadly pass rusher and strong run defender, and he has everything it takes to be a top-end EDGE at the next level.

    Anderson has been anticipated as a high profile draft prospect since he was an 18-year-old true freshman at Alabama and has grown into an elite prospect. If he is available, it will be very tough for Schneider and Co. to pass him up.

    Anthony Richardson – QB – Florida

    Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

    Although the Seahawks found consistent quarterback play last season and extended Geno Smith, the franchise has a potential out after this season. This could provide a perfect time frame to allow the Seahawks to further evaluate Smith while allowing Richardson to grow and develop his otherworldly traits and serve as a contingency plan early in his career. 

    Christian Gonzalez – CB – Oregon

    Gonzalez is a versatile corner with the reactive athleticism, speed, and ball skills to make a huge impact in the NFL, but he may struggle with bigger targets at times.

    Gonzalez is a long and uber-athletic cornerback prospect with a knack for making a play on the ball. He stays in the Pacific Northwest here and joins Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and a top tier safety duo to form a versatile and opportunistic defensive backfield. 

    To learn more about the Seahawks and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Detroit Lions

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Detroit Lions

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Lions:

    The Detroit Lions have strung together two outstanding Draft classes in the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell era, and are looking to make it a third in 2023. Although they missed the playoffs last season, they finished with a winning record and won 8 of their last 10 to knock Green Bay out of the playoffs and nearly make it themselves. If they can finish close games, win the games they are supposed to, and continue building the team the right way, look for this team to compete for NFC North titles and make runs in the playoffs in the immediate future.

    #6 Overall

    Devon Witherspoon – CB – Illinois

    Witherspoon has the press-man coverage and ball skills to be a solid starter in any NFL defense, but he will need to improve his open-field tackling and off-man ability to hit his ceiling as a true No. 1, shutdown corner.

    Even with the additions Detroit has made in the secondary this free agent period, and especially now with Jeff Okudah traded away, there’s a good chance they add to it with their first pick. Witherspoon is a physical, press-man corner who should thrive in Detroit’s defensive scheme.

    Christian Gonzalez – CB – Oregon

    Gonzalez is a versatile corner with the reactive athleticism, speed, and ball skills to make a huge impact in the NFL, but he may struggle with bigger targets at times.

    Arguably the best cover corner in this Draft, Gonzalez would fill a huge long-term hole at corner that they haven’t had since Darius Slay. Plus, he’s got the versatility to work inside and outside.

    Jalen Carter – DT – Georgia

    There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

    The Lions are revamping their defensive front with hard-nosed football players. If Carter can shore up the off-field issues and play with a more consistent motor, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with and improve upon Detroit’s last-ranked DT position group in Total Points.

    Will Anderson Jr. – Edge – Alabama

    Anderson has impressed from his first game at Alabama to his last as a deadly pass rusher and strong run defender, and he has everything it takes to be a top-end EDGE at the next level.

    With the talk that Tyree Wilson is rated higher than Anderson on some team’s boards and the possibility that 4 QBs go in the top 4-5 picks, there’s a real chance that Anderson could be here at No. 6 on Draft night. It could be the third straight season that arguably the best player in the Draft falls to the Lions (Penei Sewell in 2021 and Aidan Hutchinson in 2022).

    Tyree Wilson – Edge – Texas Tech

    Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

    Wilson’s versatility allows him to be a moveable piece along the line against both the run and pass and would be a great addition opposite Aidan Hutchinson along Detroit’s defensive front.To learn more about the Lions and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • 2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Las Vegas Raiders

    2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Las Vegas Raiders

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Raiders:

    The Raiders and 2nd year head coach Josh McDaniels move into the 2023 season without their long-time QB Derek Carr. They have, for the time being, filled that hole with the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo. However a long term answer at the position is still looming and could be addressed here in the draft. 

    The Raiders are also looking to rebuild defensively in a highly-challenging division with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russel Wilson. The free agent signings of Marcus Epps, Robert Spillane, Duke Shelley, and Brandon Facyson will help but they may not be done bolstering their defense with their plethora of 2023 draft picks.

    #7 Overall

    Devon Witherspoon – CB – Illinois

    Witherspoon has the press-man coverage and ball skills to be a solid starter in any NFL defense, but he will need to improve his open-field tackling and off-man ability to hit his ceiling as a true No. 1 shutdown corner.

    The Raiders need plenty of help on the defensive side of the ball and Witherspoon, with his high-end ball skills, can provide immediate help to their secondary. 

    Christian Gonzalez – CB – Oregon

    Gonzalez is a versatile corner with the reactive athleticism, speed, and ball skills to make a huge impact in the NFL, but he may struggle with bigger targets at times.

    Gonzalez’s speed and versatility can be of great value to the Raiders’ secondary and position him to be a Day 1 starter. 

    Tyree Wilson – ED – Texas Tech

    Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

    Wilson’s power and proven production at the college level allows him to be a good complement opposite Maxx Crosby to get after the QB.

    Anthony Richardson – QB – Florida

    Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

    If Richardson is still available, the Raiders can take a shot at a very talented QB that can learn and develop in an NFL system. 

    Will Levis – QB – Kentucky

    Levis is a boom-or-bust prospect who has high-end physical traits and upside to be an All-Pro, but he needs massive improvements to his decision making and accuracy in order to achieve his potential.

    Levis has plenty of high-end traits to make him a quality pickup who can grow as a part of the Raiders future plans at QB.

    To learn more about the Raiders and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here. 

     

  • 2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Atlanta Falcons

    2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Atlanta Falcons

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Falcons:

    The Falcons are entering into year three of the Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith General Manager-Head Coach pairing. Year 3 is often a make it or break it season for an NFL Head Coach, as the average tenure for a NFL coach is 3.2 seasons, according to Guiding Metrics. With the NFC South perceived to be wide open, this could be a window of opportunity for the Falcons to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

    The Falcons have added some valuable weapons to the offensive side of the ball through the draft the last two seasons in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Tyler Allgeier. Even with the Falcons success on offense, the defensive side of the ball has been less than stellar. They did add some key veterans in safety Jesse Bates, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell and David Onyemata, but could benefit even more by adding some young elite defensive prospects as well. 

    #8 Overall

    The Falcons are entering into year three of the Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith General Manager-Head Coach pairing. Year three is often a make it or break it season for an NFL Head Coach, as the average tenure for a NFL coach is 3.2 seasons, according to Guiding Metrics. With the NFC South perceived to be wide open, this could be a window of opportunity for the Falcons to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

    The Falcons have added some valuable weapons to the offensive side of the ball through the draft the last two seasons in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Tyler Allgeier. Even with the Falcons success on offense the defensive side of the ball has been less than stellar to say the least. They did add some key veterans in safety Jesse Bates, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell and David Onyemata, but could benefit even more by adding some young elite defensive prospects as well. 

    #8 Overall

    Jalen Carter – Edge – Georgia

    There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

    The off the field concerns have started to lower Carter’s floor to be selected in this draft, and if he makes it down to the 8th pick it would be difficult for Atlanta to pass up. Carter’s combination of explosiveness and power would immediately strengthen the interior of the Falcons defensive front.

    Nolan Smith – Edge – Georgia

    Smith is a supremely athletic prospect with elite speed and explosive ability to go with eye-opening strength held together by good football intelligence and a very disciplined game overall.

    Terry Fontenot and the Falcons value elite athletes in the first round, and there aren’t many more in this class outside of Smith. The Georgia native would bring a different body type and skill set to a subpar edge group. 

    Tyree Wilson – Edge – Texas Tech

    Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

    Wilson has a towering frame with a long wingspan to match. The Falcons recently signed seasoned veteran Calais Campbell who has a similar size and athletic profile to Wilson, and Campbell could serve as a mentor to the young athletic edge rusher. 

    Anthony Richardson – Quarterback – Florida

    Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

    This is the offensive wild-card selection of the group the Falcons could target. Continuing the theme of elite athletes, Richardson is one of the most athletic quarterback prospects in draft history. While the Falcons did just draft Desmond Ridder in the 3rd round a season ago, Richardson’s athleticism would be a match made in heaven in Arthur Smith’s offense. 

    To learn more about the Falcons and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here. (https://nfldraft.sportsinfosolutions.com/nfl-draft/teams/atlanta-falcons)

  • 2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Chicago Bears

    2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Chicago Bears

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Bears:

    The Bears rebuild is in full force, as they finished with their lowest winning percentage since 1969. Since hiring general manager Ryan Poles, the team has been aggressive in acquiring draft capital and surrounding Justin Fields with talent. This led them to deal the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for the 9th and 61st pick in 2023 as well as Carolina’s 2024 first, 2025 second, and wide receiver D.J. Moore.

    The Bears are still in the talent acquisition phase of the rebuild with multiple positions they can address. Offensive tackle, defensive tackle, edge, and cornerback are their four biggest areas of concern. Here are a handful of players the Bears could be targeting.

    #9 Overall

    Devon Witherspoon – CB – Illinois

    Witherspoon has the press-man coverage and ball skills to be a solid starter in any NFL defense, but he will need to improve his open-field tackling and off-man ability to hit his ceiling as a true No. 1, shutdown corner.

    Witherspoon would provide an upgrade to a cornerback room that ranked 27th in positional Total Points last season*.

    Total Points is our all-encompassing player value stat, which measures everything a player does on his field.

    Peter Skoronski – OT – Northwestern

    Skoronski may not have the standard measurements for an NFL left tackle, but his athleticism, strength, and technique show a high-floor offensive line prospect who should be a quality starter early in his career.

    The Bears are serious about getting Fields protection and native son Skoronski would cement their offensive line with his ability to play either tackle or guard.

    Paris Johnson Jr. – OT – Ohio State

    Johnson is an incredible athlete for his size with the footwork and recover ability to win his fair share of battles. As long as he gets a little stronger and can improve his anchor, he’ll be a big-time force at LT moving forward.

    Fields could prefer the team drafting his old college teammate, who may be the best pure left tackle prospect in the draft.

    Tyree Wilson – Edge – Texas Tech

    Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

    Wilson can step into a starting role immediately for a Bears edge rushing group, who was the worst in the NFL according to positional Total Points.

    Jalen Carter – DT – Georgia

    There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

    If Carter were to slide due to off-the-field concerns, the Bears would have a hard time passing up a talent they were considering taking No. 1 overall due to his game-breaking ability.

    To learn more about the Bears and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • 2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Philadelphia Eagles

    2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Philadelphia Eagles

    Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

    You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

    The State of the Eagles:

     From the first night of the 2022 NFL Draft to the last game of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles were arguably the hottest team in the league. The front office took big swings to show their trust in QB Jalen Hurts, and they were rewarded tenfold. Hurts took a leap in his game that allowed the Eagles to introduce a high-scoring, smashmouth style of football that is predicated on his ability to do everything.

    With Hurts now in position to reset the QB market and both coordinators finding head coaching gigs elsewhere, the Eagles will need to hit on their draft picks and fill the roster with both starters and role players on rookie deals.  

    #10 Overall

    Jalen Carter – DT – Georgia

    There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

    Though Carter is one of the best prospects in recent memory, off-field questions and a poor showing at his Pro Day may cause him to slide and the Eagles have a track record of valuing IDL, as well as being aggressive when moving up in the draft.

    Peter Skoronski – OL – Northwestern

    Skoronski may not have the standard measurements for an NFL left tackle, but his athleticism, strength, and technique show a high-floor offensive line prospect who should be a quality starter early in his career.

    It is not the sexiest pick, but the Eagles always look for impact OL early in the draft and with Cam Jurgens’ inexperience at guard, along with Landon Dickerson’s penchant for getting dinged up, they may view Skoronski as a 4-position starter at the next level and someone they will need moving forward.

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR – Ohio State

    While Smith-Njigba has only one year of production and recent injury concerns, he is a starting-level receiver who will work best in the slot due to his route savvy, elusiveness, and body control.

    With one of the best WR duos in the league and a QB that runs the RPO game with Bach-esque orchestration, the Eagles would be a dream landing spot for Smith-Njigba, whose innate route savvy and separation skills would be unstoppable as the 3rd option.

    Brian Branch – S – Alabama

    Branch is a starting free safety who should spend most of his time playing in the slot. He has exceptional coverage skills, awareness, and physicality.

    After losing both starters in free agency, Branch is a high-intellect player that brings versatility and should start immediately for new defensive coordinator, Sean Desai, who uses Nick Saban concepts in his playcalling. 

    Bijan Robinson – RB – Texas

    Robinson is a consistent playmaker who has the size, speed, power, and vision to be an every-down back at the NFL level, but he will need some improvement in pass pro to reach his full potential.

    This would be the shock of the draft for anyone familiar with the Eagles and there is a better chance they pass on Robinson at 30 than take him at 10, but he is the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. The Eagles came one win (arguably one unlucky turnover) away from a Super Bowl victory, meaning that a high-end talent at a position of need could be the move.

    To learn more about the Eagles and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.