Where NFL draft class of 2023 are now

Published: Apr 16, 2024

The top picks in the NFL Draft are extremely valuable, but they are not guaranteed to bring success.

This year the top five selections belong to the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers.

But how did the first five picks in the 2023 get on in their rookie campaigns? DAZN takes a look.

1. Bryce Young

Statistically speaking, Bryce Young - who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2023 - had one of the worst rookie seasons a quarterback taken first overall has ever had.

His quarterback rating of 33.4 was 29th best in the NFL, his 59.8% completion rate was 31st and he threw just 11 touchdowns in 16 games - tied for the fewest in NFL history for a quarterback with over 500 passing attempts.

All that being said, there were a number of mitigating factors. He had an offensive line which was unable to protect him, poor coaching and a lack of proven weapons on offense.

We have not seen enough of Bryce Young to call him a bust just yet, but if he repeats his rookie season as a sophomore he may not have a long career in the NFL.

2. C.J. Stroud

On the flip side of the coin is Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who put together one of the most memorable rookie quarterback campaigns of all time.

Stroud was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and finished the season with a 63.9% completion rate with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

His outstanding rookie season helped guide the Texans back into the playoffs, where they hammered the Cleveland Browns 45-14 before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round.

The only difficulty for Stroud now is the increased expectation on his shoulders, but there was no indication last year that he cannot deal with pressure.

3. Will Anderson

The Houston Texans really hit the jackpot in 2023, as they also traded up for the third pick in the draft where they took defensive end Will Anderson.

Not to be outdone by Stroud, Anderson was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, finishing the season with seven sacks and 59 pressures in 13 games.

Anderson's impressive rookie campaign also saw him selected for the NFL Pro Bowl.

In 2024 the Alabama product will have a almost entirely new group of defensive lineman to work with, including former Minnesota Vikings star Danielle Hunter, who could free Anderson up for even more success as a sophomore.

4. Anthony Richardson

(Getty Images)

Anthony Richardson, who the Indianapolis Colts selected with the fourth pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, had his highs and lows as a rookie.

When he was on the field, Richardson looked like a true dual-threat NFL quarterback, but staying out on the field was his biggest problem.

Richardson had a concussion which ruled him out of a game-and-a-half before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury which required surgery.

In the three-and-a-half games played, Richardson scored four rushing touchdowns and threw for three more, only thowing one interception during that time.

5. Devon Witherspoon

With the fifth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who had an excellent rookie season.

Witherspoon was nominated for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, only to be beaten by Anderson.

As a rookie, Witherspoon had 16 pass break-ups - fifth most in the NFL - and made eight tackles for losses and three sacks.

In the process, Witherspoon became the first rookie since 1999 to record statistics in all three categories, and should be an incredibly valuable asset on defense for years to come in Seattle.