2023 NFL Re-Draft: Who takes Bryce Young? How high does Bijan Robinson go?
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In this episode of The Bill Barnwell Show, host Bill Barnwell and guest Will Brinson conduct a full redraft of the 2023 NFL Draft, reimagining the draft order with all trades intact and players available based on their actual draft positions. The discussion centers on pivotal decisions, particularly the Carolina Panthers' first overall pick, where Will argues the Panthers would select C.J. Stroud over Bryce Young, altering the entire draft trajectory. The Houston Texans, lacking Stroud, pass on Young and instead pick defensive standout Devin Witherspoon. The redraft reveals a strong emphasis on defensive talent, with teams like the Seahawks, Falcons, and Lions prioritizing elite secondary players. Running backs like Bijan Robinson and Jameer Gibbs are deemed valuable but not worth the top picks, with the consensus that offensive line and defensive talent are more critical in the modern NFL. The episode also explores ripple effects—such as the Bears not getting Caleb Williams and the Jets taking Bryce Young at 15—highlighting how one pick can reshape team futures. Overall, the redraft suggests the 2023 class was top-heavy with elite defensive talent and that many teams made smart, value-driven selections.
C.J. Stroud would be the top pick for the Carolina Panthers in this redraft, not Bryce Young, due to long-term franchise QB value.
Defensive players like Devin Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, and Jack Campbell are prioritized over running backs, reflecting modern NFL valuation trends.
The redraft shows that teams like the Jets and Bears make different choices with QBs, altering future roster dynamics and trade paths.
Running backs are seen as valuable but not worth top-10 picks unless they're elite playmakers in a specific system.
The 2023 draft class is re-evaluated as highly productive, with many first-round picks still impactful in the NFL.
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Redrafting the 2023 NFL Draft: A New Timeline
“We go with the actual draft order. So all the trades that happened before or during the NFL draft are applied here. And we pick a player in each spot based on who's available.”
Panthers Take C.J. Stroud Over Bryce Young
“If Caleb Williams were here and I were the Panthers, I would take him. So, I mean, I think the answer is clear.”
Texans Skip Young, Pick Devin Witherspoon
“I think Witherspoon is a true—that's like one of the best secondary. That's a Legion of Boom level secondary if you add Devon Witherspoon to the mix.”
Defensive Talent Dominates the First Round
Teams like the Colts, Seahawks, and Falcons prioritize elite defensive players—Puka Nakua, Jackson Smith and Jigba, and Christian Gonzalez—over running backs, emphasizing the value of defensive depth.
“A running back is gravy on the mashed potatoes. Like, the gravy by itself is no good. I mean, it's good, but you don't want to spoon gravy in, right?”
“If Caleb Williams were here and I were the Panthers, I would take him. So, I mean, I think the answer is clear.”
“I think Witherspoon is a true—that's like one of the best secondary. That's a Legion of Boom level secondary if you add Devon Witherspoon to the mix.”
Host
Guest
Will Brinson
person
Bill Barnwell
person
Bryce Young
person
Carolina Panthers
other
C.J. Stroud
person
Houston Texans
other
Devin Witherspoon
person
Jameer Gibbs
person
Jackson Smith and Jigba
person
Christian Gonzalez
person
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