2023 NFL Re-Draft: Who takes Bryce Young? How high does Bijan Robinson go?

The Bill Barnwell Show58mApril 23, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “2023 NFL Re-Draft: Who takes Bryce Young? How high does Bijan Robinson go?” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

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.

2

Defensive players like Devin Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, and Jack Campbell are prioritized over running backs, reflecting modern NFL valuation trends.

3

The redraft shows that teams like the Jets and Bears make different choices with QBs, altering future roster dynamics and trade paths.

4

Running backs are seen as valuable but not worth top-10 picks unless they're elite playmakers in a specific system.

5

The 2023 draft class is re-evaluated as highly productive, with many first-round picks still impactful in the NFL.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsor: ESPN App & ESPN Unlimited

Introductory ad for the ESPN app, highlighting access to live events, shows, and ESPN Unlimited with no extra cost for eligible TV subscribers.

2:00
3 min

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.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

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.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

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.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

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.

High-Impact Quotes
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?
Bill Barnwell19:14
Viral: 90.0
If Caleb Williams were here and I were the Panthers, I would take him. So, I mean, I think the answer is clear.
Will Brinson3:36
Viral: 85.0
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.
Bill Barnwell9:13
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Bill Barnwell

Guest

Will Brinson
Topics Discussed
2023 nfl draft redraft95%quarterback value in the nfl90%defensive talent prioritization88%running back value vs need85%franchise quarterback selection82%draft ripple effects80%offensive line needs75%player development and long-term fit70%
People & Brands

Will Brinson

person

20xPositive

Bill Barnwell

person

15xNeutral

Bryce Young

person

14xMixed

Carolina Panthers

other

12xNeutral

C.J. Stroud

person

10xPositive

Houston Texans

other

8xNeutral

Devin Witherspoon

person

7xPositive

Jameer Gibbs

person

6xPositive

Jackson Smith and Jigba

person

6xPositive

Christian Gonzalez

person

5xPositive

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “2023 NFL Re-Draft: Who takes Bryce Young? How high does Bijan Robinson go?” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime