The NFL Draft is one of the most riveting events in football. Each year, teams look to strengthen and fortify their rosters with new talent, hoping to find the next superstar player who can lead them to victory.
This year’s draft class is stacked with talent. As the draft unfolds, teams carefully evaluate each prospect, looking for the ones who can provide the most value and help them secure the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The NFL Draft is the ultimate test of a team’s ability to identify talent and make wise, calculated decisions under pressure. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this post will give the inside scoop on the most valuable prospects some of the teams have picked.
Christian Gonzalez – New England Patriots
Chrisitan Gonzales is a cornerback from the University of Colorado with an impressive combination of size and speed. At 6’1″ and 200 pounds, Gonzales has the tools to match up with big, physical wide receivers in the NFL.
He was ranked among the top ten value picks on most major draft boards. And he was often regarded as the best or second-best cornerback in the entire draft class, behind Devon Witherspoon.
Although highly regarded, the exceptionally athletic Christian Gonzales, who clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, slipped down the draft board and was available for the New England Patriots to select at No. 17 overall.
The New England Patriots made a savvy move by selecting Gonzalez at No. 17 overall, as he was considered a great value pick at that spot. This selection has the potential to impact their NFL standings positively.
Even though he may need to increase his physicality and toughness to compete at the NFL level, his 6’1″ frame gives him the potential to do so.
BJ Ojulari – Arizona Cardinals
BJ Ojulari is a highly-talented edge rusher from Louisiana State University (LSU). His excellent speed, quickness off the edge, and impressive range of pass-rushing moves make him a formidable opponent for any offensive lineman.
Furthermore, Ojulari’s high motor and relentless work ethic enable him to make plays in the backfield consistently. The Arizona Cardinals, who need an improved pass rush, could greatly benefit from selecting Ojulari in the NFL Draft.
If he lives up to his potential, Ojulari could be a cornerstone of the Cardinal’s defense for years.
Cory Trice – Pittsburgh Steelers
Cory Trice, a cornerback from Purdue University, boasts an impressive 6’3″ and 206-pound frame. His height and length make him a desirable prospect for NFL teams seeking a cornerback who can match up with big-bodied receivers.
Trice is a physical player who excels as a tackler and is an asset in run support. His size and skill set make him a versatile player who could excel in the NFL as a safety or hybrid player. The Pittsburgh Steelers could use Trice’s size and physicality in their secondary, and his ability to play multiple positions could make him a good asset on their defense.
With the right coaching and development, Trice could be a difference-maker in the NFL and help the Steelers take their defense to the next level.
Roschon Johnson – Chicago Bears
Roschon Johnson, a running back from the University of Texas, is a dynamic player with a rare blend of power and agility. At 6′ and 222.6 pounds, Johnson is a bruiser who can bulldoze through defenders and pick through yards.
He also has impressive lateral quickness and footwork that allows him to make defenders miss in the open field. Johnson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds an extra dimension to his game and makes him a versatile weapon in any offense.
The Chicago Bears may have found a hidden gem in their fourth-round pick, Roschon Johnson. The team’s staff has been singing praises since his arrival, with many believing he has the potential to become a cornerstone of the organization for years to come.
Gervarrius Owens – New York Giants
With the last pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Gervarrius Owens, a safety out of the University of Houston. Despite being a seventh-round pick, Owens has the potential to impact the NFL with his unique combination of size and speed.
Standing at 6′ and weighing 195 lbs, he has the physicality to match up with large receivers. Owens could be a valuable addition to the team and an intriguing player to watch as he begins his NFL journey. Don’t be surprised if this late-round pick turns out to be a steal for the Giants.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 NFL Draft was full of surprises and value picks, with teams able to find talented players at various positions throughout the draft.
From Christian Gonzalez falling to the Patriots to the Giants taking a chance on the versatile Gervarrius Owens, these teams made the most of their draft picks. With these new additions, the future looks bright for these teams and their fans as they head into the 2023 NFL season.
