The best draft pick each NFL team made in 2023

With the 2023 regular season drawing to a close, it's much easier to judge each team's respective draft. Through one season, these look like the best picks by each team.

The younger brother of Giants star Azeez Ojulari, BJ played every game this season and showed flashes with four sacks. He looks like a long-term building block out of the second round.

Although his usage was head-scratching at times, Robinson was as advertised after a great college career at Texas as the centerpiece of his team's offense. Of course, it's still debatable whether using the eighth overall pick on a running back was the best use of resources for the Falcons.

Baltimore's plan to develop their passing game paid off beautifully, and Flowers was a big reason. The Boston College alum approached 1,000 yards receiving and looks like the long-term No. 1 wideout the Ravens needed.

Torrence was one of the biggest and most ferocious guards in the class, and looks like a potential steal in the late second round. The Bills had a need at guard, and Torrence started every game.

The Panthers traded up for the first overall draft choice early, but it's unclear if Young was the right choice after the excellent season No. 2 overall draft choice CJ Stroud had in Houston. Still, it's too soon to judge Young given Carolina's coaching catastrophe, and he does have the physical tools to succeed.

Chicago has done well drafting defensive backs in recent years, and Stevenson is the newest example. He proved himself to be a ballhawk with four picks late in the year and also showed great ability as a tackler.

It took a while for Brown to find his footing, but the former Illinois star really showed flashes as a future third down back or even something more. The Bengals could be set to plan around him as a regular contributor in 2024.

Joe Flacco was the surprising story of the season for Cleveland at quarterback, but the Browns also saw multiple starts under center from their fifth-round pick. DTR looked like a rookie at times, especially with his lack of accuracy, but the physical ability makes him very likely to fit as a strong backup over the long term.

Dallas didn't get much from their rookie class, including Vaughn. The undersized former college star had only 30 touches, but he has the potential to be the team's primary third down back next season.

Mims was a major deep threat for the Broncos, though he didn't quite perform up to the hype. Still, with a team that seems to be blowing up the roster under Sean Payton, Mims could be set for a major role in 2024 and beyond.

Detroit had clearly one of the best drafts in football with key contributions from Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Corby Sorsdal, and LaPorta. The tight end could be the next star at the position to come out of Iowa, as he approached 1,000 yards and made the Pro Bowl. This type of performance is extremely rare from rookie tight ends.

Green Bay hasn't been shy about selecting wideouts in the draft in recent years, and it looks like they hit on two in 2023 with Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Reed emerged as the team's most reliable receiver and a key player in the Red Zone.

The likely Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud looks like a star already and did the seemingly impossible by putting Houston back in the playoff picture. Third-round wideout Tank Dell was also a key contributor.

In terms of value, it's hard to beat what the Colts got out of Jones, a seventh-round pick. He started more than half of the team's games during the regular season and was a key defensive contributor.

While Jacksonville's offensive line struggled at times this season, Harrison was a key starter at a position where they desperately needed help. He looks like a long term answer at right tackle.

For all the problems KC had at wideout this season, Rice was everything they team could have hoped and more. He came on late in the year, approaching 1,000 yards receiving, and looks like a future star with Patrick Mahomes throwing him passes.

It's not clear if O'Connell is the future at quarterback for the Raiders, but he's already done more than anyone could have expected. The team's improvement late in the year was due in part to O'Connell's game management, and he at least appears to be an NFL backup.

Impactful rookie pass rushers are tough to come by, but the Chargers found one in Tuipulotu. The USC alum recorded 4.5 sacks through 16 games and looks like a potential long-term replacement for Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa.

The Rams had several key rookie contributors, but none more impactful than Nacua. He had a historic rookie season with more than 100 catches, and filled in beautifully early in the year when Cooper Kupp was unavailable. Rams fans could be talking about the team's outstanding 2023 draft for years to come.

The Kyle Shanahan- Mike McDaniel combo has made some mistakes with running backs over the years, but it's magic when they hit on one. Achane has big upside due to his elite speed, and was nearly unstoppable this season when he was healthy.

Minnesota craved a No. 2 receiver following the departure of Adam Thielen. Addison was more than they could have hoped, showing star potential as a major deep and Red Zone threat while Justin Jefferson was sidelined. If the team is unable to keep Jefferson around, Addison looks capable of stepping up.

New England got production across their deep rookie class, but Douglas was the biggest surprise. The undersized wideout was the team's top receiver on many occasions this season and could be a key part of their future.

Howden made a strong impact as a fifth-round pick, playing nearly every game and seeing significant snaps. His addition is a relief for a defense with aged players at several key positions.

Hyatt's production was sporadic as a rookie, but he was clearly one of the top deep threats for a team that needed playmakers. Averaging better than 16 yards per reception, the Giants could start to build their offense around Hyatt if he takes another step forward in 2024.

Wisconsin has been a great developmental ground for offensive linemen over the years, and Tippmann was a plug-and-play at center. His addition didn't prevent Aaron Rodgers' injury in Week 1, of course, but he's a step in the right direction for a line that has struggled.

Carter fell into Philly's lap at ninth overall pick, and is now the likely Defensive Player of the Year. While the Eagles defense struggled for much of the season, the production of Carter was a relief up front.

The Steelers took their lumps at times this season, but Porter was a definite bright spot. He was thrust into the lineup early and often, and should be a major part of the defense for years to come.

Selecting a kicker in the third round of the draft is a big risk that usually burns the team, but Moody might be an exception. He showed elite accuracy in his rookie season and gives the 49ers a top kicker at minimal cost over the next several seasons.

Witherspoon earned his keep as the fifth pick in the draft, making the Pro Bowl already. He showed a nose for the ball as a hard hitter, and gives the Seahawks another elite, young corner.

Diaby was a highly productive situational edge rusher for the Bucs, recording 6.5 sacks through 16 games. The Louisville alum showed last year's breakout season for the Cardinals wasn't a fluke.

The running game is the center of Tennessee's offense, so it's only appropriate that they plan beyond Derrick Henry. Spears was an excellent third down back in his rookie season, and could step in to the starting role next season if the Titans decide to move on from Henry.

Running back wasn't a major area of need for Washington, but Rodriguez still chiseled out a significant role late in the season. He managed to average nearly five yards per carry and could be an excellent complementary back next season.