Soon, the curtains will be opened, and the smokescreens will be lifted.
NFL Draft season is particularly notable for its landmines of misdirections, rumors and general misinformation, with the NFL Draft the only true decider of truth. This year, there's been more of the same.
Rumors surrounding a C.J. Stroud slide, potential trade-ups and preferential picks have persisted leading into April 27. As is typically the case, the quarterbacks are particularly interesting: Bryce Young seems to be the favorite to come off the board at No. 1 overall, but after that, the group of Stroud, Will Levis, Anthony Richardson and Hendon Hooker doesn't seem to have a solidifed ranking entering Thursday night.
After that, one of Alabama's Will Anderson, Georgia's Jalen Carter and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson figure to be the first defender off the board, but there's no sure sign of who will be first.
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Well, the only thing for sure is that nothing is for sure about the 2023 NFL Draft. Here's the latest buzz, rumors and more ahead of Thursday night's Round 1:
2023 NFL Draft rumors
Several teams discussing trading up for Jalen Carter
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Peter Schrager, Fox Sports
One of the big question marks in this draft, Jalen Carter, is getting a ton of buzz. Per Peter Schrager, teams are calling to move up to draft the Georgia defensive tackle.
Bryce Young to be selected No. 1 overall by Panthers
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Albert Breer
This one is pretty cut-and-dry. According to Albert Breer, the Panthers will be taking Bryce Young No. 1 overall. Per Breer, Young "held serve" as the baseline No. 1 pick when the Panthers traded up to the top of the draft.
Cardinals looking to send No. 3 and DeAndre Hopkins to Titans in package
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Mike Florio, PFT
Despite the Hopkins-to-Ravens rumors, there are reportedly other options on the table for the Cardinals, according to Mike Florio. Specifically, the Titans are working to move up to No. 3 in the draft while netting Nuk in the deal. With that, they could get a quarterback and a wide receiver.
Lamar Jackson's extension reportedly opens up DeAndre Hopkins deal
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Yahoo's Charles Robinson
The Ravens finally inked quarterback Lamar Jackson to a five-year extension, locking down their quarterback long-term. According to Charles Robinson, Jackson's deal should pave the way for the Ravens to trade for receiver DeAndre Hopkins. CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, meanwhile, said that deal should put the No. 22 pick up for sale in Baltimore. If the Bills don't land Hopkins, they're almost assuredly taking a receiver at No. 27, per Robinson.
Teams don't know how Texans will draft with second overall pick
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Bally Sports' Michael Silver
In more Houston draft news, Michael Silver of Bally Sports reports no one around the league knows what the Texans will do with the second overall pick. Quipped one NFL GM: "I'm not even sure the Texans know."
Houston botched attempt to trade up to grab No. 1 pick
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, Panthers
Numerous reports — including a confirmative in-depth piece from the Panthers — have indicated Houston failed in an attempt to trade up with the Bears to get the top overall pick. As initially reported by KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson on April 18, Texans GM Nick Caserio had two proposals with Bears counterpart Ryan Poles to move up a spot.
The first involved a swap of picks and the Texans' 12th overall pick in 2023; the second was the same, but instead of offering the Texans' 12th pick this year, it would have been Houston's 2024 first-rounder. But trade talks between the Bears and Texans stalled, resulting in the Panthers — which already had a deal in place to trade up to No. 2 with Chicago — simply cutting out the middle man. And so, the Texans remained stuck with the second overall pick while Carolina got the chance to draft, presumably, Bryce Young.
'Growing sense' around NFL Texans will pick QB at No. 2
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: ESPN's Ed Werder
Ed Werder of ESPN reported that Texans GM Nick Caserio has been secretive about how the Texans will draft on Thursday. That said, he reported there is a "growing sense" around the league that Houston will indeed select a quarterback with the second overall pick over more trending options such as Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson.
Latest odds favor Stroud to go third overall
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: BetMGM
The latest odds from BetMGM (as of 2 p.m. ET) indicate Stroud is the favorite to go third overall after Young at No. 1 (-2500) and Anderson at No. 2 (-350). The Ohio State QB has the best odds to go with the third pick at +100, leading Anderson +400, Will Levis +450 and Wilson +500. Considering the Cardinals already have Kyler Murray at QB, that indicates a trade back with a QB-needy team that wants Stroud, Tennessee being the most likely option.
Texans widely projected to take Will Anderson second overall
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Texans TV host Drew Dougherty
According to 48 mock drafts surveyed by HoustonTexans.com, 27 have mocked Alabama EDGE defender Will Anderson Jr. to go second overall to Houston; another 10 have mocked Wilson to the Texans in the same position. Stroud (five) and Levis (four) are the third- and fourth-most mocked players to Houston, respectively.
All that to say: Houston is widely projected to select Anderson second overall, with Wilson a close second.
Cardinals 'mulling' trade offers for No. 3 pick; Titans among teams with offer
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: ESPN's Dianna Russini
Russini joined the chorus of reporters claiming Arizona is looking at offers for its third overall pick. NFL reporter Dov Kleiman added that the Titans are among the teams with an offer to the Cardinals.
Texans could consider trade for Trey Lance, Mac Jones
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: NFL.com's Lance Zierlein
Houston-based NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlien on Thursday suggested the Texans could be in play for a quarterback — just not one in the NFL draft. Both of 49ers quarterback Trey Lance and Patriots quarterback Mac Jones could be trade targets for the franchise, which would free the team up to use its No. 2 pick to draft a defensive player.
Lance makes sense in that San Francisco has gotten little from the former No. 3 overall pick, and is likely instead to go with 2022 Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy moving forward. Jones is coming off a sophomore slump last season, though the Patriots did move on from Matt Patricia over the offseason and has since hired Bill O'Brien as the team's offensive coordinator.
Commanders could trade Chase Young, Montez Sweat during draft
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: TSN's Jacob Camenker
According to a report from ESPN's Dan Graziano (Insider subscription required), the Commanders are considering a trade of one of their talented defensive ends in Chase Young or Montez Sweat ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Young went second overall in the 2020 draft, while Sweat went 26th the year prior.
Young appears to be the more likely trade candidate, as Washington declined to exercise his fifth-year option. The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year has played a combined 12 games in 2021 and 2022 due to injuries, including just three last season. He has 1.5 sacks and 31 total tackles in that time — fewer than the 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks he produced in his rookie season.
Texans take Bama defender second overall
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: TSN's Jacob Camenker
Another mock draft — this one from TSN's Jacob Camenker — has the Texans passing up on a quarterback to instead take a defender in Alabama's Anderson. While Camenker acknowledges the Texans may still consider Tyree Wilson, he has the Texas Tech defender falling ninth overall to the Bears.
Titans trending to trade up, grab Stroud at third
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: PFF's Marcus Mosher
Marcus Mosher of PFF is the latest reporter indicating they have heard rumors of Tennessee trading up with the Cardinals to grab Ohio State's C.J. Stroud with the third overall pick. The move indicates the Titans having a strong feeling about the Buckeyes signal-caller, even after his 18th-percentile score in the S2 was leaked.
Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. favored to go No. 2 overall
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: BetMGM odds
The draft-day odds (as of 9 a.m. ET) have shifted in favor of Alabama EDGE defender Will Anderson Jr. going No. 2 overall, a pick that as of now belongs to Houston. Anderson has the best odds to go second overall at +150, followed by Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson at +175. Kentucky signal-caller Will Levis has the third-best odds at +300.
The Texans have long been rumored to take a defensive player second overall, either between Anderson or Wilson. The former is considered to have a higher floor, though the latter has the more desirable size and skill set to operate in DeMeco Ryan's 4-3 base.
Texans take defender at No. 2, Titans trade with Cardinals to grab Stroud at No. 3
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Aaron Wilson, KPRC 2 (Houston)
Aaron Wilson of Houston's KPRC 2 reported Thursday that Houston is expected to take a defender at No. 2 overall — either Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. or Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson — in lieu of C.J. Stroud. Wilson also reported the Titans have expressed interest in trading up for Stroud at third overall.
It is the second mock of the day with Anderson and Stroud going second and third to the Texans and Titans, respectively.
Will NFL suspension of Cam Robinson affect Jaguars' draft strategy?
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: John Shipley, Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated reported late Wednesday that veteran Jaguars tackle Cam Robinson has been suspended an undetermined number of games at the start of the 2023 season for PED use. He started 14 games at left tackle in 2022. His suspension, coupled with the free-agency exit of Jawaan Taylor, has the offensive line in flux to start the 2023 campaign.
Will that affect Jacksonville's draft strategy? The Jaguars have a need at the position, but also could draft a nickel corner or, potentially, a defensive tackle. TSN's latest mock draft has them taking Alabama safety Brian Branch at 24th overall, but Robinson's suspension might force them to make a move for an offensive tackle.
C.J. Stroud projected to fall out of top 10 as fourth QB taken
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News
The final Sporting News mock draft not only has Stroud as the fourth quarterback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, but also falling entirely out of the top 10. TSN's Vinnie Iyer projects the Ohio State signal-caller, who on Wednesday all but confirmed a poor S2 Cognition test, will fall to the Texans at 12th overall; Houston not only gets the safest defensive pick of the draft in Anderson, but also finds a massive upgrade at quarterback in Stroud.
Iyer also projects a fifth quarterback, Tennessee's Hendon Hooker, to be taken in the first round. He has the Buccaneers taking him at 19th overall.
Alabama has top two players off board, followed by massive trade up for C.J. Stroud
Date: Thursday, April 27
Source: Peter Schrager, NFL.com
In Schrager's second and final mock draft ahead of Thursday's first round, he projects Alabama EDGE defender Will Anderson Jr. will go second overall to the Texans, giving the Crimson Tide the first two players off the board.
Following that, he projects a massive trade up by the Titans to find Ryan Tannehill's heir-apparent in C.J. Stroud, the second quarterback off the board. Then, he has the Colts taking Kentucky's Will Levis — not Anthony Richardson — with the fourth overall pick. He has the Seattle taking the Florida signal-caller falling at 12 in a trade with the Texans.
Tight ends to go at a premium, Texans up in the air, and Washington not taking a QB
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Peter Schrager, Fox Sports
It appears tight end is suddenly the commodity to look out for in this year's draft. According to Fox's Peter Schrager, the Dalton Kincaid jump rumors are true, with him and Michael Mayer reportedly slated to go in the 10-25 range.
In juicier news, the Texans still don't know what they're doing at No. 2, and the public might not know until the card is in. A lot of moving parts going on there. Finally, the Commanders are reportedly content with Sam Howell at QB, meaning they won't be picking a QB early in the draft if they aren't blown away.
Dalton Kincaid could be first pass-catcher selected in 2023 NFL Draft
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Many have focused on Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the potential first receiver or tight end selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Many also believe that Michael Mayer will be the top tight end selected.
Not so fast. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that there's a chance that Utah's Dalton Kincaid could be the first pass-catcher selected. The Utes star recorded eight touchdowns in each of his final two seasons at the school and could go as high as No. 13 overall to the Packers. If not, there are plenty of landing spots for him in the late teens and early 20s, with the Chargers at 21 standing out as a sensible option.
Jalen Carter expected to be picked between Nos. 5 and 10 selections
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Matt Miller and Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Carter was once in the mix to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but an offseason arrest and poor Pro Day workout have dropped him lower in the top 10. However, ESPN's Matt Miller and Jeremy Fowler report that the Georgia product is expected to be a top-10 pick still and could go as high as No. 5 overall to the Seahawks.
Miller reports that most talent evaluators to whom he has spoken believe that Carter will be selected by the Bears at No. 9 overall. But as mentioned, the Seahawks are in the mix for him. The Eagles are also a team to watch in a potential trade-up to acquire the talented defensive tackle.
Eagles considering Bijan Robinson with 10th overall pick
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: James Palmer, NFL Network
NFL Network's James Palmer reports that the Eagles could make an unconventional move and select Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the 10th pick if he is still on the board. Philadelphia has been reluctant to take running backs early under Howie Roseman's leadership, but Robinson is expected to warrant an early selection.
That said, Palmer also acknowledged that the Eagles are not the only team in the top-10 range that is interested in Robinson. He didn't provide specifics about another team that could pursue the Texas back, but the Falcons, who have the No. 8 pick, stand out as a team that would have an interest in Robinson.
Palmer also noted that the Eagles like Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and edge rushers Nolan Smith and Lukas Van Ness. As such, all should be considered in play for the 10th pick — if Philadelphia keeps it.
Texans looking to trade up or down from No. 12 pick
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
The Texans have two top-12 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. There had been some discussion about them trading down from the No. 2 selection, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that it's more likely that Houston will move the No. 12 pick if they make a trade.
It's possible that one of the draft's top four quarterbacks may still be on the board at 12. As such, it would make sense for the Texans to move down if they wish to avoid selecting a signal-caller. Conversely, if they'd like to take one but not with the No. 2 pick, they could move up from No. 12 and back into the top 10 to get either Will Levis, C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson.
Hendon Hooker on a fast recovery timeline
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Pete Thamel, ESPN
Hendon Hooker could be ready for Week 1.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the first-round QB prospect who is currently recovering from an ACL injury could make his on-field return sooner rather than later. According to Hooker's doctor, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the passer could be fully cleared in time for Week 1 in September.
Hooker recently started throwing a bit more, which is a good sign for the passer — and teams potentially thinking about drafting him.
Foot injury may cause a Tyree Wilson slide
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Dr. David Chao
Dr. David Chao speculates that a recent "revision" surgery to Tyree Wilson's foot may cause a slide.
"Was there additional hardware put in? Was there failed hardware?," Chao asked. "Of course, this is all speculative. … We're not going to be surprised if the foot causes him to fall some."
Will Levis shoots down hot rumor
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Will Levis
Reports of Will Levis going No. 1 overall to the Panthers are greatly exaggerated, according to … Will Levis.
A hot Reddit rumor indicating that Levis was going to be the top selection in Thursday night's Round 1 isn't all it's cracked up to be, Levis says.
"Don't believe everything you read on the internet," Levis said Wednesday.
49ers 'explored' trade for Lamar Jackson
Date: Wednesday, April 26
Source: Dan Patrick, "The Dan Patrick Show"
The 49ers don't seem overly satisfied with their quarterback room, or at least want to improve it greatly. According to Dan Patrick, San Francisco "explored" a trade for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. San Francisco's lack of draft capital in the first this season, though, may have complicated matters.
Rams are evaluating quarterbacks, open to all possibilities
Date: Tuesday, April 25
Source: Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic
Jourdan Rodrigue reports the Rams are entertaining all possibilities with their many draft picks. Despite not having a first rounder, they're looking at quarterbacks in the second through fourth tiers. The Rams have quite a few picks this year, even if they lack premium ones.
Cardinals may beef up O-line
Date: Tuesday, April 25
Source: Greg Gabriel, former NFL scout
The Paris Johnson Jr.-to-the-Cardinals rumors have persisted, potentially at the behest of quarterback Kyler Murray. Gabriel says that the buzz around the No. 3 pick is all about Johnson to the Cards.
Panthers know who they are taking at No. 1
Date: Tuesday, April 25
Source: Frank Reich, Panthers HC
It's not a surprise that the Panthers will be taking a quarterback at No. 1. Who might be the selection is less of a surprise, but it won't be one to the rest of the Panthers organization.
Frank Reich let the world know that he and GM Scott Fitterer are on the "same page" when it comes to who they're taking on Thursday night.
Buccaneers likely not taking a QB
Date: Monday, April 24
Source: Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
The Buccaneers have been rumored to want a quarterback in this year's draft, but it doesn't sound like the front office or coaching staff are going to make the jump to get one.
According to SI's Albert Breer, Tampa Bay is expected to stand pat with its quarterback room of Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask for the 2023 season, effectively taking themselves out of the running for a young passer. Mayfield signed on a one-year deal earlier this offseason, while Trask was a second-round pick in 2021.
Trey Lance not being shopped, Niners say
Date: Monday, April 24
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
The 49ers traded three first-round picks and a third-rounder two years ago to draft Lance third overall, but now there's talk that San Francisco may want to flip the QB. General manager John Lynch, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, mixed together a word salad when asked about the rumors.
Lance, 22, has played in just eight games (four starts) as a pro. His 2022 season was ended early by an ankle injury suffered in Week 2.
Hendon Hooker: Top-20 pick?
Date: Monday, April 24
Source: Todd McShay, ESPN
Hendon Hooker's stock has been on the rise throughout the pre-draft cycle, and it appears as though it's risen to be called in the top 20 of the first round, according to ESPN's Todd McShay.
The Tennessee quarterback is still recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in November, so his status for the 2023 is still something of a question mark. Still, Hooker is expected to have something of a redshirt season in his rookie year as he adapts to an NFL game, so sitting out, whether by injury or design, isn't the worst thing for a team drafting him.
Titans 'in the quarterback mix'
Date: Monday, April 24
Source: Todd McShay, ESPN
The Titans have Ryan Tannehill under contract, but they're clearly not satisfied with the room for 2023 and beyond.
A year after drafting Liberty's Malik Willis in the third round, the Titans may be taking another swing at quarterback, this time much higher in the draft, according to ESPN's Todd McShay.
The Titans have interest in both C.J. Stroud and Will Levis, both of whom could be on the board at No. 2 overall — or later, if the below rumor is to be believed.
MORE: How Texans passing on C.J. Stroud could shake up first round of 2023 draft
C.J. Stroud could slip a bit
Date: Monday, April 24
Source: Peter King, NBC Sports
Rumors that the Texans may pass on a quarterback at No. 2 overall have persisted in the week leading up to the draft. According to NBC Sports' Peter King, Stroud isn't a "lock" for the top seven picks of the 2023 Draft, partly thanks to his S2 test score.
In his mock draft, King has the Texans taking edge rusher Tyree Wilson instead of Georgia's Jalen Carter and Alabama's Will Anderson.
Will Levis = Patriot?
Date: Sunday, April 23
Source: Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
There are a few people in the Patriots front office who like Will Levis, according to SI's Albert Breer — and doubts surrounding Mac Jones' viability as a franchise quarterback could push the Pats to draft him.
New England brought in Levis for a pre-draft visit, so there may be some legs to the rumor. Breer, though, says that the visit was likely more due diligence than it was legitimate interest in the quarterback.