NFL Draft 2023: Five NFC teams that must ace their picks, including Packers, Seahawks and more

The 2023 NFL Draft is one of the most significant events for all NFL teams as it directly affects the course of every franchise. The NFL Draft is much more important than free agency since acquiring young and cheaper talent is the largest building block for the makeup of a team. The success of a team is determined by how well its general managers and scouts can find value in all seven rounds of the draft. In this article, we will focus on five NFC teams that must ace the 2023 NFL Draft for various reasons.

1. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and wideout D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears for the right to make the first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Panthers need to make the most of this opportunity and select their new franchise quarterback wisely. Frank Reich and Scott Fitterer have their eyes set on C.J. Stroud, who is the most polished prospect in this class. However, questions linger on whether he will have the best career. Bryce Young was seen as the top pick until fairly recently, and he is a talented quarterback, although some have questions about his frame. Anthony Richardson has a Cam Newton-like ceiling, although he is raw. The Panthers also need to focus on adding another wide receiver and a tight end. While their defense is talented, it could use a pass rusher, linebacker, and cornerback. The Panthers could be better than anticipated in 2023, but it all depends on the draft.

2. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers need to protect and surround Jordan Love with weapons and give him a strong defense to hold down the other side of the ball. The Packers are expected to deal Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in the coming months, and this marks the beginning of a new era for the Packers. Love showed some flashes in very limited action in 2022, leading two scoring drives in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12, completing 6 of 9 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. With their three division rivals improving, the Packers need to focus on winning the draft to stay competitive.

3. Washington Commanders

Ron Rivera, the head coach of the Washington Commanders, needs to lead his team to a successful draft after rubbing the fan base the wrong way last year. He benched Taylor Heinicke late in the season and reinserted Carson Wentz into the starting lineup, who used his second chance to throw three interceptions in a loss to the Cleveland Browns, eliminating the Commanders from playoff contention. The NFC East is just getting better, and the Commanders need to win the draft to keep pace in a tough division and show the new ownership that the franchise is on the right track.

4. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions finally turned the corner in 2022, led by Dan Campbell. They had their first winning season since 2017 and kept the rival Packers out of the playoffs in a thrilling regular-season finale. Although they didn't make the playoffs, oddmakers have the Lions favored to steal the NFC North crown in 2023. The Lions hold four picks in the first two rounds, and defense will likely be a priority. Scoring a star pass rusher at No. 6 overall would be ideal, and then maybe following that up with an offensive weapon at No. 18 overall. The Lions are clearly on the right track, but this is the time to capitalize and build on that momentum.

5. Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have the opportunity to build upon the success they had last year since they possess the kind of draft capital that cannot be wasted. The San Francisco 49ers are favored to win the division again, but the Seahawks are right behind them. Seattle holds ten selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the front office