Three Biggest Winners From Round One Of The 2023 NFL Draft

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is now in the books, and while there were some obvious picks, this was one of the most unpredictable first-rounds in NFL history, and with the second round slated to begin at 7pm ET on Friday, we will now look back on some of the biggest winners from day one.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans had picks No. 2 and 12 coming into the first round, and they shocked the NFL world by taking Ohio State Quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall, when many around the league believed they were looking to the defensive side of the ball at that pick.

.@CJ7STROUD is H-Town bound ⭐️

📺: 2023 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/D3EqkrKLy4 pic.twitter.com/TGfrlyJwXj

— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2023

Even more shocking was the fact that they traded up to the No. 3 overall pick to do just that, as they took Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at that position, giving Houston two players they believe to be cornerstone players on both sides of the ball.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks were yet another team with two picks coming into this draft, with many more questions around their needs, with QB, secondary, wide receiver and linebacker all thrown out there, and with the No. 5 pick, they landed an elite playmaker to pair with Tariq Woolen in the form of Devon Witherspoon

With the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 @NFLDraft, the @Seahawks select WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba!@neweracap | #Seahawks

📺: 2023 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/D3EqkrKdIw pic.twitter.com/vJFbJfWizs

— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2023

Next up, the team somehow had superstar Ohio State wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba fell to their laps at the No. 20 position, giving them elite playmakers on both sides of the ball as they look to keep pace with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West. 

Philadelphia Eagles

After some great draft picks a season ago, the Philadelphia Eagles followed up their Super Bowl performance with another fantastic draft in 2023, first moving up to land arguably the best player in the draft in the form of Jalen Carter.

With the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 @NFLDraft, the @Eagles select Jalen Carter!@NewEraCap | #FlyEaglesFly

📺: 2023 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/D3EqkrKdIw pic.twitter.com/L0PGFPz5Sx

— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2023

Next up for the defending NFC Champions was edge rusher Nolan Smith who fell all the way to the No. 30 slot in the first-round, and while there may be a reason he fell, there's no doubting that he could turn out to be a steal for Philadelphia. 

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports