2023 NFL Draft: Everything to Know

Mar. 16, 2025

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks onstage to kick off round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022

Some of the best players in college football are heading to the NFL.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins on April 27 at 8 p.m. ET and ends on April 29 after seven rounds of selection.

This year, collegiate players C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, Bryce Young of Alabama and Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama, are all predicted to be among the first names called in round one. “Wherever God wants me to be, that’s what’s important,” Stroud told PEOPLE exclusively ahead of the draft. “I mean, I know that He has a plan in my life, so whether I go 1, 2, 3 in the draft, wherever it’s at, I’m ready for it, andI’m blessed to be here.”

From how to watch the draft to which team has the first pick, here’s everything to know about the 2023 NFL draft.

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

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DeVonta Smith poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected 10th by the Philadelphia Eagles during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft

The draft will take place between April 27 and April 29, 2023. The first round begins on April 27 at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds two and three will occur on April 28 at 7 p.m., while rounds four through seven will take place on April 29 starting at 12 p.m. ET.

Where is the 2023 NFL Draft?

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Union Station (Kansas City) is decorated with Kansas City Chiefs banners ahead of Super Bowl LV

Kansas City, Missouri, is the host city of this year’s NFL draft. The draft will occur in the plaza outside of Union Station. 2023 will mark the first time Kansas City, which is home to the Super Bowl-winnig Chiefs, has hosted the event.

How do I watch the NFL Draft?

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San Francisco 49ers fans and Los Angeles Rams fans cheer during round three of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas

What is the first round picking order of the 2023 draft?

Round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022

After the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round selection due to multiple NFL rule violations in August 2022, there are just 31 picks in the first round of this year’s draft. According toESPN, the NFL found that the Dolphins violated their anti-tampering policy three times between 2019 and 2022 following a six-month investigation. The team also lost their third-round selection in the 2024 draft as a result.

So, per theNFL, the order for the first round of the 2023 draft is as follows:

Who are the top draft prospects for 2023?

Bryce Young

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Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson

Will Anderson Jr.

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Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide

Will Anderson Jr., also of the Alabama Crimson Tide, plays as an outside linebacker and is a two-time winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the best defensive player in college football. He was also voted fifth for the Heisman Trophy in 2021.

Jalen Carter

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Jalen Carter #88 of the Georgia Bulldogs

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who plays for the Georgia Bulldogs, was named to the 2022 All-SEC football team. After Georgia won the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, he declared for the NFL Draft.

However, in March 2023, Carter wassentenced to 12 of months probation, fined $1,000 and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service for hisalleged involvement in a car crashthat killed a teammate and a team staffer in January. PerCNN, Carter’s attorney Kim Stephens submitted a plea of no contest to charges of racing and reckless driving.

C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes

C.J. Stroud, quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. Before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, he led the Buckeyes to victory in the 2021 Rose Bowl and also played in the 2022 College Football Playoff semifinals.

Will Levis

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Will Levis #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats

Quarterback Will Levis began his collegiate career with the Penn State Nittany Lions before transferring to the Kentucky Wildcats in 2021. While playing for Kentucky, he led the Wildcats to a win over No. 15 Iowa in the 2022 Citrus Bowl.

Devon Witherspoon

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Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31)

Devon Witherspoon is a cornerback for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He was a consensus All-American in 2022 and named the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. He didn’t play football until his junior year of high school, but as a senior in 2018 he was thePensacola NewsJournalDefensive Player of the Year as well as Male Athlete of the Year.

source: people.com