4 of the Biggest Disappointments from the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft had all the makings of a highly anticipated event, with numerous talented prospects ready to make an impact on the league. From top quarterbacks like Bryce Young to exciting skill position players, the draft was filled with promise. However, several high-profile picks and decisions have not panned out as expected, leading to disappointments for both teams and fans alike. Here are four of the biggest letdowns from the 2023 NFL Draft so far.

1. Bryce Young’s Struggles in Carolina

Bryce Young was the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, selected by the Carolina Panthers to be the franchise quarterback they desperately needed. Coming off a stellar career at Alabama, Young was widely regarded as one of the most polished quarterbacks in recent memory, with exceptional poise, accuracy, and decision-making ability.

However, his transition to the NFL has been rocky. Young has struggled with consistency, facing the typical growing pains of a rookie quarterback, but with added pressure as the No. 1 pick. Through the first several games of the season, Young has shown flashes of potential but has also faced difficulties in terms of both execution and adapting to the speed of the professional game.

The Panthers’ offensive line has been a contributing factor, offering little protection, and their lack of a true number-one receiver has made things even more challenging for the rookie. Nonetheless, the early struggles from Young have caused concern among fans and analysts, raising questions about his readiness for the NFL despite his impressive college career.

2. Jalen Carter’s Struggles in Philadelphia

Jalen Carter, regarded as the best defensive player in the 2023 draft class, fell to the Philadelphia Eagles at the ninth overall pick. His combination of size, speed, and raw power made him a potential game-changer in the middle of the Eagles’ defensive line. However, Carter’s rookie season has been underwhelming, with limited production and an inability to immediately impact games at the level many had anticipated.

Carter has flashed his potential at times but has struggled with consistency and adapting to the NFL’s high level of competition. More concerning are his off-field issues, including questions about his conditioning and readiness. While he still possesses the tools to become a dominant defensive force, his rookie season has been more of a disappointment than the immediate impact many predicted.

The Eagles were hoping Carter would immediately bolster their already impressive defense and perhaps become a cornerstone for the future, but thus far, he has not lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him.

3. Will Levis’ Slide and Lack of Immediate Impact

Will Levis was one of the most talked-about quarterbacks heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. He was projected by many to be a top-10 pick, with his strong arm and ability to make all the throws leading many to believe he was ready to be the face of a franchise. However, Levis saw a dramatic fall down the draft board, eventually landing with the Tennessee Titans in the second round as the 33rd overall pick.

While Levis’ slide was puzzling to many, the disappointment didn’t end there. Despite joining a Titans team in need of a potential quarterback of the future, Levis has not been able to carve out a significant role in his rookie season. Ryan Tannehill remains the starter, and Levis has not been given the opportunity to showcase his talents as expected. His lack of development early on has raised doubts about his future potential as a starting quarterback in the league.

With the Titans clearly in a transitional period, Levis’ inability to seize any opportunities to take the reins is a major disappointment for a team that invested heavily in his future.

4. Zay Flowers’ Underwhelming Start to Career

Zay Flowers was one of the top wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft, selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 22nd overall pick. Known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Flowers was expected to be an immediate contributor in Baltimore’s revamped offense, especially with Lamar Jackson’s new long-term contract and the team’s focus on improving their passing attack.

However, Flowers’ rookie season has been somewhat underwhelming. While he’s shown flashes of his potential, particularly with his ability to make plays after the catch, Flowers has yet to become the dynamic, game-changing receiver many anticipated. The Ravens’ offense has also been slow to fully incorporate him into their game plan, which has limited his opportunities to make an impact.

Flowers’ lack of consistent production, combined with the Ravens’ overall offensive struggles, has resulted in his performance not matching the hype surrounding his draft status. He still has time to develop and could certainly find his groove, but his first few months in the NFL have been a disappointment when compared to other wide receivers from the class who have made more immediate impacts.

What’s Next for These Players?

While the early returns on these 2023 draft picks have been disappointing, it’s important to note that these players are still incredibly young and have time to turn things around. The NFL is a tough league, especially for rookies, and many of these players still have the potential to develop into stars. Injuries, lack of opportunity, and fit within the team’s system can all play major roles in how a rookie’s career unfolds.

For Bryce Young, Jalen Carter, Will Levis, and Zay Flowers, it’s a matter of refining their skills, adjusting to the league’s pace, and waiting for the right opportunity to shine. The next few seasons will determine if their early struggles were just a bump in the road or a sign of a more significant problem with their game.

Conclusion

While the 2023 NFL Draft was full of promise, several high-profile selections have not lived up to expectations—at least not yet. Whether it’s Bryce Young’s inconsistent play, Jalen Carter’s struggles to make an immediate impact, Will Levis’ fall from grace, or Zay Flowers’ underwhelming start, these rookies have provided their teams and fans with disappointment in the early going.

That said, the NFL is a league of opportunity, and many of these players still have plenty of time to prove their worth. With hard work and growth, they could still fulfill their potential and prove the doubters wrong. The 2023 draft class may not have hit all its marks immediately, but the potential is still there for many of its players to make a lasting impact on the league.