CBS Sports reimagines 2023 NFL draft with strategic swaps and undrafted surprises
A new analysis by CBS Sports projects a vastly different first round three years on, driven by player development and specific draft constraints.
CBS Sports has published a hypothetical re-draft of the 2023 NFL first round, contextualised within a 2026 season. The analysis swaps the top quarterback selections, positing that the Carolina Panthers would select C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans would select Bryce Young. The exercise incorporates three years of player development, roster changes, and specific constraints, such as excluding players originally drafted by the selecting team. Notable shifts include undrafted free agent Jalen Redmond being selected by the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams acquiring multiple players who were not first-round picks in the original 2023 draft.
The premise of the re-draft hinges on the "you can't select the same player you originally drafted" rule, which fundamentally alters the trajectory of the top two picks. In this scenario, Stroud, who was originally selected by the Houston Texans, becomes the Panthers' choice at number one overall. Conversely, Young, originally picked by Carolina, lands with the Texans. The analysis suggests that while Young has outplayed Stroud in the immediate past year, Stroud’s early-career brilliance and perceived safety as a franchise quarterback make him the preferred choice for Carolina in this hypothetical universe.
Player development over the three-year period significantly influences the later rounds and specific team needs. The Los Angeles Rams, for instance, are depicted as acquiring multiple players who were not first-round selections in the original draft, including O'Cyrus Torrence and Kobie Turner. This reflects a strategic pivot to address roster gaps, such as interior offensive line depth, using talent that was available outside the initial first-round window. The Rams' haul in this re-draft underscores the value of late-round gems and undrafted free agents in reshaping a team's competitive standing.
The New York Giants' selection of undrafted free agent Jalen Redmond highlights the impact of performance metrics on draft stock. Redmond, who recorded six sacks, five batted passes, and 26 hurries in 2025, is projected as a high-value pick for New York, which faces defensive tackle depth concerns following roster changes. This selection illustrates how real-world performance can elevate players who were initially overlooked, providing teams with cost-effective solutions to critical positional needs.
Other notable changes include the Seattle Seahawks selecting Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions acquiring Tyreek Hill. The analysis also notes the Chicago Bears selecting Bijan Robinson and the Tennessee Titans focusing on wide receiver depth. These shifts demonstrate how the re-draft accounts for existing roster compositions and player availability, creating a divergent timeline from the actual 2023 draft outcomes. The exercise serves as a comprehensive review of how strategic decisions and player development can alter the landscape of the NFL over a three-year period.
