There is an abundance of quality quarterbacks in the upcoming <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-the-worst-first-round-draft-picks-in-the-previous-10-years-20230408-SPD-3560.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 NFL Draft</a>. In recent times, athletes such as Bryce Young, Will Levis, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker have garnered much attention.



But football is a team sport, and no squad can win without a reliable rushing attack. That’s why, even in a league that favors passing, running backs still play a crucial role.



Moreover, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-4-most-disappointing-free-agent-nfl-signings-over-the-last-5-years-20230316-SPD-3499.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bijan Robinson</a> of Texas is the most exciting running back prospect. This article will examine the most likely destinations for the Longhorns star, who has been compared to Giants running back Saquon Barkley.



<h2>3. Carolina Panthers</h2>



Either CJ Stroud or Bryce Young will be selected with the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Even with Miles Sanders in the mix, they should consider taking Robinson if he falls to the second round and utilize him to replace Christian McCaffrey.



Frank Reich’s offense might benefit greatly from having two young stars, even though they are both rookies, provided they can stay healthy. The Panthers have always prioritized running the ball, so he’s a natural match.



<h2>2. Miami Dolphins</h2>



In 2022, the Miami Dolphins passing offense was a game-changer. Tua Tagovialoa clicked with Tyreek Hill right away, and Jaylen Waddle benefited from the extra room he provided.



The rushing attack, though, often fell short of expectations. With the addition of a future Hall of Famer like Bijan Robinson, they might easily become the NFL’s most prolific scoring unit.



<h2>1. Philadelphia Eagles</h2>



When it comes to draft selections, the Philadelphia Eagles are back in the driver’s seat. Howie Roseman could make some moves and work his magic to snag another star, and he would still be in a good position to grab a promising young player.



The Eagles still have a number of choices to attempt to replace Miles Sanders, who signed with the Panthers, and who they have to replace via a committee. None of them, though, can hold a candle to this tackle-breaking monster in terms of raw skill, disruptiveness, and physical prowess.

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bijan Robinson

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bijan Robinson - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

All 32 NFL franchises are now finishing up their draft boards in preparation for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-the-worst-first-round-draft-picks-in-the-previous-10-years-20230408-SPD-3560.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 NFL Draft</a>. Compared to freedom of choice, this is a far more momentous occurrence. The most important element in constructing a winning squad is the acquisition of young, inexpensive talent. 



The onus is on general managers and scouts to mine all seven rounds for worthwhile prospects. Every NFL club is under pressure to find success in the draft, but some teams face more intense scrutiny than others. 



The events of this month will have a significant impact on the future of every organization, whether they have a dozen draft selections to use or are on the verge of a rebuild. Below, CBS Sports have examined the three NFC teams who, for various reasons, absolutely must do well in the 2023 NFL Draft.



<h2>3. Washington Commanders</h2>



It’s important to pick well for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-promising-upcoming-2023-nfl-draft-quarterbacks-20230329-SPD-3538.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ron Rivera</a>‘s sake. Last year, he angered the fan base by replacing Taylor Heinicke with Carson Wentz in the starting lineup at the end of the season. Wentz, in his second opportunity, promptly threw three interceptions in a loss to the Cleveland Browns that effectively ended the Commanders’ playoff hopes. To top it all off, Rivera was caustic with the press after the game, as if he didn’t realize his club had been knocked out of playoff contention.



As the NFC East improves, the Commanders are in danger of repeating as division champs. Dallas Cowboys have won 12 games each of the last two seasons, Philadelphia Eagles have shown they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and New York Giants are on the rise under Brian Daboll. To be competitive in a difficult division and to demonstrate to potential new ownership that the club is headed in the right direction, the Commanders need to win the draft.



<h2>2. Green Bay Packers</h2>



With Aaron Rodgers likely being traded to the New York Jets in the near future, a new era has begun. In 2022, love made a few brief appearances and showed promise. In Week 12’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he directed two scoring drives and threw for 113 yards and a score while completing 6 of 9 passes. 



It will be crucial for the Packers to take care of him, arm him, and provide him with a strong defense to shut down the rival team’s offense in 2023. Especially given the fact that all three of its divisional competitors are making strides upward.



<h2>1. Carolina Panthers</h2>



Carolina sent two first-rounders, two second-rounders, and wide receiver D.J. Moore to Chicago in exchange for the first overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft. The new starting quarterback has been chosen, and Frank Reich and Scott Fitterer are thrilled.



The Panthers may use the services of a new tight end and wide receiver. Although talented, the defense might benefit from adding a pass rusher, linebacker, and cornerback. The Panthers must get off to a winning start in the Frank Reich era. After Tom Brady’s retirement, the NFC South is wide open. The 2023 draft will be crucial if the Panthers want to surprise everyone with a strong season.

NFL: Top 3 NFC teams that need to make excellent draft choices

NFL: Top 3 NFC teams that need to make excellent draft choices - thesportsdrops NEWS

To suggest that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-aaron-rodgers-in-case-of-packers-exit-20230223-SPD-3430.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> isn’t a major player in the NFL would be an understatement. A counterargument may be that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-titles-have-the-patriots-won-20230219-SPD-3423.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a>‘ quarterback isn’t the worst option.



In either case, the Niners will have to choose between Trey Lance and Brock Purdy for the next season. The likelihood of the 31-year-old’s return to the Bay Area is low given their desire to trade him.



Having eliminated one of Jimmy Garoppolo’s prospective destinations, we can focus on the other three teams that would be the best fit for him at this stage in his career.



<h2>3. New York Jets</h2>



Speculation about a possible deal between Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets has been rife for some time. If they are unable to get the Green Bay Packers’ superstar via a trade, they have Derek Carr in mind as a backup plan.



But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from looking back through time, it’s that the Jets seldom succeed in getting what they want. If that happens again this summer, they may have to consider Jimmy Garoppolo as an option.



<h2>2. New England Patriots</h2>



Reports indicate that the New England Patriots are beginning to have doubts about Mac Jones’ viability as the team’s starting quarterback. During his sophomore year, he took a step backward and was even taken off the field for a game.



Coach Belichick has always spoken highly of Jimmy G. It’s worth noting that he reportedly wanted to sell Tom Brady to the 49ers in order to retain Jimmy Garoppolo, so he may end up back with the Patriots in some capacity.



<h2>1. Carolina Panthers</h2>



The Carolina Panthers might need a new quarterback as Sam Darnold enters the last year of his contract. When Darnold was cut and then reinstated to the starting lineup last year, nothing is set in stone.



It’s clear that Matt Corral isn’t quite ready to take charge, so Frank Reich will have to weigh his alternatives. As such, Garoppolo might serve as a suitable fill-in for the next season or two.

Top 3 most likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo in case of 49ers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 most likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo in case of 49ers exit

When the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield</a>, it seemed pretty clear they wanted him to take the reins this year. However, Matt Rhule wanted him to fight for the job before announcing who would be QB1.



This week, Carolina finally announced that Mayfield will be the starting quarterback in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jacoby-brissett-reacts-to-possibly-taking-over-for-deshaun-watson-2437-20220802-SPD-2437.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season</a> against his former team, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a>.



That means Sam Darnold‘s aspirations of keeping the job are over after weeks of fighting for the position. Though it’s not what he wanted, he didn’t complain about the Panthers’ decision to bench him.



<h2>Sam Darnold not mad about losing Panthers’ QB job to Baker Mayfield</h2>



“We were fighting for the starting job,” Darnold said, via ProFootballTalk. “Every day was our game day out there during camp, especially as we got into these last couple weeks. . . . Obviously it didn’t go my way. Coach named Baker the starter. My mindset is it is what it is. For me, right now, I’m gonna do everything I can to support Baker and get him ready to play a game.”



At the end of the day, this is a team sport, regardless of which position you’re playing. Darnold had his chance last year, and he didn’t seize it. Now it’s Mayfield’s turn, and Darnold has no option but to support him and be ready in case he’s needed.

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-leonard-fournette-knew-tom-brady-would-come-back-from-retirement-1348-20220607-SPD-1348.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> have reached an agreement on the trade of quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-seahawks-pete-carroll-suggests-chris-carsons-neck-issue-might-cause-him-to-retire-1426-20220610-SPD-1426.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> this week in exchange for a conditional first-round selection in 2024. There will be a $4.85 million split between Carolina and Cleveland in terms of Mayfield’s contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.



It was agreed that the 27-year-old would convert the remaining $18.8 million of his salary into incentives in order to speed up the transaction, which is still subject to a medical examination. There’s a chance that Mayfield will be able to recoup that money.



For the 2024 NFL Draft, the Browns will get a fourth or fifth round selection depending on how much the quarterback plays in Carolina. In order for a fourth-round choice, a league source told ESPN‘s David Newton that the quarterback would have to play 70 percent of the plays.



<h2>Baker Mayfield to attempt to revive career in Cleveland</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">A parting message from GM Andrew Berry was among several given by the Browns in regards to their former franchise quarterback: “He will always have a unique place in Browns history for what he accomplished and we wish him well as he continues his career.”</blockquote>



After obtaining Mayfield, the Panthers are reportedly not interested in departing with his rival quarterback, Sam Darnold. In training camp, they will once again fight for the starting spot. If Mayfield wins the starting quarterback position, he will face his former side, the Cleveland Browns in the opening game of the season.

Carolina Panthers

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bijan Robinson

NFL: Top 3 NFC teams that need to make excellent draft choices

Top 3 most likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo in case of 49ers exit

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield

NFL News: Panthers acquire Baker Mayfield from Browns

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