Three players who could be shock first-round picks in 2023 NFL Draft

Finally, after months of nonstop coverage, predictions and analysis, the NFL Draft for 2023 is just days away.

The weekend-long extravaganza feels like the first real starting point of a new season, but we’re still not certain on what exactly is going to happen.

The NFL Scouting Combine, Pro Days and team visits provide teams and pundits with much more information. But, this is the draft, and surprises almost always happen.

Here are three players who could make for shock first-round picks on April 27:

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

One of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in this class, Hendon Hooker is coming off a torn ACL late in 2022 but had a impressive time in college that can help him become a good NFL starter.

He might be 25, but at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, with all the athleticism and leadership traits that teams look for in a franchise quarterback, Hooker can definitely make a surprise and sneak into the first-round. When he played in 2022, he completed almost 70% of his passes, with a 27:2 TD:INT ratio.

Many will have concerns over his injuries and longevity, but Hooker is still one of the best QBs coming out of college.

Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

The hype over this year’s wide receiver class is certainly well below what we’ve seen in recent years, but there is talent available.

There might not be a Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson available, but Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo looks to be one of the most physically imposing receiver in this year’s class, with all kinds of athletic powers in terms of speed and agility to emerge as a well-rounded target in this league.

He’s not received the same amount of media attention as other WRs, but NFL executives may have a different view and see Mingo as a good prospect to take early.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

This one would be a real shock, given what we know about the way NFL teams value their first round selections against picking a running back with the premium. But without Bijan Robinson, Gibbs would be the standout running back available this year.

A well-built force with electric feet, who is a reliable pass catcher when working in the slot. He’s not going to be a knockdown power back who will constantly bulldoze through opposition teams, but his style is beautifully suited to today’s up-tempo game.

We’ve seen other Crimson Tide runners in Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry drafted fairly early in recent years. Gibbs could be the latest to follow in the footsteps.