NFL · Editorial
Re-Drafting the 2023 NFL Class.
May 26, 2026 · 7 min read · DynastyDaily Editorial
Direct answer
If we could re-do the 2023 NFL Draft with 3 years of hindsight, the order would change dramatically. C.J. Stroud goes #1 (no debate), Jahmyr Gibbs jumps to #2, and Puka Nacua — originally 177th overall — becomes a re-draft top-5 pick. Anthony Richardson and several defensive prospects fall out of the top 10 entirely.
If we could re-do the 2023 NFL Draft with 3 years of hindsight, the order would change dramatically. C.J. Stroud goes #1 (no debate), Jahmyr Gibbs jumps to #2, and Puka Nacua — originally 177th overall — becomes a re-draft top-5 pick. Anthony Richardson and several defensive prospects fall out of the top 10 entirely.
2023 Draft re-do — with 3 years of hindsight
| Pick | Original | Re-draft pick | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryce Young (CAR) | CJ Stroud | No-brainer; Stroud has been a top-3 fantasy QB |
| 2 | CJ Stroud (HOU) | Jahmyr Gibbs | Elite dual-threat RB; better dynasty asset |
| 3 | Anthony Richardson (IND) | Bijan Robinson | Cornerstone RB with elite athletic profile |
| 4 | Will Anderson Jr. (HOU) | Puka Nacua | 5th-round steal; immediate WR1 fantasy contributor |
| 5 | Devon Witherspoon (SEA) | Sam LaPorta | Best fantasy TE in 2023 class |
| 6 | Paris Johnson Jr. (ARI) | Bryce Young | Still a top-12 QB long-term; flagship pick fell |
| 7 | Tyree Wilson (LV) | Jordan Addison | Reliable WR2 fantasy producer for Vikings |
| 8 | Bijan Robinson (ATL) | Quentin Johnston | Late breakout; expected to take Chargers WR1 in 2026 |
| 9 | Jalen Carter (PHI) | Zay Flowers | Steady Ravens WR1 floor + upside |
The biggest re-draft jumps
- Puka Nacua — Originally 5th-round pick (177th overall), now a re-draft top 5 pick. Most extreme value gain since Tyreek Hill 2016.
- Sam LaPorta — Originally 2nd round (34th), now top 5. Best TE class output in years.
- Quentin Johnston — Originally 1st round but underperformed Year 1; now climbing back as Chargers WR1.
- Jahmyr Gibbs — Already a top-12 pick, but probably top 2 in re-draft.
Biggest re-draft drops
- Anthony Richardson — Injury concerns + Indianapolis instability dropped his dynasty value.
- Will Anderson Jr. — Defensive pick; not fantasy-relevant.
- Tyree Wilson — Defensive prospect, did not develop as expected.
Frequently asked
Who would be the #1 pick if the 2023 draft happened again?
C.J. Stroud — easily. He has been a top-3 fantasy QB since debut and the highest-floor asset from the 2023 class.
Who is the biggest re-draft value gainer from 2023?
Puka Nacua. Originally drafted 177th overall (5th round) by the Rams, he's now a re-draft top-5 pick after a historic rookie season.
Should I be selling 2023 rookies in 2026?
Sell aging mid-tier producers; hold/buy the top tier (Stroud, Gibbs, Bijan, Nacua, LaPorta). Avoid panic-selling Bryce Young — he's only 25 and Carolina improvements could revive value.