Many roster holes were filled for many teams following the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, some teams used a few selections to take players at positions where they already have an established veteran. Here are five players who should start to worry now that the draft is over:
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans
Tannehill is still under contract for the 2023 season, but that doesn’t mean his job is safe. The Titans drafted Will Levis 33rd overall to be the team’s QB of the future, and the future might come sooner rather than later should Tannehill continue struggling with injuries or play like he did in 2021. By not getting Levis in Round 1, Tennessee does not have the luxury of a fifth-year option, so don’t be surprised if Levis gets significant playing time if or when Tennessee is out of playoff contention.
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
While Goff did have a career resurgence in 2022, there’s no guarantee he will replicate his production in 2023, but he should have a better supporting cast than he did a year ago. In drafting Hendon Hooker in the third round, the Lions gave themselves a perfect succession plan. Hooker is a mature and polished 25-year-old who should be just a year away from being ready to start. If that’s the case, Detroit can cut Goff next offseason and save $26.9 million. If he’s not ready, then the Lions have Goff under contract for one more year. It’s a win-win.
Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks
It sounds bizarre to suggest a player who finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 is on the hot seat, but after the Seahawks drafted Zach Charbonnet with the 52nd overall pick over the weekend, head coach Pete Carroll hinted the two backs could be battling for the starting job. After rushing for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns last season, Walker would appear to have a leg up in the competition, but Charbonnet did post back-to-back seasons with 1,100 or more rushing yards and 13 or more touchdowns at UCLA the last two years.
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
After drafting Marvin Mims in the second round over the weekend, the Broncos have a logjam at wide receiver. They picked up Jerry Jeudy’s fifth-year option, so it’s unlikely that he will be moved, leaving Mims, Sutton, K.J. Hamler, Marquez Callaway and Tim Patrick battling for three or potentially four spots. The only one with a 1,000-yard season under his belt, Sutton would likely bring back the biggest return in a trade.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
After drafting Quentin Johnston 21st overall, and with Joshua Palmer emerging as a reliable go-to option for quarterback Justin Herbert, Allen’s days in Los Angeles could be numbered. At 31, he’s the oldest receiver on the Chargers’ roster and he missed seven games last year due to injury. With Mike Williams proving capable of handling the role of No. 1 receiver, Allen could be in danger of falling down the depth chart.
