By The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The NFL draft has begun! The Carolina Panthers kicked off Thursday evening’s proceedings by taking quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 decide. The draft could be considered on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Follow for reside updates from Associated Press reporters throughout the nation (all occasions EST).
What to know:
— Panthers make Bryce Young high decide within the NFL draft
— Eagles choose Georgia’s Jalen Carter, who had position in deadly crash
BRYCE YOUNG IS YOUR NO. 1, WHO’S ON DECK FRIDAY?
The first spherical of the NFL draft is within the books. And what a thriller it was!
Three quarterbacks within the high 4 picks, beginning with Bryce Young to the Panthers. Two Texans alternatives within the high three. Two operating backs within the high dozen picks.
The Super Bowl champion Chiefs capped the rousing Round 1 by choosing Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah in Kansas City, which is internet hosting the draft for the primary time.
In all there have been 15 offensive and 16 defensive gamers chosen in Round 1. The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first spherical decide for tampering.
The hottest place was edge rusher with six alternatives.
One participant who wasn’t chosen was Will Levis. The Kentucky quarterback was projected to go as excessive as No. 2 however sat underneath the watchful eye of hundreds of thousands of tv viewers solely to not hear his identify referred to as on Thursday.
Among the highest gamers in Round 2 Friday along with Levis are Notre Dame tight finish Michael Mayer and Alabama cornerback Brian Branch.
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FIRST TIGHT END, WIDE RECEIVER FINALLY SELECTED
Buffalo’s Josh Allen has a red-zone possibility now in Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, the primary tight finish off the board within the NFL draft.
Five picks earlier than Kincaid heard his identify referred to as because the twenty fifth choice, the Seattle Seahawks made Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba the primary huge receiver taken on Thursday evening.
The Bills jumped forward of the Dallas Cowboys to get Kincaid, who together with Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer are thought-about the very best of a crop of tight ends that’s the deepest within the final decade.
Seattle’s number of Smith-Ngiba was the beginning of a run of 4 consecutive wideouts being chosen for the primary time within the first spherical. Quentin Johnson went to the Chargers. Zay Flowers was chosen by Baltimore and the Vikings chosen Jordan Addison.
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TRADING PLACES AT NFL DRAFT
NFL groups are wheeling and dealing on the primary evening of the draft.
After choosing quarterback C,J. Stroud with the second total decide, the Houston Texans kicked off a flurry of draft-day trades by getting the third total decide from Arizona and choosing linebacker Will Anderson Jr.
The Cardinals acquired the twelfth decide from the Texans however rapidly despatched that choice to Detroit for the sixth total choice so they might draft deal with Paris Johnson.
The Lions chosen operating again Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 after the Eagles and Bears swapped picks so Philly may take Jalen Carter at No. 9. Chicago, which as soon as owned the No. 1 total decide earlier than sending it to the Panthers, drafted deal with Darnell Wright at No. 10.
Then, the Steelers and Patriots swapped picks. Pittsburgh acquired deal with Broderick Jones at No. 14 and the Patriots grabbed cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the seventeenth total decide.
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ROLL TIDE: ALABAMA PLAYERS GO EARLY
Alabama is the early chief on NFL draft evening.
Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young was the highest total decide by the Carolina Panthers and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. went third to the Houston Texans. No main surprises there, however then Alabama operating again Jahmyr Gibbs going twelfth total to the Detroit Lions.
Gibbs is the second operating again chosen to this point. Bijan Robinson of Texas went eighth total to the Atlanta Falcons.
And whereas Gibbs was thought-about the subsequent finest operating again behind Robinson, he was broadly anticipated to get drafted in the course of Friday’s Round 2.
Running again is a place that groups are normally reluctant to spend first-round picks on, a lot much less on the high of Round 1.
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EAGLES TAKE JALEN CARTER AT NO. 9
Carter is a 313-pound defensive-stopper with energy and quickness who collapses pockets as deftly as he splits double-teams. The Eagles chosen him ninth total however he may need gone even increased have been it not for questions on his maturity and authorized issues. He’s on probation after pleading no contest to reckless driving and racing, costs associated to an auto accident that killed a Georgia teammate and a soccer staffer.
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ANTHONY RICHARDSON’S DECLARATION
“I’m going to be a dynamic player for the franchise. I’m going to work hard and I’m going to be a leader. But it’s time to make my own legacy now. No more Cam-Jacksons. It’s Anthony Richardson now.” – new Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who has referred to as himself Cam Jackson, a mixture of Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson, in describing his stature and elegance.
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SEAHAWKS TAKE DEVON WITHERSPOON AT NO. 5
As a senior, Witherspoon is a rarity by being chosen this excessive within the NFL draft. He’s a bodily and disruptive defensive again who’s aggressive on the sphere however affected person in life. He didn’t play soccer till halfway by way of highschool and spent a 12 months at a junior faculty earlier than going to Illinois, the place he took an enormous leap as a senior to turn into one of many nation’s finest gamers.
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ANTHONY RICHARDSON GOES NO. 4
Some issues to know in regards to the quarterback the Indianapolis Colts chosen out of Florida. Richardson is 6-foot-4 and simply shy of 250 kilos. He’s probably the most intriguing quarterback prospect within the class with Cam Newton-tipe measurement, athleticism and arm power. But he’s nonetheless very uncooked. He had 13 profession begins and solely 393 cross makes an attempt in three seasons at Florida. He’ll must work on his mechanics and turn into a extra correct passer within the execs like Josh Allen did in Buffalo.
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TEXANS TRADE UP, TAKE WILL ANDERSON JR.
After the Houston Texans acquired their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud they made a blockbuster commerce with the Arizona Cardinals to maneuver up and took Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. Here is a few issues to know in regards to the defensive standout:
With so many potential franchise quarterbacks popping out this 12 months, there was no manner Anderson was going to be the primary total decide. But he was projected as the highest non-QB prospect within the draft and was the the very best defensive participant chosen. He racked up 34 1/2 sacks and 62 tackles for loss in 41 video games at Alabama.
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TEXANS TAKE C.J. STROUD NO. 2
The Houston Texans have chosen C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 decide. Here are some issues to know in regards to the former Ohio State quarterback:
He has elite accuracy and contact mixed with good arm power and measurement at 6-foot-3 and 214 kilos. He broke a Big Ten report held by Drew Brees by throwing 85 landing passes over two seasons. But whereas he’s flashed above-average athleticism, he has at occasions appeared reluctant to make use of it and tends to linger within the pocket and lock on receivers, habits he’ll have to interrupt within the NFL.
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BRYCE YOUNG GOES NO. 1
The Carolina Panthers have chosen Bryce Young because the No. 1 decide within the NFL draft. Here are some issues to find out about quarterback out of Alabama:
For the final quarter century or so any undersized quarterback prospect has been in comparison with Drew Brees. Maybe at some point Young, at 5-foot-10, would be the one drawing such comparisons. He is a poised chief and inventive playmaker with an elite mixture of instincts and intelligence with a great arm, however, boy, is he small for an NFL quarterback.
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NFL HONORS VIRGINIA PLAYERS
The NFL honored the three University of Virginia soccer gamers that have been slain in November because the honorary first gamers chosen within the draft.
The households of Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler have been offered jerseys with their names and the No. 23 on them earlier than a crowd of greater than 100,000 in entrance of Kansas City’s Union Station.
Christopher Darnell Jr., a former walk-on with the Cavaliers’ soccer workforce, is accused of opening fireplace on a constitution bus as he and different college students arrived again on campus after seeing a play and having dinner collectively in Washington, D.C.
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RAIDERS FAN: DRAFT IS OUR SUPER BOWL
Fans from throughout the nation have converged on downtown Kansas City for the NFL draft.
Las Vegas Raiders fan Isaac Lingelbach stated he drove about 2 1/2 hours to have a good time what he calls their “Super Bowl” within the coronary heart of Chiefs nation.
It’s a reversal from a 12 months in the past, when many Chiefs followers headed to Las Vegas for the draft.
“The Chiefs fan are celebrating a Super Bowl season from last year, but they don’t realize that the draft is our Super Bowl each year,” Lingelbach stated. “There’s not a game today, so we’re just here to have a good time and we have so far. The Chiefs fans have been nice.”
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RICHARDSON’S MOM, BROTHER BY HIS SIDE
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson’s inventory has been on the rise, particularly given the best way he carried out within the exercises main as much as the draft.
Richardson’s mom, LaShawnda Cleare, joined him on the purple carpet outdoors Union Station. His youthful brother, Corey, was additionally readily available in a go well with that just about matched massive brother and a thick diamond-filled chain of his personal.
LaShawnda stated of Richardson: “I’ve always been proud of him. Everybody else is now getting to see how awesome they both are.”
Richardson is predicted to affix Bryce Young of Alabama, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Kentucky’s Will Levis amongst QBs taken within the first spherical. There may very well be a fifth in Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, too.
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BRYCE YOUNG’S PINK SUIT LOOKS FAMILIAR
The pink go well with that possible No. 1 decide Bryce Young wore to the NFL draft ought to resonate in Kansas City: It’s the identical jacket by Dior that Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce wore when he hosted “Saturday Night Live.”
The jacket retails for $3,300 and, in line with Dior, “reveals an ultramodern and unique silhouette with innovative details.” It is crafted in pink wool twill and “features a removable interior scarf that mimics the style of the sleeves.”
The purple carpet, and the types worn by NFL prospects, has turn into a giant a part of the festivities lately.
Fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud was blinging with a diamond-encrusted chain within the form of the No. 7, which he wore at Ohio State. Alabama defensive again Brian Branch wore a diamond-filled chain that included a palm tree and his initials.
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ALABAMA’S ANDERSON ‘A COMPLETE PERSON’
Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is taken into account among the many finest non-quarterback prospects within the NFL draft.
His expertise is apparent. The 6-foot-3, 253 pound Anderson has pace, uncooked energy and the flexibility to dominate a sport.
Anderson additionally takes pleasure in being well-rounded off the sphere, too.
“I bring a complete person,” Anderson instructed the AP’s Rob Maaddi. “I hold myself to a very high standard and high expectation and never to embarrass myself or my family. I always treat people with respect. Whatever culture I get in, I’m gonna do my best to uphold that culture, hold myself accountable. Also, treat everyone in the facility with respect, with care, with love.”
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NO PARTY AT CHIEFS FACILITY
There is normally a buzz of exercise across the Kansas City Chiefs follow facility on draft evening, when the Super Bowl champs welcome season ticket-holders to an enormous social gathering capped by them making their first-round decide.
That social gathering moved about 10 miles west this 12 months to Union Station, the place the NFL is internet hosting the draft for the primary time.
Rather than tons of of vehicles pouring into the parking heaps at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday evening, there was a lonely FedEx employee delivering some packages and one automotive that apparently acquired misplaced and was turning round.
The Chiefs are scheduled to choose final within the first spherical.
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RAVENS SIGN LAMAR JACKSON BEFORE DRAFT
One quarterback that wasn’t on the NFL draft board however was more likely to affect some groups’ selections is now not in play.
Hours earlier than the draft, the Baltimore Ravens agreed in precept with Lamar Jackson on a five-year deal, securing their star quarterback for the foreseeable future and ending a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the workforce’s offseason.
It’s honest to say that in Baltimore not less than, this information will overshadow whoever the workforce may take within the first spherical.
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C.J. STROUD NOT CONCERNED ABOUT CRITICISM
C.J. Stroud has gone from being thought-about the possible No. 1 total decide to probably dropping out of the highest 10 after stories the Ohio State quarterback scored poorly within the S2 Cognition check.
“First, second, third, 20th, 105th, whatever it looks like, I’m just blessed to be able to have an opportunity,” Stroud, seemingly not involved about any of the damaging criticism, instructed AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi hours earlier than the draft. “Wherever I do go, I’m gonna take full benefit of the chance.
“I’m not mad about it,” Stroud stated of the stories. “I have nothing to hide or to be ashamed of.”
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STICK WITH YOUR PICK?
With about 4 hours earlier than the primary decide, are you sticking together with your man to be chosen No. 1 in tonight’s NFL draft?
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the overwhelming favourite in line with most oddsmakers and most mock drafts.
The Carolina Panthers will kick issues off after buying and selling 4 draft picks and huge receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 total decide.
The Panthers are selecting between Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson as they attempt to escape the quarterback quagmire they’ve been trapped in for half a decade.
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THE JALEN CARTER WATCH
The NFL draft is about to start in Kansas City in 5 hours and one of many extra intriguing names to look at is that of Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, writes AP’s Rob Maaddi.
Carter was as soon as projected to be the No. 1 total decide within the draft earlier than the Chicago Bears made a commerce with the quarterback-needy Carolina Panthers.
There are questions on how far the Bulldogs’ standout defensive lineman might slip due to his involvement in a automotive crash that killed a Georgia teammate and a workforce staffer. Carter was given 12 months’ probation and a $1,000 wonderful after pleading no contest to misdemeanor costs of reckless driving and racing
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NO DRAFT PICKS FOR YOUR TEAM
Draft events in some cities gained’t be so raucous tonight as a result of 5 groups don’t have any first-round alternatives within the NFL draft that begins in six hours.
Moving up within the draft for quarterbacks has turn into a typical prevalence, however the Broncos, Rams and Browns bucked that development by parting with their 2023 first-round picks in trades for veteran quarterbacks. The 49ers don’t have a first-rounder due to the Trey Lance commerce in 2021 and the Dolphins forfeited their first-rounder for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton whereas they have been with different groups.
AP Football Writer Josh Dubow critiques a few of the finest and worst trade-ups for quarterbacks.
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FASHION STATEMENTS LOOMING
Who will steal the highlight with a daring style assertion on the NFL draft tonight?
While high prospects on this 12 months’s draft like quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson put together their outfits for the large evening, Kristie Rieken appears to be like again at a few of the most memorable draft evening ensembles since Deion Sanders made a splash along with his monitor go well with and gold chains in 1989.
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WILL BIJAN BE FIRST RUNNING BACK DRAFTED?
Bijan Robinson is predicted to be the primary operating again chosen within the NFL draft. How excessive he goes is the large query.
The Texas star has top-10 expertise however NFL groups now not place a premium on operating backs, so he may nonetheless be on the board late within the first spherical. Only 4 operating backs have been chosen within the first spherical since Saquon Barkley was chosen at No. 2 by the New York Giants in 2018. None went increased than No. 24.
“Everybody has their opinions and understandably so because the running back position came to be one-dimensional,” Robinson instructed AP. “But if you have a guy who is really versatile and can line up as a receiver, in the slot and have as much effect (as a receiver) as at running back, that’s when the value really takes off.”
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DRAFT TAKES BACKSEAT ONLY TO SUPER BOWL
The NFL draft shall be held at Kansas City’s Union Station, the place the league has constructed its largest stage complicated for its second-biggest occasion behind the Super Bowl, writes Dave Skretta.
Once a fixture at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the draft has grown in recognition because it took to the highway eight years in the past in 2015. The occasion has turn into a significant boon for the league, groups and host cities.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com”