Awaiting the 2023-24 NFL Season

By Sam Kishelev ‘26 and Isaac Sharret ‘26
Following the 2022-2023 National Football League season, football fans wait in suspense for next season to begin with the explosive draft class and trades on the horizon. 

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Although it seems impossible to top the stellar 2022 NFL Draft, this year’s loaded class might be the one to do so. Many of the strongest positions are quarterbacks, with QB prospects like Anthony Richardson, Will Levis and Hendon Hooker. Richardson is an incredible boom-or-bust prospect due to his arm power and running ability, and if used correctly and played to his full potential, will likely soon become a top QB. 
Levis, despite being a physically gifted QB with a powerful and fast arm, is an investment, due to many missed throws, poor decision-making skills and lack of confidence. 
Hooker, the last first-round projected QB, is already 25 years old but his 58:5 TD/INT ratio, impressive and consistent footwork and intelligent decision-making guarantee a smart NFL-ready QB with little risk.
 Other than the excellent QBs, the draft contains star cornerbacks like Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon and Deontae Banks. 
The draft class is also loaded with receiving threats including stars like Jaxon Smith-Njiba, Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, Quention Johnson, Dalton Kincaid and Micheal Mayer. “This class’ rookies are sure to make a lasting impact on the NFL and become top players very quickly,” said freshman Henry Sacks.
Many big moves have been made in free agency that will affect most teams next year. Free agency negotiations began on March 13th and lasted long, with both teams featured in the 2023 NFC Championship games, the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, making many acquisitions and losing players during these first few days. The Eagles lost middle linebacker TJ Edwards, running back Miles Sanders, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, all of whom were all key pieces in their 2023 Super Bowl run. The Eagles, however, were able to bounce back Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, James Bradberry, Darius Slay and most importantly, Jalen Hurts.
The 49ers lost quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, right tackle Mike McGlinchey, edge rusher Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu and safety Jimmie Ward. They did, however, sign the 
Eagles’ Javon Hargrave, who will have a large impact on their defensive line, being paired alongside defensive player of the year Nick Bosa as well as Arik Armstead. 
The Las Vegas Raiders also made many changes that will affect their team in the future. Derek Carr left the Raiders to join the New Orleans Saints, leaving the QB role open for the Raiders. This hole was quickly filled with 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garropolo.
The Raiders traded Darren Waller to the New York Giants in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 draft, re-signing running back Josh Jacobs who was a critical piece of their offense last season, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns. The Raiders also signed WR Jakobi Meyers from the New England Patriots to backup star wide receiver (WR) Davante Adams.
Trades made this off-season will also have large impacts on the next NFL season.
Notably, Jalen Ramsey is going from the Los Angeles Rams to the Miami Dolphins, joining a secondary already featuring Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland. 
The next big trade is Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys, joining a stacked secondary with Trevon Diggs and other corners such as DaRon Bland. The Cowboys additionally traded for Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks to back up star WR Ceedee Lamb. 
 In the biggest trade so far, the Carolina Panthers acquired the number one draft pick in exchange for two first-round picks (including this year's 9th), two second-round picks and D.J Moore. 
Fans can make as many predictions as they want, but they know that the 2023-2024 NFL season will live up to its expectations.