Top 10 2023 First Round Draft Picks Under the Most Pressure Going Into the 2026 NFL Season

It's hard to believe all of these guys are already heading into their fourth seasons. While there have been quite a few stars from the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, these players still seem to be finding their footing, though time may be running thin. Here, we are looking at the top ten 2023 first-round draft picks under the most pressure going into the 2026 NFL season.

1. C.J. Stroud

   

   Stroud, I think, unquestionably fits the criteria here, and to think he was once regarded as a rising star. His rookie year featured him taking a previously maligned Texans team into the playoffs for the first time in years, en route to winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The future seemed bright for him, and he looked poised to eventually break the bank.

   However, his 2024 season was nothing to write home about, and 2025 is when things really started coming undone. The Texans offense was oftentimes completely nonfunctional, and it was a stifling defense that carried them into the postseason. While said defense helped them reach the divisional round, Stroud threw four interceptions in that loss.

   Someone who was once regarded as one of the league's next star quarterbacks now has real and serious doubts about his future as a starter. If he wants to get one of those insane quarterback contracts, 2026 will be absolutely critical for him to bounce back.

2. Bryce Young

   

   Opposite of Stroud, the former first overall pick has gotten better each year since his rookie season. After returning from a benching in 2024, Young got noticeably more confident on the field, and by 2025, he had led the Panthers to their first playoff appearance since 2017. Now, he definitely has not played up to the level of his draft status, but Carolina picked up his fifth-year option, so they have confidence in him to keep on ascending.

3. Lukas Van Ness

   

   Van Ness was always going to be a developmental prospect, as that's typically how Green Bay takes its first-round edge rushers. His first two seasons mainly found him in a rotational role. His play seemed to start to pick up early in 2025, but a foot injury essentially sidelined him for three months. Now he finds himself going into year four, and he will be looked at as the top edge rusher for the Packers, with Micah Parsons still on the mend. With only 8.5 sacks in three seasons, it's fair to wonder if Van Ness will really put it all together. The flashes, especially last season, were undeniable.

4. Quentin Johnston

   

   Johnston's career has been a roller coaster so far. His rookie year was marred by drops, and his sophomore season, while statistically better, didn't really serve to move the needle much on him. Last season, however, he did seem to find a connection with Justin Herbert, though he missed time with an injury as well. With his fifth-year option picked up, Johnston is now under a lot of pressure to finally take the role as the Chargers' WR1 and to keep on elevating his play.

5. Felix Anudike-Uzomah

   

   Pressure may be a strong word here, as I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't already think Anudike-Uzomah is a bust. He recorded just 3 sacks in his first two seasons and missed all of last year with an injury. If he can somehow mount a comeback, that would be great, but he's got long odds and is falling further down the depth chart.

6. Nolan Smith

   

   Smith is an interesting case. On one hand, he's shown some crazy flashes, and the guy can certainly move. However, I really don't think the overall production has been there, especially given his attributes and pedigree. He hasn't really separated himself as Philly's top edge rusher. In fact, he's been second fiddle most of the time to a superior pass rusher. The trade for Jonathan Greenard seems to support the notion that the Eagles don't entirely see Smith as a true game changer. He's still got time, and the talent is undeniable, but he needs to stay consistent and stay healthy.

7. Deonte Banks

   

   Banks started off pretty great his rookie year, but his play has dropped off over the course of the last two seasons, and he fell out of favor with the coaching staff by the middle of last season, with him only starting 6 games. Now there's an entirely new staff in town, and with his fifth-year option being declined, Banks' time in New York might be coming to a close.

8. Dalton Kincaid

   

   On paper, Kincaid has been a very solid addition to Josh Allen's weapons in Buffalo, but their usage of him is where things are a little questionable. Dawson Knox still seems to be the favorite in the offense, and Kincaid is more of a pass-catching-exclusive tight end. The Bills keep extending Knox, so it's fair to wonder if Kincaid just hasn't been getting the opportunities he needs.

9. Myles Murphy

   

   Another disappointing Bengals first-round defensive pick, Murphy has never really put it all together on one of the worst defenses in the league. Statistically, last season was his best, but it'll take another year of solid production to really show that he's turned a corner.

10. Bryan Bresee

    

    Bresee had a really nice 2024 season, which has been sandwiched between two mediocre ones. We've seen him play well, so this season will be important for him.