The 2023 NFL Draft saw numerous college stars drafted, but as is the case with every season, some saw more immediate success than others.
The Dallas Express takes a look at some of the top players with ties to Texas and how they fared in 2023.
The First Round
First-round drafts often find themselves thrust into action in their rookie year, and that was the case with all three Texas college picks in 2023.
Tyree Wilson — Texas Tech — DE — Seventh overall, Las Vegas Raiders
Wilson entered the 2023 season dealing with a foot injury that hampered his early-season performance. In the later part of the year, Wilson showed flashes of greatness. He recorded 3.5 sacks and 29 combined tackles in 14 games.
Bijan Robinson — Texas — RB — Eighth overall, Atlanta Falcons
The highest-drafted back in 2023 showed promise right off the bat and had a stellar rookie campaign. He tallied 976 yards on 214 carries, scoring four touchdowns, and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. He also had 58 receptions.
Quentin Johnston — TCU — WR — 21st overall, Los Angeles Chargers
Johnson showed dazzling potential at TCU, but never got the big game opportunities on a Chargers team that struggled all season. He still managed 431 yards on 67 receptions but notched just two touchdowns.
The Second Round
Steve Avila — TCU — OL — 36th overall, Los Angeles Rams
Avila had a stellar 2023 season and was the only Rams linesman on offense or defense to play every snap. He accounted for just two penalties and allowed just two sacks on 1,147 snaps.
Rashee Rice — SMU — WR — 55th overall, Kansas City Chiefs
Rice had perhaps the best season of any 2023 draftee and became a go-to receiver for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He collected 938 yards on 79 receptions and seven touchdowns. With the Chiefs playing in the Wild Card Round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs, Rice likely isn’t finished racking up stats.
The Third Round
Nathaniel “Tank” Dell — Houston — WR — 69th overall, Houston Texans
Tank did not have to go far on draft day and started the season strong. He had over 700 yards and seven touchdowns when a broken fibula in Week 11 brought his season to an end.
Kendre Miller — TCU — RB — 77th overall, New Orleans Saints
Miller saw early action with the suspension of Alvin Kamara but suffered an ankle injury in November that kept him sidelined until Week 18. He recorded just 156 yards on 41 carries and scored his lone touchdown in the final game of the season.
Devon Achane — Texas A&M — RB — 84th overall, Miami Dolphins
Achane dealt with two knee injuries and a toe injury during the season but showed flashes of being a top-tier running back when healthy. He totaled 800 yards on 103 carries and scored 8 touchdowns.
These players are the top-ranked draftees in 2023.
DeMarvion Overshown out of Texas was drafted by Dallas in the third round but tore his ACL before the season started. Siaki Ika out of Baylor was selected by Cleveland in the third round but also did not see playing time in 2023.
