After three years from the 2023 NFL Draft, teams usually expect their top draft picks to become key players. Some of the players from the 2023 draft class have already become stars, but others have had a tough time because of injuries, not playing well all the time, or not getting to play as much as they should.
For these four players, the 2026 season isn’t just another year but it’s an opportunity to change the narrative surrounding their careers.
Deonte Banks, CB — New York Giants
Few players have experienced as many ups and downs as Deonte Banks. This player from Maryland came into the league in the 2023 NFL Draft with a great combination of size, speed, and ability to cover men one on one.
We’ve seen glimpses of him being a top-notch cornerback, but his inconsistent technique and the Giants’ overall defensive issues have held him back from becoming that number one corner everyone thought he could be. Now entering Year 4, excuses begin to disappear.
The Giants have put a lot of effort into rebuilding their team, and now it’s time for Banks to step up as a key player on defense. They really need someone who can keep up with the best receivers in the NFC East every week. Talent has never been the question.
Consistency has.
If Banks becomes a reliable lockdown corner, he’ll justify his first-round status. If he continues allowing explosive plays, New York could begin evaluating other long-term options at cornerback.
Myles Murphy, EDGE — Cincinnati Bengals
Myles Murphy came into the 2023 NFL Draft with a lot of people expecting big things from him, thanks to his amazing performances at Clemson.
Possessing elite size, power, and explosiveness, many expected Murphy to become the Bengals’ long-term answer opposite Trey Hendrickson. Instead, his first three seasons have featured rotational snaps rather than consistent dominance.
With Cincinnati trying to maximize its Super Bowl window around Joe Burrow, the Bengals desperately need another impact pass rusher to emerge.
Murphy has all the physical tools. Now he must consistently finish plays. If Murphy can become a top-notch player who gets lots of sacks, the Cincinnati defense will be a lot scarier. But if he doesn’t start playing better and meeting expectations, people are going to keep questioning why he was picked in the first round.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE — Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs had big plans for Felix Anudike-Uzomah when they chose him with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They thought he would become a key player in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, someone who could rush the passer and make a real difference.
But things haven’t worked out that way, at least not yet. Injuries have been a problem, and the defensive line is pretty crowded, so he hasn’t been able to develop as quickly as the team had hoped.
Anudike-Uzomah has shown off his athletic ability and never-give-up attitude, but so far, he hasn’t been able to produce the results that people were hoping for. Now that Kansas City has decided not to pick up his fifth-year option, he’s going to have to perform well this season to prove himself and secure his future in the NFL.
The Chiefs consistently compete for championships, leaving little patience for developmental players. If Anudike-Uzomah can consistently pressure quarterbacks and carve out a larger role opposite Kansas City’s veteran pass rushers, he could still earn a lucrative second contract.
If that happens, he will just be another example of how even the most successful teams can make mistakes when it comes to picking players in the first round.
Anthony Richardson, QB — Indianapolis Colts
No player on this list carries more pressure than Anthony Richardson.
Since being selected fourth overall, Richardson has battled injuries and inconsistent passing mechanics while displaying the elite athletic traits that made him one of the most fascinating quarterback prospects in recent memory.
The flashes remain incredible.
The consistency hasn’t.
The Colts have put a lot of time and effort into helping Richardson grow as a player, because they think he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game. However, now that he’s going into his fourth year, it’s time for him to start showing consistent results and living up to that potential.
Indianapolis needs Richardson to become more accurate, protect the football, and stay healthy over an entire season.
He still has the physical abilities of an MVP if everything falls into place.
The Colts might have to look for a new top quarterback a lot earlier than they thought.
