With the first phase of building the 2023 NFL expansion team complete after selecting our city, team name, and head coach, today we’re diving into Part II with the exciting 2023 NFL expansion draft. Choosing from a player pool of five players from each of the 32 other teams in the league, the expansion draft forms a foundation for the London Knights.
Rules
We are mostly using the same rules from the 2002 NFL expansion draft:
- Every team in the league must put up five players from their current roster into the player pool for the expansion draft.
- Once a player is selected from an existing team, one player may be removed from the list. And if two players from one team are selected, all remaining players may be pulled.
- Players cannot be entering free agency.
- Players cannot be specialists (i.e., kicker, punter, long snapper)
- Players cannot have been placed on injured reserve before the previous season (though we will waive that if they are activated during the season).
However, with the way player movement is today and the heavier usage of IR, I went light on the 2002 rule of allowing just one player from each team that was placed on injured reserve during the previous season to be eligible for the expansion draft. Also, I believe the rule might be expanded today for multiple players with over ten years of experience in the league given the length we’ve seen of careers in recent years.
The London Knights must select either a) at least 30 players, or b) have the salaries take up at least 38% of the salary cap for the 2023 season.
Available Players
Arizona Cardinals
WR DeAndre Hopkins
TE Zach Ertz
DE Markus Golden
C Rodney Hudson
WR Robbie Anderson
Atlanta Falcons
QB Marcus Mariota
CB Casey Hayward Jr.
WR Frank Darby
S Javonte Moffatt
DL Jalen Dalton
Baltimore Ravens
DE Calais Campbell
S Chuck Clark
LB Josh Ross
WR Tylan Wallace
QB Anthony Brown
Buffalo Bills
RB Nyheim Hines
WR Isaiah McKenzie
OT Tommy Doyle
FB Reggie Gilliam
LB Baylon Specter
Carolina Panthers
C Pat Elflein
RB Raheem Blackshear
TE Ian Thomas
WR Shi Smith
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
Chicago Bears
DL Al-Quadin Muhammad
CB Michael Ojemudia
CB Josh Blackwell
CB A.J. Thomas
RB Trestan Ebner
Cincinnati Bengals
WR Trent Taylor
WR Stanley Morgan
OL D’Ante Smith
CB Jeff Gunter
LB Joe Bachie
Cleveland Browns
S John Johnson III
DL Tommy Togiai
WR Anthony Schwartz
WR Jaelon Darden
QB Kellen Mond
Dallas Cowboys
RB Ezekiel Elliott
S Markquese Bell
WR Simi Fehoko
LB Devin Harper
RB Rico Dowdle
Denver Broncos
WR Courtland Sutton
WR KJ Hamler
CB Ronald Darby
RB Chase Edmonds
RB Tyler Badie
Detroit Lions
CB Jeff Okudah
DT Michael Brockers
CB Chase Lucas
FB Jason Cabinda
LB Anthony Pittman
Green Bay Packers
OT Rasheed Walker
WR Samori Toure
LB Jonathan Garvin
LB Tariq Carpenter
RB Patrick Taylor
Houston Texans
G A.J. Cann
WR Amari Rodgers
DE Mario Addison
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
C Justin Britt
Indianapolis Colts
QB Matt Ryan
QB Nick Foles
OT Braden Smith
WR Mike Strachan
RB Deon Jackson
Jacksonville Jaguars
RB Snoop Conner
TE Luke Farrell
OLB De’Shaan Dixon
CB Montaric Brown
WR Kendric Pryor
Kansas City Chiefs
DE Frank Clark
OL Darian Kinnard
S Nazeeh Johnson
LB Jack Cochrane
DE Malik Herring
Las Vegas Raiders
QB Derek Carr
WR Hunter Renfrow
DE Chandler Jones
RB Brittain Brown
DL Matthew Butler
Los Angeles Chargers
CB J.C. Jackson
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga
OG Matt Feiler
CB Deane Leonard
OL Brenden Jaimes
Los Angeles Rams
OLB Leonard Floyd
LB Bobby Wagner
WR Allen Robinson
TE Brycen Hopkins
WR Lance McCutcheon
Miami Dolphins
DE Emmanuel Ogbah
CB Noah Igbinoghene
WR Cedrick Wilson
FB Alec Ingold
TE Cethan Carter
Minnesota Vikings
RB Dalvin Cook
LB Eric Kendricks
WR Adam Thielen
CB Cameron Dantzler
TE Johnny Mundt
New England Patriots
TE Jonnu Smith
CB Jalen Mills
OT Yodny Cajuste
OG Chasen Hines
QB Brian Hoyer
New Orleans Saints
RB Alvin Kamara
WR Tre’Quan Smith
TE Adam Trautman
OT Landon Young
RB Eno Benjamin
New York Giants
WR Kenny Golladay
OG Wyatt Davis
RB Gary Brightwell
CB Nick McCloud
CB Rodarius Williams
New York Jets
WR Denzel Mims
WR Corey Davis
WR Braxton Berrios
RB Zonovan Knight
TE C.J. Uzomah
Philadelphia Eagles
RB Trey Sermon
QB Ian Book
TE Grant Calcaterra
DL Marlon Tuipulotu
LB Patrick Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Myles Jack
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
S Miles Killebrew
WR Gunner Olszewski
CB Arthur Maulet
San Francisco 49ers
RB Jordan Mason
WR Ray-Ray McCloud
OL Nick Zakelj
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
TE Charlie Woerner
Seattle Seahawks
S Jamal Adams
TE Will Dissly
OG Gabe Jackson
DE Shelby Harris
TE Colby Parkinson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OT Donovan Smith
RB Leonard Fournette
OG Shaq Mason
RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
TE Cameron Brate
Tennessee Titans
OLB Bud Dupree
WR Robert Woods
LB Zach Cunningham
OT Taylor Lewan
C Ben Jones
Washington Commanders
QB Carson Wentz
S Bobby McCain
RB J.D. McKissic
CB Tariq Castro-Fields
WR Dax Milne
The Selections
There are many big names—and big contracts—available in this year’s expansion draft. Part of it is teams wanting to shed salary, and part of it is teams putting up players they don’t believe we would take (while using one of their five required spots). Keep in mind there are of course players I like but passed on because of contract concerns.
With how the player pool worked out, we have our eyes on beefing up the defense via free agency and plan to build depth on that side of the ball later after making just several selections there during the expansion draft.
Pick 1: OLB Leonard Floyd ($16,000,000)
I have long been a fan of outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, who is a versatile edge defender that can get after the quarterback, stop the run despite a slighter frame, and successfully drop back in coverage. He has 9.0+ sacks in each of the past three seasons and is a strong first selection for the London Knights. The Rams pulled back tight end Brycen Hopkins after our selection of Floyd.
Pick 2: RB Dalvin Cook ($12,600,000)
The toughest choice for this expansion team was whether to commit to the salary for Dalvin Cook. It came down to drafting Cook or more of a complementary running back piece like Nyheim Hines, who is also an excellent return option. The running back position is important for Jim Harbaugh’s offensive attack, and the former second-round pick is as healthy as he’s been for years and remains an electric weapon on offense at soon-to-be 28 years old. Frank Gore arguably had the best stretch of his career under Harbaugh from 2011-2014, and the Knights could provide an excellent second-act opportunity for Cook, who gets to keep his big contract while playing for a team that will feed him the rock.
Pick 3: DE Emmanuel Ogbah ($17,185,292)
Another difficult decision was whether to add a second high-priced pass rusher to go along with Floyd in the expansion draft. Because Emmanuel Ogbah has a potential out with minimal dead cap hit in his contract after the 2023 season, we liked the idea of a duo of Floyd and Ogbah coming off the edge. Bill Walsh and many other great coaches have talked about the importance of having a menacing pass rush, particularly off the edge; hopefully the Floyd-Ogbah combo immediately helps make us competitive on defense.
Pick 4: CB Jeff Okudah ($5,200,000)
Cornerback is another extremely important position for an NFL team to have success, and it’s worth taking a shot on former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah here. J.C. Jackson was intriguing, but we don’t want to commit too much money to veteran players and lose flexibility during free agency the next couple of years. The Lions protected fullback Jason Cabinda after this pick.
Pick 5: QB Marcus Mariota ($9,375,000)
We are going to take a quarterback with the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the backup role is an important spot on a football team. No doubt, former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota wants to play. But the Knights take on his contract to secure a top backup and mentor to our presumed rookie starter. Also, I am very confident Mariota would play at a high level if necessary.
Pick 6: WR Hunter Renfrow ($13,126,000)
Last year was a surprising season for Hunter Renfrow in Las Vegas, and the Raiders decided to make him available in the expansion draft. We’ll take on the salary with the hope that the former Clemson star can stay healthy and get back to the form he showed early in his career. And “third-and-Renfrow” can make life easier for our quarterback. The Raiders pulled back defensive tackle Matthew Butler after this selection.
Pick 7: TE Zach Ertz ($12,605,000)
The plan was to initially just get one of Hunter Renfrow or Zach Ertz as a security blanket type of target, but it made sense to take on both salaries after mapping everything out. While he’s coming off a torn ACL, Ertz is a crafty veteran that still knows how to find open spaces and get open, and the presence of he and Renfrow will be huge for the rookie quarterback we draft at No. 1.
Pick 8: WR Denzel Mims ($1,728,905)
I was very tempted to pull the trigger on Allen Robinson as a veteran perimeter threat that I still think has good play left in the tank, but Denzel Mims comes at a much lower cost—and I believe the Baylor product can thrive in a potential starting role.
Pick 9: RB Trey Sermon ($1,102,994)
The loaded running back room in Philadelphia meant that former 49ers third-round pick Trey Sermon was available. We pull the trigger on a balanced back that can power forward for positive yardage. He feels like a fit with Harbaugh and a solid complement to Dalvin Cook. The Eagles pulled back Grant Calcaterra after our selection of Sermon.
Pick 10: OG Wyatt Davis ($940,000)
Wyatt Davis has bounced around through two seasons in the NFL, but the former Unanimous All-American at Ohio State has the upside to start on the interior for the expansion club, and he comes at a below-$1-million salary.
Pick 11: C Pat Elflein ($4,500,000)
Three straight Buckeyes might be a surprise to some, but it makes sense to grab an experienced and versatile offensive lineman to anchor the unit at center. Pat Elflein can play move over to either guard spot if necessary, but we anticipate him starting at center this year.
Pick 12: OT Rasheed Walker ($890,218)
Sticking with the Big Ten theme, Rasheed Walker was third-team all-conference in each of his final two college seasons at Penn State. After making the roster but not getting any action on the offensive line for Green Bay as a rookie, we’ll take him and attempt to develop the six-foot-six tackle.
Pick 13: OG Matt Feiler ($7,000,000)
Matt Feiler has shown the ability to play both guard and tackle through six NFL seasons, and we’ll happily add a 17-game starter for the Chargers last season. It’s of foremost importance that we fortify our offensive line and protect our quarterback while being able to run the ball.
Pick 14: OT Yodny Cajuste ($870,545)
The injury history probably had a lot to do with why the Patriots decided to part ways with former third-round pick Yodny Cajuste, but London could use a swing tackle that can compete for the right tackle role this season.
Pick 15: WR KJ Hamler ($2,270,905)
K.J. Hamler has also dealt with multiple injuries early in his career, but he is a talented player on offense and stung Harbaugh’s team for 108 yards and two touchdowns in his final game versus Michigan—sometimes you naturally have a higher opinion on players you see do well in person and against you. Hamler can play inside or outside, and he’s someone that can do damage with the ball in his hands.
Pick 16: CB Cameron Dantzler ($1,121,289)
Finally back to defense, Cameron Dantzler is a high-ceiling cornerback that did a fantastic job on Ja’Marr Chase in their matchup during LSU’s championship season. The upside is worth it here at a reasonable cost.
Pick 17: CB Michael Ojemudia ($1,210,400)
It might be foolish to add another player with a shaky injury history early in his career, but former third-round pick Michael Ojemudia is our third cornerback drafted and can compete for a role on defense.
Pick 18: WR Isaiah McKenzie ($2,000,000)
When he was featured on offense in Buffalo, Isaiah McKenzie had some strong showings, and he’s coming off the best year of his career with a 42/423/4 receiving line. The $2 million salary gives McKenzie, who will contribute as a returner, the edge over Braxton Berrios ($6 million salary).
Pick 19: DL Marlon Tuipulotu ($988,979)
The way the expansion draft worked out, there were not many interior defensive linemen available. But Marlon Tuipulotu was stuck in a crowded depth chart with the Eagles, and the former USC Trojan should have an opportunity to make an impact for us.
Pick 20: RB Jordan Mason ($873,333)
Because the 49ers have such a good roster, they had to make someone like Jordan Mason available despite being high on him after his rookie season. The second-year back can compete for the No. 2 running back role.
Pick 21: RB Brittain Brown ($889,963)
Brittain Brown was an intriguing player coming out of UCLA last spring, and he’s another back that profiles as a fit in Harbaugh’s offense. Brown was a productive change-of-pace option when entering the game for Chip Kelly with the Bruins.
Pick 22: OT Darian Kinnard ($959,603)
The Chiefs are another team that had some of the tougher decisions to make with the players to put in the expansion draft. Darian Kinnard received good coaching with Kansas City for a year, and the Knights take in the 2022 fifth-round pick.
Pick 23: QB Nick Foles ($3,100,000)
We want to build a sensational quarterback room that puts our likely rookie franchise signal caller in the best position to have success. Nick Foles is a former Super Bowl MVP and great teammate. I love the room having Mariota and Foles in it.
Pick 24: CB Tariq Castro-Fields ($870,000)
The Knights select another Big Ten player, getting second-year cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields out of Penn State. Castro-Fields has plus athleticism and will look to develop while in a reserve role.
Pick 25: LB Josh Ross ($753,333)
A Week 2 foot injury unfortunately forced Josh Ross to miss most of his rookie season, but he made the Ravens roster out of training camp despite going undrafted. We could use that type of drive and determination on our roster. Jim Harbaugh was even the one to report the news that Ross made Baltimore’s roster, and this was an easy choice to end the expansion draft.
Current Roster
The jump in the NFL salary cap for 2023 helps, and we have plenty of cap space plan to be aggressive with flexible short-term deals during free agency while structuring the inaugural roster. The bookend edge rushers of Leonard Floyd and Emmanuel Ogbah can immediately be one of the best in football, with the ability to get out of Ogbah’s contract in 2024 if it doesn’t work out. The league is utilizing mostly sub-packages on defense, and we’ll be no different with Floyd and Ogbah lining up on the edge of our four-man front.
I think there’s some “juice” on both sides of the ball to start, but we could certainly use more strength “up the middle” on defense in particular.
Salary cap: $224,800,000
Total payroll: $118,161,759
Cap space: $106,638,241
QB: Marcus Mariota // Nick Foles
RB: Dalvin Cook // Trey Sermon // Jordan Mason // Brittain Brown
WR: Denzel Mims
WR: Hunter Renfrow // Isaiah McKenzie
WR: KJ Hamler
TE: Zach Ertz
OT: Rasheed Walker
OG: Matt Feiler
C: Pat Elflein
OG: Wyatt Davis
OT: Yodny Cajuste // Darian Kinnard
EDGE: Leonard Floyd
DL: Marlon Tuipulotu
DL:
EDGE: Emmanuel Ogbah
LB: Josh Ross
LB:
CB: Jeff Okudah // Tariq Castro-Fields
S:
S:
CB: Cameron Dantzler
NB: Michael Ojemudia