Why are there 31 teams in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft?

Historically, the NFL draft has been the best way for franchises to recruit college freshmen who would improve their roster further.

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The NFL 2023 draft is all set to take place in a few days’ time and is arguably one of the most crucial junctures for the franchises.

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The NFL draft is held for seven rounds, in which franchises are given a position in the drafting order owing to their reverse standings in the previous year’s footballing season.

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The 2023 NFL draft will see the Carolina Panthers have hold of the first-pick rights courtesy of their massive trade with the Chicago Bears.

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While the Super Bowl LVII winners, Kansas City Chiefs select a No.31 overall pick in the first round.

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This begs the question, as to why there would only be 31 picks made in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft instead of the traditional 32.

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Miami Dolphins do not have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

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This is because the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round picks for violating the league’s tampering policies.

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In addition to losing their first-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft, they also forfeited their third-round picks in 2024.

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