2023 NFL Mock Draft

2023+NFL+Mock+Draft

Oliver Thomas, Editor-in-Chief

1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): Bryce Young, QB,  Alabama

Through his play, Young has answered all questions but one, can a quarterback his size sustain a long and successful NFL career? Even coming in as an undersized prospect, it is obvious he will be the first player off the board. The Heisman winner has shown an elite ability to create plays with incredible vision, as well as placing in the 98th percentile in the S2 Cognitive Test, Young has all the intangibles needed to be a franchise quarterback. 

 

2) Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Houston has a boatload of options sitting at number 2 overall. With a team full of needs, what better place to start than taking a shot at one of the most productive quarterbacks college football has seen in recent years?

 

3) Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Though Anderson may not have as high of a ceiling as other edge defenders in this year’s draft, he is what this Cardinals team needs. Anderson is a complete prospect, who will be ready on day 1, as the Cardinals look to make the most of Kyler Murray’s prime years.

 

4) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Coach Shane Steichen was able to develop Justin Herbert, a prospect similar to Levis. Though Levis struggled to produce statistically, a 6’3, 230-pound quarterback who’s shown elite arm strength is hard to pass on.

 

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Testing in the 99th percentile of athleticism, with a 4.43 40-yard dash and a 10’9 broad jump, Richardson has freakish size and athleticism. Seattle would be a perfect landing spot for Richardson, as he would be able to sit a year behind veteran Geno Smith while getting a chance to develop.

 

6) Detroit Lions(from L.A. Rams): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Jalen Carter maybe this year’s most talented player, but after run-ins with the law this offseason, Carter is likely to fall a couple of spots. No matter where he lands, Carter will make an immediate impact, with rare strength and power and an elite ability to handle double teams.

 

7) Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Standing at 6’6 with an 86-inch wingspan, Wilson has unbelievable size and athleticism. With one of the highest ceilings in this draft class, Wilson would make a great duo with already-star defensive end Maxx Crosby.

 

8) Atlanta Falcons: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The 2022 All-American didn’t allow a single touchdown in his junior campaign. Witherspoon would be a great addition to an Atlanta defense that struggled against the pass.

 

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Peter Skronski, OT, Northwestern

Playing his college ball just half an hour away from the Bear’s facilities, the Illinois native would fill a hole in this Chicago’s offense. Chicago failed to protect Fields last season, and taking Skronski would be a step in the right direction.

 

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

With the most complete roster in the NFL, the Eagles might not “need” Gonzalez, but it’s hard to pass up on one of, if not the best cornerback prospects in this year’s draft.

 

11) Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Titans are riding on the back 9 of Derrick Henry’s career, so they might as well make the most of it. Henry is at his best when his line can get movement on the line of scrimmage, and Johnson can do just that.

 

12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Jackson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Texans haven’t had a truly elite receiver since the departure of Deandre Hopkins. Smith-Njigba’s twitch and burst off the line of scrimmage will be valuable for whoever is his quarterback next year.

 

13) Green Bay Packers (from New York): Micael Meyer, TE, Notre Dame

With Aaron Rodgers now officially gone, the Packers must do as much as they can for Jordan Love to succeed. Mayer is an elite pass catcher who will also contribute to the run-blocking game.

 

14) New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

With both tackles above the age of 30, it is time that New England is looking for some youth on their offensive line. Jones didn’t allow a sack on any of his 449 pass protection snaps, something that Mac Jones could benefit from this year.

 

15) New York Jets (from Green Bay): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennesse

With Mehki Becton struggling to stay healthy, Wright adds another body to the Jet’s offensive line. Wright provides versatility, with a history of playing both right and left tackle.

 

16) Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Porter provides extreme length and speed, with an 81-inch wingspan, rare traits for a young cornerback coming out of college.

 

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Ever since Alejandro Villanueva’s departure, the Steeler’s offensive line has struggled. Harrison has NFL size and tested well at the combine and can be a day 1 NFL starter.

 

18) Detroit Lions: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

After trading T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings, the Lions have a hole at tight end. Kincaid provides versatility, as he is a receiving threat lined up in the slot of attached on the offensive line. 

 

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Branch recorded the highest PFF grade at 89.5 (the highest out of all safeties in this year’s draft class). The Alabama product’s ability to defend the slot and provide physicality will be valuable wherever he falls.

 

20) Seattle Seahawks: Cailjah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh

Kancey was a monster this year at Pitt, recording 8 sacks and 30 quarterback hurries. His power and strength would greatly benefit a depleted Seahawks defensive line.

 

21) Los Angles Chargers: Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU

With Keenan Allen slowing down, Justin Herbert is in need of weapons. Johnson recorded 17.8 yards per catch and would be a deep threat that the Chargers need badly.

 

22) Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Whether it’s Lamar Jackson or someone else playing quarterback, the Ravens need to bulk up the receiving core. Addison won the Biletnikoff in his 2021 season, recording 1,500 yards and showing he can be the best receiver on a team. 

 

23) Minnesota Vikings: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

After a disappointing Wild Card loss, the Vikings are in need of upgrades all across their defense. Banks had one of the best-combined performances out of anyone this year, showing his potential through his length and athleticism.

 

24) Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Murphey, EDGE, Clemson

With last year’s 1st overall pick Trevon Walker still developing, the Jaguars need another edge presence. Murphey has NFL size and speed standing at 6’5 275, while running a 4.51 40-yard dash. His combination of size and speed will give this Jaguars line another quarterback threat.

 

25) New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

After extending Daniel Jones it is time they set him up with more weapons. Flowers recorded a 1000-yard season his junior year and would immediately contribute to a weak receiving core.

 

26) Dallas Cowboys: Jaylin Hyatt, WR, Tennesse

With the departure of Amari Cooper last off-season, Dak Prescot could use another weapon. The 2022 Biletnikoff winner can wreak havoc on secondaries with his elite deep-threat ability.  

 

27) Buffalo Bills: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Usually, I am against drafting running backs this high in the draft. However, I think this makes sense, as the Bills lackluster run attack hurt them in this year’s playoffs, something that is vital in a city with weather conditions like Buffalo. Robinson is one of the best running back prospects the NFL has seen in years, having elite speed while being a threat in the passing game.

 

28) Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

The Bengals secondary struggled last season. Forbes is a ball-hawking corner who was 2nd in the country in interceptions and would force more turnovers for Cincinnati’s defense.

 

29) New Orleans Saints (from San Fransisco through Miami and Denver): Brian Breese, DL, Clemson

The Saints are in dire need of interior defensive linemen. Breese, the former top overall high school recruit has shown that he can be a potential superstar, filling a big role for the Saints.

 

30) Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

With the defensive line aging, I see the Eagles taking a Georgia defensive lineman for the 2nd year in a row. Smith tested out of his mind at the combine, showing his speed can make up for any speed concerns.

 

31) Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

After starting left tackle Orlando Brown signed with the Bengals, the defending Superbowl champs will be looking to find a replacement. Jones will come into the league as one of the biggest players, standing at 6’8, 360 pounds. Though there are some mobility concerns, Jones didn’t allow a sack his Senior season and has proven to be an NFL-caliber tackle.