2023 NFL Mock Draft
By: Noah Gilbert (@Mayfair_Thug)
- Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama
The rationale behind the Carolina Panthers’ decision to trade up was to acquire their franchise quarterback of the future, and in Bryce Young, they have certainly found a player who fits that mold. Young possesses outstanding decision-making abilities that rivals those of the best college quarterbacks in recent memory. Furthermore, he displays exceptional composure under pressure, which bodes well for his long-term prospects. While it is common knowledge that Young’s physical stature is not ideal for the quarterback position, his lack of velocity on deep passes poses a more significant concern. Specifically, his deep ball tends to lack the desired velocity and trajectory. Nevertheless, Young has performed at a level commensurate with that of a top overall draft pick for the past two years in college, and his time to shine at the professional level has finally arrived.
2. Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
The Houston Texans have not identified a viable quarterback option in this year’s draft and are willing to wait until next year to secure their franchise signal-caller. Instead, the Texans are focused on selecting a defensive playmaker with the potential to shape their future. As a homegrown prospect, Tyree Wilson represents a captivating option for the Texans. Wilson boasts an impressive physical profile, with an elongated limb figure, and strength that continues to get strong year after year. He possesses the raw tools to generate pressure from the pocket as a power rusher, but his hand usage and overall rushing strategy require refinement to develop into a well-rounded, versatile pass rusher. Wilson also exhibits deficiencies in instinctual decision-making when defending against the run, and may benefit from further development in his approach to attacking run blocks, specifically by adopting a more assertive play demeanor. Although Wilson’s impact in his first season may be limited, his talent and potential ceiling are unmistakable and will soon be apparent.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Although the Arizona Cardinals will initially intend to trade their pick, it appears they will be unable to obtain a desirable return and will ultimately select the most reliable prospect available, Will Anderson. Anderson’s exceptional athleticism and explosive first step off the line of scrimmage have earned him recognition as a top prospect in football since his high school football days. As a three-year starter at Alabama, he consistently dominated against pro-level players, amassing the second-highest number of sacks in school history. While Anderson possesses significant readiness for the professional game, his hand usage requires further refinement to reach an ideal level. Nevertheless, his outstanding physical traits, production against top-level competition, and overall performance indicate that he is poised for a Pro Bowl-caliber career.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida
The Indianapolis Colts have appointed Shane Steichen as their new head coach, with the primary objective of developing a new franchise quarterback. Steichen has a proven track record of success with dual-threat quarterbacks, having achieved tremendous results while working with the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts. With Anthony Richardson falling to them at pick number four, the Colts are hopeful that Steichen will be able to work his magic and develop Richardson into the next superstar quarterback. Richardson is a highly regarded dual-threat quarterback with an impressive frame, arm strength, and mobility; however, he has exhibited inconsistent footwork and rhythm on throws, which led to nine interceptions during his 2022 college season. While footwork issues can be addressed, the primary challenge will be to assess his potential as an accurate passer at the professional level. Richardson is a classic example of a boom-or-bust prospect, but with the appropriate guidance and a well-tailored play scheme, he has the potential to become the next great quarterback in the league.
5. Seattle Seahawks (From Denver): Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
The Seattle Seahawks made a fleece of a trade during the 2022 offseason, in which they traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos to acquire this draft pick among other draft capitals. With this pick, the Seahawks are aiming to address a critical weakness in their run defense by selecting Jalen Carter as their future defensive tackle. Despite some negative publicity related to reckless driving charges and showing up to his pro day out of shape, Carter stands out as the most talented prospect in this year’s draft class. He demonstrates strong hand usage and active footwork in his play, which makes him well-suited for three-down player at the professional level. Based on his overall talent, traits, and potential, Carter is expected to become a productive player with Pro Bowl capabilities in the NFL.
6. Detroit Lions (From Los Angeles): Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois
The Detroit Lions are poised to emerge as the NFC North champions, a feat that has eluded them for a long, long time. Despite the Lions’ lackluster performance in the 2022 season, where they ranked as the NFL’s second-worst pass defense team, they will need to make significant improvements in their defensive backs to achieve their goal of winning the NFC North. One solution that could greatly benefit the team is to acquire an elite playmaking cornerback in Devon Witherspoon, who possesses the necessary skills to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s success. Devon Witherspoon is a force to be reckoned with on the field, showcasing exceptional anticipation, route recognition abilities, and a consistent sense of urgency to prevent receptions, as evidenced by his remarkable pass breakup statistics. As a cornerback, he possesses highly desirable attributes, including ball-hawking instincts, proficient balance in zone coverage, and tenacity in tackling, both after receptions and in run defense. It’s worth noting, however, that his lack of top-tier speed and closing burst may leave him vulnerable to speedy receivers. Despite this potential weakness, his playmaking mindset and overall skill set suggest that he has a solid chance of establishing himself as a premier CB1 in the league.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon
The Las Vegas Raiders have faced challenges with their first-round draft picks in recent years and aim to turn things around this year. The Raiders recognize that they will be facing formidable quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson in the years ahead, so they plan to strengthen their cornerback position by selecting Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez stands out as the best athlete in this year’s cornerback class, with remarkable speed and explosive close-in ability. However, his productivity may be limited by a lack of instincts and ball skills that he will need to develop. Despite this, Gonzalez has generated significant buzz with impressive combine and pro day performances, leading the Raiders to view him as their first round selection.
8. ***MOCK TRADE*** Tennessee Titans (From Atlanta): Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky
The Tennessee Titans have realized that Ryan Tannehill is not the quarterback who can lead them to a Super Bowl victory; furthermore, they have lost confidence in Malik Willis, who they drafted in the third round as a potential solution. As a result, the Titans have become desperate, leading them to trade up and secure Will Levis as their franchise quarterback. It is common knowledge that Levis is a raw talent who will need significant development before being able to start. Despite his inconsistency in ball placement and accuracy, Levis boasts a powerful arm capable of overcoming all three levels of coverage and has demonstrated effective running outside the pocket. He needs to work on his ability to handle pressure and be more consistent in throwing on the move. Nonetheless, the Titans will justify the investment due to Levis’s extreme raw talent.
9. Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears have adeptly tailored their offense to fit their ‘franchise quarterback,’ Justin Fields. While they have already acquired an exceptional playmaker in D.J. Moore, the team now needs to prioritize providing sufficient protection for Fields. To achieve this, the Bears plan to select Paris Johnson Jr., Fields’ former college teammate and offensive lineman. Johnson is a behemoth of a man, standing at 6’6″ and 315lbs, and has the physical attributes necessary to become a reliable long-term starter on the left side of the line. Nevertheless, Johnson must refine his technique to improve his initial contact and leverage as a run blocker, as his power can occasionally displace his anchor. Despite these minor areas for improvement, Johnson’s versatility and athleticism make him a highly valuable asset in this league.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (From New Orleans): Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas
The Philadelphia Eagles are determined to re-energize their team and make a return to the Super Bowl after falling short in previous seasons. Their ultimate goal is to secure another Super Bowl victory. With two first-round draft picks, the Eagles aim to select the best overall player and a top-tier playmaker, making running back Bijan Robinson a prime candidate for the role. Robinson is one of the most impressive running back prospects in years, with exceptional footwork and agility that allows him to thrive both inside and outside the tackle. He also possesses power, using his exceptional balance to take on defenders and maintain his momentum. However, Robinson may benefit from adopting a more conservative approach at times, focusing on gaining yardage rather than always seeking a big play. With strong pass-catching skills, he will likely see significant touches and be a valuable asset for any quarterback. Overall, Robinson has the potential to become one of the league’s most productive running backs in a short period and is a leading candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
11. ***MOCK TRADE***: Atlanta Falcons (From Tennessee): Peter Skoronski, Offensive Line, Northwestern
The Atlanta Falcons have shown keen interest in sticking with Quarterback Desmond Ridder and they are also aware of their other plentiful needs meaning they will consider trading down in the draft and then acquire the best available player. The current frontrunner for this pick is Offensive Lineman Peter Skoronski, who is an outstanding run-blocker and can generate explosive lift off the first contact. While Skoronski played tackle in college, his limited arm length may make it difficult for him to handle speed rushers, and he may need to shift to the guard position in the NFL. Despite this, Skoronski’s talent and potential are undeniable, and he could become an elite-level player even if he plays as an interior lineman.
12. ***MOCK TRADE*** Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Houston via Cleveland): C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently have two quarterbacks on their roster: Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask and they recognize the pressing need for a new quarterback and are looking to select C.J. Stroud in the upcoming draft. Stroud’s college tape is nothing short of impressive, and his pinpoint accuracy sets him apart. Unfortunately, his score of 18% on the S2 Cognition test, which evaluates game-speed cognition ability, coupled with his tendency to not look off his number 1 receiving option, may result in him sliding in the draft. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers are confident that they can help Stroud overcome these shortcomings and groom him into their future franchise quarterback.
13. Green Bay Packers (From New York Jets): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Green Bay Packers have fully committed to the Jordan Love era by trading away Aaron Rodgers just a few days ago. Since 2011, the Packers have selected a defensive player in every draft except for 2020 when they drafted Love. They are aware that to help Love succeed, they must provide him with the necessary support. One potential candidate to fill this role is Smith-Njigba, who possesses the skills needed to play the slot position and provide Love with a reliable route runner who can make plays across the field. Smith-Njigba’s considerable talent and potential make him a strong candidate to achieve Pro Bowl status.
14. New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia
The New England Patriots are in dire need of a comeback season, particularly on the offensive front side of the ball. They missed out on Jaxon Smith-Njigba who was picked earlier in the draft, so they’re taking a different approach to support their quarterback Mac Jones. To do this, they’ll look to select Offensive Tackle Broderick Jones, who has an impressive build, great length, and is really athletic. Although he’s not a finished product just yet, Jones has the potential to become an elite player with more experience and development. He’s expected to become a Pro-Bowl level tackle in the future, given his physical and athletic gifts.
15. New York Jets (From Green Bay): Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee
The New York Jets just traded for future Hall of Fame Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and will need to help him out to get their money’s worth out of him. They will look to select Offensive Tackle Darnell Wright who is a huge and powerful offensive tackle. He lacks athleticism but makes up for it by being an absolute bulldozer in both the pass game and run game. He would be a great player to plug in to give Rodgers some help to make some magic.
16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State
The Washington Commanders have been struggling to achieve success for an extended period, partially because of their poor pass defense. For years, the team has been struggling to find a reliable cornerback, and although they signed Kendall Fuller in 2020 with the expectation that he would be a long-term solution, he has performed at an average level in recent times, failing to demonstrate the elite capabilities they had hoped for. However, the Commanders have now set their sights on cornerback Joey Porter, who is a physically dominant player with exceptional length and the ability to win contested passes. Although he may not be the fastest player off the line, which could make him vulnerable to being beaten by opponents, Porter’s strength and physical prowess make him an excellent option to reinvigorate the Commanders’ struggling pass defense.
17. ***MOCK TRADE*** Philadelphia Eagles (From Pittsburgh): Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
The Philadelphia Eagles have made an offensive playmaker selection, and their focus has now shifted towards bolstering their defense by acquiring edge defender Nolan Smith. Despite lacking the ideal size for the position, Smith compensates for it with his unwavering determination and toughness, which were crucial in his role as the leader of the Georgia defense that claimed two National Championships. The Eagles will benefit greatly from the winning mindset and competitive edge that Smith will bring to their team, particularly as they seek to recover from their Super Bowl loss from a year ago.
18. ***MOCK TRADE*** Los Angeles Chargers (From Detroit): Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College
The Los Angeles Chargers made significant strides in the 2022 Offseason, but were ultimately unable to live up to expectations, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs in a disappointing fashion to the Jacksonville Jaguars. One factor contributing to their lackluster performance was the absence of a true speedy playmaker at the Wide Receiver position. This is where Wide Receiver Zay Flowers comes in as an ideal solution. Flowers boasts exceptional speed and athleticism, making him a difficult target for defenders to anticipate. Although he displays impressive ball skills on occasion, he can be prone to frustrating drops. Flowers could become a valuable asset as a playmaker in the professional level due to his athletic and “slippery” ability.
19. ***MOCK TRADE*** Houston Texans (From Tampa Bay): Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
The Houston Texans have made a strategic decision to forego selecting a quarterback in this draft, opting instead to prioritize the selection of the best player available. With this in mind, they will look to take Edge Lukas Van Ness who possesses a similar build and playmaking ability to former Texan and future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt. Boasting a prototypical frame, Van Ness is a force to be reckoned with both in terms of run and pass defense. However, his overreliance on his bull rush technique could be seen as a potential weakness. This weakness highlights the need for Van Ness to diversify his hand attacks against defenders. Despite this, there is no doubt that Van Ness possesses immense potential to become an elite defensive end in the league.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The Seattle Seahawks have their sights set on strengthening their defense through the acquisition of Edge Myles Murphy in the upcoming draft. Murphy’s impressive size and traits have resulted in consistent productivity across impact categories for three consecutive NCAA seasons. Although he may have some limitations with body control or “bend,” his NFL size and length offer versatility for different defensive schemes. Despite these concerns, Murphy’s potential is undeniable and his size and length make him a top prospect in this year’s draft.
21. ***MOCK TRADE*** Detroit Lions (From Los Angeles): Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh
The Detroit Lions will look to continue to build their defense by taking Defensive Tackle Calijah Kancey. While Kancey may be slightly undersized, his explosiveness and production on the field more than make up for it. Although he may occasionally find himself overpowered by opposing offensive lines, Kancey’s elite first-step and pass-rushing ability have earned him a reputation as a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Lions will be counting on Kancey to replicate his college-level production as he takes the next step in his professional career.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland
The Baltimore Ravens have added Odell Beckham Jr. to their roster to give Lamar Jackson some much-needed support (assuming he signs with the team). This move could prompt the Ravens to address their defensive pass game, which ranked 26th in the NFL last season. One potential solution could be cornerback Deonte Banks, a perimeter corner with a great combination of size, strength, and athleticism. Banks has shown an ability to disrupt releases from press coverage. However, he can struggle with maintaining composure and awareness when he has his back turned to the ball. Despite this, Banks has the talent to be a first-round pick and could become a number 1 cornerback if he can work on his discipline in challenging situations.
23. ***MOCK TRADE***: Buffalo Bills (From Minnesota): Anton Harrison, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
The Buffalo Bills recognize the need to provide quarterback Josh Allen with the necessary support to continue his impressive performance from last year. With a focus on fortifying the front line, they have identified Offensive Tackle Anton Harrison as a top candidate in the upcoming draft. Despite a lack of ideal athleticism, Harrison’s impressive size and strength are undeniable. Although he struggles somewhat with hand placement in the run game, he compensates with his exceptional instincts. As a versatile player capable of being plugged in anywhere on the offensive line, Harrison holds great potential to help bolster Allen’s game.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah
The Jacksonville Jaguars are all in on Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who broke out and showed his true potential in the end of the 2022 season. As part of their strategy, they intend to draft Tight End Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid is an outstanding pass-catching tight end with the ability to run routes with athleticism. While he has a knack for running routes like a wide receiver, his skills in run-blocking are not as strong. Nonetheless, Kincaid is expected to become a valuable addition to the Jaguars’ offense, serving as Lawrence’s security blanket receiver and potentially improving the team’s overall performance.
25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC
The New York Giants are seeking to address their need for a wide receiver in the upcoming draft, as they recently signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term deal and are committed to supporting his development. Wide receiver Jordan Addison is an ideal candidate for the Giants’ offensive scheme, possessing excellent route running skills and adept use of footwork to overcome coverages. While Addison may lack an ideal catch radius and hand strength, which could lead to drops in the future, he is expected to provide Jones with a much-needed receiving threat to elevate the Giants’ passing game.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Drew Sanders, Linebacker, Arkansas
The Dallas Cowboys are prioritizing strengthening the middle of their defense, and they plan to do so by selecting linebacker Drew Sanders in the upcoming draft. Sanders possesses exceptional physical traits, impressive athleticism, and a versatile skill set that makes him an ideal candidate for deployment as an inside linebacker or stand-up edge rusher. Pairing Sanders and Micah Parson would cause havoc for offenses throughout the league. His combination of athletic gifts, versatility, and toughness suggests that he has the potential to emerge as a highly impactful playmaker with the potential to earn Pro Bowl recognition.
27. ***MOCK TRADE*** Minnesota Vikings (From Buffalo): Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee
The Minnesota Vikings are proactively preparing for the transition from the Kirk Cousins era by selecting Quarterback Hendon Hooker in the upcoming draft. Although Hooker’s age and recent ACL injury raise some concerns, his talent cannot be denied. He possesses a rare combination of NFL-caliber size for a pocket passer, as well as dual-threat athleticism. One area for improvement is Hooker’s tendency to stay static in the pocket, which may result in sacks. However, with the right offense and time to develop, Hooker has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Vikings.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama
The Cincinnati Bengals are facing the need to compensate their star players very soon. Due to Running Back Joe Mixon’s recent legal troubles and his contractual obligations, the Bengals are considering parting ways with him. They have their sights set on Running Back Jaymyr Gibbs as a potential replacement. Gibbs is a versatile offensive weapon who can excel in both running and passing game. However, some experts are worried about his decision-making skills when running through the middle. Nonetheless, Gibbs’ remarkable agility and evasive maneuvers are undeniable. He is the kind of player who could help the Bengals return to the Super Bowl.
29. New Orleans Saints (From San Francisco via Miami): Jack Campbell, Linebacker, Iowa
The New Orleans Saints seem to be struggling to break out of their current state of mediocrity, which is why they are aiming to draft the best player available in the upcoming draft. They have their sights set on Linebacker Jack Campbell, the winner of the 2022 Dick Butkus award. The team hopes that Campbell can help bolster their defense, as he has the size and strength to challenge blocks and hold his ground, despite some issues with inconsistent hand usage. Campbell has always been a reliable and consistent player, but in order to become a true star, he will need to improve his playmaking skills and take more risks instead of playing it safe all the time.
30. ***MOCK TRADE*** Pittsburgh Steelers (From Philadelphia): Cam Smith, Cornerback, South Carolina
The Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to improve their pass defense, and with Safety Mikah Fitzpatrick carrying much of the weight last season, the team is on the hunt for additional support to allow Fitzpatrick to be utilized in different ways on defense. To this end, they’re eyeing Cornerback Cam Smith, who possesses excellent length as a cornerback. While he may not have the smoothest movements or quickest acceleration, Smith’s strength lies in his ability to anticipate the opposing team’s plays and recognize routes, allowing him to make impressive plays on the field. With his potential to become an impenetrable zone coverage defender, Smith has a promising future, but he will need to sharpen his man coverage skills in order to truly be considered a top-tier cornerback.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Downs, Wide Receiver, North Carolina
The reigning 2022 Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, are keen on retooling and refueling their roster through the draft in order to fill in some gaps left by important players lost to free agency. Of these gaps, the most pressing is at the wide receiver position. As a result, the Chiefs are targeting Wide Receiver Josh Downs, who has shown tremendous productivity in the last two seasons of his collegiate career. Although his route running is impressive and entertaining to watch, he needs to work on his discipline and efficiency to ensure that his timing on routes is consistently spot-on. Despite not possessing the typical size of an NFL receiver, Downs makes up for it with his exceptional quickness and burst speed, which allows him to easily create separation from even the most skilled cornerbacks in the league.
Thanks for reading!