The 2022 NFL Draft just ended, but this way too early 2023 NFL Mock Draft takes a peek into what next year’s class could look like.
The 2022 NFL Draft came to a close on Saturday, with Iowa State’s Brock Purdy selected as Mr. Irrelevant by the San Francisco 49ers. What started as a pretty straightforward first ten picks turned into absolute chaos the rest of the way. Trades dominated the middle of the first round, as two veteran wide receivers from the 2019 class, Marquise Brown and A.J. Brown, got traded as well.
The quarterback class was as we thought all along, with just one quarterback getting selected in the first two rounds (Kenny Pickett to the Steelers). Malik Willis (Tennessee), Desmond Ridder (Atlanta), and Matt Corral (Carolina) will all have opportunities, whether immediate or in a year or two.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans, Lions Get QBs, Falcons Get Premier Player
As that curtain closes, preparation begins for the next show. The 2023 NFL Draft is a ways away, but why not get familiar with a few prospects from the next class? The quarterbacks are sure to be an improvement, and it will yet again likely be a draft with studs on the defensive line. Let’s peek into the crystal ball in this real early 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
This 2023 NFL Mock Draft is using current Super Bowl odds in reverse as of April 25th, 2022.
1. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans stockpiled the roster with all their draft picks this year in hopes to see if they truly believe in Davis Mills long-term. If it doesn’t work out, the Texans are well-positioned to land C.J. Stroud. His accuracy and touch from the pocket, along with great decision making and pocket maneuverability, make him the QB1 in the early going.
2. Atlanta Falcons: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Atlanta Falcons went quarterback in the third round of this draft, and in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they get the (likely) best player in the class. Will Anderson had a monstrous 2021 season with Alabama, amassing 17.5 sacks and 31 tackles last fall in the SEC. His production, athleticism, and technique is a fantastic combination.
3. Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Like the Texans, the Detroit Lions didn’t get a quarterback in this draft, but the 2023 NFL Draft will be their time. Bryce Young is still lacking with his mechanics, especially his footwork, but the toughness, mobility, and wow throws out of structure and under pressure is incredible. Plus, he teams up with Jameson Williams again.
4. New York Jets: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The New York Jets had a fantastic 2022 draft, but the focus turns to 2023 here. Jermaine Johnson II should help out on the edge, but Bryan Bresee would strengthen the interior even further. His power length, and explosiveness could draw some DeForest Buckner comparisons.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The Jacksonville Jaguars went and got offensive line help in free agency, and while Luke Fortner could help this year, left tackle might be a need in 2023. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they add a tackle who could be a big riser in Blake Freeland. He’s been great as a pass protector for BYU so far.
6. Carolina Panthers: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
It’s hard to peg the Panthers a year out (and everyone really) but the front seven is missing a dynamic playmaker. Noah Sewell is the next great linebacker in the draft, who plays with impressive range, closing speed, and processing ability to be a MIKE.
7. New York Giants: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
The Giants have made the necessary moves to help out Daniel Jones in 2022, but it still might not work out. Quarterback could be high on the list of needs, and they get the potential riser at QB in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Tyler Van Dyke has the prototypical size and arm talent to make the leap in 2022.
8. Seattle Seahawks: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Like the Giants, the Seattle Seahawks could be looking quarterback after this coming season. They added two tackles in 2022, but Drew Lock might not be the guy. Will Levis will have a tall task to join top 10 talk without Wan’Dale Robinson, but his playmaking skills and deep ball give him a chance.
9. Chicago Bears: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
While this would be a great spot to get the first receiver in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Chicago Bears opt for an edge rusher to fill the void left by losing Khalil Mack. Myles Murphy brings that same type of power as an edge rusher, and he had seven sacks and 42 pressures in 2021.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers got their quarterback of the future, but they don’t have a true number one corner to lead their secondary. Eli Ricks transferred to Alabama from LSU, and while a shoulder injury derailed his 2021 season, he should bounce back with a vengeance in 2022.
11. Washington Commanders: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Washington Commanders aren’t loaded with needs, but they could have potential hole at left tackle after this season. Peter Skoronski is the next great Northwestern tackle, who is a great run blocker and held his own against both Michigan rushers in 2021.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Eagles got two studs in the first round and (finally) a potential impact player at linebacker, but they still need help in the secondary. This 2023 NFL Mock Draft has them first landing Kelee Ringo, a high profile corner with exceptional speed and the upside to make a leap into the top five in 2022.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Las Vegas Raiders added interior help in the 2022 NFL Draft, but they still haven’t figured out right tackle. Paris Johnson has played guard with the Buckeyes thus far, but should be making the transition to tackle in 2022.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
The Minnesota Vikings have Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith, but there are no guarantees with this duo beyond 2022. Derick Hall had a productive 2021 season at Auburn (10 sacks, 41 pressures) and could be the speedy rusher to help them in 2023.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Eagles continue the barrage in the secondary, getting Jordan Battle here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Battle could’ve declared for this draft, but decided to return for 2022. His combination of physical play in the box and instincts and ball skills on the back end make for an early impact player.
16. Miami Dolphins: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins solved some problems this offseason, but Michael Deiter isn’t likely the long-term answer at center. Sedrick Van Pran has already looked phenomenal for Georgia and should only get better this season.
17. New England Patriots: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Tyquan Thornton will be an interesting addition for the Patriots, but he isn’t a WR1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is that potential WR1, as his production should go through the roof this season. Making the transition to the outside is important to watch, but his ability with the ball in his hands is special.
18. Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
The Arizona Cardinals have their top two receivers now in DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown, but they still don’t have a top corner in town. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Garrett Williams joins the Cardinals, as he has the technique and ball skills to be a WR1.
19. Tennessee Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Chigoziem Okonkwo will be a fun move piece at tight end for the Titans, but Michael Mayer is on a different level. He’s getting better and better as a receiver, seeing more reps in the slot. Mayer can already play inline and will be one of the prospects with the highest floor.
20. Indianapolis Colts: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Indianapolis Colts did just draft Alec Pierce, but why not load up with playmakers for Matt Ryan in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Kayshon Boutte is an electric playmaker with the size to thrive on the outside, which can kick Michael Pittman Jr. into the slot.
21. Houston Texans (via CLE): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Great value arrives for the Houston Texans in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. After missing out on Jordan Davis, they get perhaps a better prospect in Jalen Carter. Carter has a great blend of being able to anchor, sit, and leverage in gaps while also possessing the quickness and explosiveness to win as a pass rusher.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Baltimore Ravens stick to doing Baltimore Ravens things in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Do they need a running back? It depends on if J.K. Dobbins breaks out. But, Bijan Robinson is the next great running back. His three-down ability, especially his prowess as a receiver, is excellent. He has the burst, lateral toolbox, and ability to break tackles and have defenders coming up with air in space.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: Trenton Simpson, LB/S, Clemson
The Cincinnati Bengals added plenty to their secondary, but they have some decisions to make at the linebacker position. Also, will Dax Hill play safety or corner for them? It could lead to a need at safety as well as linebacker. Trenton Simpson can do a bit of both with his size, closing speed, reliable tackling in space, and production (12.5 TFLs in 2021).
24. Los Angeles Chargers: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
The Los Angeles Chargers can never have enough corners, according to Brandon Staley. They land one here in Clark Phillips III, who, while undersized, has impressive technique, transitions, and makes plays on the ball.
25. Dallas Cowboys: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Dallas Cowboys did select Sam Williams in the second round, but who knows if that’ll work out with off the field history. They dive back into the well of pass rushers in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, getting the number one recruit in 2019, Nolan Smith. His first step explosiveness, bend, and power could elevate him much higher by next year.
26. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Boye Mafe should help the Seahawks pass rush, but why not keep adding to it here? Isaiah Foskey has the twitch and length to be a disruptor on the edge.
27. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Terron Armstead has the left side locked down, and now they have Van Pran from this mock, but there aren’t guarantees at right tackle. Jaelyn Duncan will likely get more hype as we get to the fall, but he has franchise tackle potential.
28. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
Back-to-back picks for Maryland here, as the Detroit Lions can afford a luxury selection. Rakim Jarrett should take the Big Ten by storm in 2022, and he would be a phenomenal pairing with Jameson Williams.
29. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
The Green Bay Packers did pick up the fifth-year option for Darnell Savage, but Adrian Amos could still be gone in 2023. It leaves an opening, and Brandon Joseph could fill that. Joseph has the ball skills and instincts to roam around deep.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Kansas City Chiefs can basically do whatever they want, so why not an uber-talented running back here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Jahmyr Gibbs has wicked quick twitch, and can have an immediate impact as a pass catcher and with his burst once he gets into space.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Phil Jurkovec, QB, Boston College
If Tom Brady calls it a career after 2022, it’s hard to imagine Kyle Trask taking over that mantle. Phil Jurkovec has the size and arm strength to succeed in an offense that likes to take shots down the field.
32. Buffalo Bills: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Buffalo Bills finally got their CB2, so it’s back to the defensive line here. B.J. Ojulari has an impressive set of moves as a pass rusher, and can dip and clear to win around the outside arc.