Fansided
Fansided

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Land C.J. Stroud, Texans Pass On QB

By Jacob Schyvinck

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 8
Next
C.J. Stroud, 2023 NFL Draft, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, C.J. Stroud, 2023 NFL Draft. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks features the Falcons and Lions getting quarterbacks early, while the Texans and Giants both pass at the quarterback position.

Summer scouting is upon us. Slowly, but surely, reports will be filed, and early thoughts on the 2023 NFL Draft class will have formed. NFL Mocks will be in on all of that, and more and more of that will be available the closer we get to another college football season.

For now, we’re here throwing around scenarios of how the 2023 NFL Draft could turn out next April with an updated 2023 NFL Mock Draft. In this mock, a new team sits at the number one pick, and while the quarterback position is expected to be better, less quarterbacks come off the board. The defensive line group talent still shines bright, and there’s a bit of a surprise in the top five. Let’s dive on in!

1. Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Could the Atlanta Falcons be one of the worst teams in the league? Potentially, given the question at quarterback, the deficiencies on the offensive line, and a defense still working to gel. Now, quarterback early? It seems surprising, especially after drafting Desmond Ridder. But, it’s a third round pick, so that isn’t a ton of commitment.

C.J. Stroud would be an immediate upgrade at the position. After struggling through his first start, Stroud got more comfortable and quickly became one of the best signal-callers in the country. His precision and ball placement to all levels of the field is excellent, he’s a quick processor, and he maneuvers the pocket effortlessly. Stroud throwing to Drake London and Kyle Pitts would be incredible in 2023.

2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Now, it may seem hypocritical to talk about Ridder as a third-rounder and sing the praises of Davis Mills, but Mills proved there’s something there with his game. His performance as a rookie in a bad situation was impressive. There’s a chance the Texans could stick with him if he has another solid season, and improve other positions on the roster.

Will Anderson is well worth the selection here at two, and would’ve been the first overall pick in 2022. His 2021 season was a special one, as he had 81 pressures, 17.5 sacks, and 31 tackles for loss. Anderson has impressive explosiveness, great hand usage to soften the edge, and can dip and flatten to get to the quarterback. He needs to expand his repertoire, but he’s already elite on all three downs.

3. Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Detroit Lions are putting everything in place. They have the trenches looking great, added a star pass rusher in Aidan Hutchinson and added a big-play threat in Jameson Williams. All that’s left is the quarterback.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Lions finally get that quarterback. Bryce Young may not be imposing in stature, but he has impressive tools. His arm strength shows up in terms of excellent velocity generated, and he has the arm talent to drop arm angles and make accurate throws on the run. Young has the gamer in him to make plays out of structure but operates well in the quick game too.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

By the time the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around, the Seattle Seahawks might find a quarterback worth it here. For now, though, they wait and get a top flight defensive end. Adding Boye Mafe was a good call in the second round of 2022, but Myles Murphy can be the instant-impact Carlos Dunlap replacement with his explosiveness, power, and ability to counter at contact.

Home/Mock Drafts