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.
5. New York Jets: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
The first surprise of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft comes here at pick five. The New York Jets have both Mekhi Becton and George Fant, but there are still concerns within the organization about Becton. If things don’t go well in 2022, they could look for a replacement next spring.
In an offense that wants its offensive linemen to be able to reach, get around the outside shoulder of defensive linemen, work to the second level, and pull to lead the charge in space, Jaelyn Duncan would be a good fit. His footwork, quicks, and space blocking is extremely impressive.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Jacksonville Jaguars made some important moves to help out Trevor Lawrence, most notably hiring a competent coach. They did add a couple weapons in the passing game in Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, but a WR1 isn’t there in the offense.
Kayshon Boutte might not have the production of others near the top of early 2023 lists at wide receiver, but he has the skill set. His explosiveness, nuanced release moves, and natural hands make for a three-level threat and potential WR1 in the NFL.
7. Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Carolina Panthers have Brian Burns rushing off the edge, but a running mate for him would be helpful. Isaiah Foskey has some of the best athleticism in the class at 265 pounds, and it’s evidenced by his ability to corner as a rusher and make plays in space as a stand up linebacker. More reps on the edge in 2022 make sense for him, and it could be rewarded with a rise up draft rankings.
8. Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears should be interesting to watch this year, especially if Justin Fields takes the leap. Darnell Mooney is on the leap list, and while he and Velus Jones will be a fun duo to watch, they are still in need of a WR1.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is all production, crossing the 1,600-yard mark last season while playing with top 12 picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. He’s deceptive and creative after the catch, and is quick to turn into a runner. He flashes impressive release packages, and while his route running is smooth rather than crisp, Smith-Njigba will likely prove he can be a boundary receiver in 2022.
9. New York Giants: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The New York Giants are up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and while quarterback could come calling, it’s going to be an interesting year of evaluation with Daniel Jones. While we wait for a quarterback to break out, a corner to replace James Bradberry is important too. Kelee Ringo has the size and speed to become a lockdown corner at the next level.
10. Washington Commanders: Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State
The Washington Commanders don’t have a lot of holes, so any direction could make sense here. Even with depth at tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. could elevate the unit up front. He doesn’t have tackle reps just yet, but his pedigree suggests he should have a successful season to vault his stock.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Pittsburgh Steelers just signed Larry Ogunjobi to a deal, but they could look for a long-term option in 2023 and do so in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Jalen Carter has the power and anchor to dominate the run game as well as the quickness and rush moves that rival that of former teammate Devonte Wyatt. Positional value might push him down, but some team will be extremely happy to have him.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Minnesota Vikings have a solid duo on the edge for the time being, but finding answers on the interior is something the front office will likely address in 2023. Bryan Bresee has struggled with injuries, but his combination of power, length, and athleticism have top 15 upside.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Thanks to a trade weeks before draft day, the Philadelphia Eagles now have two first round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. While Haason Reddick, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat are a good room on the edge, it could be better. Nolan Smith broke out in 2021, and now can take his game to another level to be an early pick.
14. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Las Vegas Raiders still have offensive line issues. If Dylan Parham can secure one of the spots, excellent, but the job isn’t done. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they get one of the early consensus top tackles in Peter Skoronski. Skoronski will get the treatment that others have gotten with arm length, but his work in pass protection at tackle makes him a great fit to take Alex Leatherwood’s spot at right tackle.
15. Miami Dolphins: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Miami Dolphins are trending in the right direction in many spots, so a BPA approach makes sense here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. B.J. Ojulari can add to a blossoming rotation on the edge with his ability to dip and bend around the edge with consistent success.
16. New England Patriots: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The New England Patriots bypassing on getting a top corner in the 2022 NFL Draft was surprising, but they’ll get one here at pick 16 in this mock. Cam Smith is the next great Gamecocks corner with impressive skills in press coverage and quick transition skills.
17. Tennessee Titans: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Tennessee Titans will hopefully keep the train rolling in the AFC South this season, even with A.J. Brown out of town. The offensive line could improve, and the defense is still stout at several positions. The Titans might not bring Amani Hooker back, leaving a hole at safety next to Kevin Byard. Jordan Battle does it all at safety, from making plays in coverage to covering ground and making tackles at the line of scrimmage.
18. Houston Texans: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The Houston Texans continue to add to their defense in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. After getting a top edge rusher, they get a true MIKE here in Noah Sewell. Yes, Christian Harris could be a good role player, but Sewell has the processing skills, speed, and range to be the do-it-all guy in Lovie Smith’s defense.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
The Eagles feel very set on the defensive line, but corner is an area to watch. Yes, Bradberry joins the fold with Darius Slay, but a drop off from either could happen. Eli Ricks has the pedigree, athleticism, and fluidity to be the next great lockdown corner at Alabama.
20. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Baltimore Ravens are known for getting good value, and why not here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? All eyes will be on J.K. Dobbins this season to see if he can breakout to be the RB1 moving forward. If not, Bijan Robinson can instantly step into the role. His lateral agility, toughness through contact, vision, and receiving skills make him the next great three-down back.
21. Arizona Cardinals: Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
The Arizona Cardinals did make a conscious effort to improve the pass rush in the 2022 NFL Draft, but Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders don’t feel like three down answers on the edge (Thomas a versatile, attacking 3T, Sanders a situational rusher). Andre Carter could be the highest selected service member in a long time, as he has the explosiveness and power to shed blocks and quickly create pressure.
22. Seattle Seahawks: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Drew Lock will get a chance, as will Geno Smith, but the Seattle Seahawks should know that neither will likely elevate them the way Russell Wilson did. It leaves the door open for quarterback in 2023, and it’s time for that in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Will Levis has some impressive projectable tools, but the next step needs to happen for him to crack the top 10.
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers selected two guards in the 2022 draft, which could prompt a Matt Feiler move to right tackle. If not, the door is still open at right tackle. Broderick Jones is the next stud at Georgia who could become an immediate starter and impact player as a rookie, which would complete the Chargers offensive line rebuild.
24. Miami Dolphins: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Get ready to see this a lot in mock drafts. Center is a likely need for the Miami Dolphins, and while some might look to a couple returners, Sedrick Van Pran might be the best out there. His football IQ and processing skills are extremely impressive for such a young player, and the Dolphins need to find stability at center.
25. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Indianapolis Colts are finally back in the first round, and why not make a big splash. Yes, Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce can be a deadly duo on the perimeter, but why settle there? Getting the Biletnikoff winner in Jordan Addison would help out Matt Ryan that much more and keep pace with a growing arms race in the AFC.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
The Dallas Cowboys got surprisingly good play out of Malik Hooker at safety in 2021, and if that play happens again, then safety might be out of the question in the 2023 NFL Draft. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, though, Brandon Joseph is the pick. His ball skills and range make for a role similar to that of Jessie Bates.
27. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Cincinnati Bengals rebuilt the offensive line, but losing C.J. Uzomah hurts the middle of the field. Michael Mayer will be great at the Y as well as in the slot. His blocking ability and route running skills make for an instant impact in both facets of offense.
28. Detroit Lions: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Detroit Lions have plenty to celebrate in the last couple of drafts, but the question mark exists at the corner position. Can Jeffrey Okudah find his way? Can Amani Oruwariye keep his stride? Can Jerry Jacobs return healthy? We need to see. Until then, we’ll mock some corners their way. Joey Porter Jr. could be the top guy in the Big Ten this year with the physicality he plays with.
29. Green Bay Packers: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The Green Bay Packers drafted two offensive linemen in the 2022 draft, but there’s a chance that both move inside. With questions about David Bakhtiari’s health, tackle could be in play in 2023, and it is in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Blake Freeland is a monster in pass protection and should get more national attention this season.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Chiefs could have a good mix of receivers this year, but why not add a dynamic running back to the fold who can dominate in space? Jahmyr Gibbs has wicked twitch to have defenders grasping air and is an impact player as a receiver.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Leary, QB, North Carolina State
The Buccaneers could have Tom Brady for one more season, and it’s unlikely that Kyle Trask is the long-term answer. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they take a chance at a future starter in Devin Leary. Leary has impressive touch and placement and generates sufficient velocity. He plays extremely well from the pocket and is a quick processor.
32. Buffalo Bills: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Jamison Crowder has the slot duties for the Bills in 2022, but an upgrade could be in order in 2023. Josh Downs is an exciting playmaker after the catch that also makes impressive acrobatic catches to bail out his quarterback.