The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft features the Raiders at the top of the draft order, and two tackle selections in the top five.
Three weeks of the NFL season are nearly in the books. These things often travel too fast. But, we’ve learned a ton so far to continue to peek ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft.
The remaining undefeated teams, as everyone predicted, are the Dolphins, Eagles, and Giants. Miami and Philadelphia are beneficiaries of having picks from other teams in the top 10 as it stands today, and neither may need to go the quarterback route.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Two Tackles In The Top Five
The Raiders find themselves with the top pick as the only 0-3 team. They haven’t been able to find a way in three close games thus far. The Chargers also sit in the top five after a brutal loss to the Jaguars, both on the scoreboard and with injuries piling up.
We’ll address things for all those teams and more in the latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks. Off we go!
**Note: This mock draft order is based upon Tankathon’s current draft order.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Things just haven’t been clicking with the Raiders thus far. Davante Adams has had two quiet weeks in a row, and Vegas has tried to hang onto a lead and come back, but neither yielded a win. The offensive line has been one of their bigger issues, and Paris Johnson could help correct them. Johnson’s move over to left tackle in 2022 hasn’t been perfect, but he’s got the power and athleticism combo to be a franchise left (or right) tackle.
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans haven’t exactly been a doormat so far this season, hanging with the Broncos and tying the Colts. But, this still isn’t a team that’s being elevated into a contender. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Houston gets their next true franchise quarterback. C.J. Stroud has the precision, pocket awareness, and touch to all levels to be an elite quarterback.
3. Seattle Seahawks: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Seattle Seahawks are getting some impressive results from their rookies. Abe Lucas is playing well, and Charles Cross has had his moments. This offense is all systems go when the guy walks through the door, and they’ve got him in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Bryce Young is an artist playing quarterback with his out of structure skills, but he also has the poise to stand tall in the toughest, most pressure-packed moments.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Atlanta Falcons will eventually need to see what they have in Desmond Ridder, especially if they get a top three pick. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are stars in the making, so like others at the top, finding “the guy” is of heightened importance. Here, they don’t get the opportunity, but select the best player available. Will Anderson is an edge rusher who can make an instant impact for an improving defense.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Chargers could be snakebitten yet again with injuries. Corey Linsley didn’t play Sunday, and both Rashawn Slater and Joey Bosa went down with injuries, Slater’s of which could be very serious. Getting speed at receiver in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is important, but not this early. Shore up right tackle with Peter Skoronski, who has been fabulous in pass protection thus far. His high football IQ, power, and solid footwork make for a top 10 selection.
6. Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals just need to continue to add talent. They have enough at receiver, and while offensive line is possibility here, the top two tackles are off the board. Jalen Carter would give the Cardinals a great piece in the middle of the defense. His explosive first step, ridiculous lateral quickness, flexibility, and unrelenting power would be a force the NFC West won’t be keen to see.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Philadelphia Eagles seem to have it all through three weeks. The defensive line depth is lethal, and Jalen Hurts continues to get better as a pocket passer. Just think about what Bijan Robinson joining this offense would do. Robinson’s creativity in space, vision, contact balance, and receiving chops make for a three-down threat at the next level.
8. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Miami Dolphins are surging, and while the ball bounced their way a bit in their win over Buffalo, things look much better with Mike McDaniel at the helm. Their defensive line could look a bit different after the 2023 season, and Bryan Bresee is the best player available in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Bresee has the power, length, and athleticism to be an impactful interior rusher and 1-gapper against the run.
9. Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Carolina Panthers earned a hard fought victory on Sunday on the back of their defense. It still might be too late to save the ship for Matt Rhule, but the next coach has a good group on defense to work with. Isaiah Foskey would be a great complement to Brian Burns rushing the passer. Foskey’s explosion and ability to trim the edge with wicked hand usage gives him that top 10 potential.
10. Tennessee Titans: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Tennessee Titans have a chance to right things after their win over the Raiders. Getting Robert Woods and Treylon Burks more involved on offense will remedy the one-dimensional issues, and the defense is fine when everyone is healthy. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they finally get things right at tackle, selecting Broderick Jones, who’s making the most of his first full season as a starter.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Pittsburgh Steelers might break the streak of Mike Tomlin’s .500 or better seasons, but they’ve got a bright future with the receiver talent and front seven. Kenny Pickett needs to hit though. In this mock, Kelee Ringo heads to Pittsburgh to stop the oil from leaking in the secondary.
12. Cincinnati Bengals: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Cincinnati Bengals are finding rough waters after reaching the peak of the mountain in the AFC last year. The offense looked better Sunday, but tougher tests lie ahead. They addressed the secondary in the 2022 NFL Draft, but getting linebacker right is on the agenda here. Trenton Simpson has a similar profile to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and he’s a perfect fit for the modern NFL.
13. New England Patriots: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The New England Patriots don’t look like the contender we’re used to seeing. Mac Jones dealing with an ankle sprain will make the road to the playoffs even tougher. While Davante Parker had a breakout game Sunday, they don’t have their WR1 they need in the passing game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and his route running savvy and impressive post-catch instincts will produce results quickly in the NFL.
14. New York Jets: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
The New York Jets will be very much in evaluation mode when Zach Wilson returns, and don’t rule out moving on in the vein of desperation. Offensive line looks like the biggest need, but safety is another route. Antonio Johnson is a hybrid type at safety, with the size and speed to be a matchup-eraser, box player, and handle duties in a deep half.
15. Washington Commanders: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Washington Commanders came out strong on offense to start the 2022 season, and Carson Wentz got fans excited. Now, after a sluggish game against Philly, questions might arise. We’ll see how things go, but the playoffs are still a possible destination in a top-heavy NFC. The Commanders are a BPA type of team, and with Montez Sweat a free agent after 2023, Myles Murphy could be next in line to pair with Chase Young on the edge.
16. Detroit Lions: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Detroit Lions will be looking for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. That much feels clear. Jared Goff isn’t going to be the guy that leads them to the promised land. With Young and Stroud off the board, Will Levis is the next guy up. Levis has a rocket doubling as a right arm, and he can sling it to all levels of the field. He’s got poise, toughness, and improving footwork against pressure.
17. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Indianapolis Colts felt like a sinking ship last week after getting shut out by Jacksonville, but a win over Kansas City should flip the script a bit. They’re out of range for a top quarterback prospect in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but they get Matt Ryan another weapon here in Jordan Addison. Addison has all the traits to be impactful as a pro, and could share WR1 duties with Michael Pittman Jr.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Dallas going best player available on offense, more specifically at receiver with an LSU player on the board, wouldn’t be shocking. However, we’re going in a different direction in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. In a division with new stud duos at WR, getting Trevon Diggs a running mate would be good. Joey Porter Jr. has the physicality, ball skills, and instincts to be a shutdown corner.
19. Kansas City Chiefs: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Do the Chiefs have a true WR1? Probably not. Juju Smith-Schuster is the closest to that designation, and while Skyy Moore has promise, muffing a punt and limited targets through three weeks isn’t a good sign. Kayshon Boutte has the route tree, explosiveness, and catch point wins to be the alpha in Kansas City for years to come.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did sign Carlton Davis to a long-term deal, but Sean Bunting and Jamel Dean are free agents after the season. Cam Smith would be a good fit in Todd Bowles’ defense, as his man coverage chops will fit with Bowles’ blitz-happy tendencies.
21. Houston Texans (via CLE): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Houston Texans landed their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, and now they turn to the defensive side of the ball in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Nolan Smith might not have a ton of first round buzz, but his combination of explosiveness and power for a 235-pound edge is spectacular. He could form a fun duo with Jonathan Greenard.
22. Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
The Chicago Bears might have a dilemma on their hands at the quarterback position. Concerns are growing with Justin Fields, and the current regime weren’t the ones who drafted him. A move could happen, but then they’re back to square one. Best player available here is along the defensive line. Gervon Dexter is a pocket pusher who can make splash plays rushing the passer and will make life uncomfortable in the pocket for QBs.
23. Buffalo Bills: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Buffalo Bills should bounce back from the loss against Miami, especially with how many players missed the game. Looking long term, the Bills don’t have a deal in place with Jordan Poyer beyond this season. Jordan Battle is a playmaker at safety with impressive ball skills, zone instincts, and tackling skills.
24. Green Bay Packers: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
The Packers got some good news along with their win this week. Both David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins were back at the tackle spots, but Bakhtiari’s health is a concern beyond the 2022 season, and Jenkins isn’t signed past this season. Jaelyn Duncan is an impressive athlete at tackle with quick feet and strong pass sets. He’s a good space blocker as well to handle the perimeter run game the Packers like to deploy.
25. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
The Seattle Seahawks landed Bryce Young earlier in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and now they get some more protection up front. Cross and Lucas are a fine start, but with Austin Blythe set to hit free agency, center has an opening. Sedrick Van Pran is an excellent center who understands angles, hits second level landmarks, finishes in the run game, and is a great pass protector.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The Baltimore Ravens always find value in the NFL Draft, so why not keep up that tradition in mock drafts too? While Patrick Queen has flashed, he still has questions in year three, and Malik Harrison hasn’t gotten it done. Noah Sewell is brimming with traits, and as long as he improves the tackling, he’ll be a top level prospect.
27. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Vikings found a way to win late to get to 2-1, and they’re doing it with other names than Justin Jefferson. Even Irv Smith Jr. is getting in on the party. Tight end still remains a need for the Vikings, and Michael Mayer is sitting here at the end of round one. Mayer’s short area quickness and route savvy give him versatility in his alignment, and he has the size to play inline.
28. New York Giants: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
The New York Giants are off to a good start in 2022, and the Brian Daboll/Joe Schoen combo is already paying dividends. Still, Daniel Jones likely won’t be their guy in 2023, and while Jaren Hall is an older prospect, his accuracy, anticipation, and playmaking ability is worth a late first round pick.
29. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The Detroit Lions got Will Levis, and with a strong group in the trenches, they look elsewhere in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Jeffrey Okudah is having a good year so far, so safety is the place to look. Brian Branch often plays the STAR position at Alabama, and he could move around in the Lions defense, from playing nickel to deep safety.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Doug Pederson is getting the best out of Trevor Lawrence in their first season together. Christian Kirk has made a difference, and Pederson has moved him around, from the slot to the backfield to create matchups. But is Kirk a true WR1? Maybe, but no reason to stay comfortable in an AFC with growing offensive talent. Quentin Johnston has the alpha traits. He wins at the catch point, and has impressive acceleration to turn any reception into a score.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Eagles went luxury earlier in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and they do so again here. With a strong stable of pass rushers, this isn’t necessarily where they have to go. But, B.J. Ojulari would be an injection of youth for them. He has the first step, bend, and rush moves (including a wicked ghost move) to get some snaps early in his career.