2023 NFL Mock Draft: A Shocking Run on QBs, Four Georgia Bulldogs, and Many More Surprises
By Hunter Haas
Week 4 of the NFL season wraps up this evening with an NFC West clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. With nearly a quarter of the season now in the books, it’s time for a fresh mock draft.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: A Shocking Run on QBs, Four Georgia Bulldogs, and Many More Surprises
This mock draft order is not determined by me, it is simply the current listing on Tankathon. With that out of the way, let’s get things started with the Houston Texans now on the clock!
1. Houston Texans – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Houston Texans might feel the urge to take a quarterback in this mock draft, but Davis Mills has been fine and the team has been surprisingly competitive in 2022. They also own a couple of future first-round picks from the Cleveland Browns, so there’s no reason to rush the rebuild by forcing a certain position.
Will Anderson Jr. is a rare prospect on the edge. He flexes an impressive catalog of pass rush moves, a relentless motor, and a confidence that can only come from being the best player on any football field he steps on. He’ll give the Texans a franchise centerpiece on the defensive side of the ball.
2. Las Vegas Raiders – Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Las Vegas Raiders need help everywhere, so I went with the best player available and according to my big board, that is Jalen Carter from Georgia. Sure, an offensive tackle makes much more sense but picking at No. 2 overall means you take your top guy no matter what.
Georgia’s defense is as good, if not better than their championship-winning unit in 2021. Jalen Carter is the biggest reason why, literally and figuratively. He would thrive between Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby, and I can assure you that offensive coordinators will not sleep well when they see the Raiders on the schedule.
3. Carolina Panthers – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers will undoubtedly be on the lookout for a new franchise cornerstone when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. Fortunately, they land the best quarterback in the draft class at No. 3 overall in this mock draft. CJ Stroud’s anticipation is nearing mythical status, and he will bring that elite ball placement and strong arm with him to Carolina to lead the franchise into a new era.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
There are many different ways the Eagles could go here, but I am of the mindset that anytime you pick in the top five of the NFL Draft, you pick the best player on your board. Philadelphia lives and dies by their stellar offensive line, and Peter Skoronski will provide insurance behind their current starters, while also giving the team a high-potential starter in the near future. His athleticism and versatility fit the Nick Sirianni scheme perfectly.