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2023 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers, Lions Find New Signal-Callers

By Jacob Schyvinck

Oct 8, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) walks off the field after a Crimson Tide victory over the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) walks off the field after a Crimson Tide victory over the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Panthers, fresh off of firing head coach Matt Rhule, and the Detroit Lions find new quarterbacks in this updated 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

We’re a quarter-ish into the 2022 NFL season, as the new 17-game schedule makes it harder for the true quarter point. Still, we’ve learned a lot through five weeks of action. The Philadelphia Eagles remain undefeated, New York is boasting two teams with surprising success, and the Chiefs and Bills remain the class of the AFC. Also, it isn’t so easy to be a rookie quarterback in the NFL (unless Bill Belichick stops the top scoring unit in the league).

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers, Lions, Texans, Giants Get QBs

There’s been plenty of narratives forming in the college football world as well, as we drift closer and closer to NFL Draft season. Team needs are becoming clearer, and the struggle of some teams could mean a top quarterback, in a much better class this go-around.

Without further ado, the quarter point (ish) 2023 NFL Mock Draft from NFL Mocks is here. Let’s roll!

****NOTE****: Order set before results of Monday Night Football.

1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Carolina Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule after an 11-27 record through two-plus seasons, as a drubbing at the hands of the 49ers was the final straw. After retreading 2018 NFL Draft quarterbacks in Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, a new regime (their GM is not safe either) will probably go a new direction.

Bryce Young might not be the expected selection here, but his playmaking ability has the upside to warrant this pick. Young has immeasurable poise and a quick trigger to operate from the pocket. He throws a fantastic deep ball and can play the role of a point guard in an offense.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

It felt like the 2022 season was finally going to be the year that Mike Tomlin didn’t reach .500 on the season. That’s okay, and his seat should still be ice cold. Kenny Pickett is getting reps in now, and the playmakers around him are plentiful. While Alex Highsmith has looked good, the pass rush still needs more juice when T.J. Watt returns. Will Anderson plays with limitless power and is a technician as a pass rusher with his hand usage. Anderson and Watt is scary to think about.

3. Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Detroit Lions got humbled in New England on Sunday, and while the Jared Goff story was fun to start the year, the offense needs a fresh face. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Ohio State quarterbacks. Seriously, find a new slant. C.J. Stroud has impressive accuracy and touch with the maneuverability in the pocket to boot. His pressure-to-snap percentage is way lower than Justin Fields’ was at Ohio State.

4. Washington Commanders: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Could it be a quarterback for the Commanders? Maybe, but not in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. It’s hard to find a true need, but with Da’Ron Payne set to hit free agency, defensive tackle could be one. Phidarian Mathis can be good, but Jalen Carter is better. His explosiveness, power, and ability to affect all three downs is worth a top-five selection.

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