The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks features the Lions selecting their guy at QB, and the Houston Texans loading up on defense.
We’re nearly a third of the way through the 2022 NFL season, and it comes with a variety of questions. The first of those is, “who is actually good?” Yes, the Bills and Chiefs are tops in the league right now, with the Eagles likely next in a second tier by themselves, but after that, where are we?
The Packers, Rams, and Bucs are all struggling mightily. Baltimore can’t hang onto big leads and have become the Falcons. Minnesota should be next, but they teeter on fraud territory based on the metrics, which part of that is getting used to a new scheme on both sides. Miami and the Chargers are dealing with injuries. Both New York teams are nice surprises, but not true contenders. The 49ers still have Jimmy Garoppolo. Dallas is likely next in line, as Dak Prescott returns with a strong defense.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans Bolster Defense, Bucs Grab QB
This wacky season still provides the expected teams at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft order. The Panthers will have a potentially large regime change if Scott Fitterer is fired along with Matt Rhule. Detroit needs defensive help. The Steelers aren’t ready.
Well, this 2023 NFL Mock Draft looks at all the issues surrounding NFL teams in the 2022 season and hopefully provides sound solutions. Let’s look at said latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks, which features tackles and quarterbacks aplenty. Off we go!
1. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Things are ugly for the Carolina Panthers on the offensive side of the ball. They struggle to get their best playmaker the football, and are starting P.J. Walker in this difficult time. Robbie Anderson wanted out, and he got his wish.
The complete reset at quarterback sends C.J. Stroud to Carolina. Stroud is a precise pocket passer with the ability to hit throws to every level. He can drop the ball in the bucket on deep throws outside the numbers, and rip it over the middle of the field. That precision and decisiveness will be important at the next level, especially for a pocket passer.
2. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Las Vegas Raiders could go with a best player available approach in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but their best avenue should be to address an offensive line that lacks consistency. Paris Johnson Jr. has been outstanding in his move to left tackle in 2022, looking like every bit the five star recruit he was in high school. His size, athleticism, and technique make for a franchise tackle.
3. Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
It hasn’t been the season that Lions fans had imagined, but without enough personnel to succeed on defense, the playoffs are an extreme long shot right now. That’s okay. Detroit is now in the perfect spot to select their quarterback of the future. Bryce Young is a playmaking machine at Alabama, with the arm strength, creativity outside of structure, and immeasurable poise to handle things in the NFL. Plus, Young to Jameson Williams is back again in this scenario!
4. Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Houston Texans could easily take a quarterback here, but why not have a little fun in this mock? The defense certainly has added some important pieces in Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, but the front four could use an injection of talent. Will Anderson isn’t having the season he had in 2022, but he still has 28 pressures and eight sacks for the Crimson Tide this season.
5. Houston Texans (via CLE): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Yeah, the double up is happening for the Houston Texans in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Does anyone left at quarterback completely clear Davis Mills? Perhaps, but until that feels guaranteed, let’s pair Jalen Carter with Will Anderson to create a front that can terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Carter’s blend of power, explosiveness, and lateral quickness makes him a better prospect than that of Jordan Davis or Devonte Wyatt.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Philadelphia Eagles continue riding high at 6-0, and while winning hides the issues, this team is going to need help at edge rusher after this season. Myles Murphy is the perfect defensive end to stick his hand in the dirt and play a power game for four quarters. He’s got 18 pressures and 14 stops on the 2022 season.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
We mentioned in the Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft last week that this team needed to generate more pressure. Cam Heyward helped them out this week in taking advantage of a bad Bucs interior line, but someone to complement T.J. Watt long-term is in the cards. Bryan Bresee has violent hand usage at the point of attack that can make him a strong two-gapper, but he’s also got the linear explosiveness to one-gap and attack upfield.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
This just feels like a Cardinals pick. They just traded for Robbie Anderson to ease the loss of Marquise Brown for an extended time, and their lack of investment into the offensive line is hurting them. Well, so is Kliff Kingsbury. However, if that current setup sticks for 2023, adding a playmaker in Bijan Robinson fits their MO. Robinson is a special player at running back, with the ability to create yardage on his own and be a three-down threat.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
After a strong start, the Jacksonville Jaguars have cooled off in the last couple weeks. As good as Trevor Lawrence can be, he’s still taking chances when he shouldn’t. As good as Christian Kirk is, the Jaguars need a WR1. Quentin Johnston has had big games the past couple weeks, and he has the size, speed, vertical route tree prowess, and is such a nightmare transitioning from the catch to attacking post-catch.
10. Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears are still struggling through year one of a big rebuild with a new regime, and between wide receiver and offensive tackle, they need to address one here. Wide receiver is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and while Jaxon Smith-Njigba hasn’t played much this year, he’s still the steady, route-running technician with impressive vision and feel after the catch.
11. Washington Commanders: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
It’s impossible to figure out where the Washington Commanders will look. Could the offensive line be upgraded? Absolutely, but they have a lot of guys under contract. Linebacker doesn’t feel worth it with Jamin Davis still developing. Quarterback is a maybe, but who? Instead, the Commanders select Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who can be the long-term replacement for Montez Sweat should he not stick around.
12. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
It’s wild that the Denver pick is this high for Seattle (Monday Night pending), but the Seahawks are in great position to take advantage of the talent in the 2023 NFL Draft. Is Will Levis worth this selection? No, but we know how the NFL is. The Seahawks can afford this selection while also bringing back Geno Smith, and giving Levis time to develop behind him.
13. Atlanta Falcons: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
The Atlanta Falcons continue to surprise with their impressive run game, and their defense kept Garoppolo rattled all afternoon. As resurgent as the offensive line has been, Kaleb McGary is a free agent after the 2022 season. Jaelyn Duncan would be a seamless fit, as his initial quicks and space blocking work perfectly in zone running.
14. Seattle Seahawks: K.J. Henry, EDGE, Clemson
Welcome to the first round K.J. Henry. The Clemson rusher has finally broke out onto the scene on a dominant defensive line. The Seahawks could use more help rushing the passer, and Henry’s 29 pressures would be welcomed to the front. Henry’s explosiveness and power is a great combination to work with and could give the front its sack artist they’ve been looking for.
15. Cincinnati Bengals: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Good for the Bengals for their ability to right the ship against a banged-up Saints team. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are heating up, and they’ve abandoned the idea of under center running to make themselves more of a challenge to defend. The secondary got plenty of upgrades in the 2022 NFL Draft, but more is needed. Christian Gonzalez is the type of playmaker the defense needs. His size and length will help in press, and he’s extremely patient and sticky in coverage.
16. New England Patriots: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
There might not be a better fit in the 2023 NFL Draft. Drew Sanders has been a big riser this season, and he finds himself in the first round of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The Patriots love their versatile front seven players, and Sanders has the ability to play off the ball and rush the passer.
17. Miami Dolphins (**Forfeited**)
18. Green Bay Packers: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
So the Green Bay Packers look like a disaster this season. Everything looks disjointed on offense. The offensive line struggled mightily against the Jets front on Sunday. Elgton Jenkins cannot stick at tackle. They resort to hero ball at the slightest bit of resistance. The defense is all over the place agains the run.
When it comes to the 2023 NFL Draft, don’t expect a first round receiver. In fact, stop giving them one. It won’t happen. Instead, the Packers look for a premium position here, and get Penn State’s Olu Fashanu. He’s an extremely young player (just 19) who has looked fantastic in pass protection this season.
19. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Miami Dolphins are working through having to switch quarterbacks in every game they play in, which further complicates things for their offense. Hopefully Tua Tagovailoa is back next week (as long as he’s completely healthy) so they can get back to what they were at the start of the season. Still though, the offensive line isn’t good. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they get Peter Skoronski to potentially play guard or tackle for them. He’s been excellent in 2022.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Perhaps the shock of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. It’s impossible to ignore the Bucs’ struggles, and while Tom Brady shouldn’t shoulder all of the blame, the decline might be coming. His contract is up after the season, and it might actually be his time to retire. To replace him, the Bucs select Hendon Hooker, who is a quick RPO processor and possesses an impressive deep ball. He can’t be left out of the first round after his performance against Alabama.
21. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Baltimore Ravens have struggled to finish games, and it’s tough sledding when Lamar Jackson has an off day, as he’s their entire offense. With Rashod Bateman sidelined, the passing game has turned to Devin Duvernay and Demarcus Robinson. That isn’t enough. While Bateman should be trusted more, getting him a running mate is important. Jordan Addison is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and his short area quickness helps him thrive as a route runner.
22. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Detroit Lions could go all defense in the 2023 NFL Draft and no one would bat an eye. The offense should click with Bryce Young as it has with Jared Goff in spurts. To start that focus on defense, how about a corner brimming with traits? Kelee Ringo is size and speed and is continuing to grow into a good cover corner.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The Indianapolis Colts have been trotting out Matt Pryor and Bernhard Raimann at the tackle spots, something that has created issues dealing with pressure. They didn’t have that issue Sunday, and Matt Ryan teed off. Still though, if building around Ryan for a couple more years is the move, tackle needs a better solution. Blake Freeland is a taller tackle at 6’8″, but he’s got great footwork and can handle maintaining leverage even when he isn’t the low man.
24. Los Angeles Chargers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Whenever the Chargers can get a break, we will have seen it all. The offensive line has been battered all season, and things won’t change with Rashawn Slater done for the season. Hopefully, they get a good idea if Trey Pipkins can be the long-term right tackle. Let’s assume that doesn’t happen in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, so Broderick Jones is the pick. Jones is a great down blocker with the power to be a people-mover, and the athleticism and quick feet to mirror in pass protection.
25. Tennessee Titans: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Tennessee Titans get in a tough spot in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. With offensive linemen flying off before they pick, they have to switch gears here. Beyond 2022, the linebacker room will consist only of Zach Cunningham and Monty Rice. That’s not enough. Trenton Simpson is the modern-day linebacker in the Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah role. He can play off the ball in coverage and be creative to fill against the run.
26. New York Jets: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The New York Jets are flying high, even with below average quarterback play. Zach Wilson has time to right the ship, but these last couple rookie classes have been a great success. This would be another spot for offensive line, but we’ll look for a running mate for Jordan Whitehead to complete the secondary. Brian Branch plays the star role at Alabama, but his route recognition and physicality will blend well in Robert Saleh’s defense.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been their strength thus far. Trevon Diggs is actually playing better in coverage in 2022, and the Micah Parsons/DeMarcus Lawrence duo is nearly unstoppable. Could this be receiver? Maybe, but instead they get a great pairing at corner by selecting Joey Porter Jr. He needs work in off-coverage, but he’s physical in press, plays the run hard, and has impressive ball skills.
28. New York Giants: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Yeah, so the New York Giants are 5-1. Who saw this coming? If you did, congrats. If the success continues, they’ll have a decision to make with Daniel Jones. At pick 28 in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, quarterback feels off the table. So, let’s right the ship at wide receiver. Wan’Dale Robinson can handle slot duties, but Kayshon Boutte has true “X” potential. After a slow start, he’s come on of late.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
So far, the Kansas City Chiefs have done alright with the absence of Tyreek Hill. Yes, the loss to the Bills stings, but Skyy Moore is trending upward and the defense should get healthier soon. The real question for them is tackle. Orlando Brown is surrendering pressures at a high rate, and Andrew Wylie isn’t much better on the other side. Anton Harrison is the full package of traits at tackle, and as he gets better hand technique staying in tight, he can be a dominant force.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Minnesota Vikings look for true best player available here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Even with Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith, Isaiah Foskey would be a great third edge to develop in Minnesota. He hasn’t lived up to the hype yet this fall, but his explosiveness, length, and go-to swipe/rip move inspire a high ceiling.
31. Buffalo Bills: J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State
The Buffalo Bills are humming on all cylinders, even without Tre White and Micah Hyde in the secondary. Kaiir Elam is getting better by the week. Still, Jordan Poyer might be playing elsewhere in 2023, leaving a hole at safety. J.L. Skinner has the Kyle Hamilton physique, and he plays hard through the alley and could handle a deep half at the next level.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Eagles are sticking run-first to win this season, and it’s working. Jalen Hurts is playing just fine, and the addition of A.J. Brown is paying a hefty dividend. Just imagine a big play threat in both phases at running back. Jahmyr Gibbs has next-level explosiveness and is a great route runner out of the backfield. His wicked lateral twitch generates insane displacement. He’s got some Jamaal Charles to him.