2023 Mock Draft: Bryce Young to Lions, CJ Stroud to Panthers, and a Shocking Duo Joins the Texans
By Hunter Haas
The NFL season is nearly half way through and a number of teams (and fans) are already looking toward the 2023 NFL Draft. This Mock Draft sends Bryce Young to the Lions, CJ Stroud to the Panthers, and sees a surprising duo head to Houston. The draft order is determined by Tankathon, not myself. Without further ado, let’s get it rolling!
*Note: Mock Draft was completed prior to Monday Night Football*
*Note: The Miami Dolphins forfeit their first-round pick in 2023, meaning only 31 picks will be made in this Mock Draft slideshow*
2023 Mock Draft: Bryce Young to Lions, CJ Stroud to Panthers, and a Shocking Duo Joins the Texans
1. Detroit Lions – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis, and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker all have their own claim for QB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, Detroit kicks off the mock draft by selecting Alabama’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Bryce Young.
Young is getting the most out of his teammates in 2022. The receiver group leaves much to be desired, but Young’s improvisation and knack for extending plays have covered most of the blemishes. He’ll look to do the same for whatever franchise drafts him. If Young stood a couple of inches taller, I believe it would be a consensus at No. 1 for the Lions.
2. Houston Texans – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Lions took Bryce Young at No. 1 overall, and rather than go with a quarterback, my top-rated player in the 2023 NFL Draft lands with the Houston Texans in this mock draft. Will Anderson Jr. would be the best pass rusher on the roster immediately and give the Houston defense a premier guy to build around.
Anderson Jr. is considered one of the best edge rush prospects to come through the collegiate ranks. The Alabama standout recorded 17.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2021 and currently boasts six in eight games in 2022. Anderson Jr. also leads the nation in QB pressures, checking in at nearly 30 by himself. Slowly but surely, this Texans defense is becoming a legit unit.
3. Carolina Panthers – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers tore off the rebuild band-aid by firing head coach Matt Rhule and trading franchise player Christian McCaffery. In doing so, the team took a necessary step back in order to get to where they ultimately want to be.
The roster is better than given credit for, so adding a top talent at quarterback could be enough to accelerate the build. Ohio State’s CJ Stroud shows elite arm talent, impeccable timing and anticipation, and an underrated scrambling ability that he has not had to show with the Buckeyes. Stroud would start day one and give the fandom a new franchise centerpiece to rally around.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) – Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
There are several different ways that Philadelphia could go with the No. 4 overall pick. If Will Anderson Jr. is unavailable, look for the Eagles to attempt a trade-down. Since trades are not allowed in this mock draft, the team would be wise to address their secondary.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry are an elite duo. However, they are both on the back end of their career. Drafting a future leader atop the depth chart should be a necessity. Enter Georgia’s star defensive back, Kelee Ringo.
Ringo brings a hard hat mentality that the City of Brotherly Love will fall in love with. He is still improving in coverage, specifically in zone, but he is a menace in press-man. Ringo can step in for James Bradberry if the franchise opts to let the veteran walk in free agency and will serve as the long-term replacement for the beloved Darius Slay.
5. Houston Texans (via CLE) – Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
After getting the best edge rusher in the draft class with Will Anderson Jr., the Houston front office continues to build a juggernaut on defense by taking Jalen Carter to man the middle. In NFL Draft circles it is a popular debate about who the better prospect is. The Texans, luckily, do not have to decide — they get both.
Carter has served as the backbone of the best defense in the country for the past two seasons. The Georgia Bulldogs have not skipped a beat after losing 15 players to the NFL Draft; Jalen Carter is the biggest reason. He is a rare game-wrecker from the interior and arguably ranks as the best player in this NFL Draft class, regardless of position.