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2023 NFL Mock Draft: Lions Land C.J. Stroud, Steelers Go Tackle

By Jacob Schyvinck

Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back in the pocket during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back in the pocket during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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2023 NFL Mock Draft, Jalen Carter. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Jalen Carter. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

After a hot start, there have to be some concerns rising in Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t played up to his potential, and a couple of his recent starts haven’t looked good. He absolutely needs to cut down on the backbreaking decisions.

A WR1 would make sense for Lawrence in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but the Jaguars don’t deviate from their defensive line lean in the first round. Jalen Carter has ridiculous explosiveness for a defensive tackle, and he will be a gamewrecker in the NFL.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

This is probably getting old for Raiders fans, but it’s a pick that makes the most sense in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Derek Carr was under duress all day against the Saints, and there have to be investments made along the offensive line. Paris Johnson has the athleticism, footwork, and power profile to be a fantastic tackle in the NFL.

7. Houston Texans (via CLE): Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

Another time passing on a quarterback for the Texans? Absolutely! Continuing to build the defensive line is a great idea with the talent at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft. After getting Anderson, the Texans land Bryan Bresee as well. Bresee is a wrecking ball in the middle of the defensive line. His length gives him the ability to generate leverage at the point of attack, and he has the power to disengage quickly and make plays in the backfield.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

It’s been quite a turn of events for the Buccaneers, as they’ve gone from Super Bowl contender to a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Will it be a new era at quarterback? Maybe, but in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they turn to the defensive side of the football. Eli Ricks is back in the first round of mocks and for good reason. After injuries and limited snaps were the story, Ricks got on the field against Mississippi State, and showed why he was a high-level recruit. His four PBUs and impressive technique have him back in the CB1 conversation.

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