2-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Will Levis To Detroit, Bucs Go RB
The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks looks at the possibility of Detroit going prototypical at QB rather than the outlier, and much more.
As we draw ever closer to the end of the college football regular season, we’re getting a great picture of what each positional group for the 2023 NFL Draft looks like. As we mentioned in the stock report, the quarterbacks haven’t quite delivered relative to the hype. The receiver class hasn’t been quite as impressive as ones in year’s past, but the defensive line and running back classes look as stacked as ever.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Will Levis To Detroit, Bucs Go BPA
From the NFL side, the Carolina Panthers’ win over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football bumps them out of the top two in the draft order and all the way to pick five. This opens the door for the Lions to get back up to the top of the order. There are several weeks left to decide it, but we’ll use the current order here.
This 2023 NFL Mock Draft features two rounds of projections, the first of this cycle here at NFL Mocks. Quarterbacks dominate the top five, but don’t resurface until later in the second round. Tackles make a big run, as do corners. Let’s dive in to the latest projections!
1. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans might not relinquish the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and it will be tough to pass at quarterback, no matter the defensive talent. If they can build around C.J. Stroud, a prolific offense could await them. Stroud is great maneuvering around the pocket, and has the touch and ball placement to all three levels to threaten a defense. He’s shown he can make plays outside the pocket and even run when necessary.
2. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
If the Raiders are indeed picking this high, offensive line can wait. Passing up Will Anderson isn’t advised, and they select him in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Anderson’s combination of first-step explosiveness, power, and advanced hand usage make him a tough assignment for tackles, not to mention he’s fabulous defending the run.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Pittsburgh Steelers could use more juice on defense, and Jalen Carter would provide it for them on the interior. There aren’t many defensive tackles who can move like Carter can, from the initial explosiveness to how nimble, flexible, and explosive he can be changing direction. T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Carter would make the front fearsome in Pittsburgh.
4. Detroit Lions: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Detroit Lions do pass on the outlier and go with the prototypical style at quarterback here. Will Levis has a lot of the tools necessary to be an NFL signal-caller. He’s great reading the field post-snap on play action, generates easy velocity on the football, and can make things happen outside the pocket. He’s also operating in an NFL offense already.
5. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Even after moving out of the top two, the Carolina Panthers get their guy in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. After looking for an answer for so long, the Panthers go with Bryce Young here. His command of the Alabama offense is impressive. He sets protections, identifies things pre-snap, is a great anticipatory thrower, and has tremendous poise.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Eagles are living large with a top 10 pick despite an undefeated record thanks to the Saints. If the trends hold for them, the trenches are where they’ll go. Myles Murphy would give the Eagles another powerful rusher with impressive moves and the length to keep tackles off of his frame.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Cardinals need to upgrade the offensive line, period. They can’t stick with what they have while throwing caution to the wind in acquiring receivers. Paris Johnson Jr. would be a quick fix at right tackle, as he’s proven why he was a high recruit coming out of high school in his move back to tackle in 2022.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Wide receiver feels necessary here for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but don’t forget about Calvin Ridley coming their way in 2023. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they look to the corner position and get Joey Porter Jr., who plays a physical brand of football and could form a formidable duo with Tyson Campbell, shifting Darious Williams in to the slot.