2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans, Panthers, Colts Select Quarterbacks
![Nov 19, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports Nov 19, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ccfbb688c8c2c0fc84df583a552481f0756dc5bd19b813fd5ee33ae9fbec63ba.jpg)
5. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers will be a team in the mix for quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, no matter what is said about Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker, or even Matt Corral. A new head coach and a (potential) new general manager will want their guy at quarterback. C.J. Stroud is a great operator from the pocket, maneuvering well to buy time, and delivering accurate passes to every level. His touch and ability to handle pressure have gotten better. D.J. Moore will welcome a top quarterback talent.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Eagles are enjoying the spoils of a top 10 pick, and they’ve often been mocked taking a defensive lineman early. That would make sense here, but in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, secondary is the move early in the first round. The race for CB1 will be hotly contested, but Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez is in the mix for it. His ball skills, transitional quickness, and instincts make for a lockdown boundary corner.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Jacksonville Jaguars have several options in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. They could upgrade receiver, corner, or the defensive line (something they’ve done for a long time). However, with a scary moment happening for Trevor Lawrence today, it’s clear that the tackle position still needs work. Paris Johnson has been very impressive this season moving back to tackle. He has great feet in pass protection, and possesses the linear explosiveness to be a dominant zone blocker in the run game.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
It’s going to be tough for the Arizona Cardinals to stay away from a linebacker with traits, but hopefully after a couple seasons of it, they’ve grown tired of the same selection at the top of the draft. Instead, the Cardinals look to the secondary and select Kelee Ringo out of Georgia. Ringo has the size to stay physical and disrupt routes, and he can turn and run with anyone with his speed.