The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks features three quarterbacks in the top 10, the Lions loading up, and a tackle and corner run.
We’ve reached a crucial point of the 2023 NFL Draft process. While it technically begins with all-star games, the “declare or return” announcements are among us. Players like Joey Porter Jr., Tucker Kraft, Christian Gonzalez, and O’Cyrus Torrence have already declared, and notable names like Olu Fashanu and Michael Penix Jr. have decided to return for one more season.
Week 13 of the NFL season is almost in the books, and the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft order is taking shape. The Seahawks and Lions continue to be beneficiaries of the Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford trades, as both sit with top five picks that aren’t their own. The Eagles are also benefiting. The Houston Texans still sit atop the order, with the Bears right behind them. Chicago has an opportunity with that pick if they choose not to stay.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers, Texans, Colts Take Quarterbacks
The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft at NFL Mocks features an early run at the tackle and corner positions, the former due to need and the latter due to top talent. A late run at wide receiver happens, and Bijan Robinson finds a fun team. Let’s dive in to see who is headed where!
1. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Houston leads things off, and it feels like they’re really locked in to this selection. To set the franchise in motion on a path to contention, a franchise quarterback is the way. If he were taller, Bryce Young would be QB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft without question. His improvisational skills are elite and he has a sufficient arm.
But, what sets Young apart is what he can do pre-snap and post-snap. He makes changes at the line and sets protection, while also throwing with impressive anticipation. Young’s poise is an underrated trait, and he can get the Texans on track.
2. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Chicago Bears could easily trade out of this spot, especially with their needs at receiver and along the offensive line. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they stay put and select an edge rusher that will terrorize the NFC North for a long time. Will Anderson’s legendary 2021 season hasn’t quite been matched in 2022, but Anderson has double digit sacks and 17 tackles for loss. His explosion to power is impressive, and he’s a technician at the contact point and a fabulous run defender.
3. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
A bit of a change for the Seattle Seahawks in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, especially picking in the top five. Instead of going defensive tackle, the Seahawks get a versatile defensive lineman in Tyree Wilson. Wilson has elite size and the length and explosive burst to be a major disruptor wherever he lines up.
4. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Quarterback could be on the table for the Detroit Lions with this selection, but Jared Goff has been playing well recently. If Detroit doesn’t think that anyone after Young is a franchise quarterback, opting for the defensive side of the ball is the move. The Lions have Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike on the interior, but Jalen Carter brings superstar potential. His explosiveness, change of direction skills, flexibility, and limitless power make for an instant impact player in both phases.
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.
9. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Week 13 for the Colts finished with an embarrassing drubbing at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. It feels like the Jeff Saturday hire won’t work well, but the Indianapolis Colts definitely need better talent at the most important positions. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Colts go quarterback, selecting Kentucky’s Will Levis.
Levis generates easy velocity throwing the football, and he’s been listed as a toolsy passer who needs refinement. The Colts might be able to provide a strong environment for Levis to develop.
10. Atlanta Falcons: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons have a conundrum at quarterback for the 2023 season. Will it be Marcus Mariota? Desmond Ridder? Someone else? It’s hard to say, but the Falcons could be missing Kaleb McGary, who is set to hit free agency this offseason. Broderick Jones would be a seamless transition and much more. His movement skills, ability to pull, and space blocking prowess would be welcome in a run-first approach.
11. Green Bay Packers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Green Bay Packers might actually be bringing back Aaron Rodgers for the 2023 season, and that could mean finding a way to go all in again. Still, this franchise has often looked ahead when it comes to the NFL Draft. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Packers build up their offensive line for the future. Peter Skoronski is technically refined with a strong anchor. Arm length is his question, but the Packers could move him along the line to get the best five out there.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
With the run on tackles starting early, the Las Vegas Raiders miss out on getting offensive line help. The next best thing would be to get more help to generate a strong pass rush. Bryan Bresee hasn’t put the season together that many hoped, but his power, length, and functional athleticism have the making for a quality starter for a long time.
13. Houston Texans (via CLE): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
After securing a franchise signal-caller earlier in the draft, the Texans switch over to the defensive side of the ball with their second round one selection. The front seven doesn’t have much outside of Jonathan Greenard, and Myles Murphy would be a welcome addition. Murphy plays with impressive power at the point of attack, and has impressive pass rush moves to get to the quarterback, including a wicked long arm move.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Steelers have strung together back-to-back wins, giving themselves a shred of hope in the playoff race. Like others, the trenches will likely be a focus at some point, but they might not like the value at defensive tackle and offensive line. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they turn to corner instead. Joey Porter Jr. would be a great addition. His temperament for the position is excellent, he’s great helping in run support, and he plays physical in coverage.
15. Detroit Lions: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Aidan Hutchinson is starting to get into a groove on the edge for the Lions, and now that Jalen Carter is in the fold, why not continue to build a fearsome front that could wreck games Sunday after Sunday? Jared Verse transferred to Florida State from Albany, and he’s dominated rushing the passer this year. Verse and Hutchinson would be a phenomenal duo.
16. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Los Angeles Chargers are doing their best to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race, despite injuries to a few of their top players. Justin Herbert is still playing good ball, but his receiver room is littered with average speed. They need a deep threat, and they get one in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Quentin Johnston has the speed to win vertically, but he can also dominate the catch point and thrive post-catch with his explosiveness and spatial awareness.
17. New England Patriots: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The New England Patriots are sitting on the edge between contender and bottom of the AFC. The offense still lacks some playmakers at receiver and tight end, and the defense has played inconsistent ball. It’s likely that the Patriots will be looking for the next lockdown corner, and Devon Witherspoon could be it. His skills in man coverage would fit right in with how Bill Belichick wants to run a defense.
18. Washington Commanders: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Washington Commanders are in the thick of the playoff race with Taylor Heinicke at the helm, and they still have Sam Howell to evaluate at some point. It feels like they won’t force the issue at quarterback, so this 2023 NFL Mock Draft looks a different direction. Washington has offensive line depth, but quality still matters, as does quantity of potential starters. Anton Harrison is a fabulous pass protector who can help deal with the loaded pass rushing division that is the NFC East.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely lose Tom Brady this offseason, but we’ll cross the quarterback bridge when we get to it. Another issue is potentially losing both Sean Bunting and Jamel Dean in the secondary. Cam Smith is a big, physical lockdown corner who can thrive on an island in a Todd Bowles blitz-heavy scheme.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Seahawks are back up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and while they could look at quarterback as well, Geno Smith continues to play well and should receive an extension. Getting a running mate for Jordyn Brooks makes sense too, and Trenton Simpson would fit well as a run a chase type. He’s got hybrid size, but he plays physical downhill and is great in coverage.
21. Tennessee Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans got humbled on Sunday against the Eagles, and while losing Treylon Burks hurt, it’s still an offense that needs another playmaker. Michael Mayer is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. His short area quicks, ability to separate as a receiver, and improved run blocking skills inline make for a complete player. He’ll make an impact in year one.
22. New York Jets: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
The New York Jets have greatly exceeded expectations in 2022. They’re on the cusp of a playoff berth, and they’re doing so with Mike White at quarterback. Joe Douglas could look for a veteran in the offseason, but the 2023 NFL Draft offers options too. They opt to go elsewhere here, beefing up the defense even more. Antonio Johnson is big and fast, handling things in man coverage from the slot while also thriving as a box defender against the run.
23. New York Giants: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The quarterback needs in New York are evident right now. Could Anthony Richardson thrive in Brian Daboll’s offense with development? Absolutely. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Giants decide to build around Daniel Jones (or whoever the starter in 2023 is) and grab a potential WR1. Rashee Rice should climb up draft boards. He had a great year of production in 2022 and can win on the perimeter at all three levels.
24. Miami Dolphins: **Forfeited Pick**
25. Denver Broncos (via SF): B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Denver Broncos are in a precarious situation after giving Russell Wilson a mega contract after trading for him back in March. The offense’s putrid output has things going haywire in the locker room. Things will have to change. When it comes to this mock, getting an edge rusher to replace Bradley Chubb is crucial. B.J. Ojulari is one of the best pass rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft, with the bend and athleticism to be an impact player right away.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Baltimore Ravens are another team that needs to make offensive changes. Lamar Jackson is carrying the team, but Greg Roman is attached to multiple tight ends on every play. Rashod Bateman will be back in 2023, but a running mate for him on the perimeter is important. Jordan Addison is a great separator at receiver and could expand the passing game outside the numbers.
27. Cincinnati Bengals: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
The Cincinnati Bengals are finding their stride at the right time. Joe Burrow is playing lights out. The defense frustrated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and helped the Bengals get their third straight win against Kansas City. There aren’t many true weaknesses other than corner on the roster. Clark Phillips might be a bit undersized, but he’s quick, physical at the catch point, and has great instincts in coverage.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys could potentially be without both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard when the 2023 season rolls around. Are there other needs to address? Sure. But, someone is going to finally select Bijan Robinson, and Dallas feels like one of the likely destinations. Robinson is an elite prospect at running back, with the ability to force missed tackles in a multitude of ways. His receiving skills are so natural too. Robinson will thrive as a three-down back wherever he goes.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a bump in the road on Sunday against the Bengals, but they’re still clear Super Bowl contenders. One thing is clear with the Chiefs offense: their tackles are struggling. Orlando Brown could be gone after the season, and they’ll potentially need two new tackles to protect Mahomes. Dawand Jones has elite size for the position, and his footwork and ability to mirror in pass protection have vastly improved in 2022.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Minnesota Vikings continue to stack wins and run away with the NFC North. While the defense is still struggling at times, their secondary will get a big boost with Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth healthy and improved in 2023. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they opt for offense instead. Jalin Hyatt is the deep threat the offense is missing, and his addition will further stress defenses.
31. Buffalo Bills: Chris Smith II, S, Georgia
The Buffalo Bills are back in the driver’s seat for the top seed in the AFC, and they’re humming despite some depth issues in the secondary. Speaking of, there’s a chance Jordan Poyer doesn’t return in 2023, leaving a need at safety. Chris Smith II should be talked about more at safety. He plays top down very well, closing with impressive speed. Smith makes plays at the catch point, delivering hits that separate the ball from receivers. He’s a great tackler in space as well and could be a strong replacement for Poyer.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Eagles round things out in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and since edge wasn’t the focus in the top 10, that’s where they go in this scenario. Isaiah Foskey had high potential entering the season, and while the consistency isn’t quite there yet, his length and power give him a good base as a run defender. Foskey has a go-to move as a pass rusher that works well, and as he develops his game, he can rotate in and learn from a great group of defensive linemen.