2023 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers And Jets Trade Up For Quarterbacks
The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft at NFL Mocks features a couple blockbuster trades, which include the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets.
Just one week remains in the 2022 regular season, and we’re in for a great ride next weekend. Two divisions could be on the line (depending on the Bengals-Bills result), and the hunt for the seventh seed in both conferences is hotly contested.
The NFC has become quite interesting at the top. The Eagles aren’t getting things done with Gardner Minshew, and the Vikings got embarrassed once again in the spotlight. The Cowboys and 49ers are both closing on the possibility of the number one seed.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Panthers Trade Up For QBs
As for the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans and Bears are fighting for the top pick. If the Texans beat the reeling Colts, a Bears loss to Minnesota gives them the pick to field a mammoth of a draft haul for quarterback-needy teams.
This 2023 NFL Mock Draft takes a look at some draft trade possibilities, as a couple teams make the move to get a potential franchise quarterback in the class. Both the Panthers and yes, the Jets, make the moves, and the Bears get a big return. Let’s dive in to the latest round one projections in the new year!
1. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Who will the Houston Texans select at the top pick? It remains a big time mystery with four months until the 2023 NFL Draft. There are still plenty of answers to await. Bryce Young might be 5’9″ and 185 pounds at the combine. Is Will Levis going to inevitably rise into the Texans favor? Will the Anthony Richardson swing happen?
For now, it’s Young with the top pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. In terms of film, Young’s is the cleanest and NFL-ready. He can set projections, adjust at the line, throw with anticipation and accuracy, and has the scrambling ability to create out of structure. It’s all there for him.
2. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Details: Panthers send 9, 39, and 2024 1st to Bears for pick 2
A trade! The Chicago Bears make the move, landing plenty of capital to build around Justin Fields, while the Panthers make their move to get the true franchise quarterback going forward in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
C.J. Stroud showed off the mobility in the playoff game against Georgia, escaping pressure a multitude of times to find receivers down the field, including a couple touchdowns out of structure. He picked up some key first downs with his legs as well. As accurate and precise as Stroud is from the pocket, showing that on the biggest stage should earn him favor in the NFL scouting community, and he’ll be great for Carolina.
3. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
A trade in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft hands Seattle perhaps the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft. Sure, Seattle could look for a quarterback, but extending Geno Smith in the short term feels like the way they go. That will give them the opportunity to boost the defense. Will Anderson will come in and make an immediate impact. He’s winning with athleticism, power, and technique as a rusher, but could expand his repertoire to be dominant at the next level and give the Seahawks a superstar.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals have started four quarterbacks this season in what has been a bitter carryover from the end of 2021. Are Steve Keim and Kliff Kingsbury safe? No. Kyler Murray might not be either. For now though, their potential next coach has some pieces to work with, but getting a cornerstone on defense is crucial. Jalen Carter would be a phenomenal addition. His explosiveness, flexibility, power, and disruption potential can transform a defense overnight.