A major trade — or two — shake up the early portion of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Colts add CJ Stroud, the Bears add Jalen Carter, and the Panthers climb the board to secure Will Levis. The first post-regular-season mock draft is here!
The 2022 NFL regular season concluded this weekend, with 14 teams still in the Super Bowl hunt and 18 others now looking toward the offseason. With over half of the 2023 NFL Draft order locked, mock draft season is ready to ramp back up.
The quarterback position has taken center stage, as always. CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson have all been found in day one of most mock drafts. Stroud and Young present safer options, while Levis and Richardson carry considerable risk in comparison.
As exciting as it is to talk about quarterbacks, the real strength of this draft class is at running back, pass rusher and cornerback. Several day-one starting running backs are in the 2023 NFL Draft, including Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama).
It is a great year to need an edge rusher or lockdown cornerback. The top 50 on my Big Board 1.0 consists of 14 corners and pass rushers. Both positions are THAT stacked. Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) and Kelee Ringo (Georgia) have dominated the conversation at cornerback, but Cam Smith (South Carolina) and Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) boast first-round talent as well.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts Trade Up With Bears, Panthers Climb Board For Will Levis, Plus More!
Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) and Myles Murphy (Clemson) lead the way for the pass-rushing group. Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State), and BJ Ojulari (LSU) will find themselves in day-one talks with strong pre-draft workouts. And that is only the tip of the iceberg.
Now that we know the strong points of this NFL Draft class, it is time to dive into the first mock draft of the offseason for 18 franchises. Tankathon has the current 2023 NFL Draft order, so with that out of the way, the Chicago Bears are now on the clock… (or are they?).
*TRADE*
Bears Send: No. 1 Overall
Colts Send: No. 4 Overall, No. 36 Overall, 2024 1st
Starting a mock draft with a trade is not something I have ever committed to, but there is a first time for everything. With the Chicago Bears securing the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they become a prime candidate to trade down for a king’s ransom. In this scenario, the Indianapolis Colts leap to the top of the draft board. Connections between Colts general manager Chris Ballard and several high-ranking officials in the Bears front office lead to an easy link.
The trade-up will not come cheap for the Colts in this mock draft. Indy is sending the No. 4 overall selection in 2023, the No. 36 selection in 2023, and a first-round selection in 2024. Chicago brings back a haul to surround quarterback Justin Fields with talent going forward, and the Colts guarantee their quarterback of choice in the 2023 NFL Draft. Win-win.
1. Indianapolis Colts (via CHI) – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Following a trade with the Bears, the carousel of quarterbacks comes to a merciful end with the selection of Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud. While Bryce Young and Will Levis have an argument to go No. 1 overall, Stroud’s accuracy, touch on throws downfield, and untapped potential as an improviser makes him one of the safer options in the 2023 NFL Draft, while also giving him a sky-high ceiling if properly developed.
2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Full disclosure, I have Bryce Young graded as the QB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud feels like more of a Chris Ballard pick, given his ties to the Big Ten and a tendency to draft players from that conference. This leaves the Houston Texans with a franchise signal-caller falling in its lap. Young’s size is a valid concern, but his leadership, poise under pressure, mobility, and arm talent make the risk worth the potential reward.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Arizona Cardinals will entertain trade-back offers, but with a blue-chip pass rusher falling to them at No. 3, they would be silly to pass on Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama. Future Hall of Famer, JJ Watt, is on the way out the door; what better way to replace a generational pass rusher with another generational pass rusher? Anderson Jr. will be the betting favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.
4. Chicago Bears (via IND) – Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Bears make out like a thief in the night after the trade down with Indianapolis. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is the rare prospect that creates consistent pressure from the interior of the defensive line. Carter is a massive human being but moves around better than those weighing a fraction of his weight. Carter fills multiple gaps as a run-stuffer and should elevate the pass-rushing corps for the Bears as a rookie. Chicago adds arguably the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, plus extra draft capital for the future.
*TRADE*
Seattle Sends: No. 5
Carolina Sends: No. 9, No. 40
5. Carolina Panthers (via SEA) – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Another trade! Will Levis could go as high as No. 1 overall or as low as the back-end of round one; he is quite polarizing in NFL Draft circles. The selling point with Levis is his experience lining up under center, running a play-action-heavy scheme, and physical traits that no one in the class can match.
It will take some patience and a play caller who doesn’t ask Levis to play out of structure too much early on. The Panthers performed admirably under interim head coach Steve Wilks, but the quarterback position has weighed them down throughout the campaign. Hopefully, Levis is the answer after a trade to get in front of some QB-needy teams.
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR) – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Lions have more pressing needs on the roster, but selecting this high in the 2023 NFL Draft should result in a “best player available” approach. Myles Murphy takes that title at No. 6 overall. Murphy is a powerful, yet explosive pass rusher from Clemson. He can be deployed in several ways and pairs well with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Raiders have made it clear that Derek Carr’s tenure with the franchise is reaching its end, with a trade or release expected to come soon after the Super Bowl. While I expect Las Vegas to be active in acquiring a veteran signal-caller, it wouldn’t make sense to reach for a prospect as raw as Anthony Richardson at this point.
Instead, Las Vegas should be looking for upgrades on the offensive line. Peter Skoronski profiles as a high-end starter anywhere on the line. I have the Northwestern tactician graded as an offensive tackle, so bookending the unit with Kolton Miller is the vision. Worst case scenario, Skoronski is a Pro Bowl guard at the next level.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Falcons have ranked toward the bottom of the league in team sacks since the start of 2021. Rookie Arnold Ebiketie has shown flashes in year one, but adding the upside of Tyree Wilson will make everyone’s life easier in the ATL. A defense consisting of AJ Terrell, Grady Jarrett, Arnold Ebiketie, and Tyree Wilson is terrifying.
9. Seattle Seahawks (via CAR) – Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Seattle Seahawks should re-sign Geno Smith to a short-term deal this offseason so they aren’t forced into taking a quarterback early in the 2023 NFL Draft. This decision would give general manager John Schneider the freedom to select the best player available or trade down for even more assets.
Rather than reaching on Will Levis or Anthony Richardson, Seattle trades down a few spots to gain the No. 40 overall selection. Bryan Bresee is a player that the Seahawks would have interest in without a trade down, so with the Clemson defender still on the board, this is a no-brainer. Bresee instantly transforms the run defense and adds pass-rushing chops from the interior.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Eagles end the regular season with the top seed in the NFC, and thanks to a savvy trade with New Orleans, they also sit at No. 10 overall in the NFL Draft order. Philly can take whoever is rated the highest on their board, and I suspect cornerback Cam Smith to be that guy. Smith brings the smashmouth demeanor that Eagles fans love, giving the team another shutdown cornerback opposite Darius Slay.
11. Tennessee Titans – Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State
The Titans are a team to watch in quarterback conversations this offseason. In this mock draft, a rookie is unrealistic after Stroud, Young, and Levis come off the board in the top five selections. Instead, Tennessee addresses the aging (and expensive) offensive line. Paris Johnson Jr. is an elite blocker in space but has the mean streak to hold up against more physical assignments. If Tom Brady or Lamar Jackson is in play, the offensive line needs youth added to it.
12. Houston Texans (via CLE) – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Texans added a franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall, and they get Bryce Young a weapon at No. 12. Quentin Johnston is the best wide receiver in a class full of starting-caliber wide receivers. Only a couple of prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft bring WR1 potential to the table, but Johnston’s size, speed, and big-play ability make him one of the few. The Texans may lose Brandin Cooks this offseason, which would make the Johnston addition all the more crucial.
13. New York Jets – Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
The Jets have too many question marks at offensive tackle in 2023 and beyond. Adding Georgia’s Broderick Jones gives them an instant starter with the potential to become a top player at his position in the NFL. I am not sure who the quarterback will be in 2023 for the Jets, but I am sure that bolstering the offensive line will be welcomed by whoever it ends up being.
14. New England Patriots – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison is one of the best wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft, so landing him at No. 14 is a home run for New England. The Patriots have long lacked a difference-maker on the outside, and it has never been more apparent than in 2022. Only one pass catcher eclipsed the 500-yard mark on the year; Mac Jones needs more to work with than that.
15. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The emergence of Christian Watson helps quell some concerns at wide receiver, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba brings something to the group that it currently lacks. JSN is a chain-moving possession receiver, akin to a souped-up Randall Cobb. Putting the Ohio State pass catcher in the slot between Watson and fellow rookie Romeo Doubs sets the franchise up for life after Aaron Rodgers — whenever that may be.
16. Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Commanders might trade up for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, but with an early run in this mock draft, Washington is left with an elite cornerback on the board. Joey Porter Jr. is not Sauce Gardner, but they do mirror each other quite a bit. JPJ steps in as the top cornerback on the roster immediately and brings a swagger to the position that instills confidence in the entire unit.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Steelers are happy with what they got from Kenny Pickett as a rookie, but keeping the defense firing on all cylinders is the best way to ensure the team remains competitive going forward. In this mock draft, Kelee Ringo arrives in the Steel City at No. 17 overall. Ringo can play corner or safety for Pittsburgh and will be flanked by Minkah Fitzpatrick to alleviate any growing pains.
![Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) after diving into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Lsu TigersSyndication Ocala Starbanner](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/df5fe8b9a2f245981be3beb92619b9935c8f3b10c1a2e3ca9f9530955e5c153b.jpg "Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) after diving into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Lsu TigersSyndication Ocala Starbanner")
18. Detroit Lions – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Detroit Lions finally take the shot at quarterback with Anthony Richardson at No. 18 overall. The franchise could have forced the pick earlier in the mock draft but wisely held off after Stroud, Young, and Levis were selected right in front of them.
Richardson has a higher ceiling than Levis and will not be under pressure to start in year one, making this an ideal pairing for both sides. The ascending offensive line and game-changing weapons on the roster set Richardson up to succeed whenever he overtakes Jared Goff as QB1. Ideally, Goff retains the starting gig for the 2023 season before handing the keys over to Richardson next offseason.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Bucs clinched a playoff berth, but the holes on the roster are becoming clearer with each passing week. One key area for improvement is in the secondary. Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez is a big body still learning to play with confidence on the outside. Being thrust into a unit that features Super Bowl-winning veterans will help Gonzalez believe in his ability as a shutdown corner in the league.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Seahawks added a starter on the defensive front earlier in the mock draft; this time, Seattle brings in a versatile piece for the middle level of the defense. Trenton Simpson’s athleticism and relentless motor are special. He can impact the game in coverage, run support, and even as a pass rusher. I love pairing Simpson with his college teammate Bryan Bresee.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars – O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
The Jaguars went from No. 1 overall pick to hosting a playoff game in year two of the Trevor Lawrence era. The Bears will be looking to replicate this turnaround by following the Jacksonville blueprint.
To keep the team headed the right way, general manager Trent Baalke should look to upgrade the offensive line this offseason. At No. 21 in this mock draft, the Jaguars add a bruising lineman who flashes elite potential as a blocker in space. O’Cyrus Torrence will bolster both the running and passing game as a rookie.
22. Miami Dolphins – *FORFEITED*
23. New York Giants – Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The Giants should scour the market for an upgrade at quarterback, but find themselves too far down the board to trade up with the Bears or Seahawks. Will Levis or Anthony Richardson becoming Brian Daboll’s “next” Josh Allen is fun on paper, but not realistic. Instead, Daniel Jones should receive an extension. This will not stop the team from looking at quarterback, but it would give them the luxury of not being forced to take one.
Rashee Rice is one of the few receivers in the class that flexes elite boundary receiver traits. Rice stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs over 200 pounds. He wins by using supreme athleticism to get open downfield, and once the ball is in tow, good luck tackling Rice without a gang of teammates around you. The Giants have fun pieces in the wide receiver room, but Rice brings a skillset that only the over-priced Kenny Golladay can match.
24. Baltimore Ravens – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Ravens have failed Lamar Jackson in terms of surrounding him with impact players at skill positions. Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman are quality starters in the league, but drafting Jalin Hyatt replaces the speed vacated in the offense by trading Marquise Brown last offseason. Hyatt needs to improve as a route runner, but his speed will translate from day one.
If Jackson is traded, or allowed to walk in free agency, keep an eye on the Ravens and Bears in potential trade talks. Perhaps a deal can be worked out where Justin Fields heads to Baltimore and Jackson takes his talents to the Windy City. Just a thought!
25. Los Angeles Chargers – Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
The Chargers must improve the rush defense this offseason. At this point in the mock draft, Siaki Ika is one of the best remaining players and fills the need in the middle of the defensive line. Ika is a freaky athlete for his size, using his agility to create mismatches all down the line. The Bolts would no longer be a laughingstock of a run defense.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Cowboys employ one of the best defensive backs in the NFL with third-year player Trevon Diggs. Diggs boasts some of the best ball skills in the league; by adding Emmanuel Forbes to the starting lineup, no NFL team will have better hands at cornerback. Forbes intercepted 14 passes in only three seasons with the Bulldogs, returning six for touchdowns, setting the FBS record for such plays in a career.
27. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer deserves to come off the board earlier than No. 27, but in this mock draft, he lands in the perfect situation for a rookie tight end. Hayden Hurst is witnessing a breakout season with the Bengals, and I expect the two sides to agree to a new deal this offseason. Still, Mayer gives the team insurance if they cannot come to an agreement, and a long-term replacement even if Hurst is retained.
28. Minnesota Vikings – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Devon Witherspoon is not a perfect cornerback prospect, but what he lacks in technique, he more than makes up for with the intensity he brings to the position. Witherspoon would change the landscape in the secondary for Minnesota by giving the unit a player that will hold others accountable and constantly strive to improve. The Bears and Lions are headed the right way in the NFC North, so Minnesota cannot become complacent.
29. Denver Broncos (via MIA) – Anton Harrison, OL, Oklahoma
As of this writing, the Broncos have not yet traded the No. 29 overall selection for Sean Payton. If Denver holds on to this pick, they must add a starting-caliber player to the offensive line. Anton Harrison is an easy-moving lineman who leverages his strength well at the point of impact. Harrison is polished and can start at right tackle in week one for the Broncos.
30. Buffalo Bills – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I know Bills fans, you do not NEED a first-round running back, but at No. 30 in the mock draft, Buffalo cannot pass on a top-ten talent. Bijan Robinson is more than just a running back, anyway. Robinson is one of the better pass catchers — regardless of position — and he is a threat to take any touch to the house. Josh Allen is not getting any younger, and the Bills need to add a stable running game to protect the longevity of their star quarterback.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
Orlando Brown Jr. is an impending free agent, and the Chiefs cannot afford to leave Patrick Mahomes’ blindside vacant. Jaelyn Duncan is a steal at No. 31 overall in the mock draft. He is explosive in run-blocking sets and uses his impressive lateral agility to stonewall pass rushers. You can never have too much protection for the $450 million man behind center.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Eagles added a young cornerback earlier in the mock draft; now, they add another member of the secondary in Alabama’s Brian Branch. Branch is the best safety in the 2023 NFL Draft and would rejuvenate the safety group in a major way as a rookie. He plays at 100 mph every snap and is one of the better athletes in the class, giving him the range to play anywhere in the secondary. The Bears win this mock draft, but the Eagles are not too far behind.