3-Round 2023 Mock Draft: Shocking Trades, Multiple QBs Go Early, and Ravens Select Bijan Robinson

It is playoff time in the NFL; arguably the most exciting time of play for the National Football League. It can captivate an audience like no other. But don’t look now… before you know it, the season will conclude and it will officially become the most wonderful time of the year: Mock Draft Season!

You will continue to see more and more focus on the 2023 NFL Draft as the calendar flips from February, to March, all the way to April. The offseason should be a wild and crazy one with multiple head coach openings and a plethora of teams contemplating how they can improve their roster, particularly at the quarterback position.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, numerous teams take big swings, some via trade, to find their signal-caller for the upcoming season and beyond.

Could some big-name veterans such as Lamar Jackson, Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo find a new place to contribute with plenty left in the tank? What does the future hold for Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford? Which teams will stay put at quarterback and who will swing for the fences?

Let’s dive into this 2023 NFL Mock Draft and take a very early look at how things could possibly play out!

First Round

The popular opinion right now seems to be that the Indianapolis Colts will make a deal with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, jumping their division rival, the Houston Texans, to have their pick of quarterbacks for their future. Not as popular? Taking someone aside from Bryce Young.

In our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Colts give up No. 4 and No. 79 overall in this year’s draft — plus a first-rounder in 2024 — to go get “their guy”. Who that guy is completely depends on who they bring in as their head coach (and maybe as offensive coordinator).

The one thing that seems abundantly clear is that owner Jim Irsay (and henceforth general manager Chris Ballard) will be incredibly aggressive this offseason trying to upgrade this roster, particularly at quarterback. They could take another chance at a seasoned veteran like Derek Carr, but I think the third time was the charm after failure from Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan.

As I said, the preference at quarterback for the team will likely hinge on the head coaching hire (or offensive coordinator if they hire a defensive head coach). But I am under the belief that the front office will emphasize the importance of upside and a high ceiling. Any young, offensive-minded coach would be intrigued by the traits that Will Levis brings to the table.

At Kentucky, Will Levis was one of the only quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft to run more of an “NFL-style” offense, operating under center, which could benefit an offense centered around Jonathan Taylor. Furthermore, he has incredible arm strength and is allegedly a great leader in the locker room.

I believe that the Colts front office, and their fans, are tired of the “safe” or “reliable” options. I think they want to make a splash. Although there certainly is a chance that they land Levis at No. 4, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they make sure to lock him up via trade.

Crisis averted for the Houston Texans and its fans. The whole world seemed to be up in arms when the Texans actually WON their last game of the season, losing the first overall pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft as a result.

In this particular mock draft, that doesn’t hurt them, as they are still able to land the guy they likely wanted all along. Bryce Young’s tape doesn’t blow me away, especially for a player at his size, but he is about as solid as they come. He is not a runner, but mobile enough to make plays. He doesn’t have a cannon for an arm, but he can make every NFL throw.

The offense at Alabama clearly allowed Young to perform at a high level, with quick and easy reads to top-tier players that would constantly be open, but there were plenty of times where Young displayed some desirable traits for the NFL level. He is a quick processor, sound decision-maker and exhibits impressive ball placement to all three levels of the field.

The Houston Texans have not had a really solid quarterback option since Deshaun Watson last took the field for them in 2020. Sure, they would love another quarterback with elite traits and high upside, but a well-rounded, proven performer like Bryce Young is just what the doctor ordered for a rebuilding Houston Texans team. Especially with the No. 2 overall pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.