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.
With the quarterback obsession atop this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals are the main beneficiary. Here, they are able to land arguably the most talented player in this draft class, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson impressed scouts since the day that he stepped onto campus in Tuscaloosa. He has displayed nearly all the traits you look for in an elite pass rusher throughout his time at Alabama. Doing so against the highest level of competition in college football in the SEC, Anderson should be able to slide right in and produce at the next level.
The Arizona Cardinals were a huge disappointment this season. They need to acquire top talent any way possible. After the recent departure of Haason Reddick and the retirement announcement from J.J. Watt, rebuilding a pass rush could be the perfect place to start, and Anderson is the perfect fit to get them started.
What an absolute dream scenario for the Chicago Bears in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. This proves why trading with the Indianapolis Colts makes, by far, the most sense for Chicago. If you make the fairly safe assumptions that: 1. If they trade out of this pick, it is to a team looking to draft a quarterback, and 2. the Houston Texans will also select a quarterback at number two overall, then one of the two top defensive players should still be on the board.
In our latest 3-round mock draft, the Bears are able to land Jalen Carter from Georgia. Carter is a three-down player on the interior of the defensive line. He excels at pushing the pocket and getting to the quarterback.
Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus has spoken highly of the team’s young edge rushers, Dominique Robinson and Trevis Gipson, so giving them someone that can provide that pressure up the middle will really help with their growth and development.
That doesn’t mean they won’t upgrade at all on the edge, but I think even if the Bears stay put in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Jalen Carter would be the selection. So trading back, gaining some present and future draft capital, and still getting their guy would be an absolute slam dunk for the Chicago Bears in this mock draft.
In another huge move, the Carolina Panthers come up and get their guy at the quarterback position. Once again, it depends on who is running this team and offense next year, but the talent of C.J. Stroud at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft is too good to pass up.
It may be too good to pass up for the Seattle Seahawks, too, but I think this season showed that they should do whatever they can to build around Geno Smith. They made the playoffs with him, but there are clearly holes across the roster — on both sides of the ball — that trading down and gaining more draft capital can help with.
This really is a win-win for both Carolina and Seattle. The Panthers can hopefully break through the mediocrity that they have become used to at quarterback. The Seahawks can build around their breakthrough starter in Geno Smith. Worst case, even if Smith is a flash in the pan, then they have picks next year to go make a move in an even more quarterback-stacked draft.
With most of the top quarterbacks off the board in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions go with the top player on the board in Myles Murphy from Clemson. Murphy has an impressive blend of size, speed and strength as an edge rusher, and is right there with Anderson atop this draft class.
After taking Aidan Hutchinson towards the top of the draft a year ago, despite a great year from sixth-rounder James Houston and an ascending second-round pick still in the fold in Josh Paschal, Murphy is too talented to pass up. He would be an excellent complement to another great young player in Hutchinson.
The Las Vegas Raiders, after a very disappointing 2022 season, are a team that could do nearly anything early in this 2023 NFL Draft. They really could go in any direction, including quarterback with an inevitable departure from Derek Carr, but the value just isn’t there at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Instead, they take their pick of what is a stacked cornerback class. They really could go with a multitude of prospects still on the board here at the position, but they really need to make sure that they can keep up with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in coverage.
Kelee Ringo is an incredibly talented, but somewhat inconsistent player, who excels in zone coverage, like Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham likes to run. He is very athletic with a nose for the football. If he gets the proper coaching, he has the potential to become a top corner in the NFL and Las Vegas bets on that upside in the top 10 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Like the Raiders, the Atlanta Falcons are another team that could go in numerous directions in the top 10 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. With a variety of holes on the roster, Atlanta can afford to take truly the best available player who, in this case, fills a position of need as well.
Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech is a high motor, athletic and powerful player that gets after the quarterback. The Falcons have tried guy after guy early in NFL Drafts to find a reliable edge rusher, and Wilson could finally be the answer.
Like the Chicago Bears, the Seattle Seahawks trade down and are still able to land a top talent at a position of need. Bryan Bresee out of Clemson will provide Seattle with a very versatile and dominant piece for their defensive front.
Like Carter for Chicago, Bresee will be able to push the pocket on rushing downs, helping out everyone else on the defensive line and possessing the talent and athleticism to make plays and get home on his own. Bresee is also a very effective penetrator against the run, making plays in the backfield and proving to be a true three-down player. For a Seattle team that needs to add more top talent, Bresee makes all the sense.
For a different reason, the Philadelphia Eagles could also go in any different way that they want to. For them, it’s not because they have so many holes on their roster that they desperately need to fill, but because they have so few.
Sure, every team can afford to upgrade a few positions every year, but nothing is so glaring for the Eagles that they need to reach for a certain position. So here, they take a top-talent at the cornerback position, who could provide some long-term security if the team ends up having to move on from a current starter. Or someone who could fill a niche role to help the team early on in his career.
Christian Gonzalez is an impressive athlete who can play nearly anywhere on the football field. He has the length and speed to play on the boundary and the quickness and physicality to play in the slot and in run support. With Chauncey Gardner-Johnson an impending free agent, and Darius Slay and James Bradberry getting up there in age, Gonzalez can come in and be whatever the Philadelphia organization wants him to be.
After letting A.J. Brown walk (even via trade for a first-round pick), the Tennessee Titans have to be absolutely kicking themselves after seeing the success that he has had in Philadelphia. Last year’s selection, Treylon Burks, has been solid in his young career, but the team is still lacking that true No. 1, dynamic receiving threat to help their quarterback — and to open up the run game.
There is not question in my mind that Quentin Johnston is that playmaker that the Titans are lacking right now. To all three levels of the field, Johnston is elite. Throw him a quick pass and he can run after the catch. Toss him an intermediate pass and he’ll be open with his sharp and precise route running. Launch a deep ball and he has the speed and ball skills to find it, grab it, and finish the play for a score. He is a great complement to Burks and can prove to be a top receiver early in his career in Tennessee.
It is abundantly clear that the Houston Texans are firmly in the middle of a “rebuild”. Given that fact, it would not be wise to heavily invest a large chunk of their salary cap in a veteran offensive lineman; one who likely wants to go somewhere that he can win.
We are talking about All-Pro left tackle, Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil was traded to Houston for a slew of draft picks, but the team was unable to successfully build around him to seize his prime. At this point, Tunsil surely still has a bit left in the tank, but it would be wise for both parties to move on.
Instead, Houston brings in a new dominant force at left tackle from Ohio State in Paris Johnson Jr. Not only will Johnson be able to effectively protect the franchise’s new centerpiece in Bryce Young, but he can help open holes for young, star running back Dameon Pierce to really help develop this entire, young Texans offense.
After a very impressive season from the New York Jets, who were clearly held back by their quarterback play, that position will undoubtedly be the focus from both the team and the media. The team seems to be in position to go after a veteran signal caller, so the 2023 NFL Draft may not be the answer, but stay tuned to see what direction I do have them going in this three-round mock draft.
Instead of going with another young, unproven quarterback, the New York Jets opt for a proven and impactful offensive lineman to help whoever is under center for the team in 2023. Despite his “short arms”, Peter Skoronski proved in the Big Ten at Northwestern that he has what it takes to play left tackle at a high level. He is a solid pass protector and a dominant run blocker, who can move to guard if the team wants to keep Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker at tackle.
Another disappointing team in 2022 was the Bill Belichick-led New England Patriots. Yet another team that can address some needs all across the roster decides to go with a very talented and reliable cornerback from the SEC.
Cam Smith, with the South Carolina connection, could remind the New England coaching staff of a younger Stephon Gilmore, who had a ton of success with the team after a long stint in Buffalo. Smith is extremely sticky in man coverage, and has the physicality and ball skills to break up any pass to any receiver that comes his way. The Patriots have gotten some solid play from some deeper corners on their roster, but the opportunity to land some top talent here should not be overlooked.
Will Aaron Rodgers be back with the Green Bay Packers in 2023? No one seems to know. In this mock draft, we are going to give the offense some help either way. Whether it is Rodgers or the young Jordan Love, any quarterback would love to have a receiver like Jordan Addison.
2022 draft pick, Christian Watson, came on in the second half of the year as a dominant force in the league, with his size and speed. Romeo Doubs showed flashes as well, but a player like Jordan Addison is the perfect addition and complement to Watson.
Addison has produced both at Pittsburgh and USC in the NCAA, utilizing his route running, shiftiness and hands to dominate his opponents. Addison is not just a gadget receiver. He has the speed, big-play ability and enough physicality to win against any defender at any level of the field.
This might be my favorite player in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft that I have watched to this point in my evaluation. Also, the fit is nearly perfect for the Washington Commanders here. Devon Witherspoon anchored the impressive Illinois defense this season, shutting down a side of the field with his length and physicality.
Former Cincinnati cornerback, Sauce Gardner, went to the New York Jets and was named an All-Pro as a rookie. While those are incredibly lofty — and likely unrealistic — expectations, Witherspoon has a similar style of play and similar upside. The Washington front four has been impressive for years now, but building the secondary should be a priority for Ron Rivera and his defense.
Man, Pittsburgh Steelers fans should LOVE this pick. Joey Porter was an outstanding player (and coach) for the team over the years; now his son can come in and fill a major position of need for the team moving forward.
Porter Jr. is a scrappy, physical player who can play anywhere on the field. He has enough athleticism and length to play on the outside, as well as the physicality and toughness to cover tight ends and help in the run game out of the slot. The Pittsburgh secondary needs all the help they can get, so getting a versatile player with Pittsburgh ties and NFL bloodlines is a no-brainer.
The Detroit Lions passed on a quarterback with the sixth pick of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but are still able to land the guy with arguably the most upside in the class this year. With Anthony Richardson from Florida, you get the best running quarterback in the class.
Furthermore, he has a bazooka for an arm, and despite some inconsistency with his accuracy and ball placement, has the tape to show that he can make every single throw asked of him at the next level.
The Lions excelled greatly this season with Jared Goff at the helm, so the team isn’t necessarily set on moving on from him. But given the chance to add such a dynamic playmaker — that can be a top-tier player at the position — would just be silly to pass up at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Whether Tom Brady returns or not, one thing is clear to me… The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to improve their offensive line. Specifically, they need a new left tackle. Donovan Smith was severely underwhelming this season, so having a player like Broderick Jones available here in the mock draft is truly fortunate for the Bucs.
Broderick Jones was incredibly effective in the SEC against the highest level of competition in college football. He is a dominant run blocker who is a greatly improved pass protector. He is a great fit for the Tampa offense and would be very beneficial for whoever is under center for the Bucs in 2023.
Many questioned the Seattle Seahawks the last time they selected a linebacker in the NFL Draft. Jordyn Brooks has proved those doubters wrong, and I think Trenton Simpson would be a great complement to round out the middle of that defense.
Bobby Wagner is not walking through that door. Brooks has done a great job of filling those shoes the best he can, but the defense needs another super athletic linebacker that can roam sideline to sideline in a flash and be effective in pass coverage. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, that answer is Clemson’s Trenton Simpson.
Following an incredibly disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first week of the NFL Playoffs, the future is very unclear for the Los Angeles Chargers. To me, one thing is abundantly clear… upgrading the offensive line should be a priority.
Rashawn Slater has been amazing at left tackle, and the team spent a first-rounder on the offensive line a year ago with guard Zion Johnson. Right tackle still seems to be a glaring need. Dawand Jones from Ohio State did not allow a sack all season.
What a home run pick for the New York Giants. They haven’t gotten the production that they had hoped from some of their recent receivers, such as Kadarius Toney, Kenny Golladay and even impending free agents Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton.
Moving forward, the team needs a legit No. 1 wide receiver to pair with the shifty slot receiver, Wan’Dale Robinson. Smith-Njigba did not play much this past season, but the tape will show that he can really be “that guy” for a team like the Giants moving forward.
The Baltimore Ravens could opt to address a variety of weak spots on the roster, maybe even quarterback if Lamar Jackson ends up getting traded. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the team goes with the best player on the board, Texas running back Bijan Robinson.
While most teams don’t value running backs as much as they used to, Robinson is something special, and could end up going much earlier in the 2023 NFL Draft. He can play all three downs and has the blend of speed and power that you look for in a highly-drafted running back. I have to think the Ravens front office and coaching staff is tired of the revolving door and inconsistency in the backfield that they have been dealing with, so grabbing Robinson here would hopefully give them a reliable workhorse moving forward.
This may not seem like a “sexy” pick for the impressive Jacksonville Jaguars, but growth and development of their offense will be extremely important. O’Cyrus Torrence is a very dominant offensive lineman who will be a force in the run game.
The Jags have a lot of opportunity to upgrade their roster this offseason, but I think at this point they can afford to go with the best player available, and I really love Torrence’s dominant tape. I believe that he will have a smooth and immediate transition towards being dominant at the next level as well.
The Dallas Cowboys have a very well-rounded roster. They may need to prioritize another wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, but I don’t think the value is there at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Instead they go with a talented and versatile defensive back who can play wherever Dan Quinn, or whoever the defensive coordinator is next season, asks him too. He is physical, athletic and makes plays all across the football field.
The Cincinnati Bengals can still improve their offensive line to keep Joe Burrow upright. Without the value here at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft, giving him another top weapon isn’t bad, either.
Hayden Hurst has been solid with Cincinnati, but Michael Mayer is a next level, every-down player, who can be viewed as an added lineman in the run game and an extra receiver when going out on routes.
The Minnesota Vikings need the defense to keep up with the offense if they want to stay atop the NFC North. Veterans like Patrick Peterson stepped up this season, but the team will need to find a long-term answer to sustain that success. They have tried in seemingly every draft in recent years to find a reliable corner, with little proven success. Clark Phillips III could be that answer.
The Denver Broncos drafted an edge rusher in Nik Bonitto early last year in the NFL Draft. But after trading away Bradley Chubb at the deadline last season, and letting Von Miller go multiple years ago, the team still needs to bolster its pass rush. Foskey has great talent, size and upside to complement Bonitto and Baron Browning.
The Buffalo Bills are a very talented team that can truly add the best player available here in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft. With Jordan Poyer set to hit free agency, they could use a versatile player like Antonio Johnson. He can play in the slot, in the box, or even deep in the defensive backfield. Sean McDermott will love this guy and can find a role for him whether Poyer moves on or comes back.
If you watched the College Football Playoffs, you certainly heard about how influential Nolan Smith was on the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs team — without even being on the field. He is a fiery leader, who isn’t half bad in pads and cleats as well. He has great length, bend and burst around the edge for a team that can still use some help with the pass rush.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the best rushing teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, and the current starting running back is set to hit free agency. They certainly could bring back Miles Sanders, or grab another back in a stacked free agent market, but Jahmyr Gibbs is too talented to pass up. He is incredibly productive and effective in the pass game, providing him an opportunity to make an impact early and often in his NFL career, regardless of who else is in the running back room.
Round 2
32. PIT-Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
33. HOU-B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
34. AZ-Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
35. IND-Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
36. LAR-Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
37. SEA-Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
38. LV-Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
39. CAR-Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
40. NO-Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
41. TEN-Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
42. CLE-Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
43. NYJ-Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
44. ATL-Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
45. GB-John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota
46. NE-Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
47. WAS-Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
48. DET-Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
49. PIT-Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
50. TB-Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
51. JAX-Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
52. MIA-Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
53. SEA-Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
54. NYG-Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
55. CHI-Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
56. LAC-Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
57. DAL-Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
58. CIN-Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
59. DET-Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
60. CAR-Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
61. BUF-Andrew Vorhees, IOL, USC
62. KC-Chris Smith II, S, Georgia
63. PHI-Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
Round 3