Only four teams remain in the 2023 NFL Playoffs. You know what that means; it is time for yet another mock draft! Cornerbacks fly off the board, multiple trade-ups occur, and the Texans come away with two franchise-caliber players.
The Chicago Bears own the No. 1 overall pick and are one of the few teams up top that doesn’t need a quarterback. The Bears will field several offers, but do not expect Chicago to trade back just for the sake of trading back. It will take a lucrative offer to move them down the draft order.
With that in mind, let’s look at what a Carolina Panthers trade-up would look like in this mock draft. Will Carolina finally land a proper Cam Newton replacement?
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans Get Aggressive, Lions Trade Back, Plus a Surprise at No. 3 Overall
*TRADE*
Bears Trade:
-No. 1 overall (2023)
Panthers Trade:
-No. 9 overall (2023
-No. 39 overall (2023)
-No. 93 overall (2023)
-Future first-rounder (2024)
-Future third-rounder (2024)
The Bears receive four extra selections to move down, giving general manager Ryan Pace more chances to upgrade the roster around quarterback Justin Fields.
I know this reads as a lot for the Panthers to give up, but it satisfies the NFL Draft pick trade chart. If the Panthers have a franchise quarterback grade on a player in this draft, they should do whatever it takes to get them.
Thanks to the Christian McCaffery trade, the Panthers still own a second-rounder in 2023, even after trading away their own to Chicago. Now that the trade part is over, who did the Panthers trade up for in this mock draft?
1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI) – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young is my top quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers share that sentiment in this mock draft by trading away a slew of picks to get in front of other quarterback-needy teams.
With Carolina, Young can start from day one. He brings poise and confidence to the position, with ample arm talent. His size is a valid concern, but with that as the only red flag, it is worth betting on his talent to shine through.
2. Houston Texans – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
What? Why would Houston pass on taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall? Am I crazy? The answer to that last question might be yes, but not because of this selection.
Jalen Carter is the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Georgia bulldozer can transform a defensive unit upon arrival, giving Houston a disruptive presence on the interior. Thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade, the Texans are not done yet in this mock draft…
3. Arizona Cardinals – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
While I have Will Anderson graded as the top-edge rusher, keep an eye out for Tyree Wilson at No. 3 overall. Wilson fits more of a prototypical build on the end of the defensive line and profiles as a high-end run stuffer with his length and play strength.
Wilson shares a similar body type to JJ Watt, who just so happens to be on his way to retirement. The Texas Tech standout should test off the charts during the pre-draft process.
4. Indianapolis Colts – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Indianapolis Colts are a popular pick to trade up with the Chicago Bears. In this mock draft, general manager Chris Ballard opts to stay at No. 4 rather than mortgage more of the future to move up. Luckily enough, Indy gets its answer at quarterback anyway.
CJ Stroud is a two-year starter from Ohio State. He flexes a high IQ, pinpoint accuracy, and a leadership quality that NFL coaches covet. Stroud needs a clean pocket to be effective, and adding more mobility wouldn’t hurt either, but the Colts land a potential franchise quarterback here at No. 4 overall.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Seattle Seahawks would run this card up to the podium faster than the Lions did with Aidan Hutchinson in the 2022 NFL Draft. Will Anderson Jr. is my No. 2 overall player in this class, but when trades and quarterbacks come in to play, sometimes weird things happen in the draft.
At No. 5 overall, Seattle steals Will Anderson Jr., filling a massive need at pass rusher without sacrificing any picks to move up. Anderson Jr. is a handful to block, consistently showing otherworldly bend around the edge and impeccable timing off the snap.
*TRADE*
Lions Trade:
-No. 6 overall (2023)
Texans Trade:
-No. 12 overall (2023)
-No. 65 overall (2023)
-Future first-rounder (2024)
-Future fourth-rounder (2024)
Another trade! Houston makes good on the Deshaun Watson trade by parlaying one of the future firsts into a new franchise quarterback.
Even after this trade, the Texans pick No. 33 overall in 2023 and still have their own first-rounder in 2024. If Will Levis grades out as a starting quarterback for Houston, they would be wise to jump in front of the Raiders, Falcons, and Titans to secure him.
As for Detroit, if they view Levis differently, it gives the front office incentive to trade down and acquire more assets. Sticking with Goff — and stacking the roster more — is the path that general manager Brad Holmes takes in this mock draft.
6. Houston Texans (via DET) – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will Levis is as polarizing of a prospect as I can remember. The Kentucky signal-callers tape is more good than bad, but the bad is what people tend to latch onto. Yes, his decision-making is poor at times. Levis believes in his arm TOO much.
Still, the reason he has such belief in himself is that he has a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder. On top of that, Levis has experience taking snaps under center and running a McVay-style offense in 2021.
The Texans come away with the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft in Jalen Carter and move up a few spots to grab Will Levis. Houston accomplishes the rare feat of adding a cornerstone on each side of the ball without jeopardizing future draft capital.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State
The Raiders offensive line may have earned a respectable PFF grade in 2022, but the unit needs a difference-maker added to the fold. Paris Johnson Jr. has experience at right guard and left tackle, giving head coach Josh McDaniels the ability to line him up anywhere as a rookie.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Perhaps Myles Murphy is the one who supplants Will Anderson Jr. as the first pass rusher off the board. In this mock draft, it was Tyree Wilson, but Murphy grades out as a high-end starter in the NFL too.
The Clemson defensive lineman uses his explosiveness to bend around the edge better than anyone in this class. The Falcons rank dead last in sacks over the past two seasons; throwing Murphy into the lineup with Arnold Ebiketie should instantly change that.
9. Chicago Bears (via CAR) – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Bears fans might hate how far the team traded down in round one, but Peter Skoronski (and the extra picks) will quickly make them forget. Skoronski went to college at Northwestern, essentially making him a hometown boy. With Chicago, Skoronski can start anywhere on the offensive line. At last, Justin Fields will have time to operate in the pocket.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Eagles strike gold by getting the top cornerback on the board at No. 10. Who should that cornerback be? That is a fair debate. However, Christian Gonzalez is an ideal fit for the City of Brotherly Love.
The Oregon defensive back is still developing in coverage and as a tackler, but his versatility makes him worth the pick. Gonzalez can line up inside at the slot or outside on the boundary for Philly.
It must be nice to be an Eagles fan. The team is still alive, plus they get to have fun with the mock draft.
11. Tennessee Titans – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Could this be the spot where Anthony Richardson comes off the board? I wouldn’t rule it out. However, the Titans have too many holes on the roster to take the chance on Richardson.
The Titans offensive line — once a strong point of the roster — is a shell of what it once was. Broderick Jones would help, as he could start as a rookie for Tennessee at either tackle spot. Taylor Lewan has missed 19 games since 2020, and the team can clear ~$13 million in cap space by releasing him. Something to monitor.
12. Detroit Lions (via HOU) – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
If this is the outcome for Detroit in the 2023 NFL Draft, there will be a lot of high-fiving and celebrating in Motor City. Devon Witherspoon is one of the most exciting players I have ever evaluated.
The Illinois star plays much larger than he actually is, routinely laying hits that look like a train wreck. While Witherspoon’s aggressiveness can get him in trouble in coverage, he has mastered the ability to disguise his jersey tugs.
Jeffrey Okudah re-emerged at the cornerback position for Detroit in 2022. Still, due to his track record, the Lions should actively be searching for a true CB1. Witherspoon is exactly that.
13. New York Jets – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Zach Wilson’s tenure in New York can best be described as an ‘unmitigated disaster’. The Jets have a roster that is ready to compete but lacks a steady hand at the most important position. Growing pains as a rookie will happen for Anthony Richardson, but his upside is enough to put the Jets over the top if he reaches it.
The one-year starter at Florida has little on-field experience since his high school days. Richardson’s continued improvement in 2022 is why I see the quarterback as more pro-ready than most. At a minimum, Richardson is a game-changer on the ground. At most, he is the final piece to the puzzle for the roster.
In a conference full of young, talented quarterbacks, general manager Joe Douglas must take a swing at the position to break through to the postseason. In this mock draft, the Jets and Richardson get a chance to grow together on the fly.
14. New England Patriots – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Sometimes mock draft selections are easy. Brian Branch to the New England Patriots is a no-brainer. The Nick Saban-Bill Belichick pipeline is strong, and Branch fills a massive need for the Pats. A versatile defensive back who can impact the game by playing deep or in the box.
15. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Packers saw positive signs from their two rookie pass catchers (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs) in 2022. While Watson and Doubs excel working downfield and in the screen game, Green Bay desperately needs a route-running technician to move the chains.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba witnessed a hit to his draft stock in 2022. Coming off the best season in Ohio State history for a receiver, JSN failed to log an entire game from start to finish this year. Still, the Buckeye playmaker becomes the first wide receiver taken in this mock draft.
16. Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Commanders have a few pressing needs on the roster, but none bigger than at cornerback. Joey Porter Jr. has top-of-the-depth-chart talent and legitimate NFL length on the outside. If he can cut out some of his penalties, JPJ will be the CB1 in DC for years to come.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo is seemingly the Will Levis of cornerbacks. Some view Ringo as the unquestioned CB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft; others see him more as a CB5, with a handful even claiming that the Georgia defensive back is better suited as a safety.
For my money, Ringo is still a top-20 talent. The concerns as a coverage defender are valid, but his athletic profile leads you to believe he can improve in that area with top-of-the-line NFL coaching. Whether Ringo sticks at cornerback or moves to safety, the Steelers need help in the secondary around Minkah Fitzpatrick.
18. Detroit Lions – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Bryan Bresee is a top-five talent in the 2023 NFL Draft. So, why is he available at No. 18 overall? The answer is simple: injury concerns and medical red flags. Until Bresee gets examined by NFL teams and works out for them, these questions will continue to swarm him.
The former No. 1 overall recruit out of high school is a wrecking ball from the interior when healthy. He isn’t Jalen Carter, but he is the next closest thing in terms of versatility and instant impact. The Lions add a building block in the middle of the defensive line.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
The Buccaneers might be looking for a quarterback here if Tom Brady departs, but the defense needs an infusion of youth and someone to build around on the edge. Lukas Van Ness will continue rising on draft boards during the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft. At No. 19, the Bucs get a physically-imposing player who fits the vibe they like in Tampa Bay.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Seahawks added multiple starting cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft, but watching Mike Jackson on the outside made it clear that another player is needed at the position. Cam Smith has ‘that dog in him’, as many NFL fans affectionately say. Smith is the perfect foil to Tariq Woolen and would make Seattle fans start thinking about a Legion of Boom Part 2.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Chargers need more explosiveness on offense. Zay Flowers may not run the fastest 40-yard dash, but the way he moves downfield is something to marvel at.
Flowers consistently beats his assignments downfield, exhibiting stellar ball-tracking abilities. The Boston College star also excels with the ball in his hands, adding a wrinkle to the offense that does not currently exist for the Bolts.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston is the leading candidate to be the first wide receiver off the board. In this mock draft, the Packers and Chargers select receivers that fit the roster better, leaving Baltimore to snag a much-needed pass catcher. Johnston’s big play ability will give Lamar Jackson a strong stable of weapons, pairing the rookie with Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Emmanuel Forbes is one of ‘my guys’ in the 2023 NFL Draft. Forbes is the FBS record holder for pick-sixes (6) and had 13 total interceptions in his collegiate career.
Even with a phenomenal season from veteran Patrick Peterson, the Vikings were among the worst teams in the league at covering opposing wide receivers. Along with Cameron Dantzler, Minnesota pairs the two former Mississippi State Bulldogs together.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Clark Phillips III has the talent to be an early selection on day one. Unfortunately, his size will push him to the backend, more than likely. The Jaguars benefit from this, adding an immediate upgrade in the slot. Phillips fills the biggest need on the defense and profiles as a potential All-Pro as a slot cornerback.
25. New York Giants – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Giants’ wide receiver room is underrated, but it lacks a No. 1 target that commands respect from opposing defenses. Jordan Addison brings elite route running, top-tier body control, impressive hands, and underrated ability after the catch. He is the perfect fit for Brian Daboll’s system.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
The Cowboys came up short again in the playoffs after a spectacular 2022 regular season. One area that Dallas could stand to improve is the interior of the defensive line.
Siaki Ika is a freaky athlete for his size, checking in at 350+ pounds and displaying lateral agility that should not be possible for a man of his size. Adding another freak to a defense that features the biggest freak of them all (Micah Parsons) is a move that the Cowboys should make.
27. Buffalo Bills – Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Von Miller’s injury handicapped the Bills. After the future Hall of Famer tore his ACL, Buffalo struggled to find a pass rusher that could consistently get to the quarterback.
Isaiah Foskey needs some refinement to his game (mostly as a run defender), but his first step and improving catalog of pass rush moves would be welcomed by a Buffalo unit that failed to put any pressure on Joe Burrow last weekend.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Speaking of Joe Burrow, why not add another weapon to the fold? The offensive line should be in consideration, but there is not a left tackle available that I grade higher than Michael Mayer.
Mayer is a special talent at tight end. He can impact the game as a blocker and pass catcher, giving Burrow a new protector and weapon all in one.
29. Denver Broncos (via MIA) – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Denver Broncos could very well trade this pick to New Orleans for head coach Sean Payton, but as of this mock draft, the selection remains in Denver. If the Broncos hold on to No. 29 overall, they would be smart to invest in the offensive line.
O’Cyrus Torrence is in heavy consideration here, but Darnell Wright plays a more premium position and holds a nearly identical grade on my board. Wright is a plug-and-play right tackle, using his strength and impressive hand usage to thwart oncoming pass rushers. Denver must protect its $250 million investment at quarterback.
30. Kansas City Chiefs – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a criminally underrated player in the 2023 NFL Draft. He grades as an early second-rounder on the consensus big board, but he is a surefire day one selection on mine. Even with impressive production, Anudike-Uzomah’s tape is littered with several holding calls that would have resulted in a sack otherwise.
By my count, Anudike-Uzomah would have approached the 15-sack plateau in 2021 and 2022 if he was not held so often. On top of that, the tape shows the Kansas State pass rusher consistently wrecking the pocket, even if those plays fail to show up in the box score.
The Chiefs were able to land George Karlaftis late in the first round last year, and now another steal takes place at No. 30 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Kansas City’s stiffest competitors in the AFC all boast a franchise quarterback; harassing them is the best way to neutralize this.
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The final pick of this mock draft is the luxury pick of all luxury picks. Bijan Robinson is a top-ten player on my big board, but with running back being devalued in the NFL Draft, the Eagles have the best player at the position available. Robinson is the type of prospect to demand the respect of opposing linebackers.
The Texas star boasts an incredible blend of contact balance, vision between the tackles, breakaway speed, and pristine hands out of the backfield. Nick Sirianni proved in 2022 that he doesn’t have to have a bell-cow running back, but imagine how much harder it will be to game plan against them with Robinson in tow.