2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Trade Up To No. 1, Lions Move Back
The Las Vegas Raiders make a big move to go up to number one, and the Detroit Lions move back a few spots in this wild 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Senior Bowl week is almost done, and we got a ton of info about the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah released a very interesting top 50, a big board that often sprinkles in how NFL scouts and executives see prospects. Some seniors showed out and improved their draft stock, others checked some boxes, and others still have questions.
There are also rumors swirling from Senior Bowl week as well, regarding an Aaron Rodgers trade along with how teams feel about the top quarterbacks. One exec is a giant fan of Anthony Richardson, and others feel pretty clear on the top two. A couple big names showed out in Mobile on the offensive line, and those guys have secured their stock.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Two Trades For QBs In Post-Senior Bowl Mock
As one chapter of the 2023 NFL Draft process ends, we head back to the mock drafts with a few updates. The Raiders make the big move in this one, and another trade in the top 10 focuses on a quarterback. Let’s dive in to the latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
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It’s possible the Raiders move less to acquire Rodgers, but let’s get spicy. Even if rumor is just rumor about teams further down than the Colts inquiring, it makes sense. Everyone wants to get ahead of Houston. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Vegas gets their guy in C.J. Stroud.
Stroud has the size for the quarterback position, and has incredible accuracy and precision as a pocket passer. His EPA/play in the quick game is outstanding, and he can maneuver the pocket well to get further through progressions. Mobility was the question mark for Stroud, but his game against Georgia proved that he’s capable of making things happen when protection breaks down.
2. Houston Texans: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Another shocker early in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The Houston Texans now have their head coach in DeMeco Ryans, who might want to heavily focus on defense. However, they can’t pass up a quarterback this high in the draft.
Anthony Richardson has the highest ceiling at quarterback in the class. His deep ball accuracy is excellent, and he has the wow throws that excite scouts and analysts. He has the pocket instincts to maneuver and buy time, and has thrown with anticipation and looked off defenders. Mechanically, there’s things that need to be cleaned up, but the ceiling could vault Houston back into contention down the road.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Things feel pretty simple for the Arizona Cardinals here. Draft the best player available, and that’s between the two top defenders in the class. Here, Arizona takes Will Anderson, who has been hyper-productive in his last two seasons from a pressures, sacks, and tackles for loss perspective. He plays a lot of 4i in Alabama’s defense, but he’s a true edge at the next level, with explosion, power, and technique to rush the passer and stop the run.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Indianapolis Colts are in the quarterback market, and they potentially get the quarterback they want staying at four in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Will Levis could’ve answered a few questions down in Mobile, but will wait to throw on air later in the process. He’s got the arm strength, toughness, and flash throws, but consistency will be key at the next level.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
What a steal for the Seahawks at five in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. After building a war chest of picks in the Russell Wilson trade, Seattle made the playoffs anyway and put together a great draft class in 2022. They start the 2023 group off with Jalen Carter, who packs explosiveness, functional strength, flexibility, and versatility to win along the line and be a force for years to come.
6. Carolina Panthers (via DET): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
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The argument here would be that Carolina could stay put, but it’s unlikely with Atlanta and the Jets watching and waiting to pounce (for now). Bryce Young lasting this long is crazy, but we can’t rule it out. All it takes is for a few crucial teams to view him as too small, and he could fall.
It’s great news for the Panthers, who have tried to find their franchise quarterback. Young has great command of an offense, throws with great anticipation, does great work pre-snap to make adjustments, and has the artistry out of structure to make plays. Pairing Young with Frank Reich and talented young receivers is a great fit.
7. Chicago Bears (via LV): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Chicago Bears moved back out of the first overall pick, and still get a talented player at pick seven in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Elevating the offensive unit around Justin Fields should be a priority if value dictates it, and Peter Skoronski is a foundational piece for an offensive line. The power, balance, and technique Skoronski plays with in both phases will be perfect for Fields, and he has sufficient athleticism to handle Luke Getsy’s scheme.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Atlanta Falcons have really struggled getting to the quarterback in recent seasons, and lucky for them, edge rusher is loaded in this draft. They opt for Tyree Wilson here, who is extremely disruptive attacking gaps and has the size and length to be a true defensive end.