Now that the Super Bowl has come and gone, the 2023 offseason is officially underway. With a number of high quality players set to hit free agency and the futures of multiple MVP-caliber quarterbacks up in the air, this offseason will certainly have twists and turns that will shape our expectations for the following NFL season, and it all begins with the first post-Super Bowl mock draft.
Post-Super Bowl Mock Draft: Seahawks Trade Up for Bryce Young, Bucs Replace Tom Brady with Anthony Richardson
One of the most crucial steps in any offseason is the NFL draft, the opportunity for each team to select a franchise-altering player from the college ranks. This year’s draft will be no different, as talented quarterbacks and freakish edge rushers highlight a loaded 2023 class of collegiate athletes.
With four top-12 picks already traded from various deals in the past, as well as a number of potential trades that are mocked below, this year’s draft should be one of the more exciting and shocking that we have seen in recent years. So, with the No. 1 overall pick, the Seattle Seahawks (not the Chicago Bears) are officially on the clock:
The Seattle Seahawks give up a haul of draft capital in order to trade up with the Bears and select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young’s biggest flaw as a prospect is his size, or lack thereof, but the Seahawks and Pete Carroll have had success in the past with an undersized quarterback. Young’s big arm and accuracy could elevate the Seahawks from a fringe playoff team to a true threat in the NFC.
Despite a need at quarterback, the Houston Texans and new coach DeMeco Ryans elect to go defense at No. 2 overall, selecting Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. The Texans have holes all over the roster, but a generational-type edge rusher like Anderson could be the blue-chip player that kicks off the rebuild for Houston. Davis Mills can start another year with potentially a better quarterback class coming in 2024.
The Carolina Panthers move up ahead of the Colts and select the second quarterback of the mock draft in Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. Stroud, who played his best football on the biggest of stages in college, has the prototypical size, accuracy, and poise of an NFL quarterback. With Frank Reich taking over the head coaching spot in Carolina, Stroud could serve well in his RPO-heavy schemes, and would be able to rely on solid wide receiver play early on.
The Indianapolis Colts put an end to the yearly quarterback carousel, selecting Kentucky’s Will Levis at No. 4 overall. Levis has the size and arm strength of a prototypical NFL quarterback, and while he does not have the resume and record of success that a top-five pick usually possesses, he is battle tested after starting against SEC defenses for two seasons. Simply put, Levis has all the tools to succeed at the next level, but will certainly need good coaching to get there.
After trading down outside of the top four of this mock draft, the Bears still select one of the best defensive prospects in Georgia’s Jalen Carter. The physically dominant defensive tackle is capable of completely reshaping a Chicago defense that struggled to get pressure from any position in 2022. Carter’s size forces constant attention from opposing offensive lines, and he has the potential to be a game-wrecker in both the pass and run games.
The Detroit Lions find Aidan Hutchinson’s running mate in Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson. Wilson, who stands at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, is a perfect base end to put opposite of the 2022 second overall pick, and would create problems for any opposing offensive line. The Lions defense has a little bit of work to do in order to catch up to their offense, but a dynamic 1-2 punch at defensive end would be a great place to start.
After trading the No. 7 overall pick to acquire Packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Raiders original pick ends up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who select Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. With the departure of Tom Brady, the Buccaneers have a massive question mark at quarterback, and while Richardson can be viewed as a project, it is worth jumping a division rival to secure a 6-foot-4 quarterback who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and has a rocket arm.
One of the worst teams at generating pressure in 2022, the Atlanta Falcons select Myles Murphy from Clemson in order to dramatically improve their defensive line. At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, Murphy is a physical freak who has the athleticism and speed to win on the edge as well as kick into the 3-technique in certain passing situations. Murphy wins in both the run and pass games, and could be the consistent contributor that the team has been looking for to pair with tackle Grady Jarrett.
After trading back with the Panthers earlier in the mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals still select perhaps the best offensive lineman in Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski. Whether he ends up at tackle or guard at the next level, Skoronski has the ability to keep franchise quarterback Kyler Murray upright, something that has been a problem over the past few years. Despite having some physical inadequacies, such as shorter arms, Skoronski’s high IQ and experience makes him a solid, top-10 prospect.
After trading up with the instate rival Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers sure up their offensive line with Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson is not only one of the best offensive lineman prospects in this draft, but he also has the qualities and experience of a true left tackle, which the Steelers desperately need in front of Kenny Pickett. Plus, the Steelers are in a good spot to trade up after acquiring the 32nd overall pick from Chicago for Chase Claypool.
The Tennessee Titans get in on a run of offensive tackles with the selection of Oklahoma’s Anton Harrison. With a good chance that franchise tackle Taylor Lewan’s time is done in Tennessee, a new anchor like Harrison should be a top priority in any mock draft. Harrison could become a reliable presence upfront for an offense that hopes to get back to their ground game dominance next season, and the team will certainly need more protection for whoever starts at quarterback in 2023.
After adding a franchise edge rusher, the Houston Texans immediately get another defensive lineman in Clemson’s Bryan Bresee. Bresee might slip a little in this draft due to some injury concerns, but when healthy, he is a problem for the interior of the opponent’s offensive line. Alongside Anderson Jr, these two could cause havoc as the foundational pieces of a dynamic, young line for a head coach who will likely want to build around the defense.
The New York Jets select Georgia’s Broderick Jones to help up front with an offensive line that has some quality young starters, but needs more across the board. Assuming the team figures out the quarterback position this offseason, offensive tackle is one of the few positions that needs to be addressed in this mock draft, and could be the final puzzle piece to build one of the more complete units in the NFL.
The New England Patriots select Alabama safety Brian Branch to serve as a versatile player in the defensive backfield. Branch will have the opportunity to play in the slot, as a third safety, and as the potential successor of long time free safety Devin McCourty. Branch is great in man and zone, as well as against the run, so he should fit in perfectly with a multiple-type defense that New England likes to run.
The first receiver in this mock draft is finally off the board! The Green Bay Packers select TCU’s Quentin Johnston to help whoever starts at quarterback for the team in 2023. Johnston is an incredible mix of size and speed, as the 6-foot-4 receiver possesses 4.4 speed. Johnston has the frame and aggressiveness to go up and win 50-50 balls, and has proven himself to be a threat in the short catch and run game as well.
The Washington Commanders sure up the secondary, selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez at No. 16 overall in this mock draft. The former high school track athlete is one of the more athletically gifted players in this class, as the 6-foot-2 outside corner runs around a 4.32 40-yard dash. Gonzalez relies on his length and speed to win on the boundary and is almost impossible to beat over the top. The former Duck is also a solid tackler in the open field, despite a below-average weight.
After trading back, the Philadelphia Eagles still nab one of the best prospects in this class in Texas running back Bijan Robinson. Philadelphia’s powerhouse offense is catalyzed by its ground game, and adding an all-around back like Robinson would take the unit to the next level, especially if they do not resign Miles Sanders this offseason. Robinson will not be the fastest, biggest, or strongest back at the next level, but has a good mix of all of these traits.
With the second, first-round pick of the mock draft, the Detroit Lions go back to the defensive well with Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The son of Steelers’ legend Joey Porter, the young cornerback has a great combination of size, speed, and physicality as a defensive back, and uses his instincts and fluidity to lock down receivers on the outside. If anything, Porter Jr can be too aggressive, but should fit the mentality of a young Lions team that is looking to bite off some kneecaps.
After adding a wide receiver just a few picks ago, the Green Bay Packers bolster the defense with Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness. Van Ness is a little bit of a project at the edge rusher position, but has the physical intangibilities to succeed at the next level. Van Ness already has a handful of great pass rush moves, including a dominant spin move, and can bend the pocket effectively from the edge but will need to be coached up a bit to become more dynamic in the NFL.
After adding an elite defensive talent in the top five of the mock draft, the Chicago Bears address another need with Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, the former Buckeye is fast enough, quick enough, and big enough to create separation in a number of ways at the next level. Injuries derailed his season in 2022, but on a team like the Bears, who could rely on him as a No. 1 receiver, he could end up as the most productive receiver in this class.
The Los Angeles Chargers continue to build around franchise quarterback Justin Herbert with the addition of USC’s Jordan Addison. With Mike Williams under contract and Keenan Allen a potential cap casualty, adding a quicker receiver such as Addison could be exactly what this offense needs. Addison took a little bit of a step back production wise in 2022, but he has the traits to win on the inside and outside at the next level and could become a reliable target in LA.
Finishing up a run at the wide receiver position, the Baltimore Ravens add Boston College’s Zay Flowers. Whether or not Lamar Jackson is back in Baltimore next season, the team needs to improve at receiver, and a dynamic player like Flowers could be the answer. Flowers has elite speed, and is a problem for any defense with the ball in his hands. Flowers isn’t just a gadget guy, however, as he possesses the ability to create separation on the outside down the field.
The Minnesota Vikings bolster a secondary that let down its offense throughout 2022 with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon. A hair on the lighter side, Witherspoon nonetheless possesses the length and speed to succeed on the perimeter in the NFL. The Illinois product has some work to do in zone coverage, but could join the Vikings as a day one starter, immediately improving the secondary.
The Jacksonville Jaguars happily add a dominant force up front in Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence. Trevor Lawrence proved to be the answer for Jacksonville at quarterback, but the team could certainly use some help protecting the former No. 1 pick. Torrence could fortify an interior line that isn’t the youngest unit in the league, and at 6-foot-5 and nearly 340 pounds, the former Gator is a dominant run blocker and above-average pass protector.
The New York Giants add to a young, productive defense with Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson not only fills a position of need in New York but is a stellar athlete with freakish intangibles who should be able to impact the defense all over the field. Alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence, Simpson’s prowess against the run and pass could contribute to one of the most physically gifted front sevens in football.
The Dallas Cowboys need more weapons on offense, and a player like Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer might be the perfect answer in this mock draft. With Dalton Schultz potentially walking this offseason, Mayer provides another great receiving option for Dak Prescott, as well as the ability of a blocker that the Cowboys offense could desperately use. There are tight ends in this class who may be better receiving options, but few compare to Meyer as an all-around weapon and blocker.
The Buffalo Bills’ playoff loss to the Bengals proved that they need help up front defensively, and a monster defensive tackle like Baylor’s Siaki Ika should solve most of those problems. At nearly 360 pounds, Ika is a force to be reckoned with at the nose tackle position and is dominant against the run. Ika also possesses surprising athleticism that makes him an effective pass rusher. Overall, a game-wrecking player like Ika would improve Buffalo’s defense overnight.
The Cincinnati Bengals get some help in the secondary, adding South Carolina’s Cam Smith at the outside cornerback position. Smith is a true boundary corner, and for a defense that already possesses great slot and safety play, he could be the missing piece to becoming one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Smith is a touch slower than some of the other corners in this class, but has the traits of a true lockdown corner, including a great backpedal and instinctive ball skills.
After acquiring a first-round pick by trading away coach Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints add Georgia end Nolan Smith to a defense that might get blown up due to cap problems. Smith is a fast and athletic edge rusher, and could immediately step up the defensive line play opposite of Cam Jordan. Smith may slip a little bit due to his below average weight and injury concerns, but would be a steal for the Saints at the end of the first round of this mock draft.
After bolstering the run game earlier in the first round, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to build upon their strengths, adding Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson to a secondary that is already one of the best in the NFL. At 6-foot-3, Johnson is a rangy safety who could serve well as a ballhawk overtop or down inside the box. Johnson is another slightly undersized prospect in this class in terms of body mass, but would be a versatile piece to further elevate one of the league’s top defenses.
The Kansas City Chiefs strengthen the defensive line by adding another true edge rusher in LSU’s BJ Ojulari. Ojulari has a deep variety of pass rush moves and is solid against the run, despite not having the best wingspan. It will be important for him to add some weight in the NFL to be able to win at the point of attack against professional offensive tackles, but as a pure edge rusher, Ojulari is worth the risk as the final pick of the mock draft.