2-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers Trade Up With Seahawks
The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks features a trade between the Seahawks and Panthers, and Seattle moving back up for their long-term QB.
The 2023 NFL Draft process is firmly underway. With the Super Bowl finished up, head coaching hires set, and the page turned to 2023, the NFL Draft will take center stage.
Not everything is nailed down yet of course. The NFL Scouting Combine is going to be a week of “risers” entering the first round or day two chat. Plenty of players are going to test phenomenally, and the rumor mill will be swirling with the league descended on Indianapolis. There’s also free agency, where teams will look to reload where they can before the draft.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Move Around The Board
But, we’re going to try to project as best we can in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. This is this writer’s last mock before the combine, so projecting those results will be in here too. This 2023 NFL Mock Draft spans two rounds, and features the Seahawks maneuvering around the board and going a bit off-book. Off we go!
1. Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
In this scenario, the Chicago Bears don’t end up finding a trade partner or enough capital to feel good about moving down. Instead, they stay and select a player who will fit well as an attacking three technique in Matt Eberflus’ defense. Jalen Carter is a relentless pass rusher with limitless power. His ability to hold his ground, get off blocks, and sit to leverage against the run is impressive, and he has counters to get after the quarterback.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Houston Texans don’t have to move up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft and get the consensus QB1 in the class at pick two in Bryce Young. The size will be the question of course, especially with confirmed numbers at the combine. But, he is the best football player of the bunch at quarterback right now. His anticipatory throws, great field vision, impressive accuracy, and creativity out of structure makes him a great blend of what’s always been important at quarterback and what is more important now.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Arizona Cardinals recently hired Jonathan Gannon as their head coach. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll go incredibly defense-heavy in the 2023 NFL Draft, but with this pick, the value is very clear. Will Anderson has the production in terms of pressures and sacks, and is a dominant run defender as well. He instantly elevates the defensive line and the unit as a whole.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will the Shane Steichen hire by Indy influence their quarterback preferences? Perhaps, but in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they go with a player that has been linked to them for a while, at least in the media. Chris Ballard has talked about prototypical size at the quarterback position, and Will Levis has that. Levis has the strong arm and can make the wow throws on film while operating play action extremely well. He’s been dogged a lot in draft circles, but his 2021 film should show the player he can be.
5. Carolina Panthers (via SEA): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Details: Panthers send picks 9, 39, for pick 5
The Carolina Panthers don’t waste any time after two quarterbacks go in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, moving up and sending a second-round pick for pick five. Here, they grab a nice fit for Frank Reich’s offense in C.J. Stroud. Stroud has high-level accuracy for the quarterback position, making well-placed throws outside the numbers and in between defenders. His off-script ability and handling pressure has waned at times, but the Georgia game clearly showed he has it when he wants to go to it.
6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Detroit Lions have plenty of options at pick six in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. They can opt for a strong side defensive end to complement Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line, or go the corner route. They choose the latter here, getting a top corner in Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez has impressive speed and hip fluidity for a big corner, and his ball skills and recognition skills make for a complete player on the perimeter.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
A bit of a changeup for the Raiders in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Quarterback and tackle have been the favorites, but the secondary isn’t very good either. Devon Witherspoon would bring a new mentality to the defensive back room with how physical he plays, but his man cover skills are what will be crucial for a defense that needs to contend with top offenses out west.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Atlanta Falcons have struggled to pressure the quarterback for years, and now they finally have a true disruptor along their line on the edge. Tyree Wilson is big, long, and explosive, and should wreak havoc alongside Grady Jarrett early on in his career.