Fansided
Fansided

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers On The Move, Texans Move To No. 1

By A.J. Fagerlin

Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 11
Next
C.J. Stroud, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, C.J. Stroud. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

You may start to notice a trend here, but we find another team that cannot miss on a quarterback this offseason in the Carolina Panthers. New head coach Frank Reich is known for his developing of quarterbacks, so the team really needs to nail their pick if they want to brighten their future (and present).

If I am the Arizona Cardinals, it pains me to trade down when a player like Will Anderson Jr. is sitting right there for the taking, but Arizona has so many needs on their roster at this point that adding an early pick this year, and especially next year with quarterback Kyler Murray expected to miss time this upcoming season, will be vital to their rebuild.

C.J. Stroud will likely be my top quarterback of all the prospects in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, so given the chance, the Panthers make the move and bet their future on the Stroud-Reich pairing. Stroud is a quick processor who has the touch to place the ball anywhere he wants on the field. The Panthers still have a few pieces they will need to add to become a true competitor, but Stroud is a great start for a team in a wide-open NFC South.

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

As was mentioned before, there are quite a few teams atop this 2023 NFL Mock Draft that cannot miss out on the right quarterback. After failed attempts with numerous veterans, the Indianapolis Colts may be at the top of the list.

I believe that the Colts are already moving in the right direction after the hiring of former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as their head coach, but now they must give him the players to work with. If Steichen is looking to mold the Colts in a similar way that he did the Eagles, Florida’s Anthony Richardson could be a home run pick.

After watching Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan fail to elevate this Indianapolis franchise, Colts fans have to be incredibly frustrated. They want a dynamic playmaker at the quarterback position, and Richardson gives them exactly that. While he may not be the most polished quarterback prospect, Richardson is not just a runner. He has great size and mobility, but has shown flashes how elite arm talent as well. With the right coaching, Richardson could be exactly what Indy fans have been searching for since Andrew Luck’s retirement.

Home/Mock Drafts