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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 /
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Will Anderson Jr., 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Will Anderson. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Seattle Seahawks: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

The Seattle Seahawks are in a great position in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. If there is a run on quarterbacks like many expect in the top 3-4 picks, then they could have one of the top two defensive players fall right into their laps. Here it is Alabama edge rusher, Will Anderson Jr.

Seattle could opt for a top quarterback if one is available and they are not sold on Geno Smith as the future of their franchise. But after Smith’s impressive, breakout season last year, I think the focus will be to build around him. With great receivers and a promising, young offensive line, I think the focus will be on defense. Anderson Jr. is widely regarded as the best edge presence in this draft and can bring a level of pressure that the Seahawks currently lack severely off the edge.

6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

This is becoming a more and more popular pick with each 2023 NFL Mock Draft that you read, but I think this is a match made in heaven. The Detroit Lions are looking for fiery, nasty, physical players and desperately need help in their secondary Devon Witherspoon is the perfect prospect to fit what they’re looking for.

Witherspoon was dominant at Illinois, impacting the game in a variety of ways. His length, athleticism and physicality make him a nightmare in man/press coverage. His football IQ and instincts make him a ballhawk in zone. His attitude and tackling ability make him a player that can play anywhere on the field, on all three down, against both the run and the pass.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Many people are projecting the Las Vegas Raiders to go after some of the bigger-name quarterbacks on the market this offseason. However, I do not think the Raiders are “a quarterback away” from being contenders, especially in their division. I think Vegas is closer to “rebuild” than “win-now” mode, so I would think the draft would be a better place to look for their quarterback of the future.

I am not a huge Will Levis guy, but you can see in flashes that the potential is there. The guy has the tools and traits to become an impactful NFL starter, he will just have to put them all together. Does Josh McDaniels think he can be the one to do that? I would expect him to think so.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

With the top quarterback prospects off the board in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons shift their focus to the best player available. They could go in a variety of directions based on how their board looks, but I think Tyree Wilson makes the most sense.

Atlanta has a couple nice, young edge prospects with some upside on their current roster, but I don’t think any are even close to the level that Wilson is already at right now. With his size, power and athleticism, Wilson always finds a way to impact a play, usually in the backfield.

The Falcons could go wide receiver if they have a particular liking to one of them, after trading away Calvin Ridley last season, or could take a top cornerback after a disappointing season of play from their current group. But I think Wilson is the best player in the board and fills a huge need for a young Falcons defense.

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