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

A.J. Fagerlin
A.J. Fagerlin

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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

In this latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the quarterback carousel keeps turning, with Aaron Rodgers headed to the AFC and the Texans jumping to first overall.

It has been a full week since the Kansas City Chiefs took down the Philadelphia Eagles to earn their second Super Bowl title in four years. With the playing season in the rearview mirror, it is officially draft season!

We already had the Senior Bowl, and before we know it we will have the Scouting Combine and pro days galore. The 2023 NFL Draft should be as intriguing as ever, with a big focus undoubtedly falling on the quarterback-needy teams. Will they sign a free agent? Will they make a big trade for a veteran to try to seize the moment? Will someone move up for “their guy” in the first round of the draft?

Aaron Rodgers is on the move and the Houston Texans trade up to the number one pick in this three-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft, with analysis for every NFL team!

1. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2. Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

If I am the Chicago Bears sitting atop this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, I want to ensure that I am still landing the most impactful player that I am desiring, even if I were to trade back. Sure, they can likely gain even more capital if they move back farther, but who will be there that they like at pick nine? Seven? Even four?

In this scenario, Chicago takes what they can get, moves down a spot with the Houston Texans, and still gets THEIR guy that they would have picked number one anyway. Could they still get that guy at, say, pick four after acquiring even more from the Indianapolis Colts? Sure. But why risk it?

If I were general manager Ryan Poles, and especially head coach Matt Eberflus, that guy would be Jalen Carter. The Bears desperately need that dominant inside presence on their defense if they want to slow down the competition in the NFC North. Eberflus was with the Colts when they traded a first-round pick for DeForest Buckner, and Carter is the perfect young player to fill that role.

For the Texans, I don’t think they should let their AFC South rival, or any other team for that matter, jump them and steal “their guy.” Who that is remains to be seen, but I would guess it is Alabama’s Bryce Young. The Houston-Young pairing seemed to be a given all season, until the Texans lost the number one pick by winning their final game.

If they truly have close enough grades on multiple quarterbacks, then they can stand pat at two. But they cannot afford to miss. If Young, or anyone else is their guy, they should make a move and secure him. New head coach DeMeco Ryans went to Alabama as well, and Young is widely regarded as the top, safest quarterback to be the first one selected in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

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.

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.

Myles Murphy, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Myles Murphy. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

9. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

After trading down from pick three, and passing on Will Anderson Jr., the Arizona Cardinals still have a top edge defender on the board in Myles Murphy. However, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, I think the team, and new head coach Jonathan Gannon, go in a different direction.

Gannon’s defense led the league by a wide margin in sacks last year, which may lead people to think that Gannon will value a pass rusher over anything else. But to me, I think he will look at replicating his cornerback tandem before his defensive line that he had in Philadelphia.

Christian Gonzalez is one of the most impressive defensive playmakers in the draft. Even at corner, Gonzalez just always seems to be around the ball and making big plays. In Philadelphia, Gannon had Darius “Big Play” Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox and C.J. Gardner-Johnson locking down opposing receivers and taking the ball away from the secondary. Gonzalez can fill any of those roles and will be an important piece to build around for a promising young defense, led by a promising young coach.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Ironically, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles await the decision by the team led by their former defensive coordinator. I believe their focus will be on the defensive side of the ball as well, so whoever the Cardinals don’t take, the Eagles will, here.

With many potential free agent departures littered throughout the defense, Philly may have to reload a bit on that side of the ball. Both the secondary and the defensive front could be affected, but with Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave and Robert Quinn all scheduled to hit free agency, a player like Myles Murphy would be a welcomed addition.

At Clemson, Murphy played with the size and power that the Eagles will be looking to complement Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat. He may not be as dynamic (or as productive) as Tyree Wilson, but Murphy is battle-tested and will prove to be a three-down contributor at the next level.

11. Tennesse Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

With the Tennessee Titans expected to move on from left tackle Taylor Lewan this offseason, finding a new blindside protector for whoever ends up playing quarterback long-term should be a priority. Tennessee could be in the market for a quarterback in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but where they are drafting I’m not sure a top prospect will be available.

Paris Johnson Jr. is widely regarded as the top tackle prospect in the draft and will fill the biggest need on the Titans roster. I’d expect Ryan Tannehill to start the season, but the team needs to see what they have in Malik Willis before next offseason, when they will have another decision to make. Protecting their quarterback will give them a fair chance to evaluate them, and will be key to their success in the future no matter the direction that they go.

12. Houston Texans: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

After moving up to get their quarterback in Bryce Young, the Houston Texans take advantage of their second first-rounder to give him a dynamic weapon. I can’t imagine that Brandin Cooks will be in the fold much longer, so Jordan Addison seems to be the perfect replacement.

Addison, despite his slender frame, is silky smooth. He understands how to dissect a defense and has the athletic capability to beat man and zone coverage. He was incredibly productive at Pittsburgh and already learned and adapted to a new offense after transferring to USC, leading me to believe that his transition to the NFL will be nearly seamless.

Some regard TCU’s Quentin Johnston as the top receiver in the draft, but I think Addison is the better fit for the Texans in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. With Cooks nearly in the rearview, Houston will look to build around promising, young wideout, Nico Collins, and whoever else they add. Johnston and Collins have similar games, so Addison gives them that added dimension that could help round out their offense. Potentially throw in John Metchie (who played with Bryce Young at Alabama) and you have yourself a nice, young passing attack.

Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
The Green Bay Packers trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.Packers Jets 0935

13. Green Bay Packers: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Here is the big move of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. If after his “darkness retreat”, Aaron Rodgers decides he wants to continue to play football, I can’t see it being with the Green Bay Packers. While many suggest that he will team back up with his former teammate, Davante Adams, in Vegas, I think the New York Jets could be the destination.

As I said earlier, I do not believe that the Raiders are all that close to completing. The Jets, oddly enough, seem to be quickly moving in the right direction. After a home run of a draft last year from general manager Joe Douglas, the New York Jets were very competitive in 2022 even with abysmal quarterback play. Not just below-average. Abysmal.

With young receivers like Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, a promising young running back in Breece Hall, and a very impressive defensive corps including All-Pro rookie, Sauce Gardner, the Jets could make some noise in the AFC next year. With the right quarterback.

Rodgers has never been one to shy away from the limelight (or the cold weather) so I think New York is a great spot for him. Hiring Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, to the same job could be a very smart move for the Jets if they can land the former MVP.

In return, the Packers get another pick in the top half of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and select a versatile offensive lineman who will fit right in in Green Bay. Peter Skoronski can play right tackle or guard right away for the Packers, and could be the heir to David Bakhtiari as the blindside protector for a young Jordan Love, if the team decides to stick with him.

14. New England Patriots: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The New England Patriots have tried their hand a first-round wide receiver in the past, to no avail. But it is very clear that the Patriots offense is severely lacking high-level playmakers, to the detriment of their young quarterback.

New England can’t just stick with average wide receivers, so I think they may take a swing on a player like Quentin Johnston. Johnston has elite size and is a wrecking ball with the ball in his hands. While he is not a nuanced route runner, he is effective at all levels of the field and will be a go-to target for Mac Jones early and often in his NFL career.

15. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Boy, will Aaron Rodgers be bitter looking at this first round for the Packers in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. After failing to provide him with protection or weapons early in drafts while he was in Green Bay, the Packers do both for Jordan Love in one round of one draft.

After getting Skoronski to bolster the offensive line, Green Bay grabs a dynamic, number-one type receiver in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Christian Watson and even Romeo Doubs showed some promise as rookies last year, but neither are the caliber player that JSN is.

Smith-Njigba’s draft stock has fallen after missing nearly the entire 2022 season due to injury, but when healthy he is as dominant as anyone in football. He is an excellent separator, has superb hands and is very effective at all three levels of the field. He is my WR1 in this draft as it stands right now and would be deadly alongside Watson and Doubs in this Green Bay offense.

16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Washington Commanders could be another team in the quarterback market this offseason. Whether they decide to roll with Sam Howell or bring in a veteran, where the Ron Rivera-led Commanders really need to improve is in their secondary.

Washington has been known for their dominant defensive line, featuring Chase Young, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat, but aside from Kendall Fuller, they don’t really have any notable names in their secondary. Joey Porter Jr. certainly provides that right away as the son of the former Steelers linebacker, but will also bring a lot on the field. He is a very physical presence with great size, length and athleticism to hold his own in the NFC East.

Broderick Jones, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Steelers current offensive line is lackluster to say the least. Particularly at the most important position, left tackle, the Steelers lack the caliber of players that they are used to having in Pittsburgh. Georgia’s Broderick Jones is a mountain of a man who would certainly change that.

I would hate this pick for the Steelers as a Cleveland Browns fan, so that should at least say something. Pittsburgh MUST address their offensive line if they want to stop the likes of Myles Garrett and help develop their young quarterback, Kenny Pickett, moving forward.

18. Detroit Lions: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

After grabbing the top cornerback earlier in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions continue to reshape their struggling defense by adding a versatile piece to their defensive line. Aidan Hutchinson played well as a rookie, as did sixth-round pick, James Houston IV. With good young players like Alim McNeil, Josh Paschal and Julian Okwara in the fold, adding a player like Bryan Bresee can really help things come together for the young defensive unit.

Bresee excelled at Clemson, but some injury concerns are causing his stock to plummet heading into the draft. While he never posted some crazy productive statistical season, you can see on tape that Bresee has the skill and potential to be a well-rounded, three-down player at the next level and would fit very well with what the Lions already have on their defensive front.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

With Tom Brady’s retirement, it’s hard to say what direction the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might go. The team is certainly in need of a quarterback, with just Kyle Trask on the roster, but it remains to be seen whether they will go after a veteran and try to stay competitive in a weak division, or if they will sort of break things down towards a rebuild of sorts.

Either way, the value is not there at quarterback at this point in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Instead, with three of their top cornerbacks set to hit free agency, the Bucs add the next highly touted corner out of South Carolina. Cam Smith has the size and physicality that head coach Todd Bowles looks for in a corner, and could be the easiest plug-and-play, most scheme versatile corner in this class.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Whether the team sticks with Geno Smith, drafts a quarterback at pick five or brings in another option, the Seattle Seahawks should looks to add some more offensive weapons for their disposal.

D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are about as dynamic of a wide receiver duo as you are going to find. Beyond that? The Seattle passing attack could use some additions. Why not add the top tight end in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? A tight end is often a quarterback’s best friend, should give the Seattle offense another dimension particularly in the red zone, and will also help Kenneth Walker III in the run game.

Dawand Jones, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Dawand Jones, Julian Fleming, Ohio State. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Rutgers Scarlet Knights At Ohio State Buckeyes

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

While many are projecting the Los Angeles Chargers to add a wide receiver in the first round, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft the pick is a no-brainer. Pairing Rashawn Slater with the best right tackle in the draft to do everything you can to make sure that Justin Herbert is not touched next season.

Dawand Jones is HUGE.

He was also incredible at Ohio State with both prevent quarterback hits/sacks and dominating in the run game. I believe that even at his size, Jones has the athleticism and footwork to excel at the next level and would be a welcomed sight for Herbert, as he looks to elevate this Chargers offense to the next level under new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

This pick still seems like a slam dunk to me. Bijan Robinson has the talent to be a top five player in the 2023 NFL Draft, but obviously the league’s opinion on drafting running backs has changed drastically in recent years.

However, for a team that runs the ball way more than any other team in the league, I think it would be smart to invest in a reliable, workhorse running back. They have gotten solid production in recent seasons from the likes of J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Kenyan Drake, Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, even Mike Davis, Ty’Son Williams, Justice Hill and Mark Ingram. This is just over the last three seasons. Bringing in a game-changing talent like Robinson that they can hopefully rely on heavily over at least the next five seasons should prove worth it, in my opinion.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

If there is one team-position pairing that seems the most obvious to me outside of the quarterback-needy teams it is this one. The Minnesota Vikings absolutely must improve their secondary, particularly at the cornerback position.

Minnesota’s lack of young, successful cornerbacks has not been for lack of trying. They always seem to be drafting corners early in every draft. Last year it was Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round. In 2020, they selected Jeff Gladney in the first and Cam Dantzler in the third. In 2018 they used their first-rounder on Mike Hughes, who also is no longer with the team, as well as 2016 second-round pick Mackensie Alexander and 2015 first-rounder Trae Waynes.

None of these guys have panned out, so far, for the Minnesota Vikings, and you simply cannot have a 33-year-old Patrick Peterson as your clearly best corner. Peterson is set to hit free agency, anyway, so taking another swing at a crazy talented and athletic corner like Kelee Ringo could allow the Vikes to take advantage of this loaded cornerback class and finally turn things around for their secondary.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Whether the Jacksonville Jaguars bring back pending free agent, Evan Engram, or not, drafting a player like Darnell Washington certainly is not a bad idea. Washington played alongside talented tight ends like Brock Bowers at Georgia, and in a Doug Pederson offense that thrived with both Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert playing together, Washington could find similar success as another weapon for a developing Trevor Lawrence.

Jalin Hyatt, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Jalin Hyatt.RANK 1 Tennesseevsalabama1015 3369

25. New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

It seems likely that the New York Giants are going to be sticking with Daniel Jones at quarterback, even with him scheduled to hit free agency at this point. If they do, they would be wise to give him another dynamic target to work with.

The Giants already re-signed Isaiah Hodgins and drafted Wan’Dale Robinson just last year, but Zay Flowers is just too good to pass up. With his size, many will pin him as a slot receiver who would likely play the same role that Robinson would in an offense, but I believe Flowers is much more than that.

Lined up in the slot, Flowers is shifty off the line and with the ball in his hand, and tough as nails to fight for extra yards and make contested catches over the middle. Out wide, he has homerun speed that can burn any defender and take the top off of any defense. His versatility should be utilized well by head coach Brian Daboll. If and when the team moves on from any combination of Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Kenny Golladay and Richie James, Hodgins, Robinson and Flowers will be very fun to watch.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

After watching their division rival snag a playmaking wide receiver, the Dallas Cowboys do the same. Michael Gallup was very disappointing last season, as was third-round pick, Jalen Tolbert, who practically never saw the field as a rookie.

After moving Amari Cooper last offseason, it is abundantly clear that the Cowboys need to add another receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Lamb was sensational this year, but he, and Dak Prescott, need help if they want to elevate this offense.

Jalin Hyatt is the definition of a homerun threat. He blew by top defender after top defender in the SEC on his way to a Biletnikoff Award in 2022. He is incredibly effective tracking the ball and adjusting his body down the field, but also uses his speed at all levels of the field to make big plays. Both Lamb and Prescott would love to see Hyatt in the new Mike McCarthy-led offense.

27. Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, SAF, Alabama

It was once again apparent in the playoffs that the Buffalo Bills need to bolster their secondary if they want to compete in the AFC. I believe that they have equally pressing needs on their offensive line in they want to get over the hump and beat teams like the Chiefs and Bengals. But, with Jordan Poyer set to hit free agency, they go secondary in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Brian Branch is the top safety prospect in the class and is too good to pass up at this point. He can really do it all, ballhawking from centerfield, manning up tight ends and receivers and coming into the box to support in the run game. He would be a great piece for Sean McDermott’s defense.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Cincinnati Bengals had a near complete overhaul of their offensive line last offseason. It is incredible, but they may need to do it again. Injuries hurt them greatly down the stretch in the playoffs, but the line play did not improve nearly as much as they surely hoped.

Jonah Williams has been serviceable at left tackle for years now, but he has never really moved the needle in the right direction. Anton Harrison can come in and potentially elevate the position and provide Joe Burrow and the Bengals the stability they need for the years to come.

Nolan Smith, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Nolan Smith. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

29. New Orleans Saints: Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

The New Orleans Saints are a team that has needs littered throughout their roster. They could really go any direction here, but they have proven to love big, athletic, toolsy defensive lineman, and grab another here. Lukas Van Ness can play up and down their line and follows in the footsteps of Payton Turner, Marcus Davenport (who is a free agent) and Cam Jordan (who is on the back nine of his career).

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami

For Tyrique Stevenson, traits and ability are not the issue. He possesses the size and athleticism that any team looks for in a cornerback. Stevenson just needs the proper coaching to clean up some mistakes and tendencies that he see on tape. The Philadelphia Eagles, despite losing Jonathan Gannon, seem like a team that would bet on that upside.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

With the final pick of the first round in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs grab another young leader for their defense. Nolan Smith was the heart and soul of the championship Georgia defense, even when sidelined due to injury. On the field, the is a dynamic pass rusher who could come in and play all three downs, complementing last year’s first-rounder, George Karlaftis.

Keion White, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Oct 1, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Keion White (6) forces Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kedon Slovis (right) to throw an incomplete pass during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Second Round

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

33. Chicago Bears: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

34. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

35. Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

36. Los Angeles Rams: Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech

With Aaron Donald contemplating retirement, and a couple key pieces on the defensive line hitting free agency, the Rams add a versatile defensive lineman who has been soaring up draft boards.

37. Seattle Seahawks: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

38. Las Vegas Raiders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

39. Arizona Cardinals: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

40. New Orleans Saints: Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor

41. Tennessee Titans: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

42. Cleveland Browns: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

With the departure of Jadeveon Clowney, the Cleveland Browns add a very productive edge defender who can immediately fill that role as a three-down player while developing as a pass rusher.

43. New York Jets: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

After trading away their first-round pick for Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh and the Jets add a very talented and versatile linebacker in Drew Sanders in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, who will play every snap either at off-ball linebacker or rushing the passer.

44. Atlanta Falcons: Tank Dell, WR, Houston

45. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

46. New England Patriots: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

47. Washington Commanders: Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee

48. Detroit Lions: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

51. Miami Dolphins: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

Miami has a very well-rounded roster right now, but adding a linebacker with the size and pedigree of Noah Sewell with certainly help the development of the young Dolphins defense.

52. Seattle Seahawks: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

53. Chicago Bears: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

54. Los Angeles Chargers: Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

55. Detroit Lions: Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan

57. New York Giants: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

58. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan

59. Buffalo Bills: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

60. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Smith II, S, Georgia

61. Carolina Panthers: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

62. Philadelphia Eagles: Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Kayshon Boutte, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (7) carries the ball for a receiving touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Third Round

64. Chicago Bears: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

65. Houston Texans: Will McDonald IV, DL, Iowa State

66. Arizona Cardinals: Steve Avila, OL, TCU

67. Denver Broncos: Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse

68. Denver Broncos: Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

69. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Freeland, OL, BYU

70. Las Vegas Raiders: Andrew Vorhees, OL, USC

71. New Orleans Saints: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

72. Tennessee Titans: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

73. Houston Texans: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida

74. New York Jets: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

75. Atlanta Falcons: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

76. New England Patriots: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

77. Miami Dolphins: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

78. Green Bay Packers: J.L. Skinner, DB, Boise State

79. Indianapolis Colts: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford

80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

81. Detroit Lions: Jarrett Patterson, OL, Notre Dame

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Henry To’oto’o, LB, Alabama

83. Seattle Seahawks: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

84. Miami Dolphins: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

85. Los Angeles Chargers: Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

86. Baltimore Ravens: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

87. Minnesota Vikings: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin

89. New York Giants: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

90. Dallas Cowboys: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

91. Buffalo Bills: Tuli Tuioulotu, DL, USC

92. Cincinnati Bengals: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

93. Carolina Panthers: Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern

94. Philadelphia Eagles: Sean Tucker, RB, Illinois

95. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

96. Arizona Cardinals: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

97. Washington Commanders: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

98. Cleveland Browns: Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU

99. San Francisco 49ers: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M

The San Francisco 49ers don’t have a pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft until late in the third round, but have three of the last four to finish us off, adding a talented corner, a potential starting offensive lineman and a depth piece to their impressive pass rush.

100. New York Giants: Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati

101. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Tippman, OL, Wisconsin

102. San Francisco 49ers: Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri

A.J. Fagerlin

A.J. Fagerlin

A.J. Fagerlin is a current Contributor to NFL Mocks. He previously contributed to multiple other sites under the FanSided umbrella, including Dawg Pound Daily and FanSided Fantasy, and began contributing to FanSided in 2019. Outside of FanSided, A.J. has experience as a Media/PR intern with the Akron Racers softball team and as a contributor to “The Buchtelite,” the University of Akron's school newspaper, where A.J. graduated with a degree in Sports Management. A.J. is a diehard Cleveland sports fan and an NFL Draft life-long fanatic (a great combination for a Browns fan!), often completing mock drafts written on computer paper when he was a kid, dating back to at least 2011. In his free time, A.J. enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing softball and golf, and attending as many sporting events as possible!"