In our latest NFL mock draft, Bijan Robinson becomes a Bear, Zay Flowers soars for the Jets, and much more!
Free agency is still active, but most of the league-altering moves have already taken place. Several impactful signings and a handful of mesmerizing trades are starting to give a better picture for teams crafting their draft strategies.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bijan to the Bears, Eagles Trade Down, and Zay Flowers Lands with Jets
In our latest mock draft, the quarterbacks fly off the board, the Commanders trade up, and the Seahawks, Lions, Steelers, and Eagles make the most of their stacked draft capital. Without further ado, the Carolina Panthers are on the clock!
1. Carolina Panthers – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The blockbuster trade of the offseason saw the Panthers jump from No. 9 to No. 1. A team only makes a move of that magnitude for a franchise quarterback, so the question is ‘what name’ rather than ‘what position’.
For my money, Frank Reich will value CJ Stroud’s accuracy and overall refinement in the passing game. He brings a safe floor as a rookie, and his upside is worth betting on at the top of the draft. Reich and Carolina’s search for a centerpiece on offense is over at last.
2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Texans are consistently linked to Bryce Young — and for good reason. Head coach DeMeco Ryans may be tempted to go with a blue-chip defender, but the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner tugs at his Crimson Tide heartstrings.
Young is poised under pressure, a proven leader in the locker room, and possesses an arm capable of any throw in the NFL. Houston moves forward with a Ryans/Young pairing.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Cardinals will surely receive a slew of calls regarding a trade down. However, the roster is devoid of top-end talent on defense, and passing up on Will Anderson is a decision the franchise would live to regret.
Anderson is a game-wrecker off the edge and the type of player an entire defense can be built around. He generates constant pressure throughout the game and eats up double teams, making life easier for the rest of the unit. Jonathan Gannon gets a core building block for his defense in the desert.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts have played a never-ending game of musical chairs behind center since Andrew Luck’s retirement years ago. The long journey to find his successor ends at No. 4 in this mock draft, with Anthony Richardson taking over the mantle.
Richardson is raw but checks every box physically and has shown to be coachable during his limited action on-field at Florida. A learning curve is to be expected, but new head coach Shane Steichen can craft an offense similar to the one he ran in Philly.
5. Seattle Seahawks – Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
The Seahawks benefit from the Russell Wilson trade by netting the No. 5 overall pick in this mock draft. Jalen Carter wouldn’t surprise me here, but Tyree Wilson *feels* like a Seahawk every time I watch his tape.
Wilson boasts an otherworldly wingspan and is as strong as they come in this class. He could be more explosive off the snap but the elite developmental program in Seattle can smooth out the rough edges in Wilson’s game.
6. Detroit Lions – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The fall stops at No. 6 for Jalen Carter. The No. 2 rated player on my Big Board is a mystery right now with legal issues still lingering. However, if Carter is cleared, this will be the biggest steal of the draft for any team.
The Lions have re-shaped the secondary this offseason; a superstar-caliber player alongside Alim McNeill is the final piece to turning the Detroit defense into an above-average group. Carter disrupts the pocket and blows up gaps in the run game; he is a perfect fit for Dan Campbell’s Lions.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Will Levis is in strong consideration for Vegas, but this mock draft goes in a different direction. The Raiders need all kinds of help on defense, and I believe a pillar in the secondary is a great place to start. Patrick Graham loves a lengthy, versatile cornerback, and Gonzalez more than fits the bill. A day one starter for the Silver & Black.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Nolan Smith set the NFL Combine on fire during a jaw-dropping workout in front of the football world. He won’t wait long to hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft, and in this mock draft, Smith stays in-state, becoming a Falcon.
Smith brings a run-stuffing prowess unprecedented for a player of his size and has untapped potential as a pass rusher. The Falcons need help in both areas, so Smith kills two birds with one stone.
9. Chicago Bears – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Bears have spent the offseason building up the roster around Justin Fields. DJ Moore is his latest weapon, but after losing David Montgomery to the Lions, a spot has opened up in the backfield.
Khalil Herbert is a serviceable ball carrier for Chicago but is best fit for a No. 2 role in an offense. Bijan Robinson is capable of commanding the backfield with his elite vision, patience, contact balance, and receiving chops. Fields will have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in 2023.
10. Washington Commanders (via PHI) – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
A trade! The Commanders signed Jacoby Brissett and have stated their interest in giving Sam Howell a fair shake at quarterback. But Will Levis falling to No. 10 overall throws a wrench in these plans.
While I am not the biggest Levis guy in the world, his arm talent and ability to improvise are enticing. If a coach can rein in his wild tendencies, the Kentucky fireballer could put up gaudy numbers throwing to Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel.
11. Tennessee Titans – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Titans would consider Levis if he had made it to them, but Washington leap-frogged them, so that is out the window. Instead, Tennessee fills a more immediate need by taking Broderick Jones and slotting him into Taylor Lewan’s vacated spot on the line. Jones is raw, but he is a plus-blocker in the run game right now and has elite potential in the passing game.
12. Houston Texans – Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
DeMeco Ryans went offense earlier in the mock draft, but he can’t resist tabbing Calijah Kancey as the key cog to his new defensive line. Kancey boasts inside-out versatility and should boost the Houston pass rush from the moment he arrives.
13. New York Jets – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
It is a foregone conclusion that Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the Jets in 2023. Will No. 13 be a part of the trade? Who knows. For this mock draft, Joe Douglas finds a way to hold on to his first rounder and use it to add more offensive firepower.
Zay Flowers is electric and would form a terrifying duo with 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson. Assuming Elijah Moore gets more run and the freshly-acquired Allen Lazard stays healthy, Rodgers is set up for another MVP season in his new home.
14. New England Patriots – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Bill Belichick has a long history of success finding starting cornerbacks later in the NFL Draft. But seeing Joey Porter Jr. and his insanely long arms is an itch Belichick has to scratch.
Porter brings NFL bloodlines and had one of the best interviews at the NFL Combine in March. JPJ fits the New England mold and possesses the work ethic necessary to stay on Belichick’s good side.
15. Green Bay Packers – Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
A new starting quarterback; the same old draft approach. The Jordan Love era is set to begin in 2023, and while a weapon on the outside is tempting, the defense needs Lukas Van Ness more.
He is still developing his finesse game, but Van Ness displays the most dominant bullrush in the entire draft class. The Iowa lineman did not start a single game for the Hawkeyes, but his best football is ahead of him… and that’ll be in Green Bay.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via WSH) – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
CJ Gardner-Johnson is a Detroit Lion, and Marcus Epps is a Las Vegas Raider, leaving several snaps open in the secondary. Brian Branch played in the slot and as a deep safety during his time in Alabama and can do the same for the defending NFC Champs.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Steelers have a decision to make with their first selection of the mock draft. Offensive line or cornerback? With my top offensive tackle still on the board (Skoronski), plus my No. 3 rated cornerback (Witherspoon), Pittsburgh cannot go wrong either way.
The offensive line ultimately wins over, as the Steelers complete the full rebuild by adding the chess piece of Skoronski. He is a franchise player at any position on the offensive line, giving Mike Tomlin the freedom to deploy the best five players on the line.
18. Detroit Lions – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
An absolute dream scenario for general manager Brad Holmes on day one of this mock draft. After landing arguably the best player in the class earlier, Detroit takes a top cornerback to finish off the facelift in the secondary.
Devon Witherspoon should come off the board earlier than this, but weird things happen every year in the NFL Draft. He lands with the Lions here and heads to Motor City with a hunger for kneecaps.
19. Tampa Bay Bucs – Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Bucs released Donovan Smith earlier in the offseason and need a new bookend opposite All-Pro Tristan Wirfs. Paris Johnson Jr. is worthy of manning that role, as he brings top-tier pass protection as a rookie and an ever-improving anchor that allows him to settle in vs. stronger opponents. He will keep Baker Mayfield’s blindside as clean as possible.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo is a freaky athlete but is prone to stiff hips in coverage. He is best suited in a zone-heavy scheme or even as a downhill safety.
The Seahawks found two gems on day three in Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant, and Jamal Adams is expected to rejoin Quandre Diggs atop the safety depth chart, but Ringo can challenge for snaps at the other cornerback spot. If there is any franchise to trust in developing a talented defensive back, it is the Seattle Seahawks.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Edge rusher may not feel like a pressing need for the Chargers, but ask the fan base, and they would likely say otherwise. Veteran Khalil Mack restructured his deal to stick around in 2023, but he is 32 years old.
Myles Murphy is a top-ten talent who suffers from a run at the position. Being available at No. 21 in this mock draft makes for an easy pick for the Bolts. Murphy is explosive, oozing potential, and can learn behind a Hall of Fame talent as a rookie.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Will they or won’t they? Until Baltimore decides what to do with disgruntled quarterback Lamar Jackson, the front office will not tip its hand. Regardless of who is behind center in 2023, he needs more pieces to operate with.
Ohio State pass-catcher Jaxon Smith-Njigba suffered a knock to his draft stock after missing most of his final season on campus. JSN didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but he aced all other workouts. He is one of the best route runners in the class and should create easy separation from the slot.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
While a few different spots on the defense need addressing, the potential pairing of Quentin Johnston with Justin Jefferson makes it worth the switch-up. Johnston is a big-play specialist who wins downfield with 50/50 balls and is a creator with the ball in his hands. Head coach Kevin O’Connell can have a lot of fun with these two, KJ Osborn, TJ Hockenson, and Dalvin Cook.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Jaguars are building a juggernaut in the AFC South, but one key weakness is the cornerback room outside Tyson Campbell. Deonte Banks put his name on the first-round radar with an exceptional performance at the NFL Combine and would be a valued addition to a Jacksonville defense that struggled with the pass in 2022.
25. New York Giants – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
This is a popular mock draft pairing, but sometimes the mock draft community knows what they (we) are talking about! Jordan Addison is an adept route runner who wins with elite body control and some of the best hands I’ve ever evaluated. Sure hands and an underrated YAC ability are exactly what Brian Daboll ordered.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Cowboys traded for Brandin Cooks on Sunday but have yet to replace the departing Dalton Schultz. Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot can play, but they look better as No. 2 and No. 3 options at tight end.
Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer is multi-faceted and can affect the game in several ways including run blocking, creating after the catch, and snatching passes through traffic to move the chains. The Dallas offense is already one of the strongest units in the NFL — it gets even better with Mayer.
27. Buffalo Bills – O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
The Bills must establish an effective ground game before Josh Allen gets too deep into his career. Buffalo cannot afford to repeat the past mistakes that haunted Andrew Luck and Cam Newton.
Rather than burning another early pick on a running back, the Bills look to Florida mauler O’Cyrus Torrence to transform the run game as a rookie. Torrence is a force on the interior, clearing paths for his ball carriers at will and showing the agility to leak out to the second level of the defense when blocking.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The surprise signing of Orlando Brown Jr. led to the surprise trade request by Jonah Williams. Williams seemingly disinterested in moving from left tackle is likely to have his request honored. With a still-recovering La’el Collins at right tackle, the Williams decision leaves Cincinnati in a bind to start 2023.
Darnell Wright is arguably the most polished and NFL-ready offensive tackle in the class. At No. 28 in this mock draft, the Bengals land a guy that didn’t surrender a single sack in 2022. Joe Burrow is the biggest winner if this happens.
29. New Orleans Saints – Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
Keion White should go higher than this, but due to age and a tweener status, he makes it to the end of the mock draft. White terrorized opposing quarterbacks coming from the interior and flying around the edge and regularly chased down running backs to stop the offense. He is a difference-maker New Orleans has been lacking for years.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
I’m going to sound like a broken record, but purely on talent, Bryan Bresee is also a top-ten type of prospect. For different reasons, including inconsistent tape and injury history, the Clemson defender follows his teammate outside the top 20.
Of course, the Eagles are the team to benefit from this draft day tumble. Bresee can start instantly and provide three-down services to the Philly defense. He is a capable run defender and excels at collapsing the pocket from the interior. They’ll hardly miss Javon Hargrave!
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
At the final pick in the first round the Chiefs do what the Chiefs do best and bet on the most talented player remaining. Adetomiwa Adebawore is going on day one of the draft, with Kansas City serving as his floor.
Adebawore played a role in college that didn’t allow him to spread his wings as a pass rusher off the edge. He played mostly inside and did his job eating up double teams and creating lanes for his teammates. With the Chiefs, he can learn to hone his craft and become a household name.
2nd Round
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
33. Houston Texans – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
34. Arizona Cardinals – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
35. Indianapolis Colts – Steve Avila, OL, TCU
36. Los Angeles Rams – BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
37. Seattle Seahawks – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
38. Las Vegas Raiders – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
39. Carolina Panthers – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
40. New Orleans Saints – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
41. Tennessee Titans – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
42. Cleveland Browns – Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
43. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ) – Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
44. Atlanta Falcons – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
45. Green Bay Packers – Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
46. New England Patriots – Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
47. Philadelphia Eagles (via WSH) – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
48. Detroit Lions – Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
49. Pittsburgh Steelers – Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
50. Tampa Bay Bucs – Derrick Hall, DL, Auburn
51. Miami Dolphins – Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
52. Seattle Seahawks – John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
53. Chicago Bears – Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
54. Los Angeles Chargers – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
55. Detroit Lions – Joe Tippmann, OL, Wisconsin
56. Jacksonville Jaguars – Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
57. New York Giants – DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
58. Dallas Cowboys – Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
59. Buffalo Bills – Tank Dell, WR, Houston
60. Cincinnati Bengals – Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
61. Chicago Bears – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
62. Philadelphia Eagles – Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
63. Kansas City Chiefs – Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse