2-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts, Seahawks Make Trades For QBs
The Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks make moves for quarterbacks in this wild and updated two-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
The free agency frenzy has died down a bit, and the focus has shifted back to the 2023 NFL Draft. The pro days were the talk of the draft world last week, as three of the top quarterbacks in Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis. There are, of course, no negatives coming out of there, and just more praise for the class. The Panthers and Seahawks(!!!!) were the most notable (and vocal) of the teams at each pro day.
Two-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts, Seahawks make deals for QBs
As we are drifting ever so close (just over a month), the mock drafts will be aplenty here, as will the scouting reports. So, stick around for all that. But now, we’re heading to a two-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft, featuring a few trades and, as always, some incredibly fun and (hopefully) unique prospect pairings. Off we go!
1. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers are obviously very invested in the quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft process, and it’s very possible they haven’t quite decided but knew they needed to secure the top pick. But, if they aren’t in on taking an outlier with the top spot, that narrows the lens a little.
C.J. Stroud still feels like the pick and the perfect fit for the Panthers, and he’s the guy in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Stroud has operated extremely well within the confines of the pocket, delivering strikes with plus placement. He has a great array of pitches in his arsenal to layer throws and drive the ball into tight windows. Stroud’s proven he can operate out of structure and take evasive action, and now the Panthers must build around him.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Houston Texans also go the consensus route in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, taking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young’s size is the one drawback, because everything else is phenomenal. He’s a calculated assassin from the pocket, throwing with great anticipation and placement. Young sees the field very well for his size as well. Outside of structure, he’s as creative as can be, throwing with great accuracy and buying time with impressive elusiveness.
Don’t forget about Young’s poise either. His ability to stay calm under pressure, and make impressive plays in crunch time is second to none. Houston did trade Brandin Cooks, but they extended Laremy Tunsil, brought in Robert Woods, and have more draft capital to build around him in a Bobby Slowik scheme that should mirror some things in San Francisco and Miami.
3. Indianapolis Colts (via ARI): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Details: Colts trade No. 4, 2023 3rd, 2024 3rd for No. 3
There might be some contention for the number three pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Arizona’s roster is a mess and they just need capital. So, they snag a couple third round selections and the Indianapolis Colts get their guy in a small move up.
Anthony Richardson is a fascinating case study. While many can use the word “raw”, inexperienced is a better way to put it. He doesn’t have many starts to his name (13) and probably would’ve benefitted from another year in school. Still, the traits are clearly there, as is the athleticism. Richardson probably falls in the realm between Jalen Hurts and Trey Lance as a prospect. He throws a phenomenal deep ball and has the velocity to throw outside the numbers. His feel in the pocket is splendid and he can move defenders with his eyes. Mechanically, though, he needs work to hit better in the quick game and intermediate area. Give him Shane Steichen and some time and the Colts could be playing 11 on 11 like Philly does.
4. Arizona Cardinals (via IND): Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Arizona Cardinals make a move down in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and while it wasn’t a big one, they get a bit of extra draft capital this year and next. Arizona still secures a blue-chip defender in Will Anderson. The Cardinals did draft a pair of defensive linemen last year, but Anderson is on another level as a prospect. His ability to affect all three downs at a high level is unmatched on the edge.