The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings shake things up with big trades in this 3-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
It’s draft week!!!! It’s almost time to celebrate, as the 2023 NFL Draft is nearly here. On top of it, we don’t know a whole lot, if anything, about the draft as we sit here just three days out. Back in 2021, we knew so much heading into draft night. In 2022, there was talk of chaos, and it happened right after the Jets picked Garrett Wilson. Now, all we know (maybe) is that the Panthers are picking Bryce Young. Even that, though, isn’t guaranteed.
3-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings, Titans Shake Things Up
This final 2023 NFL Mock Draft from yours truly in this cycle is full of chaos, making it perhaps the wildest mock draft yet. Trades make their way into the first round, with two teams getting aggressive for quarterbacks early, and one near the end of round one. Where will the receivers land? How does the offensive tackle group shake out?
All of that will be answered and so much more in the final Mock Draft Monday. Here we go, three rounds in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Right now, the odds for Bryce Young to go first is an extreme favorite. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, we’ll stick with it for now. The Carolina Panthers have to nail this selection, and find a quarterback who can initially elevate the skill position talent around him. Young did that to a degree at Alabama in 2022, and his ability to throw with anticipation and command an offense will do that immediately in Carolina. His off-script artistry will also be perfect for the modern NFL.
2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Houston Texans definitely wanted Young at two, and they opt for passing at quarterback in order to give head coach DeMeco Ryans a top defender. Will Anderson had a whopping 207 pressures and 37 sacks in his career at Alabama, and his ability to win with power, hand technique in the contact phase, and decimate teams against the run will be a great addition to a struggling front in Houston.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals don’t find a trade partner, and stick to take their best player available. The league clearly likes Tyree Wilson a ton, and he’s pretty much a lock to go top five with Seattle waiting there. Wilson broke out with 50 pressures and eight sacks in 2022, and showed how disruptive of a force he can be. Wilson leverages really well for a 6’6″ edge rusher, and he has impressive power and explosiveness to attack gaps and trim/flatten his path to the quarterback. His motor is relentless, and he joins an Arizona defense in need of that.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
What will the Indianapolis Colts do in this situation with three quarterbacks on the board? In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, it’s still the upside swing with Anthony Richardson. Richardson’s athleticism is well-documented, but he operates well from the pocket, and his escapability under pressure is extremely good. Not to mention, Richardson has ridiculous arm strength and velocity, and just needs to build mechanical consistency to reach a ludicrously high ceiling.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
There’s a lot of talk about the direction the Seattle Seahawks will take. The selfies with quarterbacks are quite interesting. However, they’ve got a guy in Geno Smith, and could work to build an ascending roster. A way to do that is to get the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, and that’s the way in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Jalen Carter has off the field issues to correct, but Seattle might be the place for him to do that. He could anchor a strong defensive front.
6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
After the Jeff Okudah trade, the Detroit Lions have really only committed to Cam Sutton for the long term, and he’s a versatile player who can play inside and outside. That keeps the door open for corner at six, and the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is a Dan Campbell fit. Devon Witherspoon is a tone-setter in every sense, playing physical against the run by laying the boom. His transitional quicks and patience in his technique give him an advantage in man coverage, and he’s a great tackler who can limit yardage after the catch. He’s disruptive at the catch point as well and can create turnovers.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
For the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback could be in play here. In fact, C.J. Stroud is a great fit with Vegas. But, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Josh McDaniels is content with Jimmy Garoppolo. Instead, they work to protect Garoppolo, getting Paris Johnson here. Johnson has experience playing right guard, and could kick over to right tackle opposite Kolton Miller to form a great bookend duo. Johnson’s athleticism will be coveted in the run game and he has great recovery skills as well in pass pro.
8. Tennessee Titans (via ATL): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Titans send picks 11,72 to Falcons for pick 8
The first trade of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft sees the Titans moving up a few spots to secure their quarterback of the future. Malik Willis was a Jon Robinson selection, and Josh Dobbs getting a start over him should paint the picture. The heir apparent to Ryan Tannehill will be Will Levis, a quarterback who has some shades of Tannehill as a prospect. Levis has impressive toughness, velocity, and flashes anticipation and ball placement. Building consistency is key, and he can do so behind Tannehill.
9. Chicago Bears: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Chicago Bears have to find a way to protect Justin Fields and not let things get out of hand like they have in previous seasons. Peter Skoronski is a “secure the steering” type of prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has great technique, power, and athleticism to potentially thrive at tackle and definitely thrive at guard. Find a spot for him to get your best five out there to protect Fields and support a very good running game.
10. Minnesota Vikings (via PHI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Vikings send picks 23, 119, and a 2024 2nd to Eagles for pick 10
The. Shakeup. Of. The. Draft. Here come the Minnesota Vikings in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, making a major move up to stop the slide of Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. We’ve seen Kwesi Adofo-Mensah make major trades before, and this one is up rather than down. Stroud is now the future for the Vikings, who will likely let Kirk Cousins go after 2023. Stroud’s precision passing profile can thrive in a Kevin O’Connell offense.
11. Atlanta Falcons (via TEN): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons put special stickers next to prospects from Georgia, and the great news is one is available to select in the first round. Nolan Smith is a crafty edge rusher at 238 pounds. He can win with speed, power, twitch, hand swipes at contact, and can offer impressive help in the run game. His ability to drop and play off the ball can make for some diabolical packages on defense for Atlanta.
12. Houston Texans: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Houston Texans do miss out on the top four quarterbacks in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but Trey Lance could be the solution. Instead of reaching here, why not make cornerback a true strength heading into 2023? Derek Stingley and Christian Gonzalez could be a truly elite duo. Gonzalez has the ball skills, hip fluidity, and coverage versatility to be a dominant cover corner in the NFL.
13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The negotiations between the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers are back on, but unless there’s a pick swap, the Jets should retain 13. Here, they get what they need at offensive tackle in Broderick Jones. Jones plays a bit unorthodox in pass pro, using his brute strength in his upper body and core to anchor rather than truly dropping. His athleticism works in space blocking, pulling, and recovering in pass pro. Clean up his hand usage and balance at the point of attack, and his ceiling is OT1 in the 2023 NFL Draft.
14. Seattle Seahawks (via NE): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Seahawks send picks 20 and 83 to Patriots for pick 14
The Seahawks do get aggressive in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but not for a quarterback. It’s to help the quarterback out in the passing game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the consensus WR1, and he comes off the board to be the instant slot separator for the Seahawks. His route running, catching instincts, and YAC ability make for a slot for now and a potential “Z” to D.K. Metcalf in the long term.
15. Green Bay Packers: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
What do the Green Bay Packers do? They plan for the future. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, it’s a repeat of 2019, where two established edge rushers are joined by a third. Rashan Gary has an extension waiting, and Preston Smith might not be around too much longer. Myles Murphy could join the rotation and develop as a more consistent pass rusher and be a threat in a wicked rotation featuring Gary, Smith, and Kingsley Enagbare.
16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Washington Commanders would’ve liked a top three tackle to be available here, but they settle for the next best thing at corner. Joey Porter Jr. has the physicality and length to thrive in press-man, but his eyes in zone coverage are getting much better. If he can convert more at the moment of truth in terms of ball production, the Porter-St-Juste duo could be exceptional.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Pittsburgh Steelers have definitely showed interest in offensive linemen, and built it up a bit in free agency, getting Isaac Seumalo to play guard. Now, it’s time to secure the right tackle of the future in Darnell Wright. Wright is a brick house who stands up well against power and fits for positioning with active hands. He’s a bit of a waist-bender and needs to work on the run game, but protecting Kenny Pickett is crucial.
18. Detroit Lions: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
The Detroit Lions have their true edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, but now they need a true edge setter to help the run game on the strong side of the defense. Lukas Van Ness, dubbed “Hercules”, has the potential to be that. He can unlock great power in the contact phase with impressive pad level out of his stance, along with impressive explosiveness. He needs to limit his steps off the snap, and create a bigger catalog, but the potential in this defense is very high.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers end the tackle run in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. They need someone to bookend with Tristan Wirfs, and Anton Harrison allows Wirfs to stay on the right side. Anton Harrison combines a great initial strike in pass pro, active hands to fight for positioning, and great athleticism to thrive in space and hit his landmarks.
20. New England Patriots (via SEA): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The New England Patriots, in classic Bill Belichick style, trade back in this mock and secure the guy they wanted all along. Zay Flowers adds a level of dynamic route running to the offense, along with being a true jitterbug after the catch. He can win vertically as well, and, despite his size, finds a way to win at the catch point by slowing his stride to wall off defenders.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Los Angeles Chargers stop the Bijan Robinson slide in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Kellen Moore joining the Chargers as the offensive coordinator should yield more tight end usage and more early down runs. With Austin Ekeler and the Chargers on bad terms, Robinson in the solution. His knack for breaking tackles comes in various ways, and he’s an excellent receiver to boot.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Baltimore Ravens always find value in the draft, and this mock will be no different here. Deonte Banks has slowly been climbing the ranks in the media, and analysts are moving him to CB3. In a loaded class, Banks falling here is perfect for the Ravens. They need a true perimeter corner to play opposite Marlon Humphrey, and Banks has the technique for press man and plays physical throughout the route stem.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
The Eagles have further spread out their draft capital into 2024, keeping themselves in a great position to consistently build the roster around newly extended quarterback Jalen Hurts. Howie Roseman might not stray from the plan at all and go trenches with both firsts in the 2023 NFL Draft. It starts with Will McDonald here, who has a ton of moves as a pass rusher, and his length, position at contact, and ankle flexion give him the ability to hold up in the run game despite his size.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, SAF, Alabama
This pick is becoming consensus in mock drafts, and it continues here. Brian Branch solves the slot corner issue for the Jaguars immediately. His processing speed and closing speed are both excellent, and he brings some stopping power and reliability as a tackler. He can operate in man and zone coverage, and might be able to get back to the roof at times, where he played in high school.
25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
This is a strange spot for the New York Giants. Receiver is in play, as is center or corner. Maybe they try to trade up for a receiver on draft day, but in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they stick and select their potential WR1. Yes, Jordan Addison joins a group of smaller receivers here, but his separation skills rise above the rest. He can be the WR1 and dominate all three levels of the field while Darren Waller mans the middle of the field.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
This might be a pick to write down in pen. The Dallas Cowboys like to look offense early, and skill positions aren’t off the table. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Dallas looks for Dalton Schultz’s replacement, and selects Michael Mayer from Notre Dame. His improvements inline should get him on the field immediately, and he has good short area quicks as a route runner and great instincts to give himself every advantage at the catch point.
27. Houston Texans (via BUF): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Houston sends picks 33, 104, 188 to Bills for pick 27
The Houston Texans are the team to make the move at the end of round one for Hendon Hooker in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. There are rumors about Hooker going in round one, and the Texans move up to get him in a trade with Buffalo. Hooker might not start in 2023, but he’s their future in a slow rebuild.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Even at 166 pounds, there are rumors about Emmanuel Forbes going in the first round. His tape is excellent, along with his instincts. He doesn’t look overwhelmed with physical receivers, and while the interceptions aren’t all equal, he clearly converts when given said opportunity. The Bengals need more at corner beyond 2023, and Forbes could form a good tandem with Cam Taylor-Britt.
29. New Orleans Saints: Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
Keion White is one of the 17 prospects headed to the 2023 NFL Draft, and he’s the pick for the New Orleans Saints in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The Saints have added Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders to the defensive line after the departure of David Onyemata, but losing Marcus Davenport on the edge leaves an opening. If Payton Turner can’t fill it, Keion White might be able to do so. White has unrelenting power to win as a run defender and pass rusher, and has some versatility to move along the defensive line.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
The Philadelphia Eagles lost a few pieces in the trenches, and after getting more help at edge, they turn to the offensive side of the ball. Losing Seumalo is a tough one, but O’Cyrus Torrence should fix the issue and keep a great offensive line together without any weakness. Torrence is impossible to move in a phone booth, and he has the quicks to handle things on the move.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Kansas City Chiefs just get richer in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Instead of reaching at tackle or edge, they just make the offense that much scarier. Imagine trying to contain two dynamic pass catchers at tight end. Dalton Kincaid has rare quicks as a route runner, always manages to make quick adjustment for a favorable catch point situation, and has tremendous body control. In 2022, Kincaid managed to figure out how to create post catch as well.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Second Round
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
33. Buffalo Bills (via HOU): Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
34. Arizona Cardinals: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
35. Indianapolis Colts: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
36. Los Angeles Rams: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
37. Seattle Seahawks: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
39. Carolina Panthers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
40. New Orleans Saints: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt
41. Tennessee Titans: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
42. New York Jets: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL/EDGE, Northwestern
43. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
44. Atlanta Falcons: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
45. Green Bay Packers: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
46. New England Patriots: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
47. Washington Commanders: Steve Avila, G, TCU
48. Detroit Lions: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
51. Miami Dolphins: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
52. Seattle Seahawks: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
53. Chicago Bears: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
54. Los Angeles Chargers: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
55. Detroit Lions: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
57. New York Giants: Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
58. Dallas Cowboys: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
59. Buffalo Bills: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
60. Cincinnati Bengals: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
61. Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
62. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Battle, SAF, Alabama
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Third Round
64. Chicago Bears: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
65. Houston Texans: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
66. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Steen, OL, Alabama
67. Denver Broncos: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
68. Denver Broncos: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
69. Los Angeles Rams: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
70. Las Vegas Raiders: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
71. New Orleans Saints: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
72. Atlanta Falcons (via TEN): Chandler Zavala, OG, North Carolina State
73. Houston Texans: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
74. Cleveland Browns: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
75. Atlanta Falcons: Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
76. New England Patriots: Antonio Johnson, SAF, Texas A&M
77. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
78. Green Bay Packers: Jartavius Martin, SAF, Illinois
79. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Mississippi
81. Detroit Lions: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sydney Brown, SAF, Illinois
83. New England Patriots: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
84. Miami Dolphins: Olu Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
85. Los Angeles Chargers: Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
86. Baltimore Ravens: Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
87. Minnesota Vikings: Cory Trice, DB, Purdue
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zacch Pickens, DL, South Carolina
89. New York Giants: Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
90. Dallas Cowboys: Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
91. Buffalo Bills: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
92. Cincinnati Bengals: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
93. Carolina Panthers: Yaya Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
94. Philadelphia Eagles: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Kobie Turner, DL, Wake Forest
96. Arizona Cardinals: Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU
97. Washington Commanders: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
98. Cleveland Browns: Jammie Robinson, SAF, Florida State
99. San Francisco 49ers: Clark Phillips, CB, Utah
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
101. San Francisco 49ers: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
102. San Francisco 49ers: Ji’Ayir Brown, SAF, Penn State