NFL Mock Draft 2023
It is essentially pointless to try to anticipate the NFL Mock Draft, even only one day beforehand. Come March, and you might stand a higher chance of correctly guessing the full NCAA bracket. In light of this, predicting where players would end up in terms of draft position and team fit is far from a fruitless endeavour. It’s a terrific opportunity to learn about the players and the requirements of the NFL team.
Starting with the Atlanta Falcons as the anticipated top overall club in 2022, let’s examine the top 31 picks in this NFL mock draft for 2023 and see what kind of player-team combinations we might be anticipating in that year.
NFL MOCK DRAFT 2023
Houston Texans
Alabaman Will Anderson Jr., EDGE (6-4, 235 lbs.)
Anderson is too explosive and physically freakish to take a passer ahead of him, much like Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney before him. Depending on how Davis Mills performs in Year 2, the Texans may consider a QB with their additional first-round pick, but it would be wiser to select a transcendent defender at this point.
Seattle Seahawks
OHIO STATE QB C.J. STROUD (6-3, 215 lbs.)
After trading Russell Wilson, the Seahawks have fumbled around at quarterback without finding any meaningful solutions, whether they be rookies, veterans, or other options. Stroud would be the apparent early pick if they were looking for a franchise pocket passer who could complete all of his throws and guide their reconstruction.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6-0, 197 lbs.)
The Jaguars spent a lot of money on Christian Kirk, a wide receiver, but in Year 3, they’ll need a real No. 1 to replace Trevor Lawrence. With added muscle and more reliable route-running, Smith-Njigba will solidify his place as a No. 1, which he currently possesses, along with the necessary size, speed, and quickness.
Atlanta Falcons
Myles Murphy, Clemson; EDGE (6-5, 275 pounds)
Desmond Ridder could be the franchise quarterback for the Falcons. Therefore they should concentrate on selecting the finest defensive player available. From Anderson to Murphy, another powerful contributor, there is only a small dropoff before reaching the quarterback.
Carolina Panthers
Georgia’s Jalen Carter, DT (6-3, 310 pounds)
It makes sense to go back insider to support Brown at a weak point if the Panthers decide to give Baker Mayfield a second year as the starting quarterback for a potential new coaching staff despite the recent first-round investments they have made on their front (see Derrick Brown and Brian Burns).
Chicago Bears
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (6-0, 196 lbs.)
Justin Fields’ primary targets for the Bears in Year 2 will be Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet, but there isn’t much else in their receiving group to help the gifted downfield quarterback turn the corner. If Boutte were available every time Chicago made a selection, it would be a no-brainer to increase the output of huge plays as the newest significant LSU game-change.
New York Giants
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (6-0, 194 lbs.)
Along with his incredible athleticism, intelligence, and leadership abilities, Young also possesses a distinct but efficient downfield delivery. This selection would suggest that Daniel Jones’ final attempt to become a franchise quarterback doesn’t go well.
Washington Commanders
Alabama CB Eli Ricks (6-2, 196 pounds)
When healthy, the Commanders’ defensive front seven have provided solid value, but using free agency to improve the secondary has not been successful. Chase Young needs Ricks’ alpha cover corner support from the rear end
Manhattan Jets
Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame; EDGE (6-4, 257 pounds)
The Jets did a good job of upgrading their secondary for Robert Saleh, and they do have Quinnen Williams up front, but they still need a pass-rushing leader for the defence in the mould of Nick Bosa. To appear as if he can fill that role in 2022, Foskey needs to make a significant move.
Michigan Lion
Clemson’s Bryan Bresee is a DT (6-5, 300 pounds)
The Lions can afford to go more defence-first with another first-round pick from the Rams in order to address the quarterback position since they need some run-stuffing and interior pass-rushing pop to better complement Aidan Hutchinson in Year 2.
Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints)
Clemson LB Trenton Simpson (6-3, 225 pounds)
T.J. Edwards is only a band-aid for the Eagles’ need to upgrade the middle of their defence with a dependable all-around player. Simpson is a fierce upfield player who contributes significantly to coverage.
Las Vegas Raiders
Georgian Kelee Ringo, C.B. (6-0, 205 lbs.)
To counteract Maxx Crosby’s disruptions on edge, the Raiders must improve their secondary play, just like the Commanders did with Ricks for Young. In a division stacked with elite quarterbacks and receivers, they also offer only patchy, trustworthy coverage. Ringo is the physically fit playmaker and shutdown that they require
Houston Texans (from Browns)
Oregon-born Noah Sewell, LB (6-3, 250 lbs.)
Whether Lovie Smith is still the head coach or not, a front seven dream front two of Anderson and Sewell would combine the former’s pass-rush energy outside with the latter’s cleanup mindset all over the field inside.
New England Patriots
Alabama-born Henry To’oTo’o, LB (6-2, 225 pounds)
Don’t Hightower, a former All-American linebacker for Alabama was released by the Patriots after a long career. To’oTo’o ought to be very appealing in maintaining the defensive pipeline from Bill Belichick to Nick Saban.
Arizona Cardinals
South Carolina CB Cam Smith (6-0, 188 pounds)
Without Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals have recently become somewhat weak at cornerback, as neither Byron Murphy nor Marco Wilson impresses as their current outside starters. With his stature and speed, Smith has some potential to replace Peterson.
Tennessee Titans
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer (6-4, 251 pounds)
To bolster their receiving corps after adding new wideouts, the Titans signed Austin Hooper for one season. Either Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis’ blocking and pass-catching should be greatly improved in 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski (6-4, 315 lbs.)
With Dan Moore Jr. starting on the left side, the Steelers’ offensive tackle situation is still shaky. Kenny Pickett, the franchise quarterback, needs to be much better protected, and Skoronski would be a good option, just like former Northwestern star Rashawn Slater for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.
Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)
USC WR Jordan Addison (6-0, 175 pounds)
Given that Tyler Lockett is facing a potential fade shortly with 30 comings, the Seahawks should keep enhancing their receiving group to support DK Metcalf should they select Stroud as their franchise quarterback. At worst, Lockett would once more kick it up in the slot while Addison and Metcalf would roll beautifully together on the outside.
Minnesota Vikings
TCU WR Quentin Johnson (6-4, 215 pounds)
Since Adam Thielen is getting older and becoming less of a threat in the end zone, the Vikings also need to consider wideouts for next season in order to better complement Justin Jefferson outside. Johnson has the stature-speed combination to counter Jefferson’s total dominance.
Philadelphia Eagles
Texas RB Bijan Robinson (6-0, 215 lbs.)
The Eagles are losing interest in Miles Sanders, and while they adore young Kenneth Gainwell, things could go the way the Jets’ decision to select Breece Hall over Michael Carter did. Robinson can be the workhorse, complementing Jalen Hurts nicely and serving as a useful outlet receiver.
Cincinnati Bengals
Notre Dame student Brandon Joseph (6-1, 192 pounds)
The Bengals have accepted the truth that they won’t have the money to keep Jessie Bates after the franchise tag expires in 2022. To prepare for important contracts with Tee Higgins, Joe Burrow, and Ja’Marr Chase, they must set aside finances. So it makes sense to bring in a top player at the position from nearby South Bend, just like the Ravens did in their own division.
Detroit Lions (from Rams)
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis (6-3, 232 lbs.)
The Lions must identify Jared Goff’s real long-term franchise replacement because they cannot neglect quarterbacks for two consecutive drafts. To convince Levis to transfer, they have the offensive line and depth of weapons.
Indianapolis Colts
Georgian Nolan Smith, EDGE (6-3, 235 lbs.)
Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner are the Colts’ front-line pillars, but they might use a stronger pass-rush. Smith is the most impressive Bulldogs disruptor recently to be selected in the first round.
Dallas Cowboys
B.J. Ojulari, LSU; EDGE (6-3, 245 lbs.)
The Cowboys’ pass rush is primarily powered by Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, but they could use an SEC player who is adaptable and frequently explosive. They bring in Ojulari, Azeez’s brother from the Giants.
Baltimore Ravens
Maryland-based OT Jaelyn Duncan (6-6) and 320 lbs.
The Ravens can seek nearby in College Park for a large developmental tackle who could soon take over opposite new right tackle Morgan Moses for the frequently injured Ronnie Stanley. Duncan’s strength, speed, and bulk make sense in their plan.
Miami Dolphins (from 49ers)
Arkansas native Jalen Catalon, S (5-10, 201 pounds)
The Dolphins have a promising young safety in Jevon Holland, but they need assistance at the other safety position if they are to have a greater effect upfield against both run and pass. Catalon and Holland can work well together for a long time
Buffalo Bills
OT for Ohio State, Paris Johnson Jr. (6-6) and 310 lbs.
After Dion Dawkins, the Bills should consider a young tackle, as new right tackle David Quessenberry was only signed for one season. Johnson is a natural pass defender who has the potential to develop into a potent run blocker as well.
Kansas City Chiefs
OKLAHOMA WR Marvin Mims (5-11, 184 lbs.
In the post-Tyreek Hill world of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have some reservations about their seasoned wideouts, with rookie Skyy Moore showing the most promise. With his big-play potential and tendency to be a difficult-to-cover target, Mims shares some traits with Hill
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (6-4, 225 pounds)
At least not yet. Kyle Trask does not feel like the true Tom Brady replacement. Van Dyke is deserving of being paired with Stroud, Young, and Levis in the first round for the time being, but he has the arm, athleticism, and accuracy assets to make a Kenny Pickett-like ascent into the higher first round to challenge them.
Los Angeles Chargers
TCU graduate Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB (5-9, 180 lbs.)
The nephew of Hall of Fame running back LaDainian may bring back memories for the Chargers while also meeting a critical need. Asante Samuel Jr. should be moved in place of Michael Davis, who is an underwhelming outside corner opposite J.C. Jackson. This would provide room for the addition of an elite slot cover man.
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Green Bay Packers
Miami-based Zion Nelson, OT (6-5, 316 lbs.)
With David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins at tackle, the Packers, like the Ravens and Bills, are alright for the time being. However, given Bakhtiari’s wear and the fact that he will turn 30 shortly, they must develop a starter soon. The worst that can happen is that Nelson makes Green Bay think.
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