NFL Mock Draft 2023: Updated Projections Post Week 18

NFL Mock Draft 2023: Updated Projections Post Week 18

The first 18 spots at the top of the 2023 NFL Mock Draft order are currently set as of the conclusion of the 2022 NFL regular season.

The Chicago Bears beat out the Houston Texans to win the top overall pick in week 18, while the Arizona Cardinals rose to take the No. 3 spot.

Here is an updated analysis of how the first round of this year’s NFL Mock Draft might play out as the 14 playoff teams anticipate the postseason:

1. Chicago Bears

  • Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 235 pounds)

With big-armed Justin Fields’ passing and running potential, the Bears, who will select first overall for the first time since 1947, shouldn’t have to worry about quarterbacks. The ideal situation is a team trying to pass the Texans for a specific franchise quarterback trading down for more first-down selection authority. The Bears should seek out a dependable defensive pop if they decide to stay.

It was a wise decision to sign this essential pass defender and active all-around playmaker. Anderson would bid farewell to Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn on the second level before providing them with a fresh Khalil Mack.

2. Houston Texans

  • Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (6-0, 194 pounds)

The Texans must select a quarterback right immediately after realising that neither Davis Mills nor Kyle Allen offer a viable alternative. They must first choose between Young and C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, even though they are no longer guaranteed to get their preferred quarterback. Here’s an early prediction that Young, who comes from a lineage that produced NFL starters Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones, would offer the appropriate mix of passing talent and little bust factor based on his personal qualities and track record of success.

3. Arizona Cardinals

  • Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (6-3, 310 pounds)

With J.J. Watt’s retirement and Zach Allen’s impending free agency, the Cardinals have an easy decision to make here. As an NFL base 3-4 end, Carter is a strong, disruptive force built to make many plays. He has pass-rush potential and upside similar to Watt.

4. Indianapolis Colts

  • C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 215 pounds)

The Colts’ punishment for the terrible quarterback situation with Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger during the final shortened season under Frank Reich was to perform so poorly that they were in a position to no longer re-use veteran quarterbacks. Stroud, a skilled pocket passer with the necessary accuracy and intangibles to succeed, might be brought in as their long-term franchise successor for Andrew Luck.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)

  • Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson (6-5, 275 pounds)

The Seahawks should consider using their higher first-round pick to strengthen their defensive front seven. Murphy combines his explosiveness with instincts to maintain his pass-rush in a fantastic way.

6. Detroit Lions (from Rams)

  • Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (6-0, 205 pounds)

While the Lions struggled to find other solutions on the outside, Jeff Okudah, a first-round pick in 2020, showed some improvement in his coverage performance. Ringo possesses the mentality they require since he effectively uses his size to play physically and aggressively.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Jordan Addison, WR, USC (6-0, 175 pounds)

To help Davante Adams outside, the Raiders could need some field-stretching speed and agility after the catch, and Addison offers a nice blend of both. He would also be a desirable additional playmaker to encourage a Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady reunion in free agency.

8. Atlanta Falcons

  • Isiaah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame (6-4, 257 lbs.)

The Falcons need to make an investment in bolstering their 3-4 pass rush, and Foskey can do it with his strong, explosive, and technically sound style of play. As he continues to improve as a run defender, he also has the ability to evolve into a more all-around player for the NfL.

9. Carolina Panthers

  • Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (6-3, 232 lbs.)

After switching from Baker Mayfield to P.J. Walker and then coming full circle to Sam Darnold in a run-heavy offence, the Panthers need to address their quarterback problem. Levis is an excellent pocket passer with the arm, accuracy, and quick release needed to succeed in the right environment.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints)

  • Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 188 pounds)

Given that James Bradberry is entering his 30th season and Darius Slay has just turned 32, the Eagles use their first of two picks in the round to invest in the future. In a year or two, Smith can be developed into a shutdown cover man, providing them with a young replacement alternative.

11. Tennessee Titans

  • Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (6-6, 310 pounds)

Taylor Lewan, a left tackle, is 31 years old and has missed two of the last three seasons due to serious knee ailments. Dennis Daley, a stand-in, is a free agent. As the near future bookends, the Titans can convince Johnson to work well with fellow former Buckeye Nicholas Petit-Frere.

12. Houston Texans (from Browns)

  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (6-0, 197 pounds)

A great pass-catcher must be paired with the Texans’ new franchise quarterback. After Addison is eliminated from consideration, Smith-Njigba would be the best option. With his speed, quickness, and route-running, he can join Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson as a prized prospect for the Buckeyes.

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13. New York Jets

  • Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (6-3, 225 pounds)

Around Pro Bowler C.J. Mosley on the second level, the Jets could use Simpson, a tough, quick on-ball playmaker. Following the general limitations of pending free agents Kwon Alexander and Quincy Williams, Robert Saleh can use him well against the run and the pass.

14. New England Patriots

  • Quinton Johnston, WR, TCU (6-4, 215 pounds)

Jakobi Meyers and other wide receivers are set to enter the free agent market, and DeVante Parker’s health has not been trustworthy leading up to his age-30 season, so the Patriots need to make another effort to get a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver for Mac Jones. In the mould of Mike Evans and Mike Williams, Johnston is the ideal size-speed prospect for the outside. He also has exceptional hands and route-running knowledge.

15. Green Bay Packers

  • Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (6-4, 251 pounds)

Mayer, a receiver who creates matchup nightmares, can blend in well with fellow wideout big-play rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Coming soon as a free agent is Robert Tonyan, and the Packers could a special kind of athletic target to help Aaron Rodgers stretch the middle of the field to replace Randall Cobb.

16. Washington Commanders

  • Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson (6-5, 300 pounds)

The Commanders should hunt for a replacement for Jonathan Allen as Daron Payne will soon become a free agent, helping Chase Young and Montez Sweat up front. Bresee can help with the inside pass rush and stops runs with good technique and quick feet.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern (6-4, 315 pounds)

One of the league’s most flimsy left tackles, especially in pass protection, has been Dan Moore Jr. Skoronksi can meet the Steelers’ long-term need for a rock in front of Kenny Pickett’s blind side thanks to his deft quickness and athleticism on the edge.

18. Detroit Lions

Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-6, 275 pounds)

Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, could use a rangy bookend from the Lions. Wilson can play a variety of impact roles along a front seven and is quick and adaptable for a player his stature.

 

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