2023 Mock Draft - ROUND 1
Updated 4/26/23
1) Panthers (Via Bears) - Bryce Young | 5'10 | 200 | QB | Alabama - 3,328 Passing Yards, 32 TDs : 5 INTs, 64.5% Completion Rate
The Panthers ranked 29th in total yards per game, mostly due to their anemic passing attack. This helps explain why they traded all the way up to the #1 spot. Young is undersized, but still gets the call.
2) Texans - C.J. Stroud | 6'2 | 215 | QB | Ohio State - 3,688 Passing Yards, 41 TDs : 6 INTs, 66.3% Completion Rate
Davis Mills flashed at times, but his TD to INT ratio of 17:15 isn't anywhere good to keep this team from grabbing his replacement.
Stroud looked great in the playoffs against Georgia, and then shined at the combine.
3) Cardinals - Will Anderson | 6'3 | 253 | EDGE/DE | Alabama - 51 Tackles, 17 TFLs, 10 Sacks
Like the Bears, the Cardinals are are another team that could/should look to trade-down here. However, that may be tough with Stroud and Young off the board. If they stay put, they grab Anderson to help fill the D-line void left by Watt.
4) Colts - Will Levis | 6'4 | 229 | QB | Kentucky - 2,406 Passing Yards, 19 TDs : 10 INTs, 65.4% Completion Rate
The Colts need major help on their O-line, but with no long-term answer at QB, they can grab their franchise signal-caller here. Levis brings a cannon of an arm and the moxie to match it.
5) Seahawks (via Broncos) - Jalen Carter | 6'3 | 305 | DT | Georgia - 32 Tackles, 3 Sacks
The Seahawks really struggled on defense this year, especially against the run. The Geno Smith signing allows them to address the aforementioned need. Carter's stock initially fell a bit due to some off-field concerns and a subpar workout, but has since bounced back.
6) Lions (via Rams) - Devon Witherspoon | 6'0 | 180 | CB | Illinois - 42 Tackles, 14 PBUs, 3 INTs
The Lions proved to be able to move the ball on offense. Unfortunately, opposing teams were able to do the same against them. After finishing 30th in passing yards allowed per game, they target the CB position here.
7) Raiders - Christian Gonzalez | 6'2 | 200 | CB | Oregon - 51 Tackles, 7 PBUs, 4 INTsThe Raiders are committed to Jimmy G. for at least two years, lest they get crushed with dead cap space by cutting him before then. Given that they were one of the very worst teams at defending the pass last season, they grab Gonzalez, arguably the nation's best CB.
8) Falcons - Tyree Wilson | 6'5 | 275 | DE | Texas Tech - 61 Tackles, 14TFLs, 7 Sacks
After finishing 27th in total yards allowed per game, and 31st in sack production, it's clear the Falcons need help on defense. Wilson has the size to help fortify their run defense, while doubling as a sack threat to opposing offenses.
9) Bears (Via Panthers) - Nolan Smith | 6'2 | 238 | EDGE/LB | Georgia -18 Tackles, 3 Sacks
The Bears land here after their trade down, and have many great options to consider. After finishing last year ranked dead last in sack production, they grab the ascending Smith.
10) Eagles (via Saints) - Bijan Robinson | 6'1 | 220 | RB | Texas - 1,580 Rushing yards, 314 Receiving Yards, 2 Fumbles
The Eagles had no issue letting Miles Sanders walk, despite having mediocre talent within their existing RB cupboard. While this is a deep RB draft, Robinson is a very special player, worthy of a top-ten selection.
11) Titans - Anthony Richardson | 6'4 | 244 | QB | Florida - 2,549 Passing Yards, 17 TDs : 9 INTs, 53.8% Completion Rate
Ryan Tannehill will turn 36-years old in 2024, the year his contract voids. The Titans grab his successor here. Anthony Richardson is an athletic freak who may be worth the reach, despite having a somewhat inconsistent career thus far.
12) Texans (via Browns) - Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 6'2 | 196 | WR | Ohio State - 5 Receptions, 43 Yards, 0 TDs
The Texans need more fire power in their receiving game, and that's exactly what they're getting with this selection. Smith-Njigba is a fantastic WR who'll go high despite not playing much this past season.
13) Packers (via Jets) - Paris Johnson | 6'6 | 315 | LT | Ohio State
The Packers have to make protecting their future signal caller a priority. Johnson is an excellent prospect with good movement skills for a guy of his size. This is a gift he he somehow falls here.
14) Patriots - Lukas Van Ness | 6'5 | 270 | DE | Iowa - 37 Tackles, 6 Sacks
The Patriots need help in a number of places, but this pick should come down to the BPA on their board. Van Ness flashed at the combine, creating quite the buzz for himself. He's a great fit for New England.
15) Jets (via Packers - Peter Skoronski | 6'3 | 295 | LT/OG | Northwestern
Regardless of who's at QB, assurances will need to be made that he'll have the protection in place to be successful. With a slew of OT's set to become FA's over the next two years.
16) Commanders - Broderick Jones | 6'4 | 315 | LT | Georgia
The Commanders allowed far too many sacks last year, while the talent across their O-line could be described as very meh. Jones is a sound selection, a very capable blocker.
17) Steelers - Joey Porter | 6'2 | 195 | CB | Penn State - 27 Tackles, 8 PBUs, 0 INTs
The Steelers have always made sure to keep their defense strong. Porter is a ready-now talent who provides immediate depth. He'll be a fan-favorite as a rookie, playing for his dad's former team.
18) Lions - Dalton Kincaid | 6'4 | 240 | TE | Utah - 70 Receptions, 890 Yards, 2 TDs
The Lions will look to make their passing game more potent. Kincaid is very versatile, able to line up as a traditional TE, or split out. He's a receiving nightmare who'll really help out.
19) Buccaneers - Hendon Hooker | 6'4 | 218 | QB | Tennessee - 3,135 Passing Yards, 27 TDs : 2 INTs, 69.6% Completion Rate
Before Hooker went down with his injury, he often looked like a legitimate 1st-Round talent. Even though he's coming off of an injury, I expect him to get looks in Round 1.
20) Seahawks - Myles Murphy | 6'5 | 268 | DE | Clemson - 40 Tackles, 6.5 Sacks
Brock Purdy toyed with the Seahawks in their playoff loss, as they simply had no one to slow his roll. Murphy is a very gifted pass-rusher, and is seemingly too good to fall beyond this point.
21) Dolphins - Forfeited
22) Chargers - Jordan Addison | 5'11 | 175 | WR | USC - 59 Receptions, 875 Yards, 8 TDs
The Chargers were a passing juggernaut last season, and they'll need that to continue if they can't fortify their rushing attack. Addison is a silky-smooth WR who knows how to exploit defenses.
23) Ravens - Quentin Johnston | 6'3 | 208 | WR | TCU - 60 Receptions, 1,069 Yards, 6 TDs
The Ravens have one of the league's worst passing attacks. Knowing that they can't rely on their QBs legs as much going forward, they go after one of the nation's best WRs. Johnston is a big-bodied guy who makes them more dangerous.
24) Vikings - Zay Flowers | 5'11 | 178 | WR | Boston College - 78 Receptions, 1,077Yards, 12 TDs
The Vikings were bad all season against the pass, and that trend continued in their playoff loss to the Giants. So, they could go defense here. However, they need WR help too, and Flowers is special.
25) Jaguars - Brian Branch | 6'0 | 193 | SAF | Alabama - 90 Tackles, 7 PBUs, 2 INTs
The Jaguars need secondary help, and Branch has proven his ability to line up anywhere in the outfield. He's a very solid safety option here.
26) Giants - Deonte Banks | 6'1 | 205 | CB | Maryland - 38 Tackles, 8 PBUs, 1 INT
In order for the Giants to remain legit in the NFC EAST, they'll need to keep their pass defense strong. Banks makes it into Round 1.
27) Cowboys - Darnell Wright | 6'5 | 333 | RT | Tennessee
The Cowboys need to beef up their depth along their O-line. Wright has moved up well on many boards, and is now projected to be a Round-1 selection.
28) Bills - Jahmyr Gibbs | 5'10 | 200 | RB | Alabama - 926 Rushing yards, 444 Receiving Yards, 0 Fumbles
The Bills don't have many needs, but they could make an upgrade at RB. Gibbs flashed all season long, then blew up the combine. He's a franchise RB.
29) Bengals - Michael Mayer | 6'4 | 250 | TE | Notre Dame - 67 Receptions, 809 Yards, 9 TDs
The Bengals have a terrific passing attack, but do have two TEs that are set to hit free agency. Even if one is retained, great talent is hard to pass on. Mayer is a great draw here.
30) Saints (via 49ers) - Jalin Hyatt | 6'0 | 185 | WR | Tennessee - 67 Receptions, 1,267 Yards, 15 TDs
The Saints scored, literally and figuratively with Chris Olave, but they have little else at the WR position. Meanwhile, Hyatt was an absolute beast this past season. He'd be a welcomed addition in New Orleans.
31) Eagles - Felix Anudike-Uzomah | 6'3 | 255 | DE | Kansas State -46Tackles, 8.5 Sacks
The Eagles defense was nothing short of dynamic this year, leading the league in sacks. They are set to lose a few contributors over the next two years however, so depth is needed.
32) Chiefs - Calijah Kancey | 6'1 | 280 | DT | Pittsburgh - 31Tackles, 7 Sacks
Chris Jones has been nothing but fantastic for this team, but he 's set to become a FA next season. His price tag may be too much for the Chiefs to retain his services.