Below is my second try at projecting how this year’s draft may turn out. Make sure to check back in the coming days and weeks for more draft content!
2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- Houston Texans – Bryce Young (QB – ALA)
Young might have a slight edge over C.J. Stroud to go first overall, as general manager Nick Caserio may be a little bit closer to Alabama’s program.
- Chicago Bears – Will Anderson Jr. (DE – ALA)
Chicago’s defensive front could use a major injection of new talent, so either Anderson or Jalen Carter would make sense here.
- Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos) – Jalen Carter (DT – UGA)
I have Bryan Bresee ranked slightly higher, but as it currently stands, Carter is likely to be the first of the two interior linemen off the board.
- Arizona Cardinals – Myles Murphy (DE – CLEM)
Arizona’s tendency to draft physical freaks on the defensive side of the ball dovetails nicely with their need for a primary pass rusher.
- Indianapolis Colts – C.J. Stroud (QB – OSU)
Having acquired various veteran stopgaps in recent years, the Colts should focus on finding a true long-term solution at quarterback.
- Detroit Lions (from Rams) – Kelee Ringo (CB – UGA)
Cam Smith is my highest-ranked corner at the moment, but it’s possible Ringo’s pre-draft workouts could vault him above Smith on draft day.
- Atlanta Falcons – Cam Smith (CB – SC)
It’s hard to say how confident the Falcons are in Desmond Ridder as a long-term solution, but they might want to give him some more time.
- Las Vegas Raiders – Paris Johnson Jr. (OT – OSU)
Will Levis is an option here as well, but my feeling is that Josh McDaniels may prefer to patch up the offensive line with this choice.
- Carolina Panthers – Will Levis (QB – UK)
It’s hard to imagine a quarterback with Levis’ tools falling too far on draft day, and the Panthers don’t have a convincing long-term starter on the roster.
- Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints) – Bijan Robinson (RB – TEX)
This is a luxury, but with Miles Sanders set to hit free agency, it’s possible the Eagles would be willing to take Robinson at this point.
- Tennessee Titans – Peter Skoronski (OT – NWU)
Tennessee’s smashmouth identity on offense depends on having a rock-solid offensive line, and no lineman in the class has Skoronski’s consistency.
- Houston Texans (from Browns) – Bryan Bresee (DT – CLEM)
There’s no way a player with Bresee’s talent should fall this far, and he would fit well with the type of defensive front Nick Caserio likely wants to establish.
- New York Jets – Broderick Jones (OT – UGA)
Improving the offensive line has to be a priority this offseason, so maybe taking a chance on one of the most gifted tackles in the class would make sense.
- Washington Commanders – Christian Gonzalez (CB – ORE)
Kendall Fuller has been solid this year, but it’s possible Washington could look for another high-end cornerback to start over Benjamin St-Juste.
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Tuli Tuipulotu (DT – USC)
Tuipulotu’s versatility could make him an excellent fit in Pittsburgh’s defense, where Cameron Heyward is the only real every-down lineman.
- Green Bay Packers – Michael Mayer (TE – ND)
Helping Aaron Rodgers should be a priority, but I think the team’s rookie receivers have flashed enough that Green Bay may look to another spot.
- Detroit Lions – Tyree Wilson (DE – TTU)
After drafting Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions are set at one edge spot, but could still upgrade over John Cominsky with a nasty player like Wilson.
Miami Dolphins (pick forfeited)
- Seattle Seahawks – Jared Verse (DE – FSU)
Seattle’s been rotating several edge defenders, with only Uchenna Nwosu playing a significant number of snaps, and Verse is the best player available.
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Quentin Johnston (WR – TCU)
Trevor Lawrence made significant strides this year but was at his best when he had a big receiver to throw to in college, so Johnston may fit best.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trenton Simpson (LB – CLEM)
Lavonte David has been as solid as ever but is about to turn 33, while Devin White‘s reputation continues to surpass his metrics.
- New England Patriots – Antonio Johnson (S – A&M)
Secondary play has been a strength on the Patriots this year, but Bill Belichick highly values versatility, which Johnson has in spades.
- New York Giants – Jordan Addison (WR – USC)
It’s hard to say what the Giants’ offensive identity will be next season, but it’s clear they could use a high-end receiver after whiffing on Kenny Golladay.
- Baltimore Ravens – B.J. Ojulari (DE – LSU)
Baltimore recently drafted Odafe Oweh in the first round, but beyond him, their defensive front relies heavily on veteran stopgaps.
- Los Angeles Chargers – Dawand Jones (OT – OSU)
The Chargers started the process of rebuilding their line last year with Zion Johnson and Jamaree Salyer, but still need a right tackle.
- Cincinnati Bengals – O’Cyrus Torrence (OG – FLA)
Protecting Joe Burrow has to be a priority, so perhaps the Bengals would draft one of the most consistent blockers in the entire class in Torrence.
- Minnesota Vikings – Clark Phillips III (CB – Utah)
Phillips isn’t quite as toolsy as some of the other cornerbacks in the class, but he’s probably the most polished corner prospect available at this point.
- Dallas Cowboys – Siaki Ika (DT – BU)
Ika gets more effective penetration than is typical for a nose tackle, but also has the run-stuffing ability to potentially fix Dallas’ woes in that area.
- Denver Broncos (from 49ers) – Gervon Dexter (DT – FLA)
It’s hard to guess what Denver’s schemes may look like next year, but as it currently stands, they could use upgrades in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
- Buffalo Bills – Brian Branch (S – ALA)
One of the smartest, most polished, and most versatile defenders in the class, Branch could immediately help solidify Buffalo’s secondary.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – OSU)
Kadarius Toney and JuJu Smith-Schuster have been solid this season, but the Chiefs will likely continue adding weapons at the position.
- Philadelphia Eagles – Derick Hall (DE – AUB)
With Josh Sweat having recently been injured and Brandon Graham being closer to the end of his career, another big-bodied edge defender makes sense.
Matthew Jones’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Kent Weyrauch’s Early 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
