NFL MOCK DRAFT 2023

  DOM'S 2023 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. Carolina Panthers: (via CHI)

CJ Stroud- QB, Ohio State

After trading for the 1st overall pick it is evident that the Panthers are finally ready to select their QB of the future. The only question is who. Despite recent rumors of this pick being Bryce Young, I think that head coach Frank Reich likes CJ Stroud the most, and after hiring him to be their new head coach this offseason I think Scott Fitterer and David Tepper let him pick his guy. Although I am not as high on Stroud as most, there is no doubt he has a lot of talent and is one of this year's top QBs. But what really convinces me that he is the Panther's guy is this clip from CJ's pro day: https://twitter.com/brgridiron/status/1638680826941706240?s=20. 

2. Houston Texans:

Bryce Young- QB, Alabama

The idea that Bryce Young is too short to be a good QB is mindboggling to me. This same conversation has been had about countless quarterbacks over the last few decades, and for the most part, the QB's talent outweighed what they lacked in height. Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, and Kyler Murray to just name a few. But if Young does fall to number two, the Texans will have the best QB in this draft fall right into their lap. Young is smart, athletic, and is without a doubt my favorite QB in the draft. If you watched him at Alabama you can see he is special and has the potential to be an absolute superstar in the NFL.

3. Arizona Cardinals:

Will Anderson Jr.- Edge, Alabama

Anderson is the number one defensive player in this draft without question. His speed off the edge combined with his power and ability to move blockers make him the perfect pass rusher. In 2022, he had 10 sacks, 24 solo tackles, and a pick. While those numbers aren't extremely impressive you have to realize he was double-teamed on most of his snaps. There were even points in some games where other teams would change the play to run it to the side opposite of Anderson just to avoid his disruption. If you want stats, just take a look at his 2021 season where he had 57 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 3 pass deflections. But it doesn't take long when you turn on the tape to see what he is capable of.

4. Indianapolis Colts:

Will Levis- QB, Kentucky

Aside from Bryce Young, I think that Will Levis is the most talented QB in this draft. In '21 Will Levis was considered one of the best QB prospects in college football. After a rough season this year, his draft stock fell. After Kentucky lost some of their offensive starters from 2021 it left Levis in a tough position. He lost some offensive linemen as well as his only 1,000-yard receiver in Wan'Dale Robinson. Despite this massive dropoff in the talent surrounding him, he still had 2,400 yards passing at 19 TDs. He is one tough kid with a lot of potential and although he does do some wacky things off the field like eating bananas with the peel and putting mayo in his coffee, he is worth a top 5 pick. Especially for a team that hasn't had a real QB since Andrew Luck retired. 

5. Seattle Seahawks:  (via DEN)

Anthony Richardson- QB, Florida

Richardson is one of the biggest wild cards in this year's draft. After the NFL Combine, there was a ton of hype behind Richardson, some even saying he may have made himself the number one overall pick. Things have since cooled down, but I still think that someone will take a shot at him in the top 10. After extending Geno Smith off the back of his career-best season, it may seem odd to take a QB here. But if this pick isn't traded I think that Seattle would like to take a QB to succeed Geno and develop behind him for the next few seasons. This works well because while having a bunch of raw talent but is still a bit of a project.

6. Detroit Lions: (via LAR)

Jalen Carter- DT, Georgia 

After he was sentenced to serve 12 months of probation because of a misdemeanor charge tied to his involvement in a fatal car crash, Carter's draft stock fell. But I think the fall stops here. Carter may very well be the most talented defender in this draft and getting him here would be a steal for Detroit. A defensive line with JC in the middle and Aidan Hutchinson coming off the edge could be really scary for opposing offenses.

7. Las Vegas Raiders:

Christian Gonzalez- CB, Oregon 

Christian Gonzalez is one of my favorite prospects in this year's draft. The kid is simply an all-around stud athlete. At the combine, he boosted his draft stock even more by running a 4.38 40-yard dash and displaying his 41.5 " vertical, which could make him the first defensive back taken off the board. He can run fast, jump high, and boy does he hit hard. I think he fits perfectly with the Raiders and their playstyle and would be a nice piece for their pass defense which was bottom 5 in 2022.

8. Atlanta Falcons:

Tyree Wilson- Edge, Texas Tech 

Before a foot injury ended his 2022 season on November 12th, Wilson already had 7 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. He is 6' 6", 260 lbs, and is a problem coming off the edge. In recent weeks many have said he could be a potential top 3 pick but I just don't see it happening. I think the injury could scare some teams off. Regardless his frame alone is worth a top-15 pick and I don't think he falls any further than 8. The Falcons need a lot of defensive help and he could be the cornerstone for them for years to come.

9. Chicago Bears: (via CAR)

Peter Skoronski- OT, Northwestern

After trading out of the first pick the Bears confirmed that they are all in on Justin Fields being their guy. Now they need to start building the team around him. When it comes to offense the Bears leave a lot to be desired. So I think they start but getting a guy to protect "their guy". Skoronski is an excellent tackler with superb footwork and a great ability to keep defenders in front of him. There are a lot of talented OT in this year's draft but I see Skoronski as the best of the bunch.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: (via NO)

Nolan Smith- Edge, Georgia

This is one of the more interesting picks in this draft. The Eagles don't have many holes but could do several things here. I truly think they will trade this pick back and try and grab Bijan Robinson later in the first round but if they do choose to keep the pick I think they go edge, and who better than Nolan Smith. Smith helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to their 2021 National defense and was a massive part of their defense, leading the team with 3.5 forced fumbles that season. This past season he looked very promising until he tore his pec which ended his season just 8 games in. I personally do not see the injury being something that lingers and believe Smith could be another defensive beast off the edge for Philly if they do choose to go that direction. 

11. Tennessee Titans:

Paris Johnson Jr.- OT, Ohio State

For the past nine seasons, the starting left tackle for the Titans has been Taylor Lewan and with the Titans letting him go in the offseason they really need someone to fill that hole. Paris Johnson is the perfect man for the job. Johnson is as close to a sure thing as it gets when it comes to LTs. The 6' 6" 300-pounder let up just 2 sacks in 2022 after letting up 0 in 2021. He is my personal favorite OT in the draft and I think will be a guy that will be a quality starter for years in the league.

12. Houston Texans: (via CLE)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba- WR, Ohio State

Not if, but when the Texans take their QB of the future with their first pick they'll need to find someone for him to throw the ball too. After trading their leading receiver Brandin Cooks to Dallas, they really lack talent in the wide receiver room. I see them going with JSN, making him the first WR off the board. Although he only played in 3 games due to a hamstring injury, he is still worth being selected this high because of his production in prior years. In 2021 he had 1,606 yards on 95 catches for 9 TDs. If that isn't enough, just turn on the tape and you can see just how talented he is. 

13. Green Bay Packers: (via NYJ)

Broderick Jones- OT, Georgia

David Bakhtiari has had years of injury trouble for the Packers and his 31 going on 32, so I don't see him being a high level tackle for much longer. And I don't see the loss of Aaron Rodgers given him any motivation to continue playing for Green Bay. I think they need someone to replace him and Broderick Jones is a great choice. He is a mountain of a man standing at 6' 5" and weighing 311 pounds. Plus his arms are 34 inches making it even harder to get around him. I think he can either start immediately oat right tackle or wait a year behind Bakhtari and eventually take over as starting left tackle.

14. New England Patriots: 

Devon Witherspoon- CB, Illinois 

If we know one thing about Bill Belichick it is that he loves defense. We also know that he may not be on the best of terms with his QB Mac Jones. Considering the Patriot's wide receivers have been mediocre at best the last few seasons it only makes sense that they would go receiver to help develop their young QB. And since it's Belichick I think he goes the complete opposite way. Witherspoon is a dynamic corner who has flown up draft boards recently, and rightfully so. He always seems to be involved in the play whether it be making a deflection, hit sticking a wide receiver, or jumping 30 inches off the ground to make a miraculous interception. I believe Witherspoon can make an immediate impact and develop quickly wherever he goes, especially if BB is his head coach.

15. New York Jets: (via GB)

Darnell Wright- OT, Tennessee 

With the Jets finally getting Aaron Rodgers earlier this week they moved back 2 spots in the first round. I don't think this changes their agenda much if at all. Even with speculation, they would look to add Garrett Wilson's former Ohio St. teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba I don't think they'll have the chance unless they trade up. Nonetheless, it would be smart for them to bolster their offensive line to protect Rodgers. The Jets started 37-year-old Duane Brown at right tackle last season so someone with young legs to get in there and start day one would be more than ideal.

16. Washington Commanders:

Myles Murphy- Edge, Clemson 

On April 24th the Commanders made a surprise move by declining Chase Young's 5th year option, making this season his last under contract. Young has had trouble with injuries in his career so far but when he has been healthy he has shown how great he can be. Having said that if the Commanders do let him walk after this year they could use another defensive end. Murphy was named to 1st team all ACC this season with 6.5 sacks, and 40 total tackles (11 for loss. 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers:

Calijah Kancey- DT, Pittsburgh  

Last season the Steelers drafted a Pittsburgh Panther, and this year I think they'll do it again. The Steeler defensive line has been great the last few seasons but they need some depth to their group. Not to mention the fact that Cameron Heyward is 33 and could retire after this season. Giving a young raw talent like Kancey the chance to learn from their veterans along the defensive line could help him develop into a really solid DT in the league for years to come. 

18. Detroit Lions:

Dalton Kincaid- TE, Utah

Since trading TJ Hockenson to Minnesota before the deadline last year, the Lions have had a clear hole at the tight end position. There could be 2 or 3 tight ends that go in this first round giving Detroit a good selection of talent. But I see Kincaid as the best of the bunch. He was a difference-maker at Utah. He had 1,400 and 16 touchdowns in 2 years as the starter for the Utes. He has good hands and can pass block too, I think he can be a nice security blanket for Goff and think he will produce immediately in that offense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Brian Branch- S, Alabama

This is one of my favorite mocked picks in this draft. Brian Branch can do it all on the defensive side of the ball. He can get to the quarterback, pick him off, and is a tackling machine. He is an all-around elite defender and reminds me of Kyle Hamilton from last year's draft. The Bucs definitely have some work to do in terms of getting back to a Super Bowl caliber defense and getting an all-around guy like Branch is a great start.

20. Seattle Seahawks: 

Lukas Van Ness- Edge, Iowa

Since I have Seattle going QB first pick I think they go with the defense on the latter of their first-rounders. Van Ness was great at Iowa and I think that could very well translate to the NFL. Although Seattle's pass rush defense was towards the top last season, it never hurts to get another guy that can get at the QB and I think that they get that extra help here at pick 20.

21. Los Angeles Chargers:

Zay Flowers- WR, Boston College

With Keenan Allen getting up there in age, the Chargers could use another receiver to pair with Mike Williams. During his senior year at Boston College, he had his best season with 1,077 yards receiving and 12 TDs. Flowers is one of the best play-makers in this class and his shiftiness is truly off the charts. He's just the kind of receiver that the Chargers need and could give an immediate boost to their offense. Aside from his lack of height, there are not a lot of negatives with this kid and it wouldn't surprise me if he was the first WR drafted.

22. Baltimore Ravens:

O'Cyrus Torrence- OL, Florida

I originally had this pick being a wide receiver for the Ravens, but with the recent acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr., that likely won't be the case. But with negotiations between Baltimore and QB Lamar Jackson at a standstill, I think they still go with a pick that could help give Lamar a reason to stay. Torrence is a 6’ 5’’, 330 lb guard that could be crucial to bringing the Raven's O-line to the next level. Baltimore has a glaring need at LG and Torrence took most of his snaps on the left side, so I see this being a perfect fit.

23. Minnesota Vikings:

Joey Porter Jr.- CB, Penn State

Porter was originally slated to be a top-10 pick in the draft. Porter didn't have the best 2022 stat-wise, putting up half the amount of tackles he had the previous season. With that said, he is still deserving of a first-round pick. He is extremely fast and his 6' 2" frame allows him to reach out and deflect passes. After losing Patrick Peterson to the Steelers the Vikings could use a true #1 and I think Porter can quickly develop into one.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars:

Deonte Banks- CB, Maryland

The Jags released their number one corner Shaquill Griffin back in March and are in desperate need of finding someone to pair alongside Darious Williams. Williams had to move from nickel corner to the outside due to an injury to Griffin during the season, and with him now gone Jacksonville needs a number one corner. Banks had the fifth-fastest 40 at the combine running an astounding 4.35. In addition to his speed, Banks is 6' 2" and lengthy which helped him deflect 8 passes in 2022. This extra additional height will be a huge help to the Jaguars secondary considering Williams is just 5' 9". 

25. New York Giants

 Jordan Addison- WR, USC 

Addison could very well be the most talented receiver in this draft and getting him this low could be a steal for the Giants. Succeeding a monster season at Pitt in 2021, including 1,593 yards and 17 TDs on 15.9 yards a catch, Addison transferred to USC where he would play with the eventual Heisman winner, Caleb Williams. He had 875 yards and 8 touchdowns, while missing 3 games due to injury, in his one season in Southern California which is nothing to spit at. The bottom line is this kid is uber-talented and should be an immediate impact player for any offense but especially the Giants who haven't had a true number-one receiver since the Odell Beckham Jr. trade.

26. Dallas Cowboys:

Bijan Robinson- RB, Texas

Although Robinson is one of the most talented players in the entire draft and one of the highest-graded running backs in a while, I think the stipulation around running backs in the first round will cause him to fall big time. But I don't see any scenario where he falls further than 26. With Tony Pollard playing on the tag (and likely starting the year on IR) and Zeke Elliot being cut by Dallas in the offseason they could use a running back. Jerry has done this before and I think he would do it again. He is extremely talented and will be an immediate impact player for the Cowboy's offense. He is the perfect combination of speed, strength, and finesse. He reminds me a lot of Saquon Barkley when he was coming out of college and as a Giants fan, it's I am not happy that this guy could be playing in the NFC East next season in Dallas (or maybe in Philly).

27. Buffalo Bills:

Jalin Hyatt- WR, Tennessee 

After running a 4.4 at this year's combine Hyatt silenced a lot of doubters and solidified himself as a top receiver in the class. Although there are some question marks I think he is well worth a 1st round pick. This season he was 5th in the country in receiving yards with 1267 and 2nd in TDs with 15. He and QB Hendon Hooker had a great connection at Tennessee resulting in a lot of deep passes for touchdowns. His top-end speed is what makes him great, but the issues come with his ability to fake out defenders on his routes and his lack of strength. Despite that, with some development, he could become the perfect deep threat for Josh Allen. (especially with rumors that Stefon Diggs could want out)

28. Cincinnati Bengals:

Tyrique Stevenson- CB, Miami (FL)

The Bengals really need some help in their secondary after losing both Jessie Bates and Eli Apple in free agency. I think this pick is definitely a DB and I see Cincy opting to go with a  corner. After transferring from Georgia Stevenson took a big step up and became a true #1 starter at Miami. With that said, I feel like Stevenson is just a level below guys like Porter and Banks. If the Bengals feel like he isn't worth the risk this could be a spot where Jordan Battle from Alabama could be taken to fill their hole at safety.

29. New Orleans Saints: (via SF)

Bryan Bresee- DT, Clemson

This offseason the Saints lost two of their key players along their defensive line in Shy Tuttle and star DT Marcus Davenport. Getting a guy like Bresee this far down would be great for New Orleans. Coming into this year, Bresee was considered a top-10 talent in the draft. While his numbers may not show it, he is physical dominance on the inside with a ton of potential. He will be an excellent fit and could fill the big shoes that Davenport left behind.

30. Philadelphia Eagles:

Trenton Simpson- LB, Clemson

Simpson is one of the most skilled and fastest linebackers I have seen coming out of the draft in a while. He proved this at the combine by running a 4.43 40. With the Eagles losing both TJ Edwards and Kyzir White at linebacker during free agency, not to mention the uncertainty with 2nd- year LB Nakobe Dean, they should be looking to add depth to that position. Simpson can start right away and should be able to fill the shoes of Edwards at MLB.

31. Kansas City Chiefs:

Quentin Johnston- WR, TCU

Oh boy, this could be dangerous. Recent reports have said that Johnston could fall to the end of round one and even into round two during the draft. I really do not see what's not to like about this kid. He's 6' 3", can jump 40 inches and although he did not run a 40, his on-field speed is impressive. He reminds me a lot of a young Calvin Johnson and getting a guy like that for Patrick Mahomes could be really bad news for the rest of the NFL.

**Note that the Miami Dolphins lost their first-round pick in this year's draft because of tampering**