Final 2023 NFL Mock Draft
The 2023 NFL draft has been one of the hardest drafts to predict in a long time. The uncertainty in this draft begins all the way at number one with the quarterback questions. There are also plenty of prospects whose draft range varies from the top ten all the way down to the second round. In short, don’t expect anyones mock to look too good this year. With that being said, let’s get into the final seven round mock draft (no trades).
1. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson, QB (Florida)
Bryce Young has become the heavy betting favorite to be drafted number one by the Panthers. However, there have been reports that Carolina is very intrigued by Anthony Richardson and was very impressed in his combine interview. Speaking of the combine, Richardson’s interviews were not the only part of his combine performance that impressed. He essentially tested out as the most athletic quarterback in NFL history. Compare that with his cannon arm that he’s showed off many times, and it’s easy to see how a team could be convinced to take him at number one. It’s also worth noting that the Panthers traded up to number one just four days after the combine, when all the talk in league circles was revolved around Richardson.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB (Alabama)
Bryce Young is an interesting prospect as he was extremely productive in the physical SEC, yet questions still remain surrounding concerns about his size. However, there have been some smaller quarterbacks that have found success in the NFL, and Houston takes their new franchise quarterback here with the second pick. Davis Mills has played admirably over the past two seasons given the toxic environment the young quarterback was forced to play in. However, the Texans will likely draft a longterm option with more upside if given the chance. However, don’t be suprised if Houston goes with a defensive player like Anderson, Carter, or Wilson here. New head coach DeMeco Ryans formerly played linebacker for the organization during the Watt and Clowney years and may wish to restore the defensive front to its former glory as that is also the San Francisco way.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr, EDGE (Alabama)
There has been some talk of the Cardinals trading back from this pick. However, Arizona would probably be wise to stay at three and select the best player in the draft. Will Anderson Jr has been the most productive player on Alabama’s defense for the last two years and is an elite NFL prospect. Scouts have said that Anderson would have easily been the number one pick in last year’s draft over guys like Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. During Anderson’s impressive sophomore year, he accumulated 17.5 sacks and 31.0 tackles for loss. Just for a frame of reference, those numbers are identical to Tyree Wilson’s career totals after a four year college career. There are plenty of good prospects in the draft, but don’t listen to those pushing Anderson down their mock drafts. He’s a different breed and should certainly be the first non-quarterback taken.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB (Kentucky)
The Colts have made their intentions clear about drafting a quarterback with the fourth overall pick this year. They have endured one of the lengthiest and most frustrating quarterback carousels of any team in the league as of late. It seems as though the Colts are finally planning on drafting their first franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck in 2012. Will Levis has shown that he has the size and arm strength to be a franchise quarterback. With new head coach Shane Steichen reportedly having a big say in that unstoppable Eagles offense last year, don’t be suprised if the Colts turn Levis into a solid NFL quarterback.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson, EDGE (Texas Tech)
The Seahawks need help rebuilding their defense and drafting Tyree Wilson with this pick would be a great step towards getting that done. Wilson has drawn comparisons to Travon Walker from last year. He has all of the physical tools like strength, burst, length, speed, and power. Wilson needs to work on getting some pass rush moves in his arsenal because he is more physically impressive than Will Anderson and has the potential to be even better. However Wilson is definitely the bigger project and, for that reason, falls to Seattle at five.
6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB (Illinois)
Devon Witherspoon is definitely the most exciting secondary player in this class. When watching Witherspoon’s tape, his ability to make big hits and shut down anything in the short pass game or the outside run game is clear; he is an extremely physical and violent cornerback who seems to have the mindset that would allow him to thrive in the culture that Dan Campbell’s created in Detroit. The thing that is quietly hidden in Witherspoon’s highlight reels is the fact that he is an absolute glove in coverage. Illinois had the number one passing defense in the nation last year and Witherspoon was a big part of it. The Lions need to draft a cornerback as they just traded former top five pick Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons, and Witherspoon would serve as a great replacement.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: CJ Stroud, QB (Ohio State)
The Raiders are in an interesting situation as the roster has many weaknesses and the team could really use the help of a number of prospects available with this pick. Even though Jimmy Garoppolo just signed a three year contract in Vegas, the Raiders would probably be smart to take advantage of CJ Stroud falling to the seventh pick as he is arguably the best quarterback in the draft. Stroud has Bryce Young level production at the college level without the accompanying size concerns. The only concerning thing about Stroud was his low score on the S2 test, in which teams do seem to put some value.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DL (Georgia)
Jalen Carter is arguably the most gifted player in the class but slides to the eighth pick due to bad character concerns. A warrant was issued for his arrest during the combine in March for his part in a car racing incident that resulted in a lethal car accident, killing a University of Georgia staffer and a football player. Carter allegedly fled the scene and lied on his police report. A few weeks later, he was pulled over for speeding and was caught doing 89 mph in a 45 mph zone, fresh off his arrest from the last incident in which he fled the scene of an accident that killed a staffer and a teammate. Rumors of Carter’s attitude problems follow him all the way back to his childhood as he was allegedly expelled from his middle school in Apopka. Regardless of his character concerns, Jalen Carter is a hell of a player and would certainly bolster what is currently a weak defensive front for the Falcons.
9. Chicago Bears: Bijan Robinson, HB (Texas)
The Bears have pressing needs among the defensive line and if Carter slips past the Falcons at eight, he could potentially be a good fit with this pick. However, the Bears also have a dire need at running back after losing David Montgomery to free agency. While it is generally not a good idea to draft a running back in the top ten, Bijan Robinson is different than most running backs. He was extremely productive at Texas and is hands down the best running back prospect to enter the NFL draft since Saquon Barkley. Positional value needs to go out the door for Chicago with this pick because Robinson is easily the best player left on the board and also matches a team need. Bijan, paired with recent addition DJ Moore, would help elevate this offense to an electric level behind Justin Fields.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Calijah Kancey, DL (Pitt)
The Eagles don’t really have any true needs anywhere on their roster. The fact that they’re even picking in the top ten is insane. That being said, Philly did lose Javon Hargrave to free agency this offseason and will likely lose Fletcher Cox to retirement in the near future. Therefore, an interior defensive linemen could make some sense here. Calijah Kancey has been compared to Aaron Donald in that he is an undersized defensive tackle that can get pressure on the quarterback from the interior of the line. The comparison also runs a little deeper as they train together, both went to the same college and tested similarly at the combine. Kancey could definitely help to reinforce the interior of the Eagles defensive line.
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr, OT (Ohio State)
The Titans are currently in a full rebuild as they are in the market for a new quarterback and left tackle. Given the amount of team needs, the Titans may elect to wait on solving the quarterback problem and take a franchise left tackle with the 11th pick here. Paris Johnson Jr has been phenomenal in pass protection for the Buckeyes allowing only one quarterback hit and two sacks during his two years as a starter. Johnson would like serve as a centerpiece and a building block for the Titans moving forward.
12. Houston Texans: Quentin Johnston, WR (TCU)
While taking a quarterback and a receiver with the first two picks will probably make DeMeco Ryans sick to his stomach, it is what the Texans should probably do. The quarterback and receiver rooms in Houston are miserable and they need an injection of talent fast. Quentin Johnston would provide just that. With Houston taking Bryce Young with the second pick of the draft, it would probably be wise for them to get him a top target. Quentin Johnston would be just that. Johnston is a big bodied receiver, standing about 6'3, 215 lbs. Despite his size, Johnston moves with extraordinary lateral quickness and speed while also possessing the ability to win jump balls and make contested catches. Johnston would singlehandedly take over games for the Horned Frogs last year and you should expect to see him do it at the next level as well.
13. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR (Ohio State)
With the Aaron Rodgers era finally coming to a close, it’s time for the Packers to focus on supporting Jordan Love. While waiting to draft receivers has worked for Green Bay in the past with Rodgers on the roster, they may want to think about surrounding Love with more elite weapons to help his development. Smith-Njigba would be an elite slot option to compliment Christian Watson’s speed on the outside for the Green Bay offense. Offensive tackle could also certainly be an option for the Packers here as David Bakhtiari is probably nearing the end of his tenure with the team.
14. New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski, OT (Northwestern)
The Patriots are in pretty desperate need of offensive line help. While questions remain concerning Mac Jones’ longterm future with the team, the Patriots are unlikely to make any moves at quarterback with this pick as they are in desperate need of help all over the offensive line and Skoronski is a prospect that has been projected as a guard or a tackle at the next level. Drafting Skoronski to help keep Mac Jones upright along with the upgrading at offensive coordinator bringing in Bill O’Brien this offseason should go a long way in improving this struggling offense.
15. New York Jets: Anton Harrison, OT (Oklahoma)
With the recent trade for Aaron Rodgers, the Jets actually have a pretty complete roster and should focus on protecting their new quarterback. The Jets have had injury problems at the tackle position, specifically former top ten pick Mekhi Becton. Anton Harrison has been a model of consistency for the Sooners as he played over 1,000 snaps in pass protection during his time at Oklahoma, allowing only four sacks. Harrison is also an athletic freak at the tackle position as he ran a sub five second 40 yard dash at the combine. Harrison could fit right into the rotation for the Jets at tackle right away and will eventually become a full-time starter.
16. Washington Commanders: Christian Gonzalez, CB (Oregon)
The Commanders already have elite weapons on offense along with an elite front seven on defense. By process of elimination, the Commanders will likely be selecting a defensive back or an offensive lineman with this pick. Here, the best player available at either of those positions is likely Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez would make a nice addition to the Washington defense lining up at corner across from Kendall Fuller.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT (Georgia)
The Pittsburgh offensive line is not what it once was and needs some improvement. Mike Tomlin reportedly knows this as he was apparently parked in front of all of the offensive line drills during the entire Senior Bowl practice week. Broderick Jones would be a good pick here as he is a mauler in the run game, but is no slouch in pass protection either. Jones was the starting left tackle for the Bulldogs during their back to back championship runs, allowing just two quarterback hits and two sacks during that time.
18. Detroit Lions: Myles Murphy, EDGE (Clemson)
The Lions double dip on the defensive side of the ball here as they already selected Devin Witherspoon with the sixth pick. This shouldn’t come as a suprise to anyone as the Lions offense performed at an elite level last season while the defense constantly struggled to keep up. Here, the Lions select a potential franchise edge rusher to lineup across Aidan Hutchinson for the forseeable future. After helping the secondary with their first pick, Detroit helps shore up the front seven here.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darnell Wright, OT (Tennessee)
With the departure of Donovan Smith in the offseason, adding an elite SEC tackle that has experience at both tackle spots could help solidify the tackle positions in Tampa for the next decade as he could lineup across All-Pro Tristan Wirfs. The Bucs also have needs on the interior of the offensive line having lost both starting guards since their Super Bowl run in 2020. Darnell Wright is versatile and had starts at every single position along the offensive line while at Tennessee. His skillset could be very valuable for a team with Tampa’s offensive line woes.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Joey Porter Jr, CB (Penn State)
With the 20th pick, Seattle continues on their journey to improve their defense. After taking Tyree Wilson in the top five, the Seahawks now take the best cornerback on the board to play across from Tariq Woolen. Porter fits the profile of what Seattle typically looks for in their corners, standing approximately 6'2, 200 lbs. He is also the son of Super Bowl champion Joey Porter, so his work ethic and professionalism will probably never be in question as he has a great support system around him. A cornerback duo of Porter and Woolen would cause problems for opposing receivers trying to get away from their length and speed.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR (USC)
The Chargers were decimated by injuries to their wide receiver room last year and it eventually cost them a potential playoff win in the postseason. Brandon Staley is probably in the hottest seat in the league and the team cannot afford to waste anymore of Herbert’s rookie contract, so they should look for a player that can make an immediate impact here. So they add a former Biletnikoff award winner who is very shifty and knows how to find space. He would add to a wide receiver room that is already very talented when healthy. This would leave Brandon Staley the Chargers no more excuses.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Brian Branch, S (Alabama)
With Lamar Jackson finally signing his deal today and rumors circulating about a potential DeAndre Hopkins trade, the Ravens should focus on the defensive side of the ball here. Baltimore needs to shore up the secondary and could use help at the nickel position. Branch was an elite slot defender at Alabama. He was all over the field for the Crimson Tide and pairing him up with the linebacker duo of Roquon Smith and Patrick Queen would make it nearly impossible to go across the middle on this defense.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE (Iowa)
The Vikings need a consistent pass rushing threat to line up across Danielle Hunter. Van Ness could fill that role nicely as he has tested through the roof as an athlete and also was an impact player for the Hawkeyes during his time there. The Vikings have a miriad of needs, but an edge rusher likely tops the list and, lucky for them, one of the best players available happens to be one.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nolan Smith, EDGE (Georgia)
The Jaguars biggest needs are without a doubt cornerback and edge rusher. The team has Travon Walker and Josh Allen on the roster, but still struggled to pressure the quarterback last season. While a nickel defender is probably the biggest hole, Brian Branch is no longer on the board and the Jaguars would probably wait until later to address the need. Nolan Smith has demonstrated elite traits as a rotational pass rusher and the Jaguars love to draft based on traits. Smith would likely improve the Jaguars pass rush immensely.
25. New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR (Boston College)
The Giants paid their quarterback and it’s now time to surround him with some better weapons. Zay Flowers was a monster at Boston College and some even report that teams believe he is the best wide receiver in the draft and will be the first wideout selected. Flowers is an elite route runner and separator much like Stefon Diggs and if Brian Daboll could utilize him similarly, the Giants could be drafting an elite weapon with this pick.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE (Notre Dame)
The Cowboys are now in dire need of a tight end after letting Dalton Schultz walk in free agency. Most thought that they would draft a receiver until they acquired Brandin Cooks. The Cowboys definitely need to add more weapons and Mayer fits the bill. He was an elite three year starter at Notre Dame and is a high level blocker as well as being an elite receiving threat and he could fill the void left by Dalton Schultz nicely.