It’s never too early to look ahead to the next draft, so here we have our first look at next year’s incoming class of rookies with a 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Another NFL Draft is in the books as the event which was held in Las Vegas over the weekend concluded on Saturday.
While the draft is always a crazy event, this one was more unpredictable than any we have ever seen. One trade after another took place as teams were moving up and down the boards to secure talent now, while also stockpiling for the future.
Another interesting part of this draft was the absence of top-tier quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett was the lone signal-caller taken in Round 1 and not until Desmond Ridder in Round 3 did another hear his name called.
Looking ahead to 2023, that should change. With more big-name quarterbacks on the board, the position returns to power in our early edition 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Quarterbacks back on top in 2023 NFL Mock Draft
1. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans stockpiled talent in this latest draft on both sides of the ball but they didn’t go after a quarterback. They did add several starters including Derek Stingley, Jr., and Kenyon Green in Round 1.
They also moved up in Round 2 to bring in John Metchie from Alabama, giving them one of the better route runners in this class.
Still, they’re not expected to be super competitive until they get the most important position on the team figured out. It made sense for them to wait, however, since the 2022 class was less than inspiring.
And with the first pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they wind up looking wise for holding off since they land C.J. Stroud from Ohio State.
Stroud has a great mix of size, speed, and athleticism to go along with his arm talent. He looks the part of a franchise quarterback and should be able to put the Texans back on the NFL map.
2. Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Detroit Lions ended up with a pretty solid first-round haul this season. They added Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall and then made a big trade to jump up to No. 12 where they took Jameson Williams.
A product of Alabama, Williams is arguably the best wideout in this class but a torn ACL suffered in the NCAA Championship Game hurt his stock. In the end, the Lions could look brilliant, even if he does miss much of the 2022 season.
Like the Texans, however, Detroit elected not to target a quarterback. That means they will again go with Jared Goff under center and that also means they should be drafting high once again. While it might be painful to watch the struggles again in 2022, it will become worth it when they land Bryce Young from Alabama at No. 2 overall.
Young has been climbing the ranks as a prospect and with another big season under his belt this coming year, he could be in the mix for the QB1 discussion. In this mock, he still comes in behind C.J. Stroud but it ends up working out as he lands in Detroit where he can be reunited with Williams — who was excellent when Young was throwing him the ball last season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
There were a lot of holes on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster and they focused heavily on the defensive side of the ball with Travon Walker and Devin Lloyd being their top selections. However, they still need to make some additions to the offensive line since franchise tagging Cam Robinson was just a band-aid.
Here, they add Paris Johnson from Ohio State, who can take over on the right side since Robinson got a new deal. If he does, Johnson is capable of playing right tackle and would give the Jags two bookends to make life easier on Trevor Lawrence.
4. New York Giants: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
Daniel Jones knows his days in the Big Apple are numbered now that the New York Giants declined his fifth-year option. It was the right move for them, especially watching how bad things unfolded for the Cleveland Browns who picked up the option on Baker Mayfield before he truly proved he was a franchise quarterback.
Jones will be given a chance to earn a new deal but the odds aren’t in his favor. That’s why Tyler Van Dyke from Miami is the pick here. Van Dyke went off in 2021 with 25 touchdowns and just six picks and as long as he continues on that trajectory, he should be in consideration to be selected very early in 2023.
5. New York Jets: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
One of the teams that really dominated in the 2022 NFL Draft was the New York Jets. They made one home run pick after another and might have gotten five starters with their first five picks in Ahamad Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Breece Hall, and Jeremy Ruckert.
Now in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they end up again landing a day one starter in Jalen Carter from Georgia. The Bulldogs not only won the NCAA title last season but then they had five players from their defense go in Round 1.
Surely more will join Carter but right now, he’s the top dog on their defense and goes very early to the Jets.
6. Carolina Panthers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Sam Darnold is not the answer for the Carolina Panthers and while Matt Corral could actually be better than Darnold, he too might not be the one to get them back on track. There were rumors about Baker Mayfield but that too isn’t what they need.
Instead, the Panthers need a clean start and that’s why they take Will Levis from Kentucky at No. 6. This might feel a bit high for Levis right now but he has great mobility and a strong arm — and has been improving and looked much better in Kentucky after transferring from Penn State.
Levis will still need to show he can be a consistent passer and clean up some of the turnovers but as long as he does that, he should be the fourth quarterback off the board in 2023.
7. Washington Commanders: Kelee Ring, CB, Georgia
One of the more interesting picks the Washington Commanders made this past weekend was the selection of Sam Howell from North Carolina.
At one point, Howell looked to be a day two quarterback but slid all the way to Round 5. Still, there are already discussions about whether or not he can push Carson Wentz, who is on his third team in as many seasons.
How that plays out will have a significant impact on this coming campaign, and chances are, they will be drafting high once again. In this mock, that leads to them picking up Kelee Ringo from Georgia.
The Bulldogs cornerback simply knows how to find the football and as long as he keeps improving, he should be the first defensive back off the board in 2023.
8. Seattle Seahawks: Derek Hall, EDGE, Auburn
After landing Charles Cross in Round 1 to be their star left tackle, the Seattle Seahawks picked up Boye Mafe in the second round to play on the edge.
Even with Mafe on the roster, the Seahawks could use more talent in the pass-rushing department, and they’re a team that never has any problem stock-piling talent there.
That’s why they end up with Derek Hall from Auburn at No. 8 — which is the first of two picks they have in this round thanks to their trade with the Denver Broncos.
9. Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State had two wide receivers taken in Round 1 this past season as Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave went in Round 1. Even Jameson Williams, who spent 2021 with Alabama, was once part of the Buckeyes receiving corps.
Looking ahead to the 2023 draft, Ohio State should continue to be well-represented in Round 1 as Jaxon Smith-Njigba is clearly the No. 1 wideout prospect entering the season. Smith-Njigba came out of nowhere to record 95 receptions for 1,606 yards with nine touchdowns.
With both Wilson and Olave out, he should do even better in 2023, which is why the Chicago Bears would be thrilled to add him here.
10. Atlanta Falcons: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Drake London was one of several wide receivers drafted in the first round this year as the Atlanta Falcons grabbed a new No. 1 wideout. Now in this mock, they go after another need as they bring in Alabama EDGE Will Anderson.
The Crimson Tide continually turn out elite NFL defenders and Anderson looks poised to be their next star after recording 17.5 sacks and 101 tackles last season. He’s more of a stand-up pass-rusher which fits perfectly with the defense Atlanta runs.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Adding Za’Darius Smith bought the Minnesota Vikings some time when it comes to defensive end but both he and Danielle Hunter have had injury issues as of late. They could be great in 2022, but counting on them beyond that might be ill-advisable.
That’s why the Vikings use their pick in Round 1 of this mock on Myles Murphy from Clemson. Murphy absolutely looks the part at 6-foot-5 and 275-pounds. He also doubled his sack total from his freshman season, recording eight in 2021.
Another big season from him during his junior campaign should be enough to get him into the top15.
12. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Addison, WR, Pittsburgh
The Indianapolis Colts did well in the 2022 draft despite not having a pick in Round 1. They added wide receiver Alec Pierce and tight end Jelani Woods which will really help Matt Ryan open up the offense.
They also said they expect Ryan to be around for more than just one year, which is why they continue to add receivers to help him make the most out of his final seasons in the NFL.
Jordan Addison winds up being the pick here as they get a 6-foot, 175-pound wideout who averaged nearly 16-yards per catch last season.
With the taller Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce on the outside, Addison could end up finding work in the middle of the field and should make the Colts a very potent passing attack.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Another transfer player, Eli Ricks had five picks in his first two seasons with the LSU Tigers. Now, he’s set to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide as their No. 1 corner. He already has everything you look for in an NFL corner but being able to stand out for Alabama will only help his cause.
The Pittsburgh Steelers end up bringing him in here as they continue to try and get younger on the defensive side of the ball.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Philadelphia Eagles originally had three picks in the opening round of this past draft and wound up taking just one player. They did, however, land A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans and added another first-round pick in a trade with the New Orleans Saints.
Here, the pick from New Orleans comes due and they decide to add someone to the edge of their defensive line with Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame. Philly focused heavily on their defense in this past draft, adding Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean (who was a steal in Round 3), and Kyron Johnson.
Now, they get younger on the edge with Foskey who racked up 10 sacks in his junior season for the Fighting Irish.
15. Miami Dolphins: Jarrett Patterson, IOL, Notre Dame
Back-to-back Notre Dame players have their names called as the Miami Dolphins elect to go with Jarrett Patterson at No. 15 in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
For Miami, it was a bit unexpected for them to ignore the offensive line in the draft — despite adding Terron Armstead and Connor Williams in free agency.
The truth is, the entire unit was an issue in 2021 and so it would have made sense to get some more developmental players. But the good news is, they’re able to land a center prospect here in Patterson, who did himself a favor by returning for one more season with Notre Dame.
16. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
A stellar running back for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Jahmyr Gibbs has not gotten the attention he deserves. That’s about to change now that he’s heading to Alabama, where he’s likely to be the featured back in one of the best projected offenses in the nation.
That leads to him being the first runner chosen in this mock draft and it’s the Philadelphia Eagles who land him. Philly has done a really good job building talent around Jalen Hurts and if they’re going to continue to feature him as their starting quarterback, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go ahead and get him a three-down running back who can move the chains on his own — and also help open up the play-action passing game.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders added Neil Farrell, Jr., and Matthew Butler in back-to-back rounds. Both players could end up finding roles on the team with Farrell looking every bit the part of a dominant 1-tech.
However, they could still add a 3-tech capable of getting after the quarterback which is why they add Bryan Bresee from Clemson.
Bresee has great size at 6-foot-5 and 300-pounds and has 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks in just 19 career games. He needs to stay on the field in 2022 and if he does, he should have no issues putting himself in the discussion for Round 1.
18. New England Patriots: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The New England Patriots had a weird draft as they seemed to reach for almost every pick. Of course, Bill Belichick has won more football games than any active coach or GM, so he might need to be given the benefit of the doubt — even though it’s hard after what they did this weekend.
Looking ahead to 2023, they really need to find a better option at wide receiver which leads to the selection of Kayshon Boutte. He had 509 yards and five touchdowns in just six games last season and like the aforementioned Bryan Bresee, staying healthy for all of 2023 will be key to him making it into Round 1.
19. Arizona Cardinals: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because his older brother was a highly thought of prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. Azeez Ojulari was a second-round pick for the New York Giants and tallied 49 tackles and 8.0 sacks as a rookie. Now in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, B.J. Ojulari is selected by the Arizona Cardinals.
While Azeez was a standout for Georgia, B.J. plays for a rival SEC team, the LSU Tigers. The 6-foot-3, 244-pound outside linebacker had 54 tackles and 7.0 sacks as a sophomore and would be an excellent fit in the Arizona Cardinals’ 3-4 defensive front.
Arizona did add Cameron Thomas who will be a stud on the line for Arizona and Myjai Sanders who could be a stand-up pass rusher for them this weekend but adding Ojulari would complete their pass-rushing attack.
20. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Brennan Armstrong, QB, Virginia
Unless Drew Lock surprises us all, the Seattle Seahawks will head into the 2023 season needing a new signal-caller. With two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, they should be able to find one and in this mock, they end up with Brennan Armstrong from Virginia.
A fifth-year senior, Armstrong elected to return for one more season after putting up 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns a season ago — as well as 251 yards on the ground and nine more touchdowns. If he continues on this trajectory, he should be one of the signal-callers in the mix to hear his name called in Round 1.
21. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
One of the biggest winners of the weekend was the Baltimore Ravens, who seemed to hit a home run on every single pick. They landed stud players such as Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and even David Ojabo ‚— who might be a redshirt in 2022 but will end up being a star when healthy.
Still, they did make a move that hurt some of their depth as they traded Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals for their first-round pick. This shows they have immense faith in Rashod Batemen but they could still use more depth at receiver.
Enter Josh Downs from North Carolina. Downs is slightly undersized at 5-foot-10 and 180-pounds but he proved in 2021 that he can still get it done for his team. He had 101 receptions for 1,335 and eight touchdowns. He’s a deep threat who can also create after the catch and would be a perfect complement to Bateman.
22. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
This past season, not one running back made it into Round 1 but in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, two of them make it. Here, the Houston Texans use the pick added in the Deshaun Watson trade with Cleveland to add Bijan Robinson from Texas.
In his sophomore campaign, Robinson put up 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Longhorns and added another 295 as a receiver. The Texans added their starting quarterback earlier, and now they get him a runner to help carry the load on offense.
23. Tennessee Titans: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Adding Treylon Burks in the 2022 NFL Draft was a good move for the Tennessee Titans — who were able to get a great replacement for A.J. Brown. They were also able to save a lot of money in the process.
Having said that, they could still use another young wideout to play opposite Burks and they land that here with Marvin Mims from Oklahoma. While Burks is a big-bodied target, Mims would give them a smaller player who can stretch the field. In two seasons, he has 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns on 69 receptions which is good for an average of more than 19-yards per reception.
24. Los Angeles Chargers: Tony Grimes, CB, North Carolina
The Los Angeles Chargers added J.C. Jackson in the offseason but they still need some youth at corner. That’s why they picked up two in the later rounds, adding Ja’Sir Taylor and Deanne Leonard in rounds 6 and 7.
Neither look to be a starter anytime soon so the Chargers use their first pick in this draft to get a long-term answer across from Jackson. Their choice is Tony Grimes from North Carolina. At 6-foot and nearly 200-pounds, Grimes has the desired size for the position and possesses several traits of a shutdown corner.
25. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Penn State
The Dallas Cowboys used their first pick in this past draft on Tyler Smith, trying to find a new offensive lineman to help rebuild that unit. They could still use some help on defense and while Trevon Diggs has become a huge name due to his ability to take the ball away, they can use another starter across from him.
Kelvin Joseph has plenty of talent but he already has shown to have some off-field concerns. That’s why the Cowboys use this pick on the son of a former Pittsburgh Steelers star, adding Joey Porter, Jr. from Penn State.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 195-pounds, Porter is a physical cornerback who has the tools to develop into an NFL starter.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
One cornerback follows, only to be followed by yet another. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added depth to both lines with Logan Hall and Luke Goedeke in Round 2 of the 2022 draft. They also did well with Cade Otton at tight end and Rachaad White at running back.
They could still use more help at cornerback, which is why they add the 6-foot-1, 187-pound corner from South Carolina. Smith has five picks over the past two seasons and had 11 pass defenses in 2021.
27. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins weren’t “winners” this past weekend as they didn’t do much at all to improve their team. The good news is, they had a good offseason overall but the draft was not their best.
If there’s still some good news for them, it’s that they did have a solid offseason adding Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, and Cedrick Wilson through free agency and trades. They were also able to keep Emmanuel Ogbah who has turned into a great defensive end for them.
Having said that, they can use more help on the edge, which is why they take Nolan Smith from Georgia at pick 27. The Bulldogs’ defense continues to send solid players to the pros and Smith could be their next star.
28. Green Bay Packers: Emil Ekiyor, IOL, Alabama
The Green Bay Packers added Sean Rhyan but it appears they want Elgton Jenkins to kick out to tackle eventually. If that’s the case, they can use another interior blocker and Emil Ekiyor is a great candidate for the job.
A complete bulldozer in the run game, Ekiyor will open things up for Aaron Jones. While he’s best in that role, he can still hold his own in pass protection and will be an instant impact player for the Packers.
29. Buffalo Bills: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
The Buffalo Bills have a strong secondary, especially after the addition of Kaiir Elam in this past draft. However, their safeties aren’t exactly young which is why it makes sense to go out and add some youth to the position.
Here, they add Jordan Battle from Alabama who did himself a favor by returning for another season. It appeared he could be a late Round 2 or early Round 3 pick this year but going back to ‘Bama should allow him to hone his skills enough to be a day one selection.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Back in 2021, the Detroit Lions added Penei Sewell from Oregon in the first round and he quickly proved to be a very good offensive tackle. Now, in the 2023 NFL Draft, his younger brother is potentially set to turn pro as Noah Sewell is going to be a redshirt sophomore in 2022 for Oregon.
Sewell had 114 tackles, four sacks, and a pick in 2021 for the Ducks and enters 2022 as one of the best linebackers in the nation. As long as he continues to grow as a player, he should be an early pick in 2023.
In this mock, he ends up with the Kansas City Chiefs who add a little more playmaking to the middle of their defense.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Cincinnati Bengals were so close to winning it all in 2021 and they should be even better this coming season. They added a lot of help to the offensive line in free agency and then picked up Dax Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt to help their secondary — followed by Zachary Taylor who is an underrated 3-tech.
Looking forward to 2023, they can use more help at tight end, which is why they add Michael Mayer from Cincinnati here. Mayer had 71 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore — which came after putting up 450 yards off 42 receptions as a freshman.
He’s one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the nation and should be another nice addition to an already dangerous Cincy passing attack.
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
In two seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers, Henry To’o To’o had 140 tackles and one pick before heading to Alabama. In his first season with the Tide, he had 111 tackles and four sacks. He’s incredibly smart, instinctive, and has the speed and strength to be a star at the next level.
Here, he lands with the Lions who still have another pick owed to them by the Los Angeles Rams from the Matthew Stafford trade.