2023 NFL mock draft: CJ Stroud, Will Anderson top a loaded first round
CJ Stroud and Will Anderson top a loaded class of 2023 in this way-too-early 2023 NFL mock draft scenario. Which teams will have a shot at them?
Is it hilariously early to be doing a 2023 NFL mock draft? Absolutely.
It’s never too early to look at prospects for next year’s class, however, which is exactly the purpose and function of a 2023 NFL mock draft at this point.
The 2023 NFL Draft class will include some significant intrigue at the quarterback position and this year’s class will be looked at as a borderline oasis in the desert by comparison to the 2022 class.
Which players should you be on the lookout for in the 2023 NFL Draft? We take a look at 32 names and potential team fits in this mock draft scenario with the order determined by Tankathon.
2023 NFL mock draft, first overall pick
Atlanta Falcons: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Scouting Report. QB. Ohio State. CJ Stroud. 1. player. Pick Analysis. 44
As good as the Atlanta Falcons are going to look this year wearing those vintage red helmets, it’s plain to see that they have arguably the worst quarterback situation in the league.
As of this moment in time, the only team that has a worse situation at QB is the Falcons’ division rival Carolina Panthers.
CJ Stroud is a dynamic quarterback prospect out of Ohio State who would get to throw the ball to Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bryan Edwards, and potentially Calvin Ridley to start his NFL career.
In just his first year on the job as the Buckeyes’ starter, Stroud completed nearly 72 percent of his throws with 44 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
He has all of the size, arm talent, and confidence you look for at the position.
2023 NFL mock draft, second overall pick
Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. 2. Alabama. Will Anderson. player. 10
If the Houston Texans are picking this high again in next year’s draft, they’re likely going to have quarterbacks on the radar.
With that being said, Alabama’s Will Anderson is that good that a quarterback-needy team might pass on a signal-caller to get him.
Last season at Alabama, Anderson posted otherworldly numbers:
- 101 total tackles
- 31.0 tackles for loss
- 17.5 sacks
Shockingly, Anderson didn’t have a single forced fumble last year.
He’s a true number one pick candidate.