2023 NFL mock draft: CJ Stroud, Will Anderson top a loaded first round

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud celebrates after a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter vs. the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2022.Syndication The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud celebrates after a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter vs. the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2022.Syndication The Columbus Dispatch
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2023 NFL mock draft
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 16: Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

2023 NFL mock draft, 17th overall pick

Tennessee Titans: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

The Tennessee Titans pulled off one of the biggest (and maybe worst) trades of the 2022 NFL Draft when they sent wide receiver AJ Brown packing to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a pick that was used on Treylon Burks.

Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, the edge rusher position was one in focus for the Titans and it remains that even after the team re-signed Harold Landry.

BJ Ojulari, the brother of Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari, has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the SEC the last couple of seasons.

On third down, just about nobody in college football has been as dangerous as this guy.

2023 NFL mock draft, 18th overall pick

Houston Texans (from Browns): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

One of the areas the Houston Texans need a longer-term solution right now is the running back spot.

Although it’s not really en vogue in today’s NFL, Bijan Robinson is the type of prospect at the running back position that could be worthy of a first-round selection.

In two seasons for the Longhorns, Robinson is averaging 6.5 yards per carry with 15 rushing touchdowns.

He’s also added six scores as a receiver.

This would be a wildly popular selection in Houston and after already snagging Will Anderson in this mock draft, the Texans would need only the right QB to actually have a little something going again.