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

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

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.

2023 NFL mock draft, third overall pick

Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

I’m going to call a shot that the Detroit Lions won’t be this bad in 2022.

They might still be picking in the top 10, but I don’t think they’re going to be so bad that they’ll be picking in the top 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

If they are, quarterback will be on the radar.

The Lions invested in upgrading their offensive weaponry and to be able to add Bryce Young to the mix next season would likely be a dream come true for general manager Brad Holmes, who will be on his third year on the job at that point.

Young fell just short of 5,000 yards passing last season with 47 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions.

2023 NFL mock draft, fourth overall pick

Seattle Seahawks: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Seattle Seahawks are in a slight rebuild, I’d say, after trading away Russell Wilson.

Like a number of teams in this scenario, they could have quarterbacks on the radar early on.

They could also try and go after some of the outstanding defensive talent in this upcoming class, and a big surprise to all — Georgia Bulldogs players will once again litter the first round.

Kelee Ringo had a pick-six in the Championship game last year and at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, looks to become the next CB1 for NFL teams to fawn over. He’s an elite talent who is only scratching the surface.

2023 NFL mock draft, fifth overall pick

New York Jets: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

The New York Jets’ rebuild over the last couple of years has been impressive to witness.

If Zach Wilson can take a second-year leap, so could this team.

As much as I love what the Jets are doing, the situation at quarterback is obviously unpredictable and a top-five finish is still in play.

The Jets have an impressive defensive front but getting a player like Jalen Carter — another elite prospect on that Georgia defense last season — could make them even more dangerous.

Carter can flat out get in the backfield from the interior defensive line.

2023 NFL mock draft, sixth overall pick

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

I’ll say it: The Jaguars’ attempt at upgrading their wide receiver room this offseason was embarrassing to watch.

They paid way too much money to only come away with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba may not have the easiest name to type, but he is that dude in next year’s draft.

To think, at one point Ohio State had all of:

• Jameson Williams
• Chris Olave
• Garrett Wilson
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Smith-Njigba will be the top target of CJ Stroud this year and would be an outstanding pickup for the Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2023.

2023 NFL mock draft, seventh overall pick

Carolina Panthers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

The Carolina Panthers desperately need to make a trade for either Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo to save them from this situation in 2023.

This coaching staff is on thin ice. At least, that’s the perception from the outside looking in.

Taking a defensive lineman with a top 10 pick would not necessarily be a great look for the Panthers but I think we’re either going to see a veteran come in or the team actually just buy into Matt Corral for a bit.

Bryan Bresee missed most of last season with a torn ACL but most everyone expects the 6-foot-5, 300-pound star prospect to come back with a vengeance in 2022.

2023 NFL mock draft, eighth overall pick

Chicago Bears: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Chicago Bears did well the last time they used a top-10 draft pick on a Georgia Bulldogs defensive player.

Perhaps history could repeat itself in 2023.

Nolan Smith returns to Athens for his senior season and the former top recruit has plenty to prove.

He has just begun to find his groove as an edge player and was a hugely impactful playmaker for the Bulldogs last season with three forced fumbles and an interception.

There’s plenty of room for growth still, and we could see Smith go from a day two prospect to a top-10 pick with a big 2022 season.

2023 NFL mock draft, ninth overall pick

New York Giants: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Could the New York Giants really justify a top-10 pick on a guy that eats his bananas with the peel?

All kidding aside, Will Levis is one of the most fascinating players in this year’s crop of potential draft picks.

The former Penn State transfer was outstanding in 2021 for Kentucky, and if he were drafted by the Giants, he would rejoin his Wildcats teammate Wan’Dale Robinson in Brian Daboll’s offense.

New offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello — formerly of the 49ers, Broncos, and Eagles — will give Levis a year in the Shanahan/wide-zone offense and potentially elevate his NFL projection even further.

He had 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last year, so there’s room for growth, but Levis has all of the physical tools.

2023 NFL mock draft, 10th overall pick

Washington Commanders: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami

Tyler Van Dyke has reignited hope for the Miami Hurricanes program.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1483449678767218688

As we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft and what could be, there’s no question that a player like Van Dyke could ascend into the top 10 and even better than that.

You could see the confidence in Van Dyke growing last season for the Hurricanes the more he played.

Right now, we really only have a 10 game sample size from him but he could wind up being one of the top two QBs in this class when all is said and done.

2023 NFL mock draft, 11th overall pick

Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to go forward with Kenny Pickett as their potential QB of the future in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they did so at the cost of drafting a player like Trent McDuffie out of Washington.

Instead of going after someone like McDuffie, the Steelers went after the guy they believe will be their QB of the future in Pickett.

You can’t fault them for that.

Former LSU transfer Eli Ricks is looking to establish his first-round value this coming season as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

With his length and ball skills, he’s sure to do that.

2023 NFL mock draft, 12th overall pick

Minnesota Vikings: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings struck gold with the selection of LSU wide receiver Jordan Jefferson.

Jefferson was not the most revered and highly regarded receiver in the vaunted 2020 class, but he’s arguably been the very best.

Now, looking ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft, another LSU Tiger could be on the Vikings’ radar.

Kayshon Boutte has picked up the mantle as WR1 for the LSU offense and after scoring nine touchdowns last season, he’s poised to become arguably the WR1 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

2023 NFL mock draft, 13th overall pick

Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

The Philadelphia Eagles made some substantial upgrades on the defensive side of the ball throughout the 2022 offseason.

They added Haason Reddick in free agency to upgrade the pass rush.

They added Georgia stars Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Then, after the draft, they’ve signed veteran cornerback James Bradberry.

By the time the 2023 offseason rolls around, the EDGE position could be a need area for the Eagles, however, even after the team’s addition of Reddick in 2022.

Myles Murphy has racked up 12 sacks, 25.0 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles in his first two seasons at Clemson and should be in line for a massive junior season.

At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, he can set the edge with power just as well as he can get to the QB.

2023 NFL mock draft, 14th overall pick

Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Las Vegas Raiders are ushering in a new era with Davante Adams joining newly re-signed quarterback Derek Carr.

As huge as the addition of Adams was for the Raiders, some work needs to be done yet on the offensive line.

What does the future hold for Alex Leatherwood? Is he a guard only? Can he find a way to work out long-term as a right tackle?

Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State has guard/tackle flexibility, so he could fit into the Raiders’ plans no matter what would happen with Leatherwood.

2023 NFL mock draft, 15th overall pick

Miami Dolphins: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

After franchise tagging Mike Gesicki in the 2022 offseason, are the Miami Dolphins planning on keeping the former Penn State star around long-term?

Do they really want to invest a ton of money in him after signing Tyreek Hill to a record-setting contract and bringing in free agent Cedrick Wilson?

Maybe.

If not, Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer would be a fascinating option for Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Mayer had over 800 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last year for the Irish. No FBS tight end has more catches since 2020 than this guy.

2023 NFL mock draft, 16th overall pick

New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The New England Patriots took Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

They followed that selection with Cole Strange, an interior lineman out of Chattanooga, in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, they keep getting help and protection for their young franchise QB up front.

Peter Skoronski will be highly regarded by the Patriots playing for Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern and would be an immediate starter for them at tackle or guard.

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.

2023 NFL mock draft, 19th overall pick

Philadelphia Eagles: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

After landing Myles Murphy to boost the pass rush just a handful of picks earlier, the Philadelphia Eagles once again add to their revamped defense with Joey Porter Jr., the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher Joey Porter.

Porter Jr. has taken the torch from his father as a star defensive prospect, but he’s doing his damage in the defensive backfield.

At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Porter has the size and length to play with any type of receiver in the NFL.

He’s got nine career passes broken up and only one interception, but if the ball comes his way more in 2022, his INT numbers could soar.

2023 NFL mock draft, 20th overall pick

Baltimore Ravens: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

The Baltimore Ravens were apparently interested in the potential of signing Bobby Wagner before he ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

Noah Sewell could follow in his big brother’s footsteps and be a first-round pick for the Ducks, only not as a blue-chip tackle prospect.

Noah is a rangy linebacker at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. His 2021 numbers:

• 114 total tackles
• 8.5 tackles for loss
• 5 passes defended
• 4 sacks
• 2 forced fumbles

He was all over the field for the Ducks. In this scenario, he would pair up with Patrick Queen to give the Ravens an enviable young duo at the off-ball linebacker position.

2023 NFL mock draft, 21st overall pick

Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

The Arizona Cardinals came into the 2022 NFL Draft with more needs than I think most people realized.

After losing Chandler Jones, how did this team actually move forward off the edge?

They’ve got rookies Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas to hopefully find a little something in 2022. Should we really expect Dennis Gardeck and Devon Kennard to pick up Jones’ slack, though?

I think the Cardinals need another stud off the edge and Isaiah Foskey is exactly that.

At 6-foot-4, 257 pounds, he racked up 10 sacks last season and a whopping six forced fumbles.

Chandler Jones has been better than most at knocking the ball out of a QB’s hand when he gets home for a sack, and Foskey could bring that back to the Cardinals’ defense.

2023 NFL mock draft, 22nd overall pick

Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford

After passing on the quarterback position early on in this mock draft, the Seattle Seahawks use one of the selections they acquired from the Denver Broncos to address it.

McKee has a lot of room for growth, throwing just 15 touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions last season, but the tools are certainly there for him.

He’s 6-foot-6, 228 pounds, and had the highest completion percentage of any quarterback in the PAC-12 last season.

One of the more accurate quarterbacks in all of college football, McKee certainly has a shot at being a first-round pick.

2023 NFL mock draft, 23rd overall pick

Los Angeles Chargers: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

Jermaine Burton — just like everyone else — saw how beneficial a transfer to Alabama was for a player like Jameson Williams last year.

Williams went from being lost in the fray at Ohio State to being one of the most dynamic playmakers in all of college football at Alabama.

Jermaine Burton has had moments at Georgia despite their QB inconsistencies, but he’s taking his speed to Tuscaloosa in hopes of following in Williams’ footsteps.

He averaged 19.1 yards per reception last season and has some serious jets.

2023 NFL mock draft, 24th overall pick

Miami Dolphins (from 49ers): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

Clark Phillips III has established himself as one of the top playmakers in the PAC-12 defensively.

In his first two seasons at Utah, he’s got a defensive touchdown.

Phillips had 13 passes broken up last season for the Utes and has elite click-and-close abilities at the cornerback position.

At just 5-10, 191 pounds, he’s not the biggest corner in the class which could push him down the board a bit, but he’s got all kinds of speed, quickness, and ball skills.

2023 NFL mock draft, 25th overall pick

Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

We (I) made plenty of excuses for Sam Howell last season for not having the plethora of NFL talent that left Chapel Hill in the 2021 offseason, but he still had at least one guy out there at receiver who will be playing on Sundays — Josh Downs.

Though Downs is one of the smallest receivers in this projection at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, he’s a big-play threat.

He caught 101 passes last season for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns.

According to Pro Football focus, 95 of his receptions came out of the slot.

The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the outside, and could complete a good-looking young trio with Downs in the slot.

2023 NFL mock draft, 26th overall pick

Dallas Cowboys: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

For the longest time, Zach Harrison was being projected as a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft class.

That obviously didn’t happen.

Even though he has the freaky size and athletic skills, he hasn’t been able to put it together yet in three seasons for the Buckeyes.

As his pass rush skills continue to develop, Harrison has been very solid as a run defender.

His senior season, he could put it all together and be a long-term Randy Gregory replacement for the Dallas Cowboys.

2023 NFL mock draft, 27th overall pick

Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Van Pran, IOL, Georgia

After the Super Bowl, the Cincinnati Bengals set out to reclaim their AFC North title by absolutely renovating their offensive line.

They added Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’El Collins to hopefully keep Burrow’s jersey a little cleaner in the 2022 season.

But the work is not yet done.

The Bengals added Karras, but certainly wouldn’t turn their nose at Georgia’s center Sedrick Van Pran, an outstanding athlete and anchor for the offensive line.

2023 NFL mock draft, 28th overall pick

Detroit Lions (from Rams): Zacch Pickens, DL, South Carolina

It’s been a slow progression at South Carolina for former five-star prospect Zacch Pickens, who also was one of the top 10 overall recruits in the class of 2019.

Still, it’s been progression, nonetheless.

At 6-foot-3 and over 300 pounds, Pickens is a force on the interior with outstanding athleticism for his size.

He racked up 38 total tackles last season with five tackles for loss and four sacks, and in this scenario, he would pair up with Bryce Young to give the Detroit Lions a stellar pair of former SEC athletes to continue building their young roster around.

2023 NFL mock draft, 29th overall pick

Green Bay Packers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

After taking Christian Watson in the early second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers still need help at the wide receiver position.

Although the hope is that Watson can obviously develop into a WR1 for the Packers, they lost more than just Davante Adams in the 2022 offseason.

A handful of receivers walked out on Green Bay this offseason and more reinforcements could be on the way in the 2023 NFL Draft.

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston has a ton of flashes on tape and at 6-foot-4, 193 pounds, he’s averaged over 20 yards per reception in his first two seasons for the Horned Frogs.

If he can stay fully healthy this season, he’ll go a lot higher than pick no. 29 overall.

2023 NFL mock draft, 30th overall pick

Kansas City Chiefs: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Kansas City Chiefs allocated plenty of assets in the 2022 NFL Draft into the secondary, but they could still do some more revamping in 2022.

Cam Smith is one of the top senior defensive back prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class with outstanding length and ball skills.

He has five interceptions over the last two seasons to go along with 13 passes broken up, 11 of which came in the 2021 season.

In the 11 games he played last season for the Gamecocks, Smith allowed two or more receptions in just two of them.

2023 NFL mock draft, 31st overall pick

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Arik Gilbert, TE, Georgia

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might actually not be getting Rob Gronkowski back this season.

Not that Arik Gilbert can really help them with that, but it does put a spotlight on the fact that this team needs reinforcements at the tight end position.

The Bucs lost OJ Howard in free agency in 2022, and although they spent a fourth-round pick on Cade Otton in this year’s draft class, I think a player like Arik Gilbert would be an outstanding adidtion to Byron Leftwich’s offense.

He spent a year away from the program for personal matters and looked outstanding at the team’s Spring scrimmage.

He could be one of the biggest risers in the 2023 NFL Draft even though Georgia’s tight end room is loaded.

2023 NFL mock draft, 32nd overall pick

Buffalo Bills: Jordan Addison, WR, Pittsburgh

After catching 100 passes and 17 touchdowns last season as a member of the Pittsburgh Panthers, Jordan Addison won the Biletnikoff Award (given the the best wide receiver in college football) and bolted for the USC Trojans.

Landing Addison was huge for Lincoln Riley and his program, but could also be huge for Addison’s NFL hopes.

He’s already going to be a coveted prospect after what he did with Kenny Pickett last season, but what could he do this year with fellow transfer and Heisman candidate Caleb Williams?

It should be a prosperous year for both.

The Buffalo Bills have Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, but getting a steal like Jordan Addison here at the end of round one shouldn’t be counted out just because they’re around.