2023 NFL Mock Draft: Surprise quarterback enters Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
OT. 4. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Northwestern. Peter Skoronski. player
4. Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback taken in the first round this past season and while he’s taken over for Mitchell Trubisky, he hasn’t looked stellar just yet. Part of the problem is the lack of time he has in the pocket. In his first start against Buffalo, he was sacked three times and now has no touchdown passes against four picks.
They believed in him enough to take him in Round 1 and now they have to surround him with the help he needs to succeed. That’s why their first pick in this mock is Peter Skoronski from Northwestern. Arguably the top offensive tackle in this class, Skoronski should help Pickett have more time to make his reads, which is key for a young signal-caller.
DT. Georgia. Jalen Carter. player. 10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 5
5. Houston Texans: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Houston Texans have holes all over their roster. It’s hard to really find anyone outside of Derek Stingley and Kenyon Green who are safe — and they haven’t been great, they were just first-round picks this past season. The good news is that they do have two picks again this year as they try and find some talent to patch all those aforementioned holes.
With a second pick still in their back pocket, they can go for the best player available here which is Jalen Carter from Georgia. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder is strong against the run and pass and should instantly make an impact on the Texans’ defensive line.