2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys bolster defense, CJ Stroud finds new home
By Randy Gurzi
The Dallas Cowboys add more firepower to their defense and a new team sits at No. 1 to take CJ Stroud in our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft
We’re getting into the second half of the season and the college football year is winding down as well. That means more focus is being shifted to the collegiate players who will be entering the pros next season.
Here, we look ahead as well with our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft. This time, we have a new home for C.J. Stroud while the Dallas Cowboys make sure to keep their suddenly strong defense playing well.
As is always the case, until the order begins to be solidified, we use our latest 2022 NFL Power Rankings to determine the draft order. With that being the case, the Houston Texans are on the clock.
2023 NFL Mock Draft
Ohio State. 1. 10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. C.J. Stroud. player
1. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Detroit Lions have had the inside track on the No. 1 overall pick for most of the season but their win over the Green Bay Packers means that the Houston Texans move into that spot. As frustrating as it can be to sit through the stretch of seasons they’ve had the past two years, things can improve drastically with the addition of C.J. Stroud from Ohio State.
C.J. Stroud is dealing vs. Wisconsin 😤
— ESPN (@espn) September 25, 2022
Third TD of the game. pic.twitter.com/rejlhX9b9X
Stroud is the No. 1 quarterback in this class due to his pro-ready size, arm strength, and ability to read coverages. The problem will be what he inherits in Houston. They had two first-round picks last year and reached for both players, meaning their roster still needs a lot of work.
The receiving corps is suspect and can get worse if Brandin Cooks forces his way out. The defense is also a problem, but they do at least have something in running back Dameon Pearce. So that’s a start.