2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud back on top, Cowboys with a surprise pick

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
1 of 16

C.J. Stroud is back at No. 1 in our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft and the Dallas Cowboys go in a different direction than previously expected

The NFL season is winding down as the College Football Playoffs are underway. That means even more attention will be on the upcoming NFL Draft as the top collegiate players are in the spotlight and most NFL fan bases are now thinking about next year.

With all that being said, we’re looking ahead as well with our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The order is determined by Tankathon, which brings us to the No. 1 pick — owned by the Houston Texans.

2023 NFL Mock Draft

2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, C.J. Stroud. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

1. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

It’s really hard to watch Bryce Young and not be enamored with him — which is why he’s often mocked as the No. 1 overall pick. However, his size is just so concerning. Young is listed at 6-foot-0 and 194-pounds but he’s likely going to measure under that at the combine.

His stature makes it hard to count on him and while he doesn’t miss a lot of time, it could become a concern at the next level.

For a team such as the Houston Texans, they might be hesitant to take any risks. That’s why they go with Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud in our latest mock. Stroud has the ideal stature for an NFL quarterback at 6-foot-3 and nearly 220 pounds. Even if he doesn’t turn out to be as good as Young, he’s still a dangerous quarterback who can do it all.

The only concern now will be whether or not this front office can actually build a solid roster around him.