2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bears land a haul in trade-filled first-round mock
By Randy Gurzi
Ohio State. C.J. Stroud. player. 10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. 2
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud had the best showing of his career during his finale with the Buckeyes. Against the Georgia Bulldogs in the NCAA Playoffs, Stroud threw for 348 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
He also got his team in range for a game-winning kick, which was missed. Perhaps they would have rolled over TCU had they secured that win over Georgia but even without the title, Stroud proved his worth.
Now, he’s going to be tested as he’s taken No. 2 overall by the Houston Texans. This franchise has been getting in its own way for a few years now and it’s going to be tough to turn them around. The good thing is, they have plenty of draft picks to keep building their roster and Young has the talent to win in the NFL.
Pick Analysis. player. Will Levis. 3. 87. Scouting Report. QB. Kentucky
3. Carolina Panthers (via Arizona Cardinals): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
This one ends up being quite the jump as the Carolina Panthers give up a first next season as well as a second and fourth this year in order to get their quarterback of the future.
Again, this is quite the haul but quarterbacks are hard to come by and the Panthers are in a state of desperation after being stuck with Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and P.J. Walker in 2022.
They wind up with Will Levis, who isn’t as much of a sure thing as the two ahead of him but teams will risk it all for a quarterback who shows even the slightest promise. Levis does at least have that.