The Chicago Bears land a haul in our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft as they drop down a few spots allowing a quarterback-needy team to land Bryce Young
With the NFL playoffs going on, many teams have already turned their attention to the offseason. We do this as well with our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft, although this time, we will be predicting trades.
As expected, the very first pick winds up being dealt as the Chicago Bears aren’t expected to stay put at No. 1 overall. They’re still banking on Justin Fields developing into their starter and they can make a move to surround him with more talent while another franchise climbs up the board to land their own signal-caller.
2023 NFL Mock Draft at Wild Card Weekend
1. Indianapolis Colts (via Chicago Bears): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Indianapolis Colts have been using one veteran after another over the past three years and the results continue to decline. Philip Rivers led them to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. He was succeeded by Carson Wentz, who was 9-8 as the starter but lost two down the stretch to miss the postseason.
This year, they went with Matt Ryan who was 4-7-1 and the franchise was 4-12-1 overall. After seeing their offense fall apart, they decide to make a huge trade with the Bears to get their newest face of the franchise, Bryce Young from Alabama. They have to surrender a lot but with several quarterback-needy teams, the Bears are able to hold out until they get a major package.
As for Young, he finished his career with 80 touchdown passes and just 12 picks. The only question for him will be his size, but if he can stay healthy, he should be a success in the NFL. Indy just has to make sure they don’t do something crazy like hire a former high school coach as their full-time coach.
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.
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.
4. Chicago Bears (via Indianapolis Colts): Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama
After dropping down three spots and landing several extra picks, the Chicago Bears decide to add Will Anderson, Jr. from Alabama.
Anderson is a dominant edge rusher, even better than Travon Walker who went first overall to Jacksonville last season. With better quarterbacks on the board this year, Anderson ends up waiting until now to hear his name called and while the Bears need offensive talent, it’s hard to pass on Anderson who might be the No. 1 overall player on the board.
Plus thanks to the trade they made earlier as well as the Roquan Smith deal during the season, they’ll have two picks in the second round they can use on offense to go along with Chase Claypool.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
If one of the top three quarterbacks is on the board when the Seattle Seahawks select, they would likely take one of them. However, they’ve done well enough with Geno Smith that they don’t have to get into the sweepstakes to move up and that bodes well for them as they wind up with Jalen Carter from Georgia.
Carter is a powerful defensive lineman that can cause headaches for opposing linemen. He would be a day-one starter and while he might not have insane stats, his style of play would make on impact on every down.
6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
One of the biggest surprise teams this year was the Detroit Lions who finished with a winning record at 9-8 despite a 1-6 start. They also found a way to upend the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, ending their hopes of making the playoffs.
Detroit, who was already eliminated, took pride in playing spoiler to their rivals and the future is suddenly bright for them. Now on the clock at No. 6 overall, the Lions grab Bryan Bresee thanks to the Rams falling apart and still owing them this pick from the Matthew Stafford trade.
Bresee is a very athletic defensive tackle who would turn Detroit’s defensive line into a major strength when paired with Aidan Hutchinson.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Once again, teams will reach for quarterbacks and that’s what’s happening here. The Las Vegas Raiders are officially moving on from Derek Carr as he posted his goodbye message to the only NFL franchise he’s ever played for.
In an effort to replace him, they take Anthony Richardson from Florida at No. 7. Richardson is easily the most athletic quarterback in this class but he’s also the most raw. He needs refinement in his technique and work as a pocket passer.
Having said that, he can be explosive when he takes off and runs with the ball. The ceiling is very high for Richardson, but the floor is also low.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Atlanta Falcons are in a weird spot. They’re not completely terrible but they’re also not very good. They’ve been able to contend in the games they played but their roster is missing a lot of key pieces.
Here, they look to improve their ability to get after the quarterback as they bring in Myles Murphy from Clemson. Murphy is a big-bodied defensive end at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds. He recorded 18.5 sacks over the past three seasons while also picking up 36 tackles for a loss.
Atlanta had six sacks from Grady Jarrett but on the edge, they had very little outside of Lorenzo Carter who had just four on the year. Murphy brings exactly what they need as they look to get better in this department.
9. Arizona Cardinals (via Carolina Panthers): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
After adding a lot of draft capital in their trade with the Panthers, the Arizona Cardinals now bring in Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech. Listed at defensive end, Wilson stands 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds. He can be moved around the line to play both on the edge and in the interior.
Not known as a burner, Wilson is more of a power player and if the Cardinals stick with the 3-4 under their next head coach, he could slide into the role J.J. Watt occupied the past couple of years.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The No. 1 team in the NFC still landed a pick in the top 10 as the Philadelphia Eagles have this selection thanks to a trade with the New Orleans Saints a year ago. Philly has been solid all around and can afford to go for the top player on their board which happens to be Kelee Ringo from Georgia.
Ringo looks as though he was built in a defensive back factory as he stands 6-foot-2 and weighs roughly 205 pounds. He had some ups and downs this season but overall is the top prospect at the position and checks every physical box. Give him a couple of years working with Darius Slay and he could develop into a true shutdown corner.
11. Tennessee Titans: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Last year, the Tennessee Titans landed a first-round pick in a trade with the Eagles, surrendering A.J. Brown in the process. They replaced Brown with Treylon Burks who averaged just three receptions per game and had a single touchdown with 444 yards.
It’s no wonder Jon Robinson was fired during the season since Brown went off for Philadelphia while their offense was tough to watch. Now in 2023, they look to improve as they add Quentin Johnston to the mix, giving them the top wideout in this class.
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
After adding C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall, the Houston Texans are back on the clock and this time, they add tight end Michael Mayer from Notre Dame. Mayer is the top prospect at his position — although Darnell Washington could blow scouts away when he tests. He has very few holes in his game and had 180 receptions for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career with the Irish.
Houston will need wide receiver help as well but they most likely have to leapfrog the Titans in order to get the top prospect there. Instead, they land a safety valve to help out their new franchise quarterback.
13. New York Jets: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
This season ended up being a wasted one for the New York Jets who fired offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur after they went from 7-4 and in the playoff race to 7-10. A six-game losing streak ended their season and they scored a grand total of 15 points in their final three games.
While LaFleur got the axe, it was Zach Wilson who didn’t develop on the field. There were also several injuries to offensive linemen that slowed the offense down as well.
Here, they add Peter Skoronski who is the top lineman in this class. Skoronski is capable of playing nearly any position on the line and while the Jets would love to put him at left tackle, he’s versatile enough to fill in wherever he’s needed.
14. New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
There have been several mocks showing the New England Patriots going after a wide receiver but they rarely do that early in the draft. And when they have in recent memory, it hasn’t worked out well.
That’s why they decide to address a different position as they add Broderick Jones from Georgia. Jones in an effort to shore up their offensive line. Jones is a pure left tackle and can take over that spot while allowing Trent Brown to move to the right side and replace Isaiah Wynn who is entering free agency.
Jones had a great career for Georgia but really stood out during his final year. He was able to put up some dominant performances against the best pass rushers in the nation while playing in the SEC.
15. Green Bay Packers: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Somewhere along the line, Aaron Rodgers fully morphed into Brett Favre as he’s starting to spend the first part of every offseason debating whether or not he wants to play football anymore.
The Green Bay Packers say they’re ready to roll with Jordan Love if they have to but soon, they might have to make a decision between the two — and while Rodgers is one of the best ever, it’s not as easy of a decision as it seems especially after how poorly the offense performed this season even with Rodgers.
Whatever Rodgers decides, the Packers bring in another weapon on offense in Darnell Washington. The Georgia tight end is massive at 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds and is nearly impossible to take down on the first hit. Add him alongside the suddenly explosive Christian Watson and the offense will look much better in 2023.
16. Washington Commanders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Overall, the Washington Commanders have a strong defense. They could end up needing some help on the defensive line if they’re unable to re-sign Daron Payne but even more pressing is the defensive backfield.
Right now, they have decent defensive backs but need a No. 1 cornerback. That’s where Christian Gonzalez from Oregon comes in. Gonzalez had a decent showing for Colorado but when he transferred to Oregon for his final season, he was able to break out and become a star.
His only question before this year was his ability to take the ball away and after he secured four interceptions, it was clear he would be just fin in this area as well.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Somehow, the Pittsburgh Steelers did just enough to sneak out nine wins and finish 9-8. That wasn’t enough to get into the playoffs but it does mean Mike Tomlin has still never had a losing season, and that now includes a year where he had Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett under center.
Pickett would up playing very well down the stretch, especially in crunch time. Now looking forward, they add Paris Johnson in an effort to build the offensive line around their young quarterback. Johnson stands 6-foot-6 and 315-pounds and should slide right into a starting role as an offensive tackle for the Steelers.
18. Detroit Lions: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
They had a pick earlier thanks to the Los Angeles Rams and now the Detroit Lions are on the clock at No. 18 with their own selection. They again target a defender, and it’s another member of the Clemson Tigers.
Trenton Simpson is an athletic defender that converted from safety to linebacker. He has the speed to cover sideline to sideline and is capable of making noise on the blitz as well. For Detroit, who now has Aidan Hutchinson and Bryan Bresee thanks to this mock, Simpson will be able to find lanes when used on the blitz and can be a chess piece to frustrate opposing offenses.
19. New York Giants (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Another trade happens as the New York Giants make a move for a wideout before any other teams in need can. New York sends a third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Bucs in order to move from No. 22 to No. 19 in order to secure the rights to wide receiver Jordan Addison.
After a couple of strong seasons at Pitt, Addison headed to USC where he had 59 receptions for 875 yards and eight touchdowns. It wasn’t as explosive of a campaign as he had in 2021 but he did enough to prove he’s worthy of a Round 1 pick.
For the Giants, they need help at wide receiver and Addison has the ability to stretch the field and improve their overall offensive efficiency.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Another team that benefited from a lopsided trade was the Seattle Seahawks. They already added a premium player in Jalen Carter earlier in this mock thanks to the Russell Wilson trade with the Denver Broncos. Now, they’re on the clock at No. 20 with their own pick, although it could prove to be a later selection than this should they win in the playoffs.
Seattle ends up adding another defender from the SEC as they bring in Cam Smith from South Carolina. Smith is excellent in zone coverage which is what Seattle likes to do and is usually around the ball. He should be able to serve as their top cornerback as they look to get even better following a surprising campaign in 2022.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Penn State
The Jacksonville Jaguars could use help at wide receiver but they also need to find a way to slow down other passing attacks. Here, they wind up going for the defensive back as they add Joey Porter, Jr. from Penn State.
Porter, who is the son of a former NFL linebacker, has incredibly long arms and will likely measure out with the widest wingspan in the class at the combine. His height causes issues for opposing wideouts and he’s not afraid to get physical. The one issue is his ability to create turnovers but that should come with time.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via New York Giants): O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
With Tom Brady apparently ready to move on, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be making some moves this offseason. Perhaps they believe in Kyle Trask as their starter but he didn’t get a chance to show much in his lone appearance in Week 18.
Whatever they decide with him, they’re too far back to make a move for one of the top signal-callers in this class so instead, they look to make life easier on whoever is under center. Tampa Bay adds O’Cyrus Torrence from Florida at No. 22 overall.
They dropped down in the earlier trade with the Giants and still filled a need. That’s not a bad day’s work.
23. Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Justin Houston led the Baltimore Ravens in sacks this season with 9.5 but at 33 years of age, it’s not as if they can count on him forever. They also haven’t seen Odafe Oweh become the force off the edge they hoped for as he had just three sacks this year and eight in his first two.
With that being the case, they add Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame at No. 23. Foskey looks the part of an NFL pass rusher at 6-foot-4 and roughly 260-pounds. He also had a ton of success with 25 sacks, breaking Justin Tuck’s record for the most ever in Notre Dame history.
Baltimore has to figure things out with Lamar Jackson but they do at least improve their defense with this move.
24. Los Angeles Chargers: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
It’s tempting for the Los Angeles Chargers to go after a wide receiver considering the issues they had with injuries this season. However, with Joshua Palmer hauling in 72 receptions for 769 yards in 2022, they should be confident enough to wait until later rounds to add depth behind mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
With that being the case, they decide to bring in Clark Phillips III from Utah. Phillips has excellent speed and instincts while showing the ability to mirror opposing wideouts. Los Angeles lost J.C. Jackson to an injury this year and Phillips could be a solid No. 2 while also having the ability to fill in should Jackon miss more time in the future.
25. Kansas City Chiefs: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys drop back to No. 30 and add another third-round selection for their troubles. As for the Kansas City Chiefs, they end up bringing in Bijan Robinson from Texas.
Robinson’s addition would be well worth the third-rounder as he would add a whole new element to their offense. Kansas City hoped to do this with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and while that didn’t work out as expected, Robinson is hands-down the best back in this class and can take over a game on his own.
Add that to an offense that already has Patrick Mahomes and they become an even bigger nightmare to deal with.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Even with the addition of La’el Collins, the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line has been a mess. Joe Burrow was sacked 41 times and while that’s an improvement from the 51 in 2021, it’s still a problem. And while Collins improved as the season went along, Jonah Williams had his worst year as a pro.
Here, they elect to go with Anton Harrison who can take over at left tackle. He would be an upgrade over Williams, but his addition doesn’t mean they have to give up on him. Williams could still battle with Collins for the job on the right side, which could bring the best out of both of them. And if push comes to shove, Collins also has experience at guard.
In the end, having more linemen is a good thing for the Bengals who need to figure something out before they get Burrow injured again.
27. Minnesota Vikings: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Minnesota Vikings offense took a step forward this season but their defense went in a different direction. With their first pick in this mock draft, they elect to add to the defensive side of the ball with B.J. Ojulari from LSU.
Ojulari, who is the younger brother of New York Giants EDGE Azeez Ojulari, would be on the same defensive line as another LSU standout Danielle Hunter. There was a time when Minnesota had one of the best pass rushes in the NFL and they could be trending in the right direction again after this selection.
28. Denver Broncos: (via San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
A former Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12, Felix Anudike-Uzomah had eight sacks in 2022 after putting up 11 the prior year. He’s a versatile player that explodes out of his snap and can play in multiple schemes.
For the Denver Broncos, he would replace Bradley Chubb — who was sent to Miami in exchange for this pick — as a stand-up pass rusher. Denver will be in the market for another head coach this offseason as Nathaniel Hackett couldn’t get the job done. However, they need to get things figured out with Russell Wilson if they want to have any success. Otherwise, Anudike-Uzomah will become just another defender that could be frustrated by playing well while the offense never reciprocates.
29. Buffalo Bills: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
While they have Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Buffalo Bills have been hurting when it comes to the No. 3 wideout spot. They recently brought back Cole Beasley who could be a decent addition given how well he played during his first stint with the team but they need to get younger.
That’s why Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State is the selection at No. 29. Smith-Njigba was unstoppable in 2021 and the sky seemed to be the limit this year. Unfortunately, he missed the majority of the season. Even so, he still has the skill to be a Round 1 pick and with Davis and Diggs taking all the attention, he should find some soft spots in the defense to operate.
30. Dallas Cowboys: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
No matter how Jerry and Stephen Jones try and spin it, the Dallas Cowboys made a huge mistake when they traded Amari Cooper to Cleveland. CeeDee Lamb was capable of stepping into the No. 1 role but Michael Gallup was a disappointment this season — as were James Washington and Jalen Tolbert.
Dallas had some good moments through the air but overall, their passing attack wasn’t nearly as dangerous as it was a year ago. For that reason, they add Jalin Hyatt at No. 30 — following their trade back with Kansas City.
Hyatt broke out with a five-touchdown game against Alabama and continued to excel after that. He has a limited route tree but proved in the ‘Bama win that he can get past players who will be on the field at the next level. With him joining Lamb and Gallup, the Cowboys passing game should be much better in 2023.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
There are only 31 picks in this opening round thanks to the Miami Dolphins having to forfeit theirs. That means the Philadelphia Eagles are up at No. 31 and will close out the night.
Earlier, they added Kelee Ringo to play cornerback and now, they again address the secondary as they bring in Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M.
Johnson stands in at 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds and is arguably the top safety in this class. Johnson’s versatility is what draws Philly to him as he can play in the slot, as a deep safety, and even in a hybrid linebacker role. In a pass-happy NFL, you can never have too many good coverage guys and the Eagles end up with two in this class.