2023 NFL Mock draft: Raiders make leap to No. 1 overall, Cowboys trade back
By Randy Gurzi
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. C.J. Stroud. 2. 10. Ohio State
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Some have speculated that the Houston Texans could be in the market for the No. 1 overall pick but it’s just as likely they stay put and take C.J. Stroud from Ohio State. Stroud doesn’t have as much buzz surrounding him as Young but his final game with the Buckeyes was a perfect example of how talented he is.
He completed 23-of-34 attempts for 348 yards with four touchdowns. He even moved Ohio State right down the field at the end of the game and should have been given a chance to finish the drive, but Ryan Day took his foot off the gas and settled for a long field goal ‚— which sailed wide.
Perhaps if the kick is good and Stroud leads his team to a national title, things would be different. Either way, the Texans land a player with the tools to be great and they keep all their assets, including an extra first-round pick in this draft. If they can hit on their remaining picks, and hire the right coach, this could be a turnaround season for them.
87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. Kentucky. Will Levis. 3. player
3. Carolina Panthers (via Arizona Cardinals): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Desperate for a quarterback, the Carolina Panthers make a jump from No. 9 to No. 3. They surrender a second and fourth-round pick this year and a first in 2024 which will help the Cardinals rebuild under their new coach.
For Carolina, they now have a signal-caller they can build around in Will Levis. One year after Kenny Pickett was the lone quarterback selected in Round 1, there are three in a row off the board in 2023.