2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders get aggressive for top pick, Bryce Young

With Super Bowl LVII in the books, every team now turns their attention to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas and how they can win the 2023 NFL offseason. This year’s crop of free agents is already fascinating, and it’s going to get even crazier with cap casualties and trades going down around the league. We’ve already seen Derek Carr hit the market, what’s going to happen next? The Super Bowl being in the books means it’s officially 2023 NFL mock draft season for every NFL team.

How will this year’s first round turn out? Well, odds are you’ve got a better shot at predicting the entire March Madness pool correctly than getting even half of a mock draft right, but it’s always fun to look at options and fits for players and teams. Let’s take a look at another 2023 NFL mock draft scenario where the Las Vegas Raiders get aggressive, and make a move up the board.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders move up aggressively after Derek Carr release

1. Las Vegas Raiders (trade with Bears): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Why do so many 2023 NFL mock draft scenarios have the Las Vegas Raiders trading up into the first overall pick with the Chicago Bears? There are a few reasons. First, but maybe not most importantly, the Raiders are within the top 10 picks and can make it a little easier for the Bears to justify trading out. Beyond that, they released Derek Carr, who has now taken (or is taking) visits with the Saints and Jets.

With no Derek Carr, the Raiders have jumped into the quarterback market in a big way, and I think we could see Josh McDaniels make an aggressive move to go and get Bryce Young. We know the Patriots have a great admiration for Nick Saban and the Alabama program, and Young is someone who could be inserted into the Raiders’ lineup and have success almost immediately.

If you’re a Raiders fan, dream up the trade value here. If you’re a Bears fan, dream up the trade value as well. You can bet that it would cost Las Vegas at least multiple first-round picks and multiple early day-two picks to get from 7th overall into this slot.

2. Houston Texans: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Now that the Houston Texans have a new head coach in place in DeMeco Ryans, he’s begun building his coaching staff. The Texans’ new offensive coordinator is going to be young Bobby Slowik, the latest branch of the Shanahan coaching tree and a former employee of Pro Football Focus (from 2014-16). Although the folks at PFF like Will Levis over CJ Stroud this year, I think you get Slowik someone to develop one way or the other.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

As fate would have it, one of the only defensive coaches to get hired in this year’s head coaching cycle — Jonathan Gannon — gets to use his first-ever NFL Draft pick on the top non-QB on his board. Along with GM Monti Ossenfort (a former Patriots exec where they undoubtedly love Crimson Tide players), Gannon gets himself a big-time force off the edge to adequately replace Chandler Jones over the long haul. Gannon is taking over a team that needs so many pieces. Anderson is a good spot to start.

4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

I think it is going to be fascinating to see what the NFL really thinks of someone like Will Levis. We debated last offseason over guys like Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and Desmond Ridder, only to see one of them selected in the first two rounds. You hear and read everything from people being scared of Levis as the next possible Carson Wentz to people who view him as perhaps the next Josh Allen. Luckily for the Colts, they just hired Shane Steichen, who has developed Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts at his last two stops.

5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

The Seahawks find themselves in a similar boat as their division rivals in Arizona in this 2023 NFL mock draft scenario. They stay put at pick no. 5 overall and end up getting arguably the top non-QB on the board. Although Seattle was opportunistic defensively this past year, a versatile athlete like Jalen Carter who can wreck games from the defensive line will help this unit be more formidable on all three downs.

6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Detroit Lions have two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and I think it’s safe to say they’ll be investing heavily on the defensive side of the ball. Were it not for some defensive collapses early on in the season, this Lions team might have had a much easier path to the postseason. They still ended up winning nine games including a road win against the Packers in perhaps the final game there for Aaron Rodgers. But this team could get a huge boost from a playmaker in the secondary like Devon Witherspoon, who plays the game with an edge to him.

7. Chicago Bears (trade with Raiders): Paris Johnson, Jr., OT, Ohio State

After trading down with the Las Vegas Raiders — for a king’s bounty, no doubt — the Chicago Bears end up landing the top offensive tackle on the board in Paris Johnson, Jr. out of Ohio State. This team may or may not buy into Justin Fields over the long haul. They have a couple of fascinating options before them going forward: Invest in Justin Fields (who wasn’t drafted by the current regime) or fall in love with Bryce Young (or Will Levis/CJ Stroud). If the Bears stick with Fields, they need to upgrade in the trenches desperately.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

It feels like the Atlanta Falcons could make a big splash at the quarterback position in the 2023 offseason, but where? Will they be the team that makes the Baltimore Ravens an offer for Lamar Jackson that they simply can’t refuse? That’s what a lot of Falcons fans want to see. They could try to trade up for someone here, or maybe they just take Anthony Richardson. One way or another, the Falcons need to get tougher off the edge defensively and Tyree Wilson is a bully at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds who might remind Falcons GM Terry Fontenot of Cameron Jordan from his days with the Saints.

9. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

The offensive staff the Carolina Panthers have been building under new head coach Frank Reich is nothing short of a juggernaut.

• Jim Caldwell
• Duce Staley
• Thomas Brown
• Josh McCown

The Panthers have set themselves up to groom an offense loaded with young talent, and I think that’s exactly what they’re going to do, starting with QB. I would be so bold as to say — watch out for the Panthers in this year’s draft with any of the top QBs. They should be aggressive because they have the staff to do so. Anthony Richardson needs a stable staff like this one to excel in the NFL. There may not be a better fit for him.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles get themselves a top-10 pick to help reload after the run they just went on. That’s just general manager Howie Roseman winning over and over again. Here, he lands Christian Gonzalez, the Colorado transfer who is coming off of a big year at Oregon where he put his ball skills on display. The Eagles have an aging Darius Slay and James Bradberry hitting free agency. The position needs to be addressed, as much as Roseman loves to attack the trenches.

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Speaking of attacking in the trenches, the Tennessee Titans need to do exactly that this offseason. Actually, this team is going to be fascinating when it comes to the quarterback market, depending of course on what happens with Ryan Tannehill. If they do jump in the quarterback race, they’re kind of a wild card there. What does this team think of Malik Willis long-term? Do they buy him as a viable option? Whoever is playing QB, they’re going to be handing the ball off to Derrick Henry — a lot. Peter Skoronski can start at multiple positions immediately.

12. Houston Texans: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

After landing CJ Stroud with their top pick, the Houston Texans turn to the defensive side of the ball here and land Myles Murphy. I think DeMeco Ryans is going to be able to bring a ton of his friends over in free agency to reload the defense rather quickly, but we could see the Texans really reload assets in the NFL Draft there as well. With his speed, power, and length off the edge, Murphy could go much higher than this. He could be a cornerstone type of piece.

13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

As I’m writing this post, Derek Carr is visiting the New York Jets. Although his fit with the Saints (who don’t pick until 29 overall) makes so much sense from the Saints’ perspective, I think the Jets might be the better overall situation. How funny would it be to see fired Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett coaching fired Raiders QB Derek Carr with the Jets? It might just be the crazy concoction this team needs for the playoffs. That, and a little offensive line.

Georgia’s Broderick Jones is going to knock your teeth out if you don’t bring your best against him.

14. New England Patriots: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The New England Patriots don’t really take wide receivers in round one, but they didn’t take QBs in round one until Mac Jones, either. The Patriots have to do what they can to properly surround Mac Jones, especially at receiver. To this point, they haven’t done that. Quentin Johnston might not be the typical WR1 in a typical NFL Draft class but he’s a big-bodied receiver who is fluid as can be in his movements. He could be the go-to receiver in Bill O’Brien’s offense.

15. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

The Packers are such a weird team. Are they going to soon have another first-round pick from an Aaron Rodgers trade? Regardless, this team needs to finally use first-round NFL Draft real estate on some playmakers, especially if they are moving on to Jordan Love. Dalton Kincaid has been ascending in recent weeks in the NFL Draft community and he debuts as the TE1 of this 2023 NFL mock draft. He’s sure-handed, explosive, and someone who could help the Packers replace Allen Lazard, who seems destined to follow Nathaniel Hackett (to the Jets).

16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Washington Commanders have a chance to really take a big leap forward this offseason, but they need to figure out the QB position. That’s not going to happen here at the 16th overall pick unless they can use this pick in a trade for someone else. Washington finds itself in both QB purgatory and NFL Draft purgatory this offseason but they can still land an impact player here in Joey Porter Jr., who has his dad’s physicality but big-time playmaker skills at corner.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

When Kenny Pickett moved on to the NFL in 2022, Jordan Addison moved from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles. And he ended up thriving in Lincoln Riley’s offense just like he did at Pitt the year prior. He’s been drawing some comparisons to Stefon Diggs for his combination of route running savvy as well as his explosiveness and ability to rack up YAC. He would be a fun fit in Pittsburgh where they develop WRs at an exceptionally high level. After shipping off Chase Claypool, could Addison complete their new young trio?

18. Detroit Lions: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Brian Branch probably isn’t going to win NFL defensive rookie of the year, but he might end up being one of the most impactful rookies in the league next year. Why? Because this guy is one of the smartest and most dependable defenders in the class. Alabama put him all over the formation and used him as a blitzer, in coverage, and everything in between. He’s so tough, he plays fast, and I think when Dan Campbell and his staff watch him, they’re going to see him as a perfect fit for their culture and brand of football.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

What is about to happen to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2023 offseason? Tom Brady has retired. They are way over the salary cap. They have effectively cleaned house on the offensive staff. There are some big-name impending free agents as well as some potentially big-name impending salary cap cuts. The Bucs simply need to make sure they get cost-effective players at premium positions right now and Cam Smith fits the bill at cornerback.

20. Seattle Seahawks: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

The Seattle Seahawks are going to excel going forward by continuing to play a very physical brand of football. Kenneth Walker was sensational as a rookie, and the success of the running game helped propel Geno Smith to a Pro Bowl and frankly breakout season in 2022. O’Cyrus Torrence is going to keep that train moving for the Seahawks. It might be a boring pick but Torrence is a great fit for Seattle.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t done the best job of building wide receiver depth the last handful of years. You can’t really fault them for how they’ve built the roster overall, but I think it’s time for them to bring in some more new blood at receiver. Keenan Allen is getting older and might be on the chopping block this offseason. With Kellen Moore coming in, you can expect a heavy dose of 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) so Zay Flowers — or any receiver here — may be a must-have.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Baltimore Ravens rankings in rushing attempts over the last four seasons:

• 2019: 1st
• 2020: 1st
• 2021: 3rd
• 2022: 6th

This team runs the ball. Moreover, Eric DeCosta always gets steals at every turn of the NFL Draft. Bijan Robinson in this slot is absolute thievery. Bring back Lamar Jackson, draft Bijan Robinson, go out and get more receiver help. The Ravens will be cooking again.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

Although Ed Donatell was the scapegoat, I think the Vikings simply need an overhaul of defensive personnel in 2023. This defense cycled through a ton of different players, especially up front, in 2022. Here they add Lukas Van Ness. New Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will love the versatile defensive weapon in Van Ness, who plays with violent hands and tremendous quickness.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Jacksonville Jaguars look like they are very well set up on the offensive side of the ball in 2023. This team is already adding former Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley after a trade that really flew under the radar midway through the 2022 NFL season. Defensively, you could see this team make some moves at every level. Tyson Campbell has taken a huge leap forward for this team, so why not dip into that Georgia talent pool again? Kelee Ringo looks like he was carved out of stone and his speed is other-worldly.

25. New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

When you’re looking at a pick this late in round one, I’m not sure you could expect a better value sitting on the board than Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He’s not the ideal size for a top WR prospect, but that seems to matter to teams less as the round goes along. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen got themselves a steal last year bringing in Isaiah Hodgins, but this team could be looking at a total reset at receiver. The question here is how much Wan’Dale Robinson factors in and whether the Giants would pass on Smith-Njigba and wait for a different type of receiver.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

I think the Dallas Cowboys will — maybe should — led Dalton Schultz walk in free agency. He’s obviously got good chemistry with Dak Prescott, but Prescott could develop good chemistry with Darnell Washington, one of the most intriguing prospects in this entire class. An extension of the offensive line in the running game and is a cheat code in the passing game. I think he would help a team like Dallas move on from a player like Schultz rather easily.

27. Buffalo Bills: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

The NFL Draft community loves Cody Mauch, and I think Buffalo Bills fans would embrace him like almost no other fan base could.

https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1626564707078348800

The first-round buzz has built to a level at this point that cannot be ignored. He is probably going to test really well athletically but I think Mauch will ultimately transition to the interior offensive line at the next level. If you’re the Buffalo Bills — this fit might be a home run.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Perhaps this one is meant to be:

https://twitter.com/Wrightreportt/status/1590895338877227015

The Cincinnati Bengals have so many weapons offensively but pretty soon, they might have to decide which ones to keep around. Joe Burrow is going to get paid an obscene amount of money. Tee Higgins will need to be paid sooner rather than later. Ja’Marr Chase shortly after that. Adding more weapons in the passing game is not a bad idea at all and Michael Mayer is one of the best in this year’s class at tight end.

29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

The way this NFL mock draft has fallen for a team like the New Orleans Saints has been pretty ideal. You’ve got a big-time talent (with some injury concerns) here in Bryan Bresee as a plug-and-play on the defensive line. You’ve also got someone like Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama who might plug in at running back if Alvin Kamara is unavailable. The Saints got this pick from Denver in the Sean Payton trade, and they need the building blocks for the roster.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

The Philadelphia Eagles not only lost Jonathan Gannon to the Arizona Cardinals, but starting linebackers TJ Edwards and Kyzir White are also slated to hit free agency. If they lose one or both of those guys, then someone like Trenton Simpson here with their second out of two first-round picks could be a God-send. Getting ahead of ourselves here, but especially if the Eagles land someone like Vance Joseph, this is a no-brainer fit.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The final pick in this 2023 NFL mock draft belongs to the NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs, who already have somewhat of an embarrassment of riches on their roster right now. Kansas City took George Karlaftis last year in round one, and could double up on pass rushers with Nolan Smith here. I know a lot of Chiefs fans want BJ Ojulari here, and that wouldn’t be a bad pick, either.

Kansas City here lands someone who plays fast, physical, and he has been a tremendous leader on that Georgia team. He would be a massive pickup for Kansas City at the bottom of round one.