The Chicago Bears end up keeping the No. 1 overall pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft and trade Justin Fields after adding Bryce Young
Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, the expectation is that the Chicago Bears are going to trade the No. 1 overall pick. The move would make sense considering they have Justin Fields and could land quite the haul should they move down.
Having said that, there’s still no guarantee Fields is the answer in Chicago. For that reason, they end up trading him away and bringing in Bryce Young in our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
2023 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young is an elite talent with the only question about him being his size. He’s listed at 6-foot and 194 pounds but that’s being generous. He will likely be under 6 feet when he measures in at the Combine. Despite this, the Bears swing for the fences, hoping that Young can finally turn their franchise around.
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Personally, I see C.J. Stroud as the top quarterback but that’s not the consensus. He has the height and arm to be a star but some question his ability to read a defense.
That should have been put to rest with the way he picked apart the elite Georgia defense but that’s never how it works. In the end, it’s a huge win for the Houston Texans who gladly bring him in at No. 2.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (via Arizona Cardinals): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
After seeing Young and Stroud come off the board, the Las Vegas Raiders decide not to wait. They make a bold move as they jump from No. 7 to No. 3 in order to bring in Anthony Richardson from Florida.
This might feel like it’s too high for him but that’s how it goes with quarterbacks. If Las Vegas is right, it won’t matter what it cost.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Indianapolis Colts are about to start a rebuild and that’s led to speculation that DeForest Buckner could be on the way out. Should they trade him and pick up more assets — while freeing up cap space — then Jalen Carter would be an ideal replacement.
Carter was overshadowed by Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt, who were both first-round picks in 2022, but became a star in his own right after their departure.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Capable of playing either the edge or as a 3-tech, Tyree Wilson lands with the Seattle Seahawks at No. 5. Head coach Pete Carroll has always favored versatile defensive linemen, which is exactly what he gets here.
6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama
A 9-8 campaign was the result of a second-half run as the Detroit Lions became one of the better teams in the league by the season’s end. Now, they can become more dangerous due to having two picks in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Their first — courtesy of the L.A. Rams — is used on Will Anderson, Jr. from Alabama. He might not be a prototypical 4-3 defensive end but this coaching staff is smart enough to figure out how to use a player with his skill set.
7. Arizona Cardinals (via Las Vegas Raiders): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
They slid down a few spots thanks to the earlier predicted trade and wind up still landing a difference-maker in Myles Murphy. The Arizona Cardinals hired a defensive-minded coach in Jonathan Gannon and he gets a centerpiece for his defense here.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Penn State
This one might almost feel unfair. The Atlanta Falcons have a solid No. 1 cornerback already in A.J. Terrell and now add Joey Porter, Jr. with the No. 8 pick in this draft.
Atlanta could use a pass rusher as well but after the run on them leading up to this point, they decide to build one of the best secondaries in the NFC.
9. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
At this point, the Carolina Panthers could take Will Levis but instead, they call the Chicago Bears to ask about Justin Fields. After taking Bryce Young, Chicago is happy to get the No. 9 overall pick in exchange for Fields — and a conditional fourth-round pick.
Chicago then adds Peter Skoronski from Northwestern. Skoronski can play just about anywhere on the line which gives the Bears options as they try and put together a viable O-line.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Another corner comes off the board and like Joey Porter, Christian Gonzalez will join a roster that already has a great No. 1 option. Darius Slay has been one of the best in the business for years and now can help the Philadelphia Eagles by mentoring the Oregon product.
11. Tennessee Titans: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
With Taylor Lewan officially out, the Tennessee Titans need a new left tackle. They land Broderick Jones, who isn’t as experienced as some of the other options, but might possess the highest ceiling.
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
C.J. Stroud was taken at No. 2 by Houston and now they’re back on the clock at No. 12 thanks to their trade with the Cleveland Browns. Here, they land a No. 1 receiver for Stroud, bringing in Quentin Johnston from TCU.
Johnson has the size and speed to be a star in the NFL and showed off his skills at the highest level when he and the Horned Frogs upset Michigan to get into the NCAA title game.
13. New York Jets: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Injuries along the offensive line were decimating for the New York Jets, so they make sure to add to this unit with the selection of Paris Johnson from Ohio State. Johnson can play across from Mekhi Becton, giving them a potentially elite offensive line — and keeping this pick rather than trading for Aaron Rodgers could lead to much longer success. Especially if they can close the deal with Derek Carr.
14. New England Patriots: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The New England Patriots add Bryan Bresee with the 14th pick as Bill Belichick continues to beef up his defense. Bresee is an athletic phenom at the position and will give interior linemen fits.
15. Green Bay Packers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer is easily the most polished tight end in this class. The Notre Dame product might not jump off the film with athleticism but he simply does everything right. That’s what makes him such an ideal fit in Matt LeFleur’s offense.
16. Washington Commanders: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
All the news around the Washington Commanders right now is focused on their new offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy. In an effort to eventually land a head coaching gig, he left the Kansas City Chiefs and will now try and run an offense through Sam Howell.
Of course, they could be one of the teams looking to make a move for a quarterback and while Will Levis is on the clock here, I’m not sold he’s an upgrade over Howell.
With that being the case, Cam Smith from South Carolina is their selection, meaning Bieniemy will have to make his offense work without the benefit of a first-round selection helping him out.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
One huge difference between Kenny Pickett and Ben Roethlisberger is how quickly Big Ben could get the ball out of his hands. Pickett still needs more time to make his reads and that’s put a spotlight on the issues the Pittsburgh Steelers have on their offensive line. For that reason, they add Anton Harrison from Oklahoma who should be an instant starter.
18. Detroit Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Jamaal Williams had a huge season with 1,066 yards and a franchise-record 17 rushing touchdowns. However, he’s a free agent and about to turn 28 — which isn’t exactly young for a running back. The Detroit Lions do still have D’Andre Swift but he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Enter Bijan Robinson from Texas. The Lions add him and suddenly have one of the best running games in the league.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Right now, the only quarterback on the Tampa Bay Bucs roster is Kyle Trask. Now, they add Will Levis from Kentucky. Neither is a home run but maybe one of them can be a doubles hitter?
20. Seattle Seahawks: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
The Seattle Seahawks are back on the clock and they again address the line of scrimmage, although this time, it’s the offensive line. They add O’Cyrus Torrence, who is the top guard in this class. Torrence will replace Gabe Jackson, who was a major disappointment in 2022.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
With rumors the Los Angeles Chargers are set to move on from Keenan Allen, they’re going to be in need of another wideout across from Mike Williams. They don’t have to look too far as they find Jordan Addison here, who spent his final season playing for USC.
Addison had superior numbers during his time at Pitt but still feels like a Round 1 pick. He would also be a great compliment across from the much more physical Williams.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Throughout their existence, the Baltimore Ravens have had a tough defense and talented cornerbacks. They keep that going with the addition of Kelee Ringo from Georgia. He’s no longer No. 1 on every board but he’s still a talented corner that should have a long NFL career.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
With Harrison Smith nearing the end of the line, the Minnesota Vikings bring in Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M. He’s a physical safety who can play in deep coverage, which is what they’re going to need.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
The Jacksonville Jaguars suddenly have a bright future and all they needed to do was fire Urban Meyer to see it.
Doug Pederson did a phenomenal job in his first season in Jacksonville and their future is bright. Offensively, they have Calvin Ridley coming in which should help them improve on that side of the ball. Here, they add Tyrique Stevenson from Miami, giving them a potential No. 1 cornerback.
25. New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
After missing most of the 2022 campaign, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s star lost some of its shine. That’s good news for the New York Giants, who add one of the best route runners in this class at No. 25.
The question will be who is throwing him the ball. Daniel Jones had a solid season in 2023 but apparently drank some of Aaron Rodgers’ tea because he’s asking for stupid money right now.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Trading Amari Cooper clearly didn’t work out, so the Dallas Cowboys add Josh Downs from North Carolina. Downs is gaining traction leading up to the draft and would give them a complete No. 2 wideout, allowing Gallup to go back to the role of WR3, which he was much better in.
27. Buffalo Bills: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Three receivers in a row as the Buffalo Bills add Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee. There are rumors Stefon Diggs is unhappy but even if that goes away, they were looking for depth already. Hyatt might not be a refined route runner but he’s an absolute burner that can stretch the defense.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
In the 2022 offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals added several new offensive linemen — and it didn’t work. Sure, there was a spell where they started to get better but then they fell apart and injuries decimated them.
That’s why it’s back to the drawing board as they add Dawand Jones at No. 28. A massive human at 6-8 and 360 pounds, Jones is best on the right side. That means La’el Collins would need to move but he was just fine at guard for Dallas. Should he be willing to go back there, it’s a win for everyone. If not, he could be a candidate to be released because he wasn’t as advertised.
29. New Orleans Saints: (via San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
This selection has actually been through more teams than Paxton Lynch, and for now, appears to be owned by the New Orleans Saints who traded Sean Payton’s contract to Denver. They use it to bring in Isaiah Foskey who is a good replacement for Marcus Davenport.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Linebacker isn’t a huge need for the Philadelphia Eagles but Trenton Simpson is still on the board and is by far the top talent. That’s why he’s the selection as Howie Roseman continues to build a strong roster.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Thanks to the Miami Dolphins tampering with Tom Brady (and they didn’t even do it right since he never signed with them), the final pick in Round 1 will come at No. 31. The Super Bowl champs own the selection and bring in B.J. Ojulari from LSU.
Kansas City has all the weapons they need on offense and now, they add someone who can slow down the opposing quarterback as well.