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2023 NFL mock draft: Predicting the top pick for all 32 teams

By Sayre Bedinger

2023 NFL mock draft: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
2023 NFL mock draft: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL mock draft
2023 NFL mock draft: Calijah Kancey #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after sacking Kasim Hill #8 of the Rhode Island Rams (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

1. Minnesota Vikings (top pick: 23rd overall)

Pick: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh

The Minnesota Vikings were outstanding last season in close games, and in order to be that effective again in 2023 in such situations, they are going to need players defensively that can make those game-altering plays. Calijah Kancey is certainly at least a little bit reminiscent of Aaron Donald, being that they both are undersized former Pitt defensive tackles. Perhaps Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell will see those comparisons and bang the table for the Scouting Combine superstar, who can come in and get after the QB from the interior defensive line right away.

2. Detroit Lions (top picks: 6th overall, 18th overall)

Picks: (6) – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois; (18) – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Detroit Lions really have a chance with this NFL Draft class to solidify the reload of their defense. They added guys like CJ Gardner-Johnson and Cameron Sutton in free agency. They saw the emergence of young players Aidan Hutchinson, John Cominsky, James Houston, and even Isaiah Buggs last season on the defensive front. Adding talent like Devon Witherspoon and Nolan Smith — two guys who play with this Detroit Lions’ brand of physicality and tenacity — would take this defense to another level in 2023.

3. Green Bay Packers (top pick: 15th overall)

Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Of course, the year Aaron Rodgers leaves will be the year GM Brian Gutekunst uses a first-round pick on a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. In all seriousness though, I think the Packers would be absolute lunatics not to make this pick if the opportunity presents itself. You’ve got a true threat on the outside in Christian Watson. You have another outside threat in Romeo Doubs. This tight end class is extremely deep, but receiver isn’t on that same level. Getting Smith-Njigba here and a tight end later on could be a great way to surround Jordan Love with young talent.

4. Chicago Bears (top pick: 9th overall)

Pick: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

The Bears already landed a major piece for their offense by trading down from the no. 1 slot and adding WR DJ Moore. I don’t know if enough attention is being given to the defensive side of the ball for Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus. Jalen Carter does come with a level of risk attached, but he is the type of talent that could take the Chicago defense to another level quicker than most other prospects that would be realistically available to them.

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