The 2023 NFL Draft is just about here. What kind of madness can we expect in the top 100+ selections? We’re going to explore some fun possibilities in this 2023 NFL mock draft. It feels like, as of right now, very little is known beyond the first overall pick. Some are not even sold about what direction the Carolina Panthers are going with that, either.
For now, let’s take a look at three rounds of mock draft madness without any trades, and what directions teams could go.
2023 NFL mock draft: Predicting the first three rounds
1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Carolina Panthers seem to have come to a final decision with the first overall pick in the draft, although it’s hard to imagine they hadn’t already come to that conclusion when they pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears weeks ago. At the same time, the Panthers really gave themselves the luxury of going through the entire process, meeting with all of the prospects, having them all into their facilities, and getting to know them with the luxury of knowing they had their pick of the litter.
I think Bryce Young feels like the safest bet at this point based on all of the information that’s currently out there. It’s hard to imagine a rookie QB stepping into a better overall situation than this one.
2. Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Houston Texans are poised to shock a lot of people when the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off, and some are still refusing to believe the rumors that this Texans team will pass on quarterbacks. Will they actually do that? I mean, it’s not impossible. Houston is not in a position right now to say they absolutely have to be married to a certain player with that second-overall pick at the QB position. If there’s not conviction among the coaching staff and front office, then why not give DeMeco Ryans as much talent to make that Houston defense as good as possible as quickly as possible?
Tyree Wilson would be a bit of a surprise pick but he’s been really rising in recent weeks thanks to his combination of intangibles, athleticism, length, and ability to move around the defensive front and make an impact.