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2023 NFL Mock Draft: 6 Blockbuster trades shake up first round selections

By Sayre Bedinger

2023 NFL mock draft: Hendon Hooker of Tennessee poses for a portrait during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
2023 NFL mock draft: Hendon Hooker of Tennessee poses for a portrait during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) /
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Today’s the day. What can we expect during the 2023 NFL Draft? Likely a lot of madness. This year’s draft is considered by many to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years, so buckle up. In order to adequately appreciate the craziness of the NFL Draft, you’ve got to immerse yourself in some speculation, right? This 2023 NFL mock draft scenario is going to do exactly that.

What kinds of trades can we expect after we’ve already seen so many big ones go down, affecting the first-round order, including the top pick overall? Let’s look at a 2023 NFL mock draft scenario with five blockbuster trades going down, shaking up conventional thinking in some instances.

Trade-loaded 2023 NFL mock draft

2023 NFL mock draft
2023 NFL mock draft: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

At this point, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the Carolina Panthers are taking Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This selection is obviously massive for the present and future of the Carolina Panthers, who play in a very “winnable” division with an outstanding new coaching staff, led by Frank Reich. Together with Reich and his outstanding staff, Bryce Young could end up being an overnight success in the NFL.

2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

The closer we are to the 2023 NFL Draft, the more I question what the Texans are actually doing. I think the rumors about the team not taking a quarterback are definitely for real, but what about the Tyree Wilson rumors? I just have a hard time buying Wilson over Will Anderson Jr. I think that kind of smoke is out there and it could end up being real, but I’m sticking with my gut here and projecting the Texans to take Anderson.

3. Tennessee Titans (from Cardinals): CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

TRADE:

Titans receive:

  • 3rd overall pick

Cardinals receive:

  • 11th overall pick
  • 41st overall pick
  • 2024 1st-round pick

The Tennessee Titans are a rare team in a position to really make a push for one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft and certainly, someone they can build around going forward. The Titans have oddly been in contention for the last handful of years since Ryan Tannehill took over the operation midway through the 2019 season. They have simply played exceptionally well for head coach Mike Vrabel and I think Vrabel goes back to his Ohio State roots, banking his future (along with new GM Ran Carthon) on Stroud.

4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Although the Colts were jumped in this scenario by their division rivals in Tennessee, I think they end up with the guy they want the most anyway. Will Levis is a bit out there in some ways, but how much of it is just an act? This is a guy who was offered scholarships to every Ivy League school there is, and he has all the physical attributes in the world. He also has an endorsement from the Manning family, which might just seal the deal for Jim Irsay and the Colts.

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