The bulk of free agency has concluded, and we are in the home stretch of the pre-draft NFL offseason. The buzz around this year's crop of quarterbacks is at an all-time high, and NFL fans and media are increasingly anxious to see how the 2023 NFL Draft unfolds. Since my mock draft 1.0, much has changed. The Panthers are still picking first, but the haul changes the Bears' outlook. Darren Waller was still a Raider, and the Cowboys didn't yet have Brandin Cooks. With less than a month before the draft, here's how I see it unfolding.
1. Carolina Panthers - C.J. Stroud (QB - Ohio State)
C.J. Stroud is the odds-on favorite to become the first overall pick after Carolina's move up the draft board, and his combination of poise, accuracy, and an elite release make him the perfect fit for the Panthers. After adding Miles Sanders, Hayden Hurst, Adam Thielen, and D.J. Chark while retaining their entire offensive line, the Panthers would become immediate contenders in a weak NFC South.
2. Houston Texans - Bryce Young (QB - Alabama)
While the buzz around Anthony Richardson is real, Bryce Young is an outlier worth betting on. Young has a game-changing ability with accuracy, anticipation, and football intelligence, and the Texans' infatuation with him hasn't exactly been a secret. Young would help move Houston out of the Deshaun Watson era and into the next phase of their rebuild.
3. Indianapolis Colts (from ARI) - Anthony Richardson (QB - Florida)
While the Colts' interest in Lamar Jackson seems significant, they instead pull the trigger on a trade-up of one spot (at a hefty price) to get their future franchise leader. Richardson has dominated the conversation this offseason and became the most athletic quarterback ever at the NFL Scouting Combine. With Shane Steichen's arrival and his success with Jalen Hurts, Richardson would have the offense built around his skill set and likely see the field earlier than he currently is projected to.
Trade details: Indianapolis sends No. 4 overall and 2024 second and third-round picks to Arizona for No. 3 overall.
4. Arizona Cardinals - Tyree Wilson (EDGE - Texas Tech)
Tyree Wilson had a quiet pre-draft process, primarily due to the late-season foot injury that sidelined him. Still, the combination of length and bend at 6-foot-5, 271 pounds is rare, and his versatility should ensure his presence in the top ten. The Cardinals need versatility on their defensive line, and Wilson's ability to fill multiple roles would give him the edge over Will Anderson Jr.
5. Seattle Seahawks - Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE - Alabama)
The Seahawks strike gold and land arguably the best player, regardless of position, in the draft. Anderson's ability to wreak havoc in opposing backfields is something the Seattle defense has missed for a long time. He would be an upgrade from Darrell Taylor, giving Seattle two young pieces (Anderson and Boye Mafe) to build the EDGE room around.
6. Minnesota Vikings (from DET) - Will Levis (QB - Kentucky)
The Vikings quietly met with Anthony Richardson and Will Levis at the combine, and Kirk Cousins' contract and age indicate it could be time to get aggressive. Levis doesn't have first-round film, but he has the athleticism and tools that NFL teams covet in their quarterbacks. Kevin O'Connell coordinated a Super Bowl-winning offense for Matthew Stafford, and he'd hope to mold Levis into a similarly successful quarterback in this scenario.
Trade details: Minnesota sends No. 23, No. 119, and 2024 first and second-round picks to Detroit for No. 6 and No. 81.
7. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Gonzalez (CB - Oregon)
While the Jimmy Garoppolo signing doesn't rule out a quarterback selection, the Big Four are off the board here. Plan B could be various things, but Christian Gonzalez would significantly improve an inconsistent secondary. Gonzalez is an elite athlete with 4.38 speed and an incredible burst. He also possesses fantastic mirror ability and stickiness in coverage.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Nolan Smith (EDGE - Georgia)
Nolan Smith made a lot of money at the NFL Combine, and the Falcons are missing a difference-maker with burst and bend off the edge. Smith's injury allowed him to take a more prominent leadership role on a national championship Georgia team. He would give Grady Jarrett a dynamic running mate along the defensive line.
9. Chicago Bears - Peter Skoronski (OT - Northwestern)
While Chicago must still add to their defense if they plan to compete in 2023, the number one priority remains setting Justin Fields up for success. Peter Skoronski's addition to an already improved offensive line would help. Skoronski is a native Chicagoan that boasts tenacity, athleticism, and sound footwork in pass protection. While arm length remains a question, it shouldn't hinder his chances of being one of the top tackles off the board.
10. Philadelphia Eagles - Lukas Van Ness (EDGE - Iowa)
The Eagles retained more players than expected during the first wave of free agency, but filling their lost positions isn't feasible here. Derek Barnett and Brandon Graham aren't long-term options, and getting younger and more athletic on the defensive line should be a priority. Insert Lukas Van Ness, an elite, powerful athlete who bends off the edge. His toolbox is barren, but the Eagles are the perfect landing spot for an EDGE who needs to develop.
11. Tennessee Titans - Paris Johnson Jr. (OT - Ohio State)
The Titans signed Andre Dillard to a large deal this offseason, and Nicholas Petit-Frere played okay in 2022; neither should prevent the Titans from seeking an offensive tackle. Johnson is an unbelievable athlete with fantastic movement skills and room to develop in the running game. Johnson would give the Titans flexibility to put the best five linemen on the field, with Johnson having experience at guard if needed.
12. New England Patriots (from HOU) - Darnell Wright (OT - Tennessee)
The Patriots have an offensive line problem. Trent Brown is aging rapidly, and the patchwork signing of Riley Reiff is sure to be disappointing if his 2022 film indicates anything. Darnell Wright had a remarkable year after moving to right tackle in 2022, and his play style is what New England traditionally looks for in their offensive linemen. Getting ahead of the division rivals to take their right tackle might not have been essential, but the Patriots must be aggressive in helping Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe succeed if they plan to make the playoffs in 2023.
Trade details: New England sends No. 14 and No. 76 to Houston for No. 12 and No. 230.
13. New York Jets - Broderick Jones (OT - Georgia)
With Darnell Wright off the board, the Jets take the next-best (actually better) thing. Broderick Jones is another elite athlete at the tackle position, measuring 6-foot-5 and running sub-5.00 in the forty-yard dash. Jones or Becton would slide to right tackle, giving Aaron Rodgers some needed help in front of him.
14. Houston Texans - Calijah Kancey (DT - Pittsburgh)
Jalen Carter's offseason couldn't have gone worse, leaving room for elite athletes with quickness and pass-rushing ability at his position to move up boards. Calijah Kancey took full advantage of his opportunity to show off that quickness in this pre-draft process, and the Aaron Donald comparisons are hard to ignore. The Texans don't boast depth at the defensive tackle position and should be in the market for another pressure generator in the middle.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (from GB) - Devon Witherspoon (CB - Illinois)
If Devon Witherspoon begins to fall, the Steelers would be remiss not to attempt moving up for him. Despite signing Patrick Peterson, Pittsburgh has a clear need at cornerback. Witherspoon also fits the mold of a Pittsburgh Steeler with his aggressive, instinctual play style that allows him to be a menace in man coverage. He'd step in as the No. 2 cornerback for a team that must improve in its secondary.
Trade details: Pittsburgh sends No. 17 and No. 80 to Green Bay for No. 15 and 116.
16. Washington Commanders - Joey Porter Jr. (CB - Penn State)
The Commanders fared well against their opponents in coverage last season despite inconsistent play from their corners. Joey Porter Jr.'s coverage versatility and potential to be a lockdown No. 1 cornerback would give the Commanders something they don't currently have in their secondary: a true running mate for Kendall Fuller.
17. Green Bay Packers - Darnell Washington (TE - Georgia)
In this scenario, the Packers have a new quarterback under center. Darnell Washington's ability to protect Jordan Love with pass blocking while making plays for him makes him difficult to pass up. Washington is a top-tier athlete, running sub-4.70 in the forty-yard dash and measuring in with longer arms than some offensive tackle prospects. Georgia didn't always ask him to catch passes, and his hands can be inconsistent, but Washington is a day-one impact starter.
18. Detroit Lions - Brian Branch (S - Alabama)
Brian Branch is one of the most versatile safety prospects in the last few years, and he fits the Dan Campbell mentality perfectly. After signing two cornerbacks and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to accompany Jeff Okudah in the secondary, the Lions give themselves more flexibility. Branch can play in every alignment, though many teams view him as a slot corner (a role he could assume quickly in the Lions' defense if Gardner-Johnson wants to play safety mostly). The Lions are uniquely positioned to make luxury picks every time they're on the clock; Branch may be one of those.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bijan Robinson (RB - Texas)
The Buccaneers have many needs, but this would be a clear case of the best player available mentality. Bijan Robinson is one of the ten best players in the class, and the NFL should value his ability to impact an offense significantly. Robinson can touch the ball 25 times per game and carry a team, and he'd be a clear upgrade from Rachaad White, a player that flashed moments of brilliance but largely remained inconsistent throughout 2022.
20. Seattle Seahawks - Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR - Ohio State)
Tyler Lockett will turn 31 at the beginning of the 2023 season, and the Seahawks' current No. 3 wide receiver is Dee Eskridge. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the board, this is a no-brainer. Smith-Njigba would slide immediately into the slot and run with DK Metcalf and Lockett, making up one of the best assortments of pass-catching weapons in the entire league.
21. Los Angeles Chargers - Michael Mayer (TE - Notre Dame)
Michael Mayer tested better than expected at the NFL Scouting Combine. While the Chargers still have Gerald Everett and re-signed Donald Parham, they must continue to upgrade at critical positions. The tight end position is a staple in the Kellen Moore offense, and Mayer is a more dynamic option than the guys mentioned above. Mayer would give the Chargers another red zone option and another reliable chain-mover heading into 2023.
22. Baltimore Ravens - Quentin Johnston (WR - TCU)
The Ravens are loudly exploring upgrades at the wide receiver position. Outside of Rashod Bateman, there is little to work with. They have a top-30 visit scheduled with Quentin Johnston, and his abilities align with the Todd Monken offenses that have excelled in the past. Johnston's ability to create after the catch, but go up and make 50-50 balls 70-30, would be perfect for the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens (yes - he returns in this scenario).
23. Detroit Lions - Drew Sanders (LB - Arkansas)
While many expect the first off-ball linebacker to come off the board in the second round, few guys in the class scream, "I am a Dan Campbell guy," quite like Drew Sanders. Sanders flies around the football field with urgency. The Lions currently start Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez as their primary linebackers (with James Houston IV being a rushing SAM). Sanders would give them a tenacious third guy to rotate in and mop up tackles.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars - Deonte Banks (CB - Maryland)
Deonte Banks is an elite athlete with sticky coverage ability and a remarkable change of direction in and out of receiver breaks. His press-man ability fits the mold of the Jaguars' defense, and they desperately need to add to their corner room. Banks would likely start opposite Tyson Campbell and provide one of the league's most athletic young cornerback duos.
25. New York Giants - John Michael Schmitz (OC - Minnesota)
The Giants' current center is Ben Bredeson, a player with 30 total snaps at the position since entering the league. John Michael Schmitz allows them to keep Bredeson competing for a guard spot while adding a dynamic, nasty center that can get downhill and create running lanes for running back Saquon Barkley. Schmitz is reminiscent of Creed Humphrey, a player that most teams wish they would've taken before the Chiefs did in 2021.
26. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Carter (DT - Georgia)
Jalen Carter's slide finally stops here at No. 26 with Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. Carter is the biggest wildcard in the draft. He's arguably the most talented player, but the off-field (and on-field, regarding his pro day) concerns are loud. Pairing Carter with Micah Parsons on a defensive line on the field would be borderline unfair.
27. Buffalo Bills - Zay Flowers (WR - Boston College)
The Bills added Deonte Harty and Trent Sherfield to their wide receiver room this offseason, but neither offers the after-the-catch ability that Zay Flowers will upon his entrance into the league. Flowers can win at all three levels, but his reliability on underneath work should give the Bills extra motivation to select him here.
28. Cincinnati Bengals - Dawand Jones (OT - Ohio State)
Jonah Williams quickly requested a trade when the Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr., indicating the Bengals may still need a tackle. La'el Collins could have been better in pass protection in 2022 before his injury, and Jones gives the team flexibility to build with two consistent tackles on each side for the next five years.
29. New Orleans Saints - Myles Murphy (EDGE - Clemson)
Myles Murphy hasn't yet worked out for teams as he recovers from injury, but this pick may look silly once he does. He's an elite athlete who can win with power on the edge. He can bend but does it inconsistently on film. The Saints lost a lot on their defensive line and should look to this draft as a way to replenish that area of their defense.
30. Tennessee Titans (from PHI) - Hendon Hooker (QB - Tennessee)
Statistically, Hendon Hooker is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2023 class. The film suggests he's a day-two player, with half-field reads and schemed layups consistently remaining prevalent on his film. Still, the Titans are in a position to get aggressive for their future signal caller, and Hooker's ability to deliver good footballs gives him a chance to become a first-round selection later this month.
Trade details: Tennessee sends No. 41, No. 72, and a 2024 third-round pick to Philadelphia for No. 30.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Will McDonald IV (EDGE - Iowa State)
The Chiefs desperately need pass-rush help, despite signing Charles Omenihu last month. Will McDonald IV is one of the bendiest players in the class, and his sack production shows that. He accumulated 34 sacks in his collegiate career, despite lining up at linebacker often. McDonald would give the Chiefs a more dynamic pass rush, pairing with George Karlaftis to help continue building the dynasty.
Second Round
32. PIT - Jordan Addison (WR - USC)
33. HOU - Adetomiwa Adebawore (DT - Northwestern)
34. ARI - Bryan Bresee (DT - Clemson)
35. IND - Kelee Ringo (CB - Georgia)
36. LAR - Keion White (DT - Georgia Tech)
37. SEA - Steve Avila (OC - TCU)
38. LV - Anton Harrison (OT - Oklahoma)
39. CAR - B.J. Ojulari (EDGE - LSU)
40. NO - Keeanu Benton (DT - Wisconsin)
41. PHI - O'Cyrus Torrence (OG - Florida)
42. GB (from NYJ) - Josh Downs (WR - North Carolina)
Trade details: New York Jets send No. 42, No. 112, and a 2024 conditional third-round pick to Green Bay for Aaron Rodgers.
43. NYJ - Antonio Johnson (S - Texas A&M)
44. ATL - Emmanuel Forbes (CB - Mississippi State)
45. GB - Mazi Smith (DT - Michigan)
46. NE - Trenton Simpson (LB - Clemson)
47. WAS - Dalton Kincaid (TE - Utah)
48. DET - Felix Anudike-Uzomah (EDGE - Kansas State)
49. PIT - Jack Campbell (LB - Iowa)
50. TB - Cam Smith (CB - South Carolina)
51. MIA - Luke Musgrave (TE - Oregon State)
52. SEA - D.J. Turner (CB - Michigan)
53. CHI - Joe Tippmann (OC - Wisconsin)
54. LAC - Jalin Hyatt - (WR - Tennessee)
55. CIN (from DET) - Jahmyr Gibbs (RB - Alabama)
Trade details: Cincinnati sends No. 60 and No. 131 to Detroit for No. 55.
56. JAX - Tuli Tuipulotu (EDGE - USC)
57. NYG - Cedric Tillman (WR - Tennessee)
58. DAL - Zach Charbonnet (RB - UCLA)
59. BUF - Cody Mauch (OG - North Dakota State)
60. DET - Sam LaPorta (TE - Iowa)
61. CHI - Zach Harrison (EDGE - Ohio State)
62. PHI - Tyjae Spears (RB - Tulane)
63. KC - Matthew Bergeron (OT - Syracuse)
64. CHI - Isaiah Foskey (EDGE - Notre Dame)
Thank you for reading! Please follow and ask any questions @CWilliamsNFL on Twitter. You can also find my articles here.
