The NFL Combine was filled with many surprises. However, it is now clear which prospects deserve to go in the first round of the NFL Draft. Below is my 2023 NFL Mock Draft which holds many surprises, including a new face at No. 1.
Notes: Miami Dolphins forfeit their first-round pick
1. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Trade: Colts send #4 overall and future picks for Chicago’s #1
This NFL Mock Draft kicks off with Anthony Richardson at No. 1. He showed out at the combine and he is now a favorite to be the first overall pick. His athletic ability stood out, clocking a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, as well as leaping to a vertical jump of 40.5 inches. Though what impressed me the most was his deep-ball accuracy. Questions arose prior to the combine about his arm, but he made sure to quiet doubters after his performance on Saturday. The Colts recently hired Shane Steichen, who coached Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. Richardson has similar tangibles as Hurts, so he would fit Steichen’s offensive scheme.
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud had a great throwing session at the combine. He has the ability to make any throw on the field as he projects to be more of a traditional pocket passer at the next level. Houston, who need to hit at the quarterback position, plays it safe and takes Stroud who most likely has the safest floor.
3. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Trade: Panthers send #9 and future picks to Arizona for #3
I believe the only reason Bryce Young wouldn’t go top two is because of his measurables. Young measured at 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds. Though he did bulk up before the combine, his height may scare some teams despite his gifted physical abilities. The Panthers have a need at quarterback, and they shouldn’t overthink this one. Young has been the best quarterback in college football for the past two years.
4. Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Jalen Carter, Daniel Jeremiah‘s No. 1 player in the draft, had to leave the combine due to an arrest warrant out for him. According to reports, Carter was charged with racing and reckless driving in an incident that resulted in a teammate and recruiting staffer being killed. Carter, however, returned to the combine. He is the most disruptive player in the class. If Carter can clear up this legal issue, Chicago should sprint their to the stage with Carter’s name in their draft card.
5. Seattle Seahawks (VIA DEN): Will Anderson Jr, OLB, Alabama
Will Anderson is a freak of nature. He can disrupt any play as he is quick off the line of scrimmage. Seattle needs a defensive playmaker. Since losing Bobby Wagner, the defense has lacked a playmaker and leader. Here, they have the opportunity to replace him with someone who could serve as both.
6. Detroit Lions (VIA LAR): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Christian Gonzalez started last season off slow but ultimately found his grove with his new team. Detroit, despite drafting Jeff Okudah at No. 3 in 2020, needs help at the cornerback position. They often found themselves in the NFL’s highest-scoring games, yet they would lose them. The offense is there, but the secondary needs improvement. Here, they go with Gonzalez who was impressed with his combined performance.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Raiders are another team in need of a quarterback with veteran Derek Carr leaving. They could opt to attempt a trade for Aaron Rodgers, but drafting a strong-armed quarterback in Will Levis sounds more enticing to me. Levis isn’t a rental, which is what Rodgers would be. With the right coaching, Levis could turn into what Josh Allen became to be. Coming out of Wyoming, Allen was a strong armed quarterback that was raw. Buffalo took a chance on him with No. 7 and he is now a premier player at the position.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Atlanta Falcons need an upgrade at the cornerback position. Witherspoon didn’t test at the combine due to injury, though teams will get a chance to see him at his pro day. Despite not having elite traits, Witherspoon is top cornerback. His senior-year tape is absurd.
9. Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson rose on draft boards throughout the college football season, and rightfully so. The Texas Tech edge rusher amassed 61 tackles and seven sacks in just 10 games played last season. Arizona needs pressure off the EDGE. With J.J Watt retiring, they look to his replacement in Wilson.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (VIA DEN): Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Howie Roseman loves to build through the trenches and the Eagles may lose Javon Hargrave to free agency, which would be a massive loss. Hargrave amassed 11 sacks as a DT. If they do lose him to free agency, I could see the Eagles pouncing on Calijah Kancey. Kancey had a phenomenal combine. He also excels at rushing the passer, something the Eagles would lose if Hargrave leaves.
11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Following the release of longtime tackle Taylor Lewan, the Titans need a replacement. Skoronski projects to be a versatile tackle with massive upside at the guard position.
12. Houston Texans (VIA CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
After selecting their hopeful franchise quarterback, the Texans decide to add to their weaponry with Jordan Addison. Addison looked the part of the class’ best wide receiver at the combine. Moreover, the Texans could look to Brandin Cooks, so this is a fitting replacement.
13. New York Jets: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State
The Jets are in need of a tackle with pass-protecting ability. Johnson has the ability to grow into a solid pass protector with the traits he has.
14. New England Patriots: Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State
Porter has elite size and length for a cornerback. The Patriots just hit on a hidden jem in Jack Jones, so they decide to upgrade even more with Porter’s high upside.
15. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Packers plan entering the offseason should be to surround quarterback Jordan Love with as many weapons as possible. Robert Tonyan is not getting any younger, so Kincaid would be a great pairing to help Love grow.
16. Washington Commanders: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Chase Young has struggled to stay on the field and team has yet to even pick up his fifth-year option. In comes Nolan Smith. Smith is coming off of an exceptional combine. He showcased pure athleticism that definitely had teams moving him on their draft boards.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Cam Sutton may not return, so the Steelers could opt for a replacement in Kelee Ringo. Ringo is a fast cornerback that has slipped a bit throughout the draft process. However, Ringo had a solid combine, which could ultimately bring him back into top 20 conversations.
18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Lions traded T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings prior to the trade deadline. Michael Mayer served as Notre Dame’s top pass catcher and has the best blocking ability among all tight ends in this draft class. It’s a match made in heaven for Detroit.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Buccaneers appear set to release Leonard Fournette. Though they still have Rachaad White, who was drafted in the third round last year. However, draft capital history on running backs shows it doesn’t matter when your picked the year prior even if you have a good season. Robinson is a slam-dunk pick. He’s the a top five prospect in this class.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
If Seattle truly plans to invest in quarterback Geno Smith for the future, securing him an ultra-productive slot receiver could help. Despite a slow 40-yard dash, Smith impressed with his quickness in the three-cone and short shuttle drills.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
The Chargers could potentially lose Khalil Mack this offseason, so they’ll need to replace his productivity to have any chance of competing. Keion White, Daniel Jeremiah’s eighth best prospect, falls to 21 despite his large frame for an edge rusher. He has burst and the ability to shed blocks in the run game.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU
The Baltimore Ravens would be thrilled to select Quentin Johnson here. He serves as a prototypical X receiver. While many believe Johnson is the best receiver in the class, his tape shows that he is inconsistent. Despite that though, Johnson will be ready to start day one in Baltimore.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Vikings’ secondary was terrible last season, and it’s not going to get much better with an aging Patrick Peterson. Emmanuel Forbes is a rail-thin cornerback with great length and a competitive edge. He’d fit well in Minnesota.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Jaguars need to make it a priority to protect Trevor Lawrence. Broderick Jones is a large tackle who improved each week at Georgia.
25. New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The New York Giants are in a tough position heading into the offseason. They could potentially lose Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, though I think the team retains at least one due to a franchise tag. The Giants need wide receivers desperately, so here they opt for a burner in Jalin Hyatt.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Brian Branch projects to be a safety that could possibly be converted into a cornerback. Here, Dallas is enticed about the pairing of Trevon Diggs and Brian Branch in the same secondary.
27. Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
Torrence could prove to be a great pick here. The Buffalo Bills need some help on the interior line and Torrence was productive at Florida. He has immense talent.
28. Cincinatti Bengals: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
The Bengals are about to lose Jessie Bates in free agency. Here, they go for a replacement in Antonio Johnson.
29. New Orleans Saints (VIA DEN): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Lukas Van Ness wasn’t a starter at Iowa, but nonetheless, he has loads of talent. If the tam decides to bring back Marcus Davenport, they could look elsewhere. But for now, Van Ness would slot in nicely in that New Orleans defense.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
I wanted to give the Eagles Jahmyr Gibbs here, but reports came out that the team loves Kenneth Gainwell. Nevertheless, this is a luxury pick for the Eagles. Despite having Dallas Goedert, Darnell Washington is a 6-foot-7, 265-pound tight end who ran. a4.65 40-yard dash at the combine. The Eagles also used. a second-round pick on Goedert when the team had Zach Ertz, so it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. Goedert and Washington would be a nightmare for defenses.
31. Kansa City Chiefs: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
Will McDonald chose to participate in the combine despite having a 104-degree fever the day of. That’s someone who Andy Reid would want on their team. He is quick off the line of scrimmage with glimpses of power. Moreover, if McDonald bulks up, he could be a disruptor in the NFL.
Check out other 2023 NFL Mock Drafts made by our staff!
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