Another 2023 NFL Mock Draft! As the hour winds down to Draft night, there’s been a lot of movement in the last 48 hours and things are radio silent in the NFL World.
While last night I ran a mock, things have started to shake up a little
This 2023 NFL Mock Draft answers the biggest questions on where the quarterbacks will be going, potential trades and big surprises. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft I will be focusing on the first round. So here is my predictive 2023 NFL Mock Draft round 1:
Top 10 Mock Draft
1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): QB Bryce Young
2) Houston Texans: EDGE Will Anderson
"I don't know what the Houston Texans are gonna do with that number two pick..
28) Seattle Seahawks (Projected Trade with Cincinatti): G O’Cyrus Torrence
29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): DL Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith is a Certified Run Stuffer
• 6’3, 323 lb DL from Michigan • Rare blend of size, strength and quickness • Consensus 1st Team All-Big 10 • 34 reps on the bench at 225 • 22 reps on the bench at 325
The 2023 NFL Draft is just days away and NFL teams are finalizing their big boards and start to focus on draft day. This 2023 NFL Mock Draft answers the biggest questions on where the quarterbacks will be going, potential trades and big surprises.
In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft I will be focusing on the first round and finally give my thoughts on what the Dolphins will do with their first pick in this years draft.
Top 10 Mock Draft
1) Carolina Panthers: QB C.J. Stroud
As of now, the betting market has QB Bryce Young to be selected first. However, I believe new Panthers Head Coach Frank wants a prototypical QB for the scheme he’ll bring to Carolina in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2) Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young
The connections are too great for Bryce Young to not be selected by Houston. Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans have spoke highly of Young. While Young does not fit the mold of your typical NFL Passer, he’s reminiscent of another QB (Kyler Murray) that was taken high with other elite traits at the QB position.
DeMeco Ryans said Bryce Young “has done it at the highest level” and he’s not concerned with his size.
3) Detroit Lions (Projected Trade with Arizona): QB Anthony Richardson
Now this will make the biggest headlines in the 2023 NFL Draft if this actually happens. Yes, Jared Goff has done well with the Lions last year, but having Richardson in this Lions offense, with this many weapons and a good OL would set the Lions up for success in the future.
4) Indianapolis Colts: QB, Will Levis
Mayo loving QB Will Levis has been making waves in the pre-draft process. Scouts and NFL Media are raving about Levis playing in a pro-style offense at Kentucky. The Wildcat prospect has enough tools to work with, athleticism and ran aprostyleoffense with no run game, a bad OL and subpar receivers in the SEC. new HC Shane Steichen has worked with many QB’s in the past and could fit him up to be the next Colts QB.
5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): DL Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter is exactly what the Seattle Seahawks need in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The Georgia Bulldog prospect is a monster up front, pairing him up with Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed is another step in revamping their front four and getting back to playing Championship caliber defense.
The amount "he's just fucking unblockable" tape Jalen Carter has is Ndamukong Suh levels of insane. pic.twitter.com/xKMGbsm4FM
6) Arizona (Projected Trade with Arizona): EDGE Will Anderson
This is the best scenario for the Cardinals as there becomes a frenzy on QB’s and they take the best player available in the draft and gain picks to start their rebuild. Anderson is a blue chip prospect and the best player at his position. He has the athleticism, build, and arm length to make relentless plays against the pass and run
7) Las Vegas Raiders: OT Paris Johnson
With Jimmy Garoppolo as their new Qb, the Raiders will need protection up front. Johnson has the a really nice prototype at OT-size, length, and quickness- for the Raiders to become a nasty unit up front. Kolton Miller is their LT for now and Johnson has only played a year at LT, he’s versatile enough to play RG. He’s an elite run blocker that will pave the way for Josh Jacobs.
8) Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Tyree Wilson
The Falcons need help with their pass rush, especially as they were ranked 26th in ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate. Wilson gives the Falcons a player with elite traits and measurables in a rotating pass rush group that will develop his skills and pass rush moves.
9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): OT Peter Skoronski
The Chicago Bears are in desperate need of any and all offensive linemen to protect QB Justin Fields. The best available OL for Ryan Poles on the board is Northwestern Peter Skoronski. According to the Bears evaluation chart, Length is a big requirement to play OT. Skoronski fits as a Guard with his measurables.
10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): RB Bijan Robinson
Death, Taxes, and Howie Roseman picking up value as one of the best General Managers in the NFL. Analytics be damned! Bijan rules and the Eagles try to continue to surround newly paid QB Jalen Hurts with more talent to make another run at the Super Bowl. Robinson and Hurts’ gravity with their legs will put defenders in a bind.
The Middle picks
11) Tennessee Titans: OT Broderick Jones
The Titans lost a lot of veteran offensive lineman in free agency and need to get younger, especially with Tannehill and Henry getting older. Tennessee gets bigger and stronger up front with the big UGA Bulldog. Jones has insane upside and is a great fit for Tennessee’s power running game.
Jaxson Smith-Njigba might be the best WR in this years class and certainly the first WR taken in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. While JSN might not be super fast, he’s an exceptional route runner, creates separation and gets downfield. He’ll pair up well in Houston with Bryce Young and John Metchie III.
The rest of the world is waiting on the Aaron Rodgers saga, I’m not. The Jets need help at their Tackle position. The Jets depth chart at Tackle is paper thin and Wright becomes their best OL regardless of whoever is playing QB.
14) New England Patriots: EDGE Nolan Smith
The New England Patriots do not have any other pass rushers under contract beyond 2023 besides Matthew Judon and 2021 draft pick Ronnie Perkins. Smith is an athletic freak. He’s comparable to Haasan Reddick and gives Bill Belicheck a versatile player in the front seven.
15) Green Bay Packers: EDGE Myles Murphy
The Packers are currently looking to select a pass rusher in the draft and Murphy is the best option on the board. Murphy is a higly athletic pass rusher along the lines of what GM Brian Gutenkest likes in pass rushers. Murphy’s explosive off the edge but needs to better his technique against the run.
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16) Washington Commanders: CB Devon Witherspoon
Washington is in dire need of a cornerback and Witherspoon is the first corner off the board. Witherspoon’s the best corner on the board and offers position flexibility. Witherspoons learning curve in the Commanders defense would be minimal as Illinois ran a similar style in 2022.
Gonzalez is one of the many corners the Steelers have brought in for a draft visit and also need secondary help. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he is an ideal size to matchup with bigger and stronger wide receivers at the NFL level especially in the AFC.
18) Detroit Lions: CB Joey Porter Jr.
As the run on CB’s start, the Lions bolster their defense with an NFL Bloodline prospects. After the trade of Okudah, the Lions level up in the secondary. With Porter’s versatility means he’ll fill in anywhere he’s needed and a good schematic fit for the Lions.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Brian Branch
Todd Bowles needs a thumper in the middle of his defense and someone who can wear multiple hats while doing it well. Branch is that player. He’s a do it all defender with good instincts in coverage and speed as a blitzer. As of now the Bucs need a nickel defender and someone who has the ability to also play safety. Branch is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Rounding out the teens
20) Cincinnati Bengals (Projected Trade with Seattle): TE Dalton Kincaid
This is a pretty shocking trade to pull off, especially for a TE. However, this TE class is absolutely loaded and Kincaid is the best pass catching TE there is to help bring more firepower to an electric Bengals offense.
21) Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson
There are targets up for grabs in LA, and Johnston fits a similar profile to the type of receivers the Chargers have drafted in the past. Size, RAC, and toughness. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams aren’t getting any younger.
22) Baltimore Ravens: CB Deonte Banks
Deonte Banks stays home in Maryland in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Banks is a natural fit in Mike MacDonalds system and great in man coverage. Banks is a young infusion in a well tenured defensive back group that dealt with injuries last season.
23) Minnesota Vikings: WR Zay Flowers
It would not shock me if the Minnesota Vikings trade back to gain more draft capital, however; if a top WR2 prospect like Zay Flowers is avaliable, I think they take him. It’s a good move to pair up Zay Flowers with Justin Jefferson, two really good separators that can do damage against top CB’s.
One WR I’m excited to watch this year is Boston College’s @ZayFlowers
He’s a speak creating WR that can make a play out at anything
The Jaguars have a void in the interior of their defensive line. Calijah Kancey gives the Jaguars a young, but dominant core for the next couple of years. While Kancey does not have the measurables, he was disruptive and a productive force at Pitt and can line up anywhere on the front seven to make the Jaguars a multiple front.
Pitt DT Calijah Kancey can win any one on one as he is so explosive. He also has excellent quickness and athleticism with excellent effort.
In short, I think Kancey is going to so damn good in the NFL. Looking forward to seeing what team gets him
An extremely productive receiver at Pitt with Kenny Pickett and at USC with Caleb Williams, Addison goes to newly paid Giants QB Daniel Jones to give the football Giants a brand new playmaker they have desperately needed into their offense. Addison is a refined route runner that can lineup in the slot and move around the field.
26) Dallas Cowboys: DL Bryan Bresee
This pick goes against the grain of what the Cowboys have done in the first round, they’re all about flashy players on offense, TE feels like a safe pick but they have pressing needs at defensive tackle. While Dallas’ defense is strong they need someone in the middle of the line to make it stout. Having Breese, coming off an ACL injury, but young and talented to play by Micah and DeMarcus Lawerence would set the Boys DL for the future
27) Buffalo Bills: EDGE Lukas Van Ness
Recent history suggest Bills draft defense in the first round, especially amongst the front seven. Buffalo gets a physical but raw defender in Lukas Van Ness in this 2023 Mock Draft. Van Ness is a project early on but having him learn the tools of the trade behind DaQuaon Jones, Ed Oliver, and Von Miller will benefit his development. His upside is not to be taken lightly. The Bills defense is built from the inside out, and the rugged Hawkeyes pass rusher would fit the culture and could be a critical rotational edge rusher as a rookie.
28) Seattle Seahawks (Projected Trade with Cincinatti): G O’Cyrus Torrence
In a whirlwind trade with the Cincinatti Bengals, the Seattle Seahawks get tremendous value in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. One of the best offensive lineman in the draft lands up in Seattle to form a young offensive line that provides a long term fixture at guard. Geno Smith gets another year to prove himself behind an OL that ranked 27th in the NFL per PFF with two rookie tackles.
29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): DL Mazi Smith
The Saints need to shore up the interior of their defense, especially after losing three starters in Shy Tuttle, David Onyemata, and Marcus Davenport. The consensus points to Michigan prospect Mazi Smith to settle down in the Bayou. Smith is a classic run stuffer for a Dennis Allen Saints defense with athleticism on early downs. They ranked 24th against the rush, Mazi is a big bodied presence for the Saints.
— Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) April 19, 2023
30) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Anton Harrison
It’s like General Manager Howie Roseman loves Sooner Prospects. First Lane Johnson, then Jalen Hurts, next up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is Anton Harrison. Harrison just had a top 30 visit with the Eagles. Harrison is reloaded into the Eagles offensive line to continue their dominant run game and protect Jalen Hurts. Also, Eagles Coach Jeff Stoutland loved what Harrison was able to do in the pass rush drop drill at the Combine.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: TE Michael Mayer
Man would this be a selection for the Kansas City Chiefs. Pairing up one of the best TE prospects in this draft class with a future Hall of Famer in TE Travis Kelce. The Combination of Mayer and Kelce will be destructive for opposing defenses as the Chiefs would do damage in 12 personnel. Michael Mayer can do the dirty work in the trenches and pick up yards in the passing game.
Bonus
51) Miami Dolphins: TE Darnell Washington
Darnell Washington is hard to miss if he’s available on the board. At 6’7 and 265 pounds, Washington is a freakishly good athlete that relies on his strengths to block in-line and can catch passes at his size. He’s hard to take down. It’ll take some time for Washington to become a tactful blocker in Miami, but he does strengthen the blocking aspect of Miami’s offensive line.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Texas Longhorns. 12 P.M. EST, FOX
Line: Alabama -20, o/u: 61.5
Alabama week 2 college football preview
This is a fully-focused Alabama team that lost a slew of star parts, and yet still ran for 278 yards last week and threw for 281 yards.
The offensive line has been worked on and tweaked to be better in pass protection. This allows Bryce Young time to to spread it around more.
The only noteworthy thing the Crimson Tide have to worry about is the notorious “horns down” penalty that Nick Saban did not even know existed.
You think Alabama is going to flinch for an instant when Texas connects on a 78-yard touchdown pass?
Texas week 2 college football preview
This will be the biggest week 2 college football game. Texas has the guys to at least hang with Bama at home, but they need a good start and to believe they really can do this
Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff have settled in, there’s a healthy Bijan Robinson in the backfield, Quinn Ewers – at least prospect-wise – is as promising as any quarterback in the country. You’re not crazy to hype Xavier Worthy among the best wide receivers in college football, either.
🎬Quinn Ewers w/ an absolute DIME. Love the vertical pocket movement and elite off-platform accuracy. Full video available for the QBS Patreon Community Join: https://t.co/l0CJd0zOlLpic.twitter.com/Qy4pzG13UV
How will the Longhorns react if Will Anderson Jr. sacks Ewers twice on the first drive? What happens when the Crimson Tide stops Bijan Robinson and the run?
Prediction
Alabama 45, Texas 27
Tennessee vs. Pittsburgh preview
#24 Tennessee Volunteers v Pittsburgh Panthers. 3:30 P.M. EST, ABC
Line: Tennessee -6.5, o/u: 66
Tennessee week 2 college football preview
The Tennessee offense is going to go off. The Vols’ offense looks as potent as ever, scoring 59 points in the season opener against Ball State. Hendon Hooker has a plethora of help.
Four of last year’s offensive line starters are back, but that unit allowed an SEC-worst 44 sacks last season. How effective this Vols offense can be is dependent on the guys up front.
Tennessee didn’t have a sack in last week’s game, and only had two tackles for loss. Linebacker Jeremy Banks will be looked upon to create some negative plays, as will defensive end Byron Young.
Pittsburgh week 2 college football preview
The running game was held in check, but Kedon Slovis had a terrific debut, throwing for over 300 yards. Now he gets to throw on a Tennessee secondary that struggled last season.
The Vols secondary has some experience in Trevon Flowers and Jaylen McCollough, but they were also a big reason why the Vols’ pass defense struggled in 2021. Slovis needs to feast on them.
Pitt finished third in the nation in sacks last fall, and their top havoc producers, Calijah Kancey and Habakkuk Baldonado, are still around to cause problems. If the Panthers D can create chaos and force three-and-outs, the Vols’ defense can expect to be on the field for much of the game.
Prediction
Tennessee 44, Pittsburgh 38
Kentucky vs. Florida preview
#20 Kentucky Wildcats at #12 Florida Gators. 7:30 P.M. EST, ESPN
Line: Florida -5, o/u: 52
Kentucky week 2 college football preview
The offense has a mayo-loving pro prospect of its own in quarterback Will Levis, coming off a 303-yard performance. He’ll keep pushing a Gator secondary that had issues with the Utah passing game late last week.
With only one starter returning, along with Auburn transfer Tashawn Manning, the Wildcats return only 45 career starts. Kentucky’s “Big Blue Wall” is young, inexperienced, and a work-in-progress.
Offensive coordinator Rick Scangarello will want to get Tayvion Robinson, who was marvelous in his Kentucky debut (6 receptions, 136 yards), the ball early and often on Saturday night.
Excited to see how Kentucky gets WR Tayvion Robinson involved this season…
Dynamic, speedy playmaker at WR transferred from VaTech. Feels like he's taking over the Wan'Dale Robinson role
Kentucky is also very deep at linebacker; it’s been an area of strength in Stoops’ recruiting operation. This means the Wildcats are less likely to tire late compared to Utah. If Kentucky wins, it’ll be likely because it won this battle.
Florida Gators week 2 college football preview
Led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Gators piled on 283 ground yards and four TDs, while averaging over seven yards per touch against a very good, and physical, team last week.
The Gators have plenty of talent up front, and start multiple five-star players on the defensive line. Still, Florida surrendered over 200 yards rushing to Utah last Saturday and was too often pushed back easily at the point of attack.
Kentucky’s top running backs are out, one with a suspension and another with an injury, so the Gators may get a break in the running game. But they still have to deal with Will Levis and his strong arm. Jason Marshall Jr. will have to keep up with Tayvion Robinson.
Anthony Richardson will be contained by the Wildcats defense, he will have to rely on his arm more than his legs. It needs to be the next step in his development in week 2 of college football.
Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel
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Week 1 of the 2022 college football season is finally here. Here are the top three Week 1 college football games you need to watch, and a preview of each.
Arkansas vs. Cincinnati preview
#23 Cincinnati Bearcats v #19 Arkansas Razorbacks. 3:30 P.M. EST, ESPN
Line: Arkansas -7, o/u: 52
Cincinnati Week 1 College Football Preview
There might be big talent losses in several areas, but the offensive front is loaded with all-stars and veterans, and it should be among the best in the nation at keeping defenses out of the backfield
Coach Luke Fickell’s comments raise some alarms heading into the Razorbacks stadium. He admitted that the Bearcats are not suited to play against a loud SEC home crowd.
"Luke Fickell and the Bearcats, they [will] come to play and they finally get a win versus the SEC."
Cincinnati lost a talented quarterback in Desmond Ridder, can they replace his production week 1 against the Razorbacks?
The biggest key in winning this top 25 matchup in week 1 for the Bearcats is containing Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jefferson.
Arkansas Week 1 College Football Preview
Razorbacks quarterback K.J. Jefferson was good last year; however can he be special against a good defense in the Cincinnati Bearcats in week 1?
Without a doubt, Jefferson will be the key for the Razorbacks. Furthermore, their running game should help him out. The team led the SEC in rushing.
The passing efficiency should be there against a revamped Cincinnati secondary that lost a slew of NFL talents. With the loss of Treylon Burks to the NFL, coach Pittman wants to see how good receiver Drew Sanders can be.
Utah vs. Florida preview
#7 Utah Utes v Florida Gators. 7 P.M. EST, ESPN
Line: Utah -2.5, o/u: 53.5
Utah Week 1 College Football Preview
Linebacker Devin Lloyd might be gone, but former Gator Mohamoud Diabate is a good one to try helping the cause.
The defensive front will once again be a killer in the backfield, and the tackles are massive human beings who’ll gum up the works.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham brings a veteran, disciplined team against the Gators in Week 1. The Utes are led by standout QB Cam Rising, who threw for 2,493 yards and 20 touchdowns to five interceptions, along with 74 rushes for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Florida Week 1 College Football Preview
Gainesville’s own Anthony Richardson, with his superb athleticism and arm, is the face of the team as its quarterback. Richardson’s supporting cast is full of returning players.
I’m excited to watch #Florida QB Anthony Richardson starting this weekend vs. Utah. Small sample size, but he has the tools to make this QB class even more interesting. pic.twitter.com/CgEO5cZLqp
Head coach Billy Napier squares off against a top-10 team in Week 1 as his first game as the Gators coach. Napier brings along a few of the good parts from Ragin’ Cajun days; the offensive line really will be a strength, and the running back situation is about as deep as any in the SEC.
The Gators will have to rely on a good rotation on the defensive front and return top NFL draft prospects in Brenton Cox Jr., Gervon Dextor, and Jason Marshall Jr.
Florida’s run defense has to prove it can be night-and-day better than it was last season, as Patrick Toney is in charge of the defense this season.
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State preview
#5 Notre Dame at #2 Ohio State. 7:30 P.M. EST, ABC
Line: Ohio State -16.5, o/u: 58.5
Notre Dame Week 1 College Football Preview
New head coach Marcus Freeman’s biggest test is right out of the gates Week 1 against last year’s college football finalist Ohio State. No pressure, Marcus.
It’s the debut of new quarterback Tyler Buchner. Notre Dame needs to establish a running game that is much more effective than that in order to support Buchner. Furthermore, stud tight end Michael Mayer will be targeted most of the game due to an injury sustained by wide receiver Avery Davis.
Al Golden is the new defensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish. Will he and his secondary hold up against a talented trio of another batch of Buckeye receivers in Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka?
Notre Dame fills the loss of Kyle Hamilton with Northwestern transfer Brandon Joseph, and eyes will be on EDGE rusher Isaiah Foskey who has first round potential in this year’s draft cycle.
Ohio State Week 1 College Football Preview
Ryan Day’s squad returns Heisman hopeful quarterback C.J. Stroud against a top-5 team in Notre Dame in Week 1 of college football. No one boasts Ohio State’s skill position talent, and it may very well be the reason why they are heavily favored.
The Buckeyes feature three of the top 12 players in the Heisman odds with quarterback C.J. Stroud, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The Buckeyes defense was its major problem last season against top teams in Alabama, Michigan, and Oregon. Ryan Day brought in Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State to shore up the run defense.
The linebacker play from Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg will come into focus to stop the Fighting Irish ground attack.
Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel
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